Conquer the Seas: 3 Naval Combat Tactics in Bannerlord 2

This article tackles a critical aspect often overlooked in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord – naval combat, specifically focusing on boarding actions and melee engagements. Many players find themselves ill-prepared when these scenarios arise. We’ll explore three distinct tactics to improve your success in these encounters, moving beyond simply throwing troops at the enemy and hoping for the best.

Before diving into tactics, it’s crucial to understand how Bannerlord 2 handles naval combat. It’s not a sophisticated naval simulation. Instead, battles typically resolve with one side boarding the other, leading to a close-quarters melee fight on the decks.

• Unit Composition Matters: Just like on land, unit types play a vital role. Heavy infantry excel in the confined spaces, while archers can soften up the enemy before the boarding action.
• Terrain is Key: The layout of the ships and the surrounding environment affect troop movement and positioning.
• Morale Impacts Combat: Troops fighting on a sinking or burning ship are more likely to break and flee.

Naval Combat Skill Tree in Bannerlord 2

Naval combat in Bannerlord 2 is influenced by various skills, though none directly translate to naval-specific abilities. Instead, focus on skills applicable to close-quarters fighting:

• One-Handed/Two-Handed: These determine your character’s effectiveness in melee combat, crucial for leading boarding parties.
• Athletics: Improved movement speed helps you navigate the ship and close the distance with enemies quickly.
• Tactics: A higher Tactics skill provides a bonus to your side’s combat effectiveness during the engagement.
• Leadership: High leadership means more effective troops, and better troop morale.

Equip Your Troops Well

Ensure your troops have decent armor and weapons. Focus on melee weapons with good reach and swing speed, as the crowded conditions don’t always allow for thrusting attacks. Axes and maces can be very effective against armored opponents in tight quarters.

This tactic prioritizes softening the enemy before the boarding action even begins. The core idea is to inflict significant casualties and lower morale before your troops engage in melee.

1. Positioning is Key: Keep your archers at the rear of your ship and engage the enemy ship at a distance. Use the “Hold Fire” command initially to allow your archers to mass, then unleash volley after volley.
2. Target Priority: Focus on enemy archers first to eliminate their ranged threat. Then, target tightly packed groups of infantry.
3. Prepare for Boarding: Once you’ve inflicted sufficient casualties, order your infantry to advance and prepare for boarding.

First-Hand experience on Archer Barrage

In my experience, this tactic is particularly effective against factions that rely heavily on lightly armored troops. I once decimated a looter fleet with a well-placed archer barrage, suffering minimal casualties in the subsequent boarding action. It’s not a guaranteed win, but it significantly tilts the odds in your favor.

This tactic is more aggressive, aiming to overwhelm the enemy with a rapid, coordinated assault. It requires careful troop selection and precise timing.

1. Select Elite Infantry: Choose your heaviest infantry units with high armor and melee skills. Vlandian Voulgiers or Imperial Legionaries are excellent choices.
2. Close the Distance Quickly: Use the “Charge” command to rapidly close the distance and initiate the boarding action. The element of surprise is crucial.
3. Focus Fire: Direct your troops to focus on key enemy units, such as their captain or heavily armored warriors.

My personal opinions on troop combat

I’ve found that breaking the enemy line quickly can lead to a swift victory, as it disrupts their formation and morale. However, this tactic can be risky if your troops are outnumbered or outmatched in terms of armor and weapons.

Simulating User Scenarios

Imagine you’re facing a group of Sea Raiders. A shock troop assault, using heavily armored infantry, can quickly overwhelm their lighter defenses, leading to a decisive victory. Conversely, against heavily armored Sturgian warriors, a more cautious approach might be necessary.

This tactic relies on using smaller groups of troops to create multiple points of engagement, dividing the enemy’s forces and making them easier to defeat.

1. Divide Your Forces: Split your troops into two or three smaller groups.
2. Flanking Maneuvers: Use the terrain to your advantage. Attempt to flank the enemy by attacking from multiple directions.
3. Exploit Weaknesses: Identify and exploit weaknesses in the enemy’s formation. Focus on isolated groups or poorly defended areas.

Advantages and disadvantages of Divide and Conquer Strategy

This tactic requires more micro-management and a good understanding of the battlefield. However, it can be highly effective against larger, less organized forces. It relies on the ability to make quick decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.

Tactical Insight on Bannerlord 2: Naval Boarding

The specific advantages and disadvantages of each tactic will vary based on the circumstances of the naval battle. However, some of the most notable ones are:

As a long-time Mount & Blade player and strategy game enthusiast, I’ve spent hundreds of hours experimenting with different tactics and strategies in Bannerlord 2. The insights shared in this article are based on my personal experiences and observations. While Bannerlord 2 lacks official documentation on specific naval combat mechanics, the underlying principles of unit composition, terrain, and morale, all detailed in the game, are key to victory. For general game mechanics, the Mount & Blade Wiki (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_&_Blade_II:_Bannerlord) is a valuable resource.