Armor & Gear Progression

In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, your armor is the only thing standing between you and a stray javelin ending your command. However, simply buying the most expensive item isn't always the best strategy. This guide covers the optimal progression path for equipping yourself and your clan.

The Philosophy of Protection

Armor in Calradia has three main stats to consider:

• Armor Value: How much damage is mitigated.

• Weight: Heavier armor slows your movement speed on foot and can impact your mount's acceleration.

• Cost: High-tier armor costs exponentially more than mid-tier gear.

Early Game: Scavenging and Skirmishing

When you start, you are poor. Do not waste gold on armor in shops.

• Looters: Fight looters to get basic padded armor and headwraps.

• Sea Raiders: The holy grail of early armor. Sea Raiders drop mail shirts and nordic helmets that can last you into the mid-game. Farm them near the Sturgian coast.

• Tournaments: As mentioned in the Clan Tier Progression, tournaments often award Tier 3-4 helmets or shoulders.

Mid Game: The Mercenary Phase

Once you have a steady income from Early Game Money-Making, you can upgrade.

• Body Armor: Look for "Stitched Leather" or "Mail over Leather" types. You want 30+ body armor.

• Helmets: A closed helm is vital. A stray arrow to the face is the most common cause of death in sieges.

• Gauntlets/Boots: These are less critical. Tier 2-3 is fine.

Late Game: Lordly Plate

When you are a vassal or king, money is no object.

• Empire: Imperial Scale or Lamellar Plate.

• Vlandia: Coat of Plates.

• Sturgia: Heavy Mail and Druzhinnik Helmets.

• Modifiers: Look for the "Lordly" modifier, which boosts stats significantly.

Horse Armor (Barding)

Horse armor adds weight to your mount, reducing its top speed and maneuverability.

• Light Barding: Good for archers who need to relocate quickly.

• Heavy Barding: Essential for shock cavalry like Cataphracts who charge into infantry lines. The speed loss is worth the survival rate.

• Chain Barding: A good middle ground for the player character.

For more on movement mechanics, see Party Speed Explained.

Smithing Your Way to the Top

Sometimes the best gear isn't bought, it's funded by smithing. Use the Crafting & Smithing Hub to generate the millions of denars required to outfit your entire clan in Lordly armor.

Summary

Don't bankrupt yourself for +2 leg armor in the early game. Scavenge from bandits, win tournaments, and save your gold for high-tier body armor and heavy horse barding when you are ready to lead large armies.