Combat Basics & Controls
November 21, 2025
Core mechanics for melee, ranged, and blocking.
Combat Basics & Controls: Mastering the Blade
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord uses a physics-based directional combat system. It is not just about clicking fast; it's about angle, timing, and momentum. Whether you are dueling a bandit chief or commanding a legion, mastering these controls is the first step to survival.
The Directional System
Every attack and block has a direction: Up, Down, Left, Right.
Mouse Movement: Moving your mouse slightly in a direction determines the angle.
Attacking: Drag Left + Click = Left Swing. Drag Up + Click = Overhead Chop.
Blocking: You must match the attacker's direction. If they swing from your left, you must block to your left.
Tip: Shields block all directions automatically (unless destroyed), making them essential for beginners.
Movement & Stance
Your feet are as important as your hands.
Athletics Skill: Determines your run speed.
Backpedaling: Moving backward is slower than moving forward. Do not turn your back on an enemy unless you are sure you can outrun them.
Stance: Keeping your shield up slows you down. Lower it to sprint, raise it to survive.
Advanced Mechanics
Once you master the basics, try these:
Kick (E): Stuns an enemy who is turtling behind a shield.
Shield Bash (Hold Block + E): Knocks back an enemy, interrupting their attack.
Chambering: Blocking an attack with your own attack. This is extremely difficult but allows for instant counters.
Mounted Combat
Fighting from a horse requires momentum.
Speed Bonus: The faster you ride, the more damage you deal. A stationary hit might do 20 damage; a full gallop hit might do 200.
Couch Lance (X): If you have a lance with the "Couchable" tag, press X when riding fast. Your character lowers the lance. Any enemy you touch will die instantly. No clicking required.
Controls Cheatsheet
| Action | Key (Default) | Note |
| Attack / Block | Left / Right Mouse | Directional |
| Interact / Pick Up | F | Loot, Doors, Talk |
| Kick / Bash | E | Timing is key |
| Sheath Weapon | \ (Backslash) | Or scroll wheel |
| Zoom | Shift | For aiming bows |
| Couch Lance | X | Must be fast |
| Select All Troops | 0 | Command Phase |
| Select Group 1 (Infantry) | 1 | Command Phase |
| Select Group 2 (Archers) | 2 | Command Phase |
| Select Group 3 (Cav) | 3 | Command Phase |
Issuing Orders
You don't just fight for yourself. You command the army.
F1 (Movement): Tell troops where to go.
F2 (Formations): Shield Wall, Circle, Square.
F3 (Fire): Fire at Will / Hold Fire.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don't learn on the battlefield where death means captivity.
Training Fields: Tutorial areas with non-lethal sparring.
Arenas: Every town has an arena. Join practice fights to level up your skills safely and earn small amounts of gold.
For more advanced army movements, see Combat & Battle Tactics.