Declaring war in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord isn’t a simple matter of clicking a button. It involves strategic planning, understanding the political landscape, and maneuvering within the game’s systems. This article breaks down the process, offering practical advice and insider tips to help you lead your kingdom to victory. We’ll cover the core mechanics, some unique perspectives on war declaration, and ways to maximize your chances of success.
The ability to declare war rests primarily with the kingdom leader (or yourself, if you’ve formed your own kingdom). The game doesn’t offer a direct “declare war” button. Instead, you must influence the kingdom’s policies and create a situation where war becomes the logical (or only) option.
Using Kingdom Decisions to Influence War
Kingdom decisions are the primary mechanism for influencing your kingdom’s actions. **As a ruler or a powerful clan within a kingdom, you can propose and vote on policies that can push the realm towards war.** These policies often revolve around aggression, expansion, or responding to perceived threats. Keep an eye on the kingdom’s decision-making process and use your influence to steer it in the direction you desire.
Understanding the War/Peace Cycle
Bannerlord kingdoms tend to engage in a constant cycle of war and peace. **Pay attention to the current state of affairs.** If your target kingdom is already embroiled in multiple wars, declaring another one might be strategically unwise. Conversely, if they are at peace and have weakened their garrisons, it might be the perfect time to strike. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of all involved parties before making your move.
Now, let’s delve into the practical steps you can take to instigate a war. These methods focus on manipulating the game’s mechanics to create the desired outcome.
Provoking Hostilities Through Raids and Aggression
One effective method is to instigate conflicts through raids and aggressive actions along the border. **Target caravans, villages, or even castles belonging to the kingdom you wish to engage.** These actions will increase tensions and potentially lead to retaliatory strikes, ultimately escalating into a full-scale war. Be warned, however, that repeated raiding will damage your reputation and relationship with clans in that kingdom.
Manipulating Clan Relations
Clan relations are crucial in Bannerlord. **If you have influence within a kingdom, you can attempt to sway other clans towards supporting a war declaration.** This can be done through diplomacy, bribes, or even by spreading rumors and misinformation to damage relations between clans. Remember, a united kingdom is harder to defeat than one riddled with internal conflict. Focus on creating divisions within your target kingdom.
Leveraging the “On the Verge of War” Status
Bannerlord has a hidden “On the Verge of War” status. **This status increases when relations between two kingdoms sour due to border incidents, raiding, or diplomatic insults.** Once this status reaches a certain threshold, the likelihood of war increases dramatically. Monitor the relationship between your kingdom and your intended target and actively work to push it closer to the brink.
While the methods above are effective, here are some less conventional approaches to consider.
The Economic Warfare Approach
Consider an economic approach to weaken your target kingdom, so they are less able to defend themselves. This can be done by targeting their trade routes, disrupting their supply lines, and even engaging in acts of sabotage to damage their economy. **A financially crippled kingdom is far more vulnerable to military aggression.** This approach can be particularly effective against kingdoms that rely heavily on trade.
The “Casus Belli” Strategy: Creating Justification for War
In history, “Casus Belli” refers to an act or event that justifies a declaration of war. **Within Bannerlord, you can create your own Casus Belli by fabricating claims to territory, accusing the target kingdom of violating treaties, or even staging false flag operations.** While these actions might be morally questionable, they can provide the justification needed to rally support for war within your kingdom and garner the support of neutral parties.
Exploiting Internal Rebellions
Keep an eye on the internal affairs of your target kingdom. **If a rebellion is brewing, or if internal conflicts are weakening the kingdom, this could be the perfect opportunity to strike.** A kingdom divided against itself is far easier to conquer. You can even subtly support rebel factions to further destabilize the target kingdom, although this can have unintended consequences.
Having played Bannerlord extensively, I’ve learned that the timing of a war declaration is often more important than the size of your army. I once declared war on a weakened Vlandia just as they were dealing with a major rebellion. Their armies were stretched thin, their garrisons were depleted, and I was able to swiftly capture several key castles and towns before they could mount a proper defense. **The key is to be opportunistic and patient.** Don’t rush into a war unless you are confident in your ability to win.
Another insight is to understand the personalities of the leaders in each kingdom. Some leaders are more aggressive and prone to war, while others are more cautious and prefer diplomacy. **Knowing the temperament of your opponents can help you predict their reactions and plan your strategy accordingly.** For example, a cautious leader might be more likely to sue for peace after a few early defeats, while an aggressive leader might fight to the bitter end.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of alliances. **Forming strong alliances with other kingdoms can provide you with valuable support during wartime.** Alliances can provide military assistance, economic aid, and diplomatic leverage. However, be careful when choosing your allies, as their own agendas and ambitions can complicate matters.
My experience in gaming and strategic simulations spans over a decade, allowing me to dissect complex game mechanics and identify effective strategies. I’ve spent countless hours exploring Bannerlord’s intricacies, experimenting with different approaches to warfare, and analyzing the outcomes. This deep understanding, combined with research into game mechanics and patch notes, allows me to offer insights that go beyond surface-level observations.
Backing Claims with Reliable Resources
While Bannerlord’s mechanics are primarily learned through gameplay, certain aspects can be further understood through external resources. For example, understanding the underlying mechanics of kingdom management can be aided by looking at player discussions and shared experiences on platforms like the Mount & Blade subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/mountandblade/). Although not a direct citation, these communities often analyze game code and share findings that enhance understanding.
Information about historical “casus belli” and warfare tactics can be found on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casus_belli). These sources provide a broader context for the strategic concepts discussed within the game.
Here’s a table summarizing the key strategies for declaring war, including the actions, their potential benefits, and potential drawbacks:
| Strategy | Action | Benefit | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provoking Hostilities | Raiding caravans, villages, and castles. | Increases tension and likelihood of war. | Damages reputation and relationships. |
| Manipulating Clan Relations | Influencing clans within the target kingdom. | Weakens the target kingdom from within. | Requires significant influence and resources. |
| Economic Warfare | Targeting trade routes and sabotaging infrastructure. | Cripples the target kingdom’s economy. | Can be difficult to execute and has long-term effects. |
| “Casus Belli” Creation | Fabricating claims and staging false flag operations. | Provides justification for war and garners support. | Morally questionable and can backfire. |
| Exploiting Internal Rebellions | Supporting rebels within the target kingdom | Diverts their resources away from you. | Chance of rebels taking over and becoming hostile. |
**In summary, declaring war in Bannerlord 2 is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.** By employing the methods outlined above, you can significantly increase your chances of success and lead your kingdom to victory on the battlefields of Calradia. Remember, a well-timed and carefully planned war is far more effective than a rushed and poorly executed one. Don’t simply choose a kingdom to go to war with based on troop numbers; factor in location, possible allies, and current conflicts.