Bandit Dens and Clearing Quests

November 21, 2025

How bandit hideouts work and efficient clearing tactics.

Bandit Dens (or Hideouts) are fortified camps that spawn periodically on the campaign map. They serve as a base of operations for bandit parties, reducing the security of nearby settlements and lowering town prosperity.

The "Bandit Base Near..." Quest

The most common reason to attack a den is the "Bandit Base Near [Village/Town]" quest, offered by notables.

  • Objective: Clear the specific hideout marked on your map.

  • Time Limit: Usually 10-20 days.

  • Reward: ~3000 denars, +Relations with the quest giver, and +Relations with all nearby notables upon success.

Receiving the Bandit Base quest from a notable.

Spawn Rules & Mechanics

  • Night Only: You can only attack hideouts at night. If you arrive during the day, you must wait.

  • Party Limit: You cannot bring your entire army. You are limited to 9 or 10 troops plus yourself.

  • Roster Selection: The game automatically selects the highest-tier troops from your party list. Tip: Arrange your party screen so your best infantry/archers are at the top before attacking.

Tactics: Stealth vs. Assault

Inside the hideout, bandits are grouped in small patrols.

1. The Assault Method (Standard)

  • Command: "F1 -> F3" (Charge) or "F1 -> F2" (Follow Me).

  • Best Troops: Shielded infantry (Legionaries, Sturgian Spears) to absorb arrow fire, or Fians to snipe from distance.

  • Strategy: Move group to group, overwhelming them with local superiority.

2. The Stealth Method

  • Command: "F4" (Hold Fire).

  • Strategy: Sneak up on groups and use throwing weapons or melee to take them out before they alert others. This is difficult in Bannerlord's current AI state but satisfying for roleplay.

Using stealth tactics in a hideout raid.

Rewards & Farming

Clearing a den is one of the most efficient ways to build early-game renown and relations.

  • Relations: +2 to nearby notables is huge for unlocking noble recruits.

  • Loot: You get the "stash" of the hideout, which often includes trade goods and gear.

  • Prisoners: You can capture 20-40 bandits in a single run if you have the capacity.

Rewards and relation gains after clearing a den.

For details on the specific loot tables for each faction, see Bandit Factions & Hideouts.

Bandit Dens and Clearing Quests | mountandblade-bannor-lords-2 | Blink5