Battlefield Controls & UI Settings

Mastering the interface in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is just as important as mastering the sword. The battlefield can be chaotic, and knowing how to quickly issue orders or read the flow of combat can save your army from destruction.

The Command Interface

Depending on your platform, issuing orders works differently. Speed is essential; you need to be able to tell your archers to hold fire or your infantry to shield wall in a split second.

PC Controls (Keyboard & Mouse)

The classic system uses the Function Keys (F1-F9).

• Select Group: 1 (Infantry), 2 (Archers), 3 (Cavalry), 4 (Horse Archers). You can select multiple by holding Ctrl.

• Movement (F1): Opens movement options like To Position, Follow Me, Charge.

• Formations (F2): Opens formation options like Shield Wall, Circle, Square.

• Fire/Mount (F4/F5): Toggles Fire at Will and Mount/Dismount.

Controller / Radial Menu

On consoles or when using a gamepad, you hold L1/LB to open the radial menu. Use the stick to select the category (Movement, Formations) and then the specific order. It takes a bit of muscle memory but is very effective once learned.

Essential UI Settings

Go to Options -> Gameplay to tweak these settings for a tactical advantage.

1. Control Attack Direction

• By Mouse Movement: The gold standard. You look left to swing left. It offers the most control.

• By Movement Keys: You step left to swing left. Easier for beginners but limits advanced footwork.

2. Report Casualties

Ensure the Kill Feed is visible.

• Green: Your kills.

• Red: Your deaths.

• Teal: Your knockouts (prisoners).

• Seeing a wall of red text is your immediate cue to sound the retreat or change tactics.

3. Show Banners on Friendly Troops

Enabled by default (hold Alt to toggle). This puts a small icon over your troops. It is critical for seeing where your cavalry has run off to or where your archers are positioned in a forest.

Accessibility & Customization

• Battle Size: Found in Performance. Higher means more epic battles but requires a stronger CPU. If you lag, lower this first.

• Damage Received: In Campaign settings, you can lower damage to yourself or troops if you are learning. "Realistic" is the intended difficulty.

For more on optimizing your game, check out Performance & Graphics Settings. Once you have your controls set, practice them in the Arena Practice & Training Fields.