Clearing Hideouts: A Tactical Guide

Bandit Hideouts are unique encounters in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Unlike open field battles where you command hundreds of men, hideouts are intimate, tactical night raids where you lead a small squad of your best troops. Mastering them is essential for quests, relation building, and keeping your trade routes safe.

Why Clear Hideouts?

Hideouts are spawn points for bandit parties. If left unchecked, they will flood the nearby area with looters and raiders, destroying your villagers and caravans.

• Relation Gain: Clearing a hideout gives a massive +2 relation boost with all nearby notables. This is the fastest way to unlock noble troops in villages.

• Quests: Many quests (like "Bandit Base Near...") require this. The main story quest for the Dragon Banner also requires clearing specific hideouts.

Preparation

You cannot bring your whole army. You are limited to 9 troops plus yourself. The game usually auto-selects the top troops in your list, but you can modify this.

• Troop Choice: Bring high-tier Archers (Fians, Sharpshooters) or shielded Infantry (Legionaries). Avoid cavalry; they will spawn on foot and often have worse athletics.

• Shields are Key: Bandits love javelins and bows. A shield wall is your best friend.

The Raid

The raid takes place at night. Visibility is poor.

1. F3 + F2 (Shield Wall): Keep your troops tight.

2. F4 (Hold Fire): Don't shoot until you are in range to guarantee hits.

3. Patience: Move group by group. Don't aggro the whole map.

Tip: If your troops are hurt, you can retreat (Tab + Retreat) and come back later. The bandits won't heal instantly.

The Boss Duel

Once you clear the minions, the Boss will confront you. He will offer a duel.

• Accept Duel: It's just you vs him. If you win, you capture him and his remaining guards surrender instantly. If you lose, your army has to fight them without you.

• Decline: Your 10 men vs his remaining bodyguards. Usually the safer option if you are low health, but risking your troops.

Warning: Some bosses (like Sea Raider Chiefs) have one-shot capability with throwing axes. Strafe constantly!

Rewards

• Loot: High value vendor trash and sometimes rare bandit gear.

• Prisoners: You get the boss and any survivors. The boss can be ransomed for a good price.

• Renown: A solid chunk of renown for a small skirmish.

For more on combat mechanics, check our Combat Fundamentals.