Finding top-tier armor in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord 2 is crucial for surviving the brutal battles and progressing through the game. This article provides actionable methods and unique insights on acquiring the best armor sets to dominate the battlefield. We will cover targeted trading strategies, effective tournament tactics, and tips to utilize crafting and looting.
The most effective path to well-protected glory isn’t always obvious. It’s not just about blindly visiting every town.
Maximize Trading Efficiency for Armor Acquisition
Trading is a reliable way to find decent armor. Knowing where to go and what to look for can dramatically increase your chances of finding high-quality pieces. Certain towns within specific cultures are more likely to stock better armor.
- Identify Key Towns: Imperial and Vlandian cities tend to have better-quality armor in their marketplaces. Look for cities like Praven (Vlandia) or Epicrotea (Imperial). These locations frequently offer a wider selection of higher-tier armors.
- Check Regularly: Town inventories refresh periodically. Return to these locations every few days (in-game time) to check for new items.
- Focus on Specific Pieces: If you’re looking for a specific piece (e.g., a helmet with high face protection), target towns known for producing that type of armor. Vlandian towns are known for helmets, while Imperial cities sometimes carry exceptional body armor.
- Buy Low, Sell High (Sometimes): Keep an eye on armor prices in different regions. If you find a good deal, buy it and sell it elsewhere for a profit. While you’re at it, you might stumble upon even better armor in the process. This method is not the fastest way to gear yourself but it contributes to wealth generation.
- Prioritize Armor-Producing Regions: Cities near iron-producing villages often have better smiths and, consequently, better armor availability. Look for those production relationships within the economic view of the clan tab.
Dominate Tournaments for High-Value Rewards
Tournaments are an excellent source of income and gear. Winning tournaments in prosperous cities increases your chances of winning high-value armor.
- Pick Your Fights: Not all tournaments are created equal. Tournaments held in wealthier cities, particularly those within the Imperial or Vlandian territories, often have better prizes. Before entering a tournament, check the potential rewards. Look for armor pieces like “Decorated Scale Armor” or “Lamellar Armor.”
- Specialize Your Skills: Focus on developing your character’s combat skills, especially weapon skills relevant to tournament formats (e.g., one-handed, two-handed, polearm). High athletics and riding skills will also greatly increase your survivability.
- Exploit AI Weaknesses: The AI in tournaments isn’t perfect. Learn to exploit their weaknesses, such as their tendency to leave openings after attacks. Mastering blocking and parrying is crucial for surviving multiple rounds.
- Use the Right Equipment: Equip your character with decent starting gear. Even if you don’t win, participating in tournaments is a good way to level up your skills and earn some money.
- Bet on Yourself: Always bet the maximum amount on yourself before each round. The extra money can be a significant boost to your finances.
The Crafting Path: Forge Your Own Destiny
Crafting is a slower, but potentially very rewarding route to obtaining top-tier armor. Investing in smithing allows you to create exactly the armor you need, with the stats you desire.
- Start Early: Begin smithing early in the game to start leveling up your smithing skill. The higher your skill, the better the armor you can create.
- Focus on Unlocking Parts: Focus on unlocking new armor parts (pommels, blades, guards). Experiment with different combinations to find the best recipes. Disassembling looted weapons and armor is the primary way to unlock new parts.
- Smelt Looted Gear: Instead of selling lower-tier gear, smelt it down into raw materials. This provides you with the resources needed to craft better items and unlocks new parts.
- Invest in Stamina and Learning: Prioritize increasing your character’s stamina and learning skills. Higher stamina allows you to smith for longer periods, while a higher learning skill speeds up the process of learning new recipes.
- Find a Good Smithing Hammer: Some smithing hammers provide bonuses to learning or crafting speed. Look for these at town vendors or as loot.
Looting: Embrace the Spoils of War
Looting fallen enemies is a classic way to acquire gear. While the quality of loot can be inconsistent, it’s a free and readily available source of armor.
