Getting Started with Bannerlord 2

November 21, 2025

Beginner-friendly primer on what Bannerlord 2 is, key game modes, and early steps.

Getting Started with Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Welcome to Calradia, warrior. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a vast sandbox RPG that can be overwhelming at first. You are dropped into a war-torn world with nothing but a horse, a sword, and a handful of Denars. This guide will help you survive your first week and lay the foundation for your future empire.

Bannerlord Beginner Guide Thumbnail Your journey from a lone wanderer to Emperor starts here.

Campaign vs. Sandbox

When you start a new game, you have two choices:

  • Campaign Mode: Follows a storyline involving your family and the Dragon Banner. Recommended for beginners. You get siblings who act as powerful, free companions.

  • Sandbox Mode: No story, no family. Just you and the world. Best for roleplaying specific scenarios or veteran runs.

Character Creation

Character Creation and New Start Choosing your culture is the only permanent choice. Choose wisely.

Culture Choice

Every culture has a permanent buff and debuff.

  • Battania: +50% less speed penalty in forests. Top Tier. Speed is king.

  • Empire: -20% garrison wages. Great for late-game kingdom builders.

  • Vlandia: +20% mercenary income. Good for early game.

  • Khuzait: Cheaper recruiting of horse archers.

For a deep dive, see Character Creation & Culture Choice.

Attributes vs. Skills

When picking your background, prioritize Attributes (Vigor, Control, Endurance, etc.) over Focus Points. You can easily level up skills by using them, but Attributes are very hard to increase later.

Quick Glossary

  • Denars: Gold. You need this for food, wages, and gear.

  • Renown: Your fame. Gained from battles and tournaments. You need 50 Renown to reach Clan Tier 1 (becoming a Mercenary).

  • Influence: Political currency. Used to vote and form armies. See Gaining Influence.

  • Fiefs: Settlements (Towns and Castles) that you own.

Your First 7 Days: A Survival Plan

Early Game Strategy Guide Don't fight lords yet. Stick to looters and tournaments.

Days 1-2: Recruitment & Food

  1. Visit nearby villages.

  2. Recruit Imperial Recruits or whatever is available. Aim for 10-15 men.

  3. Buy Grain from the village. It's cheap and keeps your men fed.

  4. Fight Looters. Looters are the weakest bandits. They mostly throw stones. Order your troops to Charge (F1, F3) or let them hold fire until close.

Days 3-5: The Tournament Circuit

Once you have a small band, travel to a Town. Check the Arena.

  • Practice Fights: Good for learning combat and earning small change.

  • Tournaments: If a tournament is happening, join it! You can bet on yourself to make real money. The prizes (armor, horses) are often worth thousands of Denars.

  • See our Tournaments & Arena Guide.

Days 6-7: Expansion

  • Clan Tier 1: Keep fighting looters and doing tournaments until you hit Clan Tier 1.

  • Companions: Go to the Tavern in any town. Hire a companion (look for "The Healer" or "The Scout").

  • Mercenary Work: Once you are Tier 1, find a Lord and offer your sword as a mercenary. This will start paying you influence-converted-to-gold.

Essential Guides for New Players

Good luck, and may your blade stay sharp!

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