What Are The Bannerlord 2 Best Siege Weapons To Use?

Siege warfare in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be brutal. Choosing the right siege weapons can be the difference between a swift victory and a costly, drawn-out affair. This article provides practical advice on selecting the most effective siege weapons, drawing from in-game experience and strategic analysis.

The siege system in Bannerlord 2 is more complex than previous titles. Factors like wall strength, garrison size, and enemy troop composition all influence the effectiveness of different siege engines. Simply building the biggest trebuchet isn’t always the best strategy. A nuanced approach, considering the specific circumstances of each siege, is critical for success.

Prioritize Tactical Awareness Over Raw Power

While powerful siege engines like the trebuchet can devastate walls, their slow rate of fire allows defenders ample time to repair damage or reposition troops. Smaller, faster-firing siege weapons like ballistae and catapults can be surprisingly effective at disrupting enemy formations and disabling defensive emplacements. Often, a combination of different siege weapons yields the best results.

The Overlooked Value of Pre-Siege Preparations

Before even constructing a siege engine, invest in scouting the settlement you intend to besiege. Understanding the layout of the walls, the number and type of defenders, and the presence of any pre-existing siege engines is crucial. This information allows you to tailor your siege weapon selection and deployment to maximize effectiveness. Neglecting this step can lead to significant disadvantages.

When deciding on which are the bannerlord 2 best siege weapons to use, consider these top contenders and how they can contribute to victory:

• Trebuchets: The heavy hitters. Excellent for long-range bombardment and wall destruction, but slow to build and fire.
• Ballistae: Accurate and effective against enemy siege engines and clustered infantry.
• Catapults: Versatile and able to target specific areas with a decent rate of fire. Good for softening up defenses.
• Siege Towers: Essential for breaching walls and delivering troops directly into the heart of the enemy’s defenses.
• Battering Rams: A straightforward approach to smashing gates, best used in conjunction with other siege weapons.

Practical Application: Combining Siege Engines for Maximum Impact

Imagine besieging a well-defended city with strong walls. Instead of solely relying on trebuchets to level the walls, consider this strategy:

1. Initial Bombardment: Deploy two trebuchets to focus fire on a single section of the wall.
2. Suppressive Fire: Position two ballistae to target enemy siege engines and archers on the walls, preventing them from repairing the breaches.
3. Area Denial: Utilize catapults to disrupt enemy troop formations attempting to reinforce the damaged section of the wall.
4. The Assault: Once a significant breach is created, deploy a siege tower and battering ram simultaneously. The siege tower delivers troops directly onto the walls, while the battering ram focuses on breaking down the gate.

This combined arms approach maximizes your chances of success by overwhelming the enemy’s defenses from multiple angles.

Personal Perspective: The Power of Ballistae in Unexpected Situations

In my experience, ballistae are often underestimated. While trebuchets get all the glory for smashing walls, ballistae excel at disrupting enemy formations and neutralizing their own siege engines. I’ve won sieges simply by focusing fire on the enemy’s trebuchets, effectively crippling their ability to defend the walls. Their rapid rate of fire and accuracy make them invaluable assets.

Beyond the selection of siege weapons, several advanced tactics can significantly impact the outcome of a siege.

Exploiting Terrain and Chokepoints

Always consider the terrain around the settlement. Position your siege engines in locations that maximize their range and minimize their vulnerability to enemy fire. Utilize natural chokepoints to funnel enemy reinforcements, making them easy targets for your archers and siege weapons.

Managing Morale and Logistics

Sieges are grueling affairs that can take a toll on your troops’ morale. Ensure a steady supply of food and maintain discipline within your ranks. A well-fed and motivated army is far more likely to prevail than a starving and demoralized one.

The Importance of Engineering Skill

Your engineering skill directly impacts the speed at which you can construct siege engines. Investing in this skill is crucial for shortening the duration of sieges and minimizing attrition. Choose a companion with high engineering skill to act as your chief engineer.

Even with the best siege weapons, mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Neglecting Defenses: Don’t focus solely on offensive siege weapons. Build defensive emplacements like palisades to protect your troops from enemy sallies.
• Ignoring the Weather: Rain and snow can significantly reduce the accuracy and effectiveness of siege engines. Adjust your tactics accordingly.
• Underestimating the Garrison: Never underestimate the size and strength of the enemy garrison. Scouting the settlement beforehand is essential.
• Rushing the Assault: Patience is key. Don’t rush the assault until you’ve sufficiently weakened the enemy’s defenses.

As a long-time player of the Mount & Blade series, I’ve seen firsthand the evolution of siege warfare. Bannerlord 2 offers the most complex and engaging siege system yet. The key to success lies in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each siege weapon, combining them effectively, and adapting to the specific challenges of each siege.

My most successful sieges have always involved a balanced approach, utilizing a combination of trebuchets, ballistae, and catapults to systematically dismantle the enemy’s defenses before launching the final assault. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tactics and strategies to find what works best for you.

Here’s a simple table summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of each siege weapon:

By understanding these dynamics, you can significantly improve your chances of success in Bannerlord 2‘s challenging siege warfare.

Here are some frequently asked questions about bannerlord 2 best siege weapons to use:

html