Army Command & Formations

November 21, 2025

How to organize troops, assign captains, and use formations.

In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, commanding an army is about more than just shouting "Charge!". To defeat larger forces or minimize casualties, you need to master formations and command tactics.

Bannerlord Leading Army A commander's view from the front line. Knowing when to hold and when to charge is key.

The Command Interface

You issue orders using the Command Wheel (Console) or F-Keys (PC).

  • F1 (Movement): Move to position, Follow Me, Charge, Advance, Fall Back, Stop.

  • F2 (Formations): Line, Shield Wall, Loose, Circle, Square, Skein, Column, Scatter.

  • F6 (Delegate Command): Hand control over to the AI. This is useful for large, chaotic battles where you can't micromanage every flank.

Formation Types & Uses

Choosing the right shape for your unit can decide the battle before it begins.

Shield Wall (F2 > F2)

  • Use: Defending against Archers.

  • Effect: Troops raise shields and pack tight. Movement speed is reduced.

  • Countered By: Getting flanked or charged by heavy cavalry from behind.

Loose (F2 > F3)

  • Use: Archers vs Archers.

  • Effect: Spreads troops out to minimize casualties from arrow fire. Also allows your own archers to all shoot without blocking each other.

  • Countered By: Cavalry charges (they will ride right through).

Circle (F2 > F4) & Square (F2 > F5)

  • Use: Infantry vs Cavalry.

  • Effect: Creates a 360-degree defensive block. Spears brace outward to stop horses.

  • Countered By: Heavy archer fire (since you are a stationary blob).

Skein (F2 > F6)

  • Use: Cavalry Charges.

  • Effect: A wedge shape designed to punch through enemy lines.

Bannerlord Cavalry Charge The Skein formation allows cavalry to break enemy infantry lines effectively.

Delegation vs. Manual Control

When to Delegate (F6):

  • You are leading a massive army (1000+).

  • You are playing as a soldier in someone else's army.

  • You want your Horse Archers to skirmish automatically (the AI is very good at kiting).

When to Manual Control:

  • Sieges: The AI sometimes pushes towers too early or late.

  • Choke Points: Holding a bridge or a hill.

  • Flanking: Sending your cavalry to hit the enemy archers while your infantry holds the line.

Basic Battle Tactics

  1. Hammer and Anvil: Hold the enemy in place with a sturdy Shield Wall infantry (The Anvil). Then, slam into their rear with your Heavy Cavalry (The Hammer).

  2. The Archer Trap: Split your archers into two groups on either flank. When the enemy advances, they get shot from both sides (crossfire), bypassing their shields.

  3. High Ground: Always deploy on a hill. Archers shoot further, and infantry get a height advantage in melee.

Bannerlord Siege Formation Deployment is half the battle. Positioning your troops before the enemy arrives can secure victory against superior numbers.

Mastering these commands turns you from a brawler into a general. For more details on specific unit types, check out Best Troops by Role.