This article solves 3 problems: efficiently locating tournaments across Calradia, developing winning strategies tailored to Bannerlord 2’s combat system, and understanding the economic benefits of consistent tournament victories. Mastering these aspects will dramatically improve your character’s wealth, renown, and overall standing.
Finding tournaments efficiently is the first key to racking up those denars. Forget aimless wandering; a focused approach is much more rewarding.
Checking Town Details and Using the Encyclopedia
The most straightforward method is to simply visit towns and check their town details. Look for the arena icon on the town’s information panel. This tells you if a tournament is currently active or scheduled soon.
However, traveling from town to town can be time-consuming. A faster, though less reliable, method involves the game’s encyclopedia. Press ‘N’ to open the encyclopedia, then navigate to ‘Settlements’. Filter by ‘Towns’ and then individually check each town’s information. This only provides a snapshot in time and might be outdated by the time you arrive, but it’s a good way to start your search if you’re not near any major cities.
Leveraging the “Known Issue” and “Just Around the Corner” Logic
Experienced players have noticed a pattern: tournaments often occur in towns that have recently changed hands or are located near ongoing conflicts. The game seems to trigger them as a way to boost morale or provide entertainment during turbulent times. Therefore, focus your search on towns near active battlefields or those recently conquered.
Another observation is that if you just missed a tournament in a town, it’s less likely to occur there again soon. Instead, move on to nearby settlements – there seems to be a “circuit” of sorts.
The Value of Tavern Encounters (A Unique Perspective)
While not always reliable, spending time in taverns and speaking with local notables can occasionally yield information about upcoming tournaments. This is not a guaranteed method, but it adds a layer of immersion and can sometimes provide an edge.
What I’ve found is that companions with high “Scouting” skill seem to increase the likelihood of hearing about tournaments from tavern dwellers. Try parking a scout-heavy companion in a town for a few days and see if they pick up any leads. You can check your Companion skills in the clan menu.
Finding tournaments is only half the battle. Winning them requires skill, preparation, and a bit of strategy.
Understanding Tournament Variations
Bannerlord 2 features several tournament variations, each with its own weapon restrictions and team sizes. Always check the tournament details before entering to understand the specific rules and weapon types allowed. Some tournaments might restrict you to specific loadouts like lances, while others will let you use whatever you have equipped.
Different cultures tend to favor certain weapon types in their tournaments. For example, Empire tournaments often feature more sword and shield combat, while Khuzait tournaments might emphasize mounted archery.
Optimizing Your Equipment and Skills
Prioritize skills like Riding, One-Handed, Two-Handed, Polearm, and Bow, depending on your preferred combat style. Invest attribute points into Vigor and Endurance to increase your health and stamina.
As for equipment, focus on armor with high protection values and weapons that you’re comfortable using. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different loadouts to find what works best for you. Also, make sure you have an idea of the terrain you’ll be fighting on in each tournament. For example, in an arena based on flat land you will be fine with most types of weapons, but in an arena based on cliffs, you will need a high damage weapon to knock enemies off.
Master the Art of Movement and Spacing
Bannerlord 2’s combat is heavily reliant on movement and positioning. Avoid getting cornered or surrounded by enemies. Use the arena to your advantage, utilizing obstacles and terrain to control the flow of combat.
Learn to effectively use the “strafe” key (default ‘A’ and ‘D’) to maintain distance from your opponents while still keeping them within striking range. This is especially important when fighting against opponents with longer weapons, such as polearms.
The Power of Teamwork (A Unique Perspective)
Even though tournaments are often individual affairs, you’re usually part of a team. Pay attention to your teammates and try to support them when possible. Don’t hog all the kills; focus on creating openings for your teammates to exploit.
One often-overlooked tactic is to use your teammates as bait. If you see an opponent focusing on one of your allies, use that opportunity to flank them and strike from behind.
Effective Table for Weapon Type and Skill Matchups
| Weapon Type | Key Skills | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Handed Sword | One-Handed, Athletics | Versatile, fast attacks, good defense | Short reach, lower damage | Lightly armored infantry |
| Two-Handed Sword | Two-Handed, Athletics | High damage, long reach | Slow attacks, vulnerable during swings | Heavily armored infantry |
| Polearm | Polearm, Riding | Longest reach, excellent for mounted combat | Difficult to use in close quarters | Cavalry, clustered infantry |
| Bow | Bow, Riding | Ranged attacks, harassment | Low damage against heavily armored targets | Unshielded infantry |
| Throwing Weapons | Throwing, Athletics | Quick bursts of damage | Limited ammo, short range | Unarmored targets |
Winning tournaments isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a lucrative way to earn denars and influence.
Understanding the Prize Pool and Betting System
The prize pool for tournaments varies depending on the prosperity of the town and the number of participants. Before entering a tournament, check the prize pool to see if it’s worth your time.
Always bet the maximum amount on yourself to significantly increase your winnings. Even if you don’t win the entire tournament, you’ll still receive a payout for each round you survive.
Beyond Denars: Renown and Relationship Benefits
Winning tournaments grants a significant amount of renown, which is essential for increasing your clan tier and attracting followers. Each tournament win also improves your relationship with the local nobles and the town’s governor. This can lead to opportunities for employment, land ownership, and even marriage.
Economic Advantage & Unique Item Farming (A Unique Perspective)
Once you consistently win tournaments, use the earnings to invest in workshops or caravans. This will provide a steady stream of income to supplement your tournament winnings. Furthermore, tournaments are a decent source of unique equipment. Keep an eye out for items that you can either use yourself or sell for a profit. The higher your Trade skill, the better you can price these items.
My personal strategy is to save scum before big tournaments. If there’s a piece of equipment I really want, I’ll keep reloading until it shows up as a prize. It’s a bit cheesy, but it’s effective.
By focusing on these three key areas—efficient tournament location, strategic combat, and maximizing earnings—you can dominate the arena circuit and establish yourself as a force to be reckoned with in Calradia.