Character Skills and Attributes

Bannerlord's progression system is divided into Attributes, which represent your raw potential, and Skills, which represent your learned expertise. Understanding this distinction is key to building a powerful character.

The Hierarchy

• Attributes (e.g., Vigor) increase the Learning Limit of their associated skills.

• Focus Points increase the Learning Rate of a specific skill.

• Skills (e.g., One-Handed) grant direct bonuses (speed, damage) and unlock Perks.

Physical Attributes

Vigor (Melee)

Vigor governs your ability to fight up close.

• One-Handed: Swords, maces, axes with a shield. Essential for sieges.

• Two-Handed: Greatswords and axes. High damage, high risk.

• Polearm: Spears and lances. The king of mounted combat (couch lance) and anti-cavalry.

Control (Ranged)

Control governs your accuracy and damage with projectiles.

• Bow: The most versatile ranged weapon. usable on foot and horseback.

• Crossbow: High damage, slow reload. Good for sieges.

• Throwing: Short range, massive damage. Javelins can break shields.

See Archery Skills and Perks for more.

Endurance (Fitness)

Endurance governs your physical conditioning.

• Riding: Movement speed and maneuverability on horses.

• Athletics: Movement speed on foot and total health.

• Smithing: Crafting weapons. A massive money maker.

See Smithing Skill Guide.

Mental Attributes

Cunning (Wits)

Cunning helps you outmaneuver enemies on the campaign map.

• Scouting: Spotting distance and track reading. Increases map movement speed.

• Tactics: Auto-resolve battle advantage and retreating simulation.

• Roguery: Looting quantity and raiding efficiency.

See Roguery Skill Guide.

Social (Charisma)

Social governs your ability to influence others.

• Charm: Persuasion chance and relationship gain.

• Leadership: Morale, garrison size, and army organization.

• Trade: Profit margins and caravan management.

See Trade Skill Guide and Leadership Skill Guide.

Intelligence (Knowledge)

Intelligence governs the logistical support of your party.

• Steward: Party size limit and food management. (The most important skill for army size).

• Medicine: Healing rate and survival chance for troops.

• Engineering: Siege engine build speed and effectiveness.

See Steward Skill Deep Dive and Medicine Skill Guide.

Choosing Your Path

You get 1 Attribute point every 4 levels. You cannot max everything.

• Warriors: Focus Vigor/Endurance.

• Commanders: Focus Social/Intelligence.

• Captains: Focus Control/Cunning (for Horse Archers).

Choose wisely!