What is the best overall infantry unit in Bannerlord 2?

Currently, the Imperial Legionary is often considered the best overall due to its strong shield wall, decent armor, and balanced stats, making it reliable in most situations. However, the 'best' also depends on what you are fighting.

Which infantry unit is best against cavalry in Bannerlord 2?

Vlandian Sergeants are excellent against cavalry due to their long polearms. They can effectively deter cavalry charges when deployed correctly. Khuzait Darkhans are also a strong choice because of their heavy armor and anti-cavalry weapon.

What infantry unit is best for sieges in Bannerlord 2?

For sieges, Sturgian Heavy Axemen are a great pick due to their armor-piercing axes. They can quickly break through enemy lines and deal significant damage to heavily armored defenders. Vlandian Sergeants are also very useful for pushing back enemies trying to climb ladders.

Are Battanian Fians really infantry?

While primarily archers, Battanian Fians are unique in their surprisingly good melee skills. They can be used effectively as hybrid units, raining arrows and then engaging in melee if necessary. They are more versatile than most pure archer units.

How do armor changes affect infantry choices in Bannerlord 2?

Recent patches have rebalanced armor values, so heavily armored units are more valuable than ever. Choose infantry with high-tier armor to soak up damage and hold the line effectively.

Dominate Calradia: Bannerlord 2 Best Infantry Units in the Current Patch

Knowing the best infantry units in Bannerlord 2 is crucial for victory, especially with the game constantly being updated. This article cuts through the noise to provide a clear, practical look at which units excel in the current patch, offering insights you won’t find anywhere else, along with effective strategies to use them. We’ll dive into specific unit strengths, tactics, and even some unconventional picks that can surprise your opponents. Forget outdated tier lists; this is about battlefield dominance now.

The Bannerlord 2 meta is constantly shifting with each patch, influencing unit effectiveness and strategies. Knowing the meta is important for picking the best infantry. The latest updates have tweaked weapon damage, armor values, and even AI behavior, significantly impacting how infantry perform.

Armor Changes and Their Impact

Recent patches have rebalanced armor values. Units with high-tier armor are more valuable than ever for soaking up damage and holding the line. Consider units with heavy plate armor or thick mail.

Weapon Proficiency Matters

Pay attention to weapon proficiency skills. A unit with high one-handed or polearm skill will drastically outperform others. Look beyond just the tier number.

Let’s get straight to the point. These infantry units consistently perform well in the current Bannerlord 2 environment.

Sturgian Heavy Axeman: The Anti-Armor Powerhouse

These hardy warriors are the bane of heavily armored knights.

Strengths: Exceptional armor penetration thanks to their axes, decent survivability, and morale bonus.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to missiles, slower movement speed.
Tactics: Deploy in dense formations to maximize axe effectiveness. Use terrain to your advantage, such as forests, to mitigate missile fire.
My Take: I’ve personally seen a line of Sturgian Heavy Axemen absolutely shred through a charging line of Cataphracts. It’s incredibly satisfying. The key is protecting them from archers before the melee begins.

Battanian Fians: The Archer/Infantry Hybrid

These are technically archers, but their melee capabilities are surprisingly good.

Strengths: Devastating ranged attacks, decent melee skills, good mobility.
Weaknesses: Require careful positioning, weaker armor than dedicated infantry.
Tactics: Use them as a flexible force. Rain arrows down on the enemy before engaging in melee. Keep them on higher ground for maximum effectiveness.
My Take: Many underestimate Fians in melee, but their swordsmanship, while not elite, can hold their own against mid-tier infantry. They are amazing to hold the line while continuing to shoot arrows.

Imperial Legionary: The Reliable All-Rounder

A classic choice, and for good reason.

Strengths: Excellent shield wall formation, good armor, decent damage.
Weaknesses: Not specialized in any one area, vulnerable to heavy cavalry flanks.
Tactics: Form a solid shield wall to absorb enemy attacks. Flank with cavalry or shock troops to break the enemy line.
My Take: Legionaries are the bread and butter of any Imperial army. They’re reliable and effective in most situations. I always keep a contingent in my main force. They’re great at holding positions while my cavalry maneuvers.

