The Khuzait Khanate: Lords of the Steppe

The Khuzait Khanate is the scourge of the east. Inspired by the Mongol and Turkic steppe empires, they are the undisputed masters of mobile warfare in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Led by the ambitious Monchug Khan, the Khuzaits seek to unite the steppe clans and overrun the sedentary kingdoms of Calradia.

If you enjoy speed, horse archery, and watching enemy infantry break formation in panic, the Khuzait are the faction for you.

Culture Bonuses

The Khuzait culture bonus is arguably the strongest for campaign map mobility:

• +10% speed bonus for horsemen on the campaign map.

• -20% production cost for castles.

• +10% recruitment of mounted troops.

This speed bonus allows Khuzait armies to catch smaller parties (like caravans) or escape larger armies with ease. In the late game, this mobility is crucial for responding to sieges across a large empire.

Military Strength: The Horse Archer Meta

The core of the Khuzait military is the Horse Archer. While other factions have cavalry, none can match the sheer volume and quality of the Khuzait ranged cavalry.

Strengths

• Mobility: Their armies are fast on the map and on the battlefield.

• Firepower: The Khan's Guard is widely considered the best unit in the game, wielding a deadly glaive for melee and a noble bow for range.

• Ease of Recruitment: Even their basic recruits can be upgraded to mounted units quickly.

Weaknesses

• Sieges: Historically, their infantry is weaker than the Empire or Sturgia, making castle assaults costly.

• Cost: Maintaining a full cavalry army requires a lot of warhorses and high wages.

• Terrain: They suffer in dense forests or village scenes where horses lose their maneuverability.

Economy & Geography

The Khuzait lands are vast, flat steppes located in the eastern part of Calradia. Key cities include Makeb, Baltakhand, and Ortongard.

• Resources: The region is rich in Wool, Hides, and Horses.

• Trade: Caravans moving from the Khuzait lands to the Empire often make huge profits selling horses and steppe goods.

Strategy & Counterplay

Playing as the Khuzait

• Field Battles: Use the Circle Formation (Cantabrian Circle) for your horse archers to harass the enemy while your heavy lancers wait to charge.

• Hit and Run: Use your map speed to pick favorable fights.

• Siege Defense: Force enemies to fight you in the open field by breaking sieges from the outside.

Fighting Against the Khuzait

• Terrain: Force them to fight in forests or hilly terrain.

• Shield Walls: A tight Square Formation with shields facing out can absorb arrows.

• Spears: Use spearmen to stop their cavalry charges.

For a detailed look at their units, check the Khuzait Troop Tree.

Recommended Builds

• The Khan: Focus on Riding and Bow skills.

• The Outrider: Focus on Scouting to maximize movement speed.

For more on army composition, see Best Cavalry Units and Party Speed Optimization.