Economy & Trade Guide

A strong economy allows you to field elite armies and conquer Calradia. This guide serves as a central hub for all economic activities in Bannerlord.

Introduction

War costs money. Peace costs money. In Bannerlord, economic power is political power. You can buy fiefs with the Trade 300 perk, or simply bribe lords to join your side.

Active Trading

Active trading involves buying goods where they are cheap and travelling to sell them where they are expensive.

• Buy Low: Look for green prices.

• Sell High: Look for red prices.

• Inventory Capacity: Use Mule or Sumpter Horses to increase carry weight, but watch your Party Speed (herd penalty).

See Trading Routes & Goods for specific loops.

Passive Income

Once you have gold, make it work for you.

Workshops

Workshops are low-risk, medium-reward. They reside in towns and produce goods.

• Pros: Safe, steady income.

• Cons: Capped income (~200-500/day).

• Strategy: Match the workshop to the town's input villages (e.g., Olive Press in Jaculan). See Workshops Guide.

Caravans

Caravans are high-risk, high-reward.

• Pros: Can make 1,000+/day.

• Cons: Can be destroyed by bandits or enemy lords.

• Strategy: Use companions with high Scouting and Trade. See Caravans Guide.

Fief Economy

As a vassal or king, your biggest income source will be taxes and tariffs.

• Taxes: From town/village prosperity.

• Tariffs: From caravans and villagers entering your town.

Maximize these by keeping the region safe and passing economic Kingdom Policies.

Summary Checklist

• Early Game: Farm tournaments and looters. Start manual trading.

• Mid Game: Buy workshops to cover party wages. Start caravans.

• Late Game: Manage fief prosperity. Use Smithing for massive cash injections.

For a general money-making overview, visit Economy and Money Making Guide.