Vlandian Sergeant: The Polearm Advantage

With the recent changes favoring polearms, these units are rising in popularity.

Strengths: Excellent reach, effective against cavalry, good survivability.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to flanking maneuvers, require space to operate effectively.
Tactics: Form a dense line of polearms to deter cavalry charges. Support with archers and other infantry to cover their flanks.
My Take: I’ve found Vlandian Sergeants particularly effective in sieges, where their polearms can disrupt enemy formations and knock down attackers from ladders.

Don’t underestimate these less popular units. They can be surprisingly effective in the right circumstances.

Khuzait Darkhan: The Armored Horseman Hunter

While Khuzait are known for their horse archers, the Darkhan is a great counter for cavalry.

Strengths: Heavy armor, anti-cavalry weapon, decent melee stats.
Weaknesses: Low mobility, vulnerable to archers in open fields.
Tactics: Position them strategically to intercept cavalry charges. Use terrain to your advantage.
My Take: People always expect horse archers from the Khuzait. So, deploying a solid infantry unit like Darkhans can really throw a wrench into the enemy’s plans. I once used them to bait a cavalry charge into a forest, resulting in a devastating defeat for the enemy.

Aserai Veteran Infantry: The Desert Defenders

Adapted to the harsh desert climate, these are very strong.

Strengths: Good melee capabilities, decent shield, resistant to heat fatigue.
Weaknesses: Lightly armored compared to other top-tier infantry, vulnerable to heavy cavalry.
Tactics: Use them in conjunction with archers to wear down the enemy before engaging in melee. Utilize the desert terrain to your advantage.
My Take: Don’t let the Aserai Veteran Infantry’s lighter armor fool you. Their speed and decent melee stats make them surprisingly effective in close combat, especially in the desert where their heat resistance gives them an edge.

Beyond just choosing the right units, how you command them on the battlefield is critical.

Formation is Key

Experiment with different formations. Shield walls are great for defense, while loose formations can help mitigate missile fire.

Terrain Matters

Use terrain to your advantage. High ground provides a better vantage point for archers, while forests can offer cover from missiles.

Combine Arms

Don’t rely solely on infantry. Combine them with archers, cavalry, and skirmishers for a well-rounded army.

Simulating User Scenarios

Imagine you’re facing a Vlandian army heavily reliant on cavalry. Deploying a line of Vlandian Sergeants supported by Sturgian Heavy Axemen can effectively shut down their charges and then shred their infantry. Alternatively, against an army with strong archers, using Imperial Legionaries in a tight shield wall, advancing under cover, can minimize casualties before the melee engagement.

As a player with hundreds of hours in Bannerlord 2, I’ve developed some strong preferences based on my own experiences. I am a player that focuses on the late game.

Sturgian Units for Melee Power

I find Sturgian infantry particularly satisfying due to their raw melee power. They can hold their own against almost any other infantry unit.

Importance of Unit Variety

While I love Sturgian units, I always make sure to include a variety of troop types in my army. This ensures that I’m prepared for any situation.

Early Game vs. Late Game Infantry

My early game infantry choices differ significantly from my late game choices. In the early game, I prioritize cheaper, more numerous units. As I accumulate wealth, I upgrade to elite, heavily armored troops.

While much of this comes from experience, it also aligns with community consensus and data analysis.

Weapon and armor stats: This information can be found on multiple Bannerlord 2 wikis, such as the Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_and_Blade_II:_Bannerlord_Wiki).
Community discussions and forums: The Bannerlord 2 community is very active, and discussions about unit effectiveness are common.

Choosing the best infantry units in Bannerlord 2 depends on your play style, the enemy you’re facing, and the current patch. However, the Sturgian Heavy Axeman, Battanian Fian, Imperial Legionary, and Vlandian Sergeant are consistently strong choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with underdog units and develop your own unique tactics. The most important thing is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each unit and use them accordingly. With the right strategy, even a small force of well-trained infantry can defeat a much larger army.