Best Infantry Units
November 21, 2025
The shield wall and the shock troops.
Best Infantry Units in Bannerlord
Infantry are the backbone of any army in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. While cavalry may deliver the killing blow and archers soften the enemy, it is the infantry that holds the line, absorbs the charge, and grinds the opponent into dust. In this guide, we analyze the best infantry units across all factions, categorized by their role on the battlefield.
Shield vs Shock Infantry
Understanding the difference between Shield and Shock infantry is crucial for effective command.
Shield Infantry: Equipped with large shields and heavy armor. Their primary role is to form a Shield Wall, absorb arrow fire, and stop cavalry charges. They are the "Anvil" of your army.
Shock Troops: Often wielding two-handed axes or polearms, these units sacrifice shield protection for raw damage. They are the "Hammer" that flanks the enemy line and breaks through defenses.
Best Shield Infantry (Tier List)
1. Imperial Legionary
The gold standard for heavy infantry. The Imperial Legionary boasts excellent armor and a large shield that covers most of their body. They are incredibly durable in prolonged melees and form the most cohesive shield wall in the game.
Best For: Holding the center, sieges.
Weakness: Lack of throwing weapons compared to others.
2. Sturgian Heavy Spearman
A close runner-up, the Sturgian Heavy Spearman is a defensive powerhouse. Their large round shields provide excellent coverage, and their spears make them a nightmare for cavalry.
Best For: Anti-cavalry defense, snowy terrain.
Weakness: Slightly less armor than Legionaries.
3. Aserai Veteran Infantry
Versatile and deadly. While their armor is lighter than the Legionary, they come equipped with deadly Javelins that can thin enemy ranks before the lines clash.
Best For: Skirmishing, desert warfare.
Imperial Legionaries are the anchor of any defensive formation.
Best Shock Troops (Tier List)
1. Sturgian Heroic Line Breaker
True to their name, these warriors wield massive two-handed axes that can cleave through shields and armor alike. In a flank, they are devastating.
Best For: Flanking, clearing walls in sieges.
Weakness: Vulnerable to archers.
2. Imperial Elite Menavliaton
Armed with a menacing two-handed polearm, the Menavliaton excels at stopping cavalry and poking over the heads of friendly shield troops.
Best For: Anti-cavalry support, second-line damage.
3. Aserai Mameluke Palace Guard
Wielding the massive Executioner Axe, these troops deal the highest single-hit damage of any infantry.
Best For: Pure damage output.
Sturgian Heroic Line Breakers ready to shatter the enemy line.
Unit Analysis & Deep Dives
When building your infantry corps, consider the culture bonus. Sturgians move faster in snow, while the Empire has no terrain penalties.
Imperial Legionary:
Armor: 50+ Body/Head.
Weapon: Spatha (Fast, decent damage).
Shield: Large Heater Shield (High durability).
Sturgian Heroic Line Breaker:
Armor: Decent, but relies on killing before being hit.
Weapon: Two-Handed Axe (Bonus damage to shields).
Tactical Usage
To maximize your infantry:
Shield Wall: Use
F3 -> F2to form a shield wall. This raises shields and tightens ranks. Essential against archers.Square:
F3 -> F5. Best against mass cavalry charges.Circle:
F3 -> F6. Good for last stands or protecting a commander in the center.The Flank: Fix the enemy with your Shield Infantry, then charge your Shock Troops into their side or rear.
Coordinating infantry and cavalry is key to victory.
Conclusion
For a balanced army, a ratio of 70% Shield Infantry to 30% Shock Troops is recommended. This ensures you have the durability to last the fight while retaining the killing power to win it.