Figuring out which archer units to recruit in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can significantly impact your battlefield success. This article cuts through the noise and offers a practical guide to building a formidable ranged force. Forget the fluff – we’re diving into specific units, recruitment strategies, and battlefield tactics to give you a competitive edge in your Calradic conquests.
Before diving into specific units, it’s crucial to understand the different roles archers play in Bannerlord 2. Archers aren’t just about raining arrows downrange; they’re about providing fire support, weakening enemy formations, and disrupting enemy cavalry charges. Different factions excel in different archer types, so aligning your choices with your overall strategy is key. Consider these factors:
- Range and Accuracy: Some archers boast incredible range, allowing them to engage enemies from a safe distance, while others excel at close-range accuracy.
- Armor Penetration: Heavier armor requires archers with higher armor penetration capabilities. Composite bows and bodkin arrows are your friend here.
- Melee Capabilities: Archers often find themselves in melee, so decent proficiency in close combat can be a lifesaver.
- Mobility: Horse archers offer unmatched mobility, allowing for hit-and-run tactics and flanking maneuvers.
The Vlandian Sharpshooter consistently ranks among the best archer units in Bannerlord 2. Their availability and effectiveness make them a solid choice for most armies.
Why Vlandian Sharpshooters Excel
- Accuracy and Damage: They possess high accuracy and deal considerable damage, making them effective against both lightly and moderately armored targets.
- Accessibility: Found throughout Vlandia, they’re relatively easy to recruit and train.
- Good Equipment: They are equipped with decent bows, arrows, and light armor, ensuring they survive longer on the battlefield.
- Relatively Inexpensive: Vlandian troops are relatively cheap for what you get.
Recruitment Hotspots in Vlandia
Focus your recruitment efforts in towns and villages within Vlandian territory. Look for villages with the “Training Fields” or “Archery Range” village projects, as these tend to spawn more recruits with archery skills. Keep an eye out in Praven, Sargot, and Jaculan.
If you’re seeking the absolute best archer unit and have the resources to acquire them, look no further than the Battanian Fian Champion. These elite archers are unmatched in their ranged prowess.
The Unmatched Power of Fian Champions
- Superior Archery Skills: Fian Champions possess the highest archery skill in the game, resulting in incredible accuracy and range.
- Versatile Combatants: They are surprisingly capable in melee combat, making them effective even when engaged at close range.
- High Morale: They boast high morale, allowing them to maintain their fighting spirit even in tough situations.
- Elite Status: Fian Champions are difficult to obtain, requiring patient training and a bit of luck.
From Battanian Wildling to Fian Champion
The Fian Champion’s upgrade path starts with the Battanian Wildling. Recruit Battanian Wildlings from villages within Battanian territory. Focus on the areas surrounding Marunath, Pen Cannoc, and Dunglanys. Upgrade them through the Battanian Veteran Archers into the elite Fian Champions. Be patient, as the upgrade process can take time and resources.
A Note on Fian Champion Availability
Be aware that Fian Champions are often highly sought after by other lords. Expect to pay a premium for their services, especially when recruiting them from prisons.
For those who prefer a more mobile and tactical approach, the Khuzait Horse Archer offers a unique advantage. These mounted archers excel at hit-and-run tactics and flanking maneuvers.
Strengths of the Khuzait Horse Archer
- Mobility: Their mounted status allows them to quickly reposition, harass enemy flanks, and outmaneuver slower units.
- Versatility: They can effectively engage both infantry and cavalry, providing valuable fire support and disrupting enemy formations.
- Hit-and-Run Tactics: Their mobility allows them to inflict damage while avoiding direct confrontation, making them ideal for wearing down enemy forces.
Recruiting and Utilizing Khuzait Horse Archers
Recruit Khuzait Horse Archers from villages and towns within Khuzait territory. The areas surrounding Makeb, Ortysia, and Hubyar are good places to start.
Pro Tip: To maximize their effectiveness, utilize formations that emphasize mobility and flanking. Avoid engaging them in prolonged melee combat. Use the terrain to your advantage, utilizing hills and open fields to maximize their range and mobility.
While the Vlandian Sharpshooter, Battanian Fian Champion, and Khuzait Horse Archer are standouts, several other archer units are worth considering, depending on your specific needs and play style.
Imperial Archers: A Balanced Choice
Imperial Archers are a well-rounded option, offering a balance of accuracy, damage, and survivability. They are relatively easy to recruit and train, making them a solid choice for supplementing your ranged forces.
Sturgian Archers: Surprisingly Effective
While not as renowned as other archer units, Sturgian Archers can be surprisingly effective, especially in forested terrain. Their bows have decent power, and their training is relatively easy.
Recruiting the best archer units is only half the battle. To truly maximize their effectiveness, consider these factors:
Formations and Positioning
Proper formation and positioning are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your archer corps. Consider these formations:
- Line Formation: A classic formation that provides a wide firing arc and allows for sustained fire.
- Loose Formation: Ideal for minimizing casualties from enemy archer fire.
- Skirmish Formation: Allows archers to maintain distance from the enemy while still providing fire support.
- Behind Infantry: One great tip is keeping them in line behind your infantry, giving them time to deal significant damage.
Upgrading Equipment
Equipping your archers with the best possible bows, arrows, and armor can significantly enhance their combat effectiveness. Focus on bows with high accuracy and damage, arrows with good armor penetration, and armor that provides adequate protection without sacrificing mobility. Investing in fletching workshops in your fiefs can also provide a consistent supply of high-quality arrows.
Training and Leadership
Investing in your archers’ training can significantly improve their accuracy and combat skills. Assigning them to experienced leaders with high archery skill can further enhance their effectiveness. Consider leveling up your Steward to increase training efficiency.
Here’s a quick table summarizing the best archer units in Bannerlord 2:
| Unit | Faction | Strengths | Weaknesses | Recruitment Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vlandian Sharpshooter | Vlandia | Accuracy, Damage, Accessibility | Limited Melee Capabilities | Vlandian Towns and Villages |
| Battanian Fian Champion | Battania | Superior Archery Skills, Versatile Combatants, High Morale | Difficult to Obtain, Expensive | Battanian Villages |
| Khuzait Horse Archer | Khuzait | Mobility, Versatility, Hit-and-Run Tactics | Vulnerable in Melee, Requires Open Terrain | Khuzait Towns and Villages |
| Imperial Archer | Empire | Balanced Stats, Easy to Recruit | Not as specialized as other options | Imperial Towns and Villages |
| Sturgian Archer | Sturgia | Decent Power, Effective in Forests | Less Accurate than other options | Sturgian Towns and Villages |
Based on the information outlined above, it is evident that Battanian Fian Champions are the best archer unit in Bannerlord 2.
Mastering the art of archery in Bannerlord 2 can significantly enhance your battlefield prowess. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different archer units, utilizing proper tactics, and investing in training and equipment, you can build a formidable ranged force that will decimate your enemies and secure your place as a dominant force in Calradia. Good luck, and may your arrows fly true!