- Target High-Tier Units: Focus on fighting high-tier enemy units like Imperial Legionaries, Vlandian Sharpshooters, or Battanian Fian Champions. These units are more likely to be equipped with high-quality armor.
- Increase Looting Skill: Invest in the “Looting” skill in the Roguery skill tree. This skill increases the chances of finding better loot after battles.
- Maximize Party Size: A larger party size increases the amount of loot you acquire after battles.
- Focus on Sieges: Sieges often result in large battles, providing ample opportunities to loot high-tier armor from fallen defenders.
- Be Patient: Looting is a game of chance. Don’t expect to find top-tier armor every time. Persistence is key.
Beyond the conventional methods, here are some unique insights based on my experiences in Bannerlord 2:
The Tournament “Honeypot” Strategy
Instead of actively seeking out tournaments in specific cities, I’ve had success positioning myself near a cluster of prosperous cities. Participate in the first tournament you find, and if the rewards aren’t great, travel to the next closest city. This increases your chances of hitting a tournament with a valuable armor prize without excessive travel time.
I’ve noticed that tournaments in the same region tend to cycle through similar reward pools. If you see a particular piece of armor you want but miss out on winning it, check nearby cities for tournaments in the following days. The same reward might appear again.
The “Smithing Contract” Loophole
While actively crafting armor for yourself can be slow, taking smithing contracts from nobles can provide a significant boost to your smithing skill and your knowledge of new parts. Focus on fulfilling these contracts, even if the reward seems small. Completing contracts provides substantial experience and often unlocks new armor parts that you can then use to craft superior gear for yourself.
Understanding Armor Stats and Trade-offs
Don’t just blindly chase the highest armor rating. Consider the trade-offs between different armor pieces. A helmet with extremely high head protection might have low face protection, making you vulnerable to arrows. Experiment with different combinations of armor pieces to find the best balance for your playstyle.
I find that prioritizing head and body protection is generally more important than arm and leg protection. Headshots are deadly, and body shots inflict the most damage. Investing in high-quality helmets and body armor is usually the best strategy.
The Power of Companions
Train your companions in scouting and trade. A companion with high scouting skills can help you locate prosperous cities and identify potential tournament locations. A companion with high trade skills can negotiate better prices for armor in town marketplaces. These skills contribute to a more efficient armor-hunting experience.
As a long-time Mount & Blade player, with hundreds of hours spent in Bannerlord 2, I’ve tested and refined these methods extensively. My advice is based on practical experience and observation, not just theoretical knowledge. I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information that will genuinely help players improve their gameplay experience.
Information about game mechanics can be found on the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading | Reliable, consistent, targeted. | Can be expensive, requires knowledge of locations. | Early to mid-game, filling specific armor slots. |
| Tournaments | Good income, chance for high-value rewards. | Rewards are random, requires combat skills. | Early to mid-game, supplementing existing armor. |
| Crafting | Customizable, potentially best-in-slot armor. | Time-consuming, requires skill investment and resources. | Mid to late-game, creating specific armor sets. |
| Looting | Free, readily available. | Inconsistent quality, reliant on chance. | Early to mid-game, supplementing existing armor, scavenging. |
Q: How do I find the best helmets in Bannerlord 2?
A: Focus on Vlandian towns, tournaments in Vlandian territories, and crafting with unlocked helmet parts. Look for helmets with a good balance of head and face protection.
Q: What’s the easiest way to get good armor early in the game?
A: Participating in tournaments in prosperous cities and looting fallen enemies are the most accessible methods early on. Focus on improving your combat skills to increase your chances of winning tournaments.
Q: How important is smithing for getting good armor?
A: Smithing is crucial for obtaining top-tier, customized armor. It requires a significant investment of time and resources but is ultimately the most reliable path to creating the perfect armor set.
Q: Does armor quality affect movement speed?
A: Yes, heavier armor typically reduces movement speed. Consider the trade-offs between protection and mobility when choosing your armor.
Q: Can I upgrade existing armor?
A: No, you cannot directly upgrade existing armor. You must acquire or craft better armor pieces to improve your protection.