Economy & Trade Systems

Bannerlord features a simulated economy where prices are driven by supply, demand, and consumption. Understanding these systems allows you to manipulate markets and maximize profits.

Deep Dive Mechanics

Price Calculation

Price is not static. It follows a curve based on Supply vs. Average Value.

• If a town has 0 Grain, the price might be 30.

• If a town has 1000 Grain, the price might be 6.

Demand Sources

• Town Consumption: Towns eat food daily based on Hearth/Prosperity count.

• Workshops: Consumes raw materials (e.g., Iron Ore) to make finished goods (Tools/Weapons).

• Armies: When an army visits a town, they buy huge amounts of food, spiking the price.

Global Economy & War

War is the biggest disruptor of the economy.

• Sieges: A besieged town cannot trade. Goods pile up outside or run out inside.

• Raids: Raided villages stop production. This starves the linked town of raw materials.

Profiting from War: Savvy traders follow armies. When an army besieges a town, wait for the siege to end (or break). The newly liberated town will be starving. Sell them food at a 300% markup.

Village Production

Villages are the primary producers.

• Production: Villages produce goods daily (Grain, Hardwood, Ore, etc.).

• Transport: Villagers physically carry goods to the nearest town.

• Interception: If bandits kill the villagers, the town never gets the goods.

Caravan AI

NPC Caravans attempt to buy low and sell high, just like you. However, they also serve to normalize prices across the map.

• Impact: If you have many caravans running, they effectively spread resources from your rich towns to poor ones, which can help stabilize your kingdom's economy.

For basics, see Economy and Trade Basics.