Bannerlord Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Welcome to Calradia. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a vast sandbox RPG that combines strategy, action, and simulation. It can be overwhelming at first, but this guide will help you navigate your first few hours and set you on the path to becoming a legendary warlord.

Character Creation: Building Your Warlord

Before you swing a sword, you must define who you are. Your culture choice is the most impactful decision you'll make, as it provides permanent passive bonuses (and penalties).

• Vlandia: 20% more renown from battles. Excellent for ambitious warlords.

• Battania: 50% less speed penalty in forests. Great for guerrilla warfare.

• Empire: 20% less garrison wage. Perfect for late-game kingdom builders.

• Aserai: 30% cheaper caravans. The best choice for traders.

• Khuzait: 10% cheaper horse recruitment. Essential for horse archer armies.

• Sturgia: 20% cheaper recruitment penalty. Generally considered the weakest bonus.

The character creation screen defines your starting attributes and backstory.

Focus your attribute points on Vigor (Melee) or Control (Ranged) for combat, and Social (Charm/Leadership) for commanding armies later.

The First Hours: Survival and Growth

After the tutorial (which you should play!), you'll be dropped into the world with a small party and little gold.

1. Recruit Volunteers: Visit villages to hire recruits. Don't fight alone.

2. Hunt Looters: Looters are the weakest bandits. They mostly throw rocks. Farm them for XP and loot.

3. Sell Loot: Take the tattered rags and rusty weapons to the nearest town market.

4. Buy Food: Keep Grain in your inventory to prevent your troops from starving and deserting.

Towns are the economic heart of Bannerlord. Visit the tavern to hire companions and the arena to train.

Basic Combat Tips

Combat in Bannerlord is directional. Moving your mouse up, down, left, or right determines the direction of your attack and block.

• Shields are Essential: As a beginner, always carry a shield. It blocks arrows and directional attacks forgivingly.

• Command Your Troops: Press F1 then F3 to order a Charge. Press F1 then F2 to have them Follow You. Positioning your archers on a hill (F1, F1 to Move To Position) is a game-changer.

• Momentum Matters: Damage is calculated based on speed. Hitting an enemy while riding a fast horse deals massive damage.

A well-timed cavalry charge can break enemy formations and morale.

Early Game Economy: Making Your First Million

Gold (Denars) rules everything. You need it for wages, food, and gear.

• Tournaments: Bet on yourself in town arenas. Winning nets you renown, gold, and high-tier gear you can wear or sell.

• Trading: Buy Mules or Sumpter Horses in villages and sell them in towns for a profit.

• Smithing: If you have the patience, refining charcoal and crafting two-handed swords is the fastest way to infinite wealth (though some consider it an exploit).

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Don't Upgrade Too Fast: High-tier troops have high daily wages. If you can't pay them, they will leave.

• Avoid Execution: Executing noble prisoners destroys your reputation with almost everyone. Only do it if you plan to be a pariah.

• Watch Your Food: If you run out of food, your party morale plummets, and troops will desert.

Read More

• Economy & Trade Guide - Master the market.

• Combat Fundamentals - survive the battlefield.

• Party Management & Morale - Keep your army happy.

• Main Storyline Walkthrough - Unify the realm.

• Banner Customization & Heraldry - Look good doing it.

• Kingdoms Overview - Know your enemy.

• Best Companions to Recruit - Find your lieutenants.

• Troop Recruitment and Development - Build your legion.