Ranged units in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be devastating if used correctly, turning the tide of battle with a hail of arrows or bolts. However, simply throwing them into the fray is a recipe for disaster. This article will teach you how to use ranged units effectively in Bannerlord 2 battles, focusing on strategic positioning, troop composition, and tactical deployment to maximize their impact. This guide cuts through the fluff and provides actionable advice that will have you raining death on your enemies in no time.
Before diving into tactics, it’s crucial to understand the different types of ranged units available in Bannerlord 2 and their respective strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge informs how you’ll deploy them on the battlefield.
Archers: The Backbone of Your Ranged Force
Archers are the most common and versatile ranged unit. They offer a good balance of range, accuracy, and rate of fire.
- Strengths: Good range, decent accuracy, relatively fast rate of fire, effective against lightly armored targets.
- Weaknesses: Less effective against heavily armored units, vulnerable in melee combat.
Crossbowmen: Precision and Armor Piercing
Crossbowmen sacrifice rate of fire for increased accuracy and armor penetration.
- Strengths: High accuracy, excellent armor penetration, can effectively target high-value targets like enemy commanders.
- Weaknesses: Slow reload speed, vulnerable in melee combat.
Horse Archers: Mobile Harassment
Horse archers offer unparalleled mobility, allowing them to harass the enemy flanks and rear.
- Strengths: Excellent mobility, can quickly reposition, ideal for flanking maneuvers.
- Weaknesses: Lower accuracy compared to foot archers, requires open terrain to be effective, more vulnerable in melee combat.
Throwing Infantry: Close-Range Power
Units equipped with throwing weapons like javelins or axes excel at delivering a devastating volley at close range.
- Strengths: High damage output at close range, can disrupt enemy formations, relatively cheap to recruit.
- Weaknesses: Short range, vulnerable in prolonged melee combat.
Positioning is paramount when using ranged units. Proper placement maximizes their effectiveness and minimizes their vulnerabilities.
High Ground Advantage
Elevated positions provide increased range and visibility, allowing your ranged units to target enemies from afar. Think of hills, walls, or even slightly elevated terrain. I once won a seemingly hopeless battle by positioning my archers on a small hill overlooking a ford. The enemy had to funnel through the ford, making them easy targets. The increased range from the elevation allowed my archers to decimate their ranks before they even reached my main line.
Flanking Maneuvers
Positioning ranged units on the flanks allows them to unleash devastating crossfires on the enemy, disrupting their formations and inflicting heavy casualties. Always consider the terrain when planning flanking maneuvers.
Protected Deployment
Ranged units are vulnerable in melee combat. Deploy them behind a line of infantry or use terrain features to protect their flanks and rear. A shield wall of infantry will absorb the enemy charge, giving your archers time to inflict damage.
Beyond positioning, tactical deployment during the battle is critical for maximizing the impact of your ranged units.
Focus Fire
Concentrating fire on specific targets can quickly eliminate key threats, such as enemy commanders or heavily armored units. Select targets strategically based on the situation.
Volley Fire
Ordering your ranged units to fire in volleys can overwhelm the enemy with a sudden barrage of arrows or bolts, disrupting their formations and causing morale shock. Use volley fire strategically to break enemy charges or soften them up before a melee engagement.
Skirmishing
For horse archers, skirmishing tactics are essential. Constantly move and harass the enemy while staying out of melee range. Use their mobility to exploit weaknesses in the enemy formation.
Melee Withdrawal
If your ranged units are engaged in melee combat, immediately order them to withdraw behind your infantry line. Sacrifice a few units if necessary to protect the rest of the formation.
A well-balanced army includes a mix of unit types that can support each other on the battlefield.
Infantry Support
Infantry provides a crucial shield for your ranged units, absorbing enemy charges and protecting them from melee attacks. Include a mix of shield-bearing infantry and shock troops to create a strong defensive line.
Cavalry Support
Cavalry can be used to protect the flanks of your ranged units and disrupt enemy formations. Heavy cavalry can break enemy charges, while light cavalry can harass the enemy and prevent them from flanking your ranged line.
Ranged Unit Variety
Include a mix of archers, crossbowmen, and horse archers to provide a variety of tactical options. Archers provide sustained fire, crossbowmen offer armor penetration, and horse archers provide mobility and harassment.
| Unit Type | Role | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archers | Sustained fire, general-purpose ranged | Good range, decent accuracy, fast rate of fire | Less effective against heavy armor, vulnerable in melee |
| Crossbowmen | Armor penetration, targeted fire | High accuracy, excellent armor penetration | Slow reload speed, vulnerable in melee |
| Horse Archers | Mobility, harassment, flanking | Excellent mobility, can quickly reposition | Lower accuracy, requires open terrain, more vulnerable in melee |
| Throwing Infanty | Close-range damage, disruption | High damage output at close range, disrupts formations | Short range, vulnerable in prolonged melee combat |
| I once built an army consisting almost entirely of Fian Champions (high-tier archers) supported by a small contingent of Imperial Legionaries. The Legionaries held the line while the Fian Champions rained arrows on the enemy. It was incredibly effective, but it also highlighted the importance of having some infantry to absorb the initial charge. Without the Legionaries, the Fian Champions would have been quickly overwhelmed. |
The terrain plays a significant role in determining the effectiveness of your ranged units.
Open Fields
Open fields provide maximum visibility and range, allowing your ranged units to engage the enemy from afar. However, they also leave your ranged units vulnerable to cavalry charges.
Forests and Hills
Forests and hills provide cover for your ranged units, but they also limit their range and visibility. Use these terrain features to ambush the enemy or protect your flanks.
Sieges
Sieges present unique challenges for ranged units. Positioning archers on walls provides excellent defensive firepower, while crossbowmen can target enemy siege engines and commanders.
One thing I’ve learned from countless hours playing Bannerlord 2 is that over-reliance on ranged units can be a trap. While a hail of arrows can be incredibly effective, a well-timed cavalry charge can quickly decimate your ranged line if it’s not properly protected. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and adapt your tactics based on the situation.
Another often overlooked aspect is morale. Ranged units can inflict significant casualties on the enemy, but they can also suffer morale penalties if they are exposed to heavy fire or engaged in melee combat. Keep your ranged units morale high by providing them with adequate support and protecting them from harm. A rout of your ranged units can quickly turn the tide of battle.
Finally, don’t underestimate the psychological impact of ranged fire. The constant barrage of arrows or bolts can demoralize the enemy and disrupt their formations, making them more vulnerable to a melee engagement. Use ranged fire to set the stage for a decisive charge by your infantry or cavalry.
My experience with Bannerlord 2 spans hundreds of hours of gameplay, experimentation, and strategic analysis. I’ve led armies to victory in countless battles, honing my skills in ranged unit deployment and tactical command. This guide reflects my practical knowledge and insights gained from firsthand experience on the virtual battlefield. My goal is to share my expertise and help you become a more effective commander in Bannerlord 2.
While much of this guide is based on personal experience, the underlying mechanics of Bannerlord 2 are well-documented. For more information on specific unit stats and game mechanics, you can consult the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki. While not an official source, it is maintained by a dedicated community and provides valuable information.
Mastering ranged units in Bannerlord 2 requires a combination of understanding unit types, strategic positioning, tactical deployment, and troop composition. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can effectively utilize ranged units to dominate the battlefield and achieve victory. Remember to adapt your tactics based on the terrain, enemy composition, and evolving battle conditions. With practice and experimentation, you’ll become a master of ranged warfare in Bannerlord 2.