Character Builds & Leveling

Leveling in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be a slow grind if you play passively. However, by exploiting how XP is calculated—usually based on damage dealt or gold earned—you can skyrocket your character to high tiers in a fraction of the time.

This guide covers the most efficient leveling loops and specific "Meta Builds" to dominate Calradia.

XP Mechanics Recap

You gain Skill XP by performing actions. You gain Character Level XP whenever you gain a Skill Level.

• Higher Skill Level = More Character XP. Going from Athletics 250 to 251 gives way more Character XP than going from 50 to 51.

• Conclusion: It is faster to push a few skills to 300+ than to level everything to 100.

Power Leveling Methods

1. Smithing (The King of XP)

Smithing is broken. XP is calculated based on the value of the item created. Since Two-Handed Swords can sell for 20k-100k denars, crafting one can grant multiple skill levels instantly.

• Method: Focus on Endurance and Smithing. Unlock parts by smelting valuable weapons. Once you can craft a Tier 4/5 Two-Handed Sword, you will gain levels rapidly.

• Bonus: You also get rich.

For a full guide, see Smithing for Profit.

2. Combat (Solo Farming)

Combat XP is based on damage dealt. Overkilling a Looter with a 500-damage couch lance hit gives massive XP.

• Method: Take a bow or a long glaive. Ride alone (or with companions set to hold fire) into a group of Looters. Kite them and kill them all yourself.

3. Stewardship (Passive Gain)

Just leading a large party gives Steward XP daily.

• Method: Assign yourself as Quartermaster. Keep food variety high. This is the easiest "passive" leveling method.

Meta Builds

The Smithing Tycoon

This build focuses on maxing Endurance and Social to become a wealthy king.

• Attributes: Endurance (10), Social (10).

• Skills: Smithing, Athletics, Riding, Charm, Trade, Leadership.

• Strategy: Use Smithing to level up and make money. Use money to level Trade. Use Charm/Leadership to buy fiefs and recruit lords.

The Horse Archer Lord

The classic "Khuzait" playstyle.

• Attributes: Control (10), Endurance (High), Cunning (Mid).

• Skills: Bow, Riding, Scouting.

• Strategy: You are the fastest unit on the battlefield. You dictate the engagement. Perfect for solo farming XP.

The Infantry Commander

For those who want to lead from the front lines.

• Attributes: Vigor (10), Endurance (10).

• Skills: One-Handed, Two-Handed, Athletics.

• Strategy: High Athletics lets you outrun enemies on foot. You are a tank.

Perk Priority Guide

When leveling, you often face a choice between two perks. Here are the generally accepted "Best in Slot" choices for leveling:

• Athletics: Morning Exercise vs Peak Form? generally Peak Form for extra stamina/health.

• Steward: Paid in Promise vs Giving Hands? Paid in Promise helps level troops faster by discarding armor, which is abundant.

• Leadership: Combat Tips vs Raise the Meek? Combat Tips scales better for high-tier troops.

For a complete list, check our Perks Tier List.

Summary

To level fast: Hit things very hard or Make expensive things. Do not try to be a jack-of-all-trades early on; focus on maxing one attribute to 10 to unlock the rapid learning rates of high-tier skills.