Dominate Early Game: Best Early Game Troops in Bannerlord 2

Navigating the early game of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be tough. A strong starting army is crucial for survival and expansion. This article will guide you through building an effective force, focusing on readily accessible and cost-efficient troops. We’ll explore optimal troop compositions, training strategies, and tactics to give you a significant advantage from the very beginning.

The key to a strong early game army lies in understanding troop availability and cost. Forget expensive cavalry or heavily armored infantry initially. You’ll be relying on recruits from villages and towns.

Villages are Your Friends

Villages offer the quickest and cheapest access to recruits. Focus on villages close to towns with training fields for faster leveling. Prioritize villages with cultural alignment to your chosen faction for potential synergy bonuses later on. Also remember that villages are not all created equal; some villages offer more advanced troops than others.

Towns Provide Variety

Towns let you hire mercenaries and sometimes slightly higher tier troops. Keep an eye on the tavern; skilled companions and valuable units occasionally appear. Mercenary contracts can provide a temporary boost to your army, but their upkeep can strain your early game economy. Consider them strategically for short-term gains, like conquering a weakly defended castle.

Avoiding Bandit Parties

Early game can be tempting to recruit from bandit parties you defeat. Don’t do it. They tend to be far weaker than even basic faction troops. The morale penalty and potential desertion rates are usually not worth the minimal cost savings. Focus on recruiting from legitimate sources.

Army composition is crucial. You need a balanced force that can handle a variety of threats. This means a mix of ranged and melee units.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 Troops: The Backbone

Focus on upgrading your recruits as quickly as possible to Tier 2. Tier 1 troops are cannon fodder. Aim for units like:

• Imperial Tribesmen/Recruits: Decent all-around starting unit. Can be upgraded to archers or infantry.
• Sturgian Footmen/Recruits: Tougher than average infantry for early game. Good for holding the line.
• Vlandian Militia/Recruits: Solid crossbowmen. Crucial for ranged support.
• Battanian Volunteers/Recruits: Skirmishers that can be upgraded to archers.
• Khuzaits Nomads/Tribesmen: Decent horse archers, but require more micro-management in battles.
• Aserai Tribal Warriors/Recruits: Good mix of infantry and skirmishers.

The Power of Range

Prioritize archers and crossbowmen. In the early game, ranged units can inflict significant casualties before the enemy even reaches your lines. Position them on high ground for maximum effectiveness. Vlandian Sharpshooters (upgrade from Vlandian Militia) are especially potent but require more investment.

Infantry Screen

Infantry are the shield of your army. They absorb damage and protect your ranged units. Sturgian infantry, even at lower tiers, are surprisingly durable. Use shield walls to maximize their effectiveness.

Early Game Tactics: Winning Battles

Even the best troops need effective tactics. Understanding basic formations and battlefield positioning can dramatically improve your chances of victory.

The Importance of Terrain

High ground is your best friend. Positioning your archers on a hill or ridge provides a significant advantage. It increases their range and accuracy, allowing them to inflict more damage before the enemy reaches your lines.

Shield Walls and Skirmishers

Use shield walls to protect your infantry from ranged fire. Position your archers behind the shield wall to provide covering fire. If you have skirmishers, use them to harass the enemy flanks. The shield wall tactic is detailed on Wikipedia, offering a historical overview of its effectiveness.

Flanking Maneuvers

Early game cavalry is weak, but you can still use them for flanking. A small group of horsemen can disrupt enemy formations and target their archers. Avoid head-on charges against formed infantry; you’ll take heavy casualties.

Most guides will simply list the “best” early game troops. However, the best troop depends heavily on your playstyle and goals. Instead of focusing solely on raw stats, consider the following:

The “Attrition Warfare” Strategy

Focus on cheap, easily replaceable units. The idea is to overwhelm the enemy with numbers. This strategy is particularly effective in sieges, where attrition is a major factor. Imperial Recruits are excellent for this approach.

The “Elite Skirmisher” Approach

Invest in a smaller force of higher-tier skirmishers and archers. This strategy relies on maneuverability and ranged firepower. Battanian Fian Champions (upgrade from Battanian Volunteers) are the ultimate expression of this strategy, but they take time to train.

The “Hybrid Force”

Combine elements of both strategies. This approach provides flexibility and adaptability. A mix of infantry, archers, and a small group of cavalry can handle a variety of situations.

Early in my Bannerlord career, I made the mistake of focusing solely on high-tier troops. I spent all my money on a small group of elite cavalry, only to get wiped out by a larger force of bandits. I learned that quantity can be just as important as quality, especially in the early game.

Another mistake I made was neglecting training. I assumed that my troops would level up naturally through combat. However, this process was slow and inefficient. I discovered the importance of training fields and experienced trainers.

Training Fields are Essential

Visit towns with training fields and assign a companion with high training skill as your quartermaster. This will significantly accelerate the training of your troops.

Experienced Trainers Matter

Look for companions with high training skill. They will provide a substantial bonus to troop experience gain.

Remember that upgrading troops quickly is crucial. This is an example of how quickly you can level up your units, especially with a dedicated trainer.

In one of my most successful early game campaigns, I started as a vassal of the Empire. I focused on recruiting Imperial troops and quickly upgraded them to Legionaries and Archers. I used a combination of shield walls and ranged fire to defeat larger enemy armies. I also prioritized capturing towns with good trade routes, which provided a steady source of income.

I aggressively hunted down bandit parties and cleared out hideouts. This not only improved my reputation but also provided valuable loot and prisoners, that I could sell for profit.
I quickly rose through the ranks of the Imperial army. Eventually, I was granted my own fief, which I used as a base of operations for my own kingdom.

The early game is not just about survival; it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success. The troops you choose in the beginning will influence your entire campaign.

Cultural Alignment Matters

Choose troops that align with your chosen faction. This will provide synergy bonuses and make it easier to recruit and train troops later on.

Building a Core Force

Focus on building a core force of reliable troops that you can always count on. These troops will form the backbone of your army throughout the game.

Investing in Infrastructure

Invest in infrastructure that will support your army, such as training fields and smithies. This will make it easier to recruit, train, and equip your troops.

Here’s a quick reference table for some recommended early game troops:

Mastering the early game in Bannerlord 2 hinges on smart troop choices, effective tactics, and a long-term vision. By focusing on readily available units, prioritizing training, and understanding battlefield dynamics, you can build a force capable of dominating your enemies and establishing your own kingdom. Remember that adaptation and strategic thinking are your greatest weapons. This article offers concrete strategies for early recruitment, army composition, and winning battles. This combination will give you a competitive advantage in Bannerlord 2.