Noble Troops Guide
November 21, 2025
A focused guide on the elite unit lines.
In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, not all recruits are created equal. Most villages offer the standard "Common" troop line (Recruit -> Footman -> Infantry). However, certain villages associated with powerful notables offer the Noble Troop line.
These units start at Tier 2 (instead of Tier 1) and upgrade into the most powerful units in the game, typically heavy cavalry (with one notable exception).
This guide breaks down the elite noble units of each faction and how they compare.
Vlandia: Banner Knights
Role: Heavy Shock Cavalry
Top Tier: Vlandian Banner Knight
Weapon: Couchable Lance
The Banner Knight is the quintessential western knight. Clad in heavy plate and riding a powerful armored horse, their charge damage is devastating. They excel on flat terrain where they can couch their lances and run through infantry lines. They are arguably the best "charge" cavalry in the game.
Empire: Elite Cataphracts
Role: Super-Heavy Cavalry
Top Tier: Imperial Elite Cataphract
Weapon: Kontos (Lance) & Heavy Armor
The Cataphract is a tank on hooves. They have the highest armor values of any unit. While their charge might be slightly less explosive than the Vlandians, their survivability is unmatched. They excel in prolonged melees where other cavalry might fall. If you want a unit that simply won't die, pick the Cataphract.
Sturgia: Druzhinnik Champions
Role: Heavy Cavalry / Heavy Infantry Hybrid
Top Tier: Sturgian Druzhinnik Champion
Weapon: Lance & Shield
Sturgia is an infantry faction, and their noble cavalry reflects this. The Druzhinnik is a competent cavalry unit, but they are unique in that they are excellent when dismounted. If their horse dies (or if you order them to dismount), they fight as elite infantry with large round shields and heavy axes. This makes them versatile in sieges.
Khuzait: Khan's Guard
Role: Horse Archer (with a glaive)
Top Tier: Khuzait Khan's Guard
Weapon: Noble Bow & Glaive
Often cited as the strongest unit in the game, the Khan's Guard is a terror. They are elite horse archers with pinpoint accuracy. However, unlike regular horse archers, they carry a two-handed glaive. This means once they run out of arrows, they can charge in and decimate infantry with swinging polearm attacks. They dominate almost every field battle.
Aserai: Vanguard Faris
Role: Skirmisher Cavalry
Top Tier: Aserai Vanguard Faris
Weapon: Jereed (Javelin) & Lance
The Faris is a deadly skirmisher. Before they charge, they unleash a volley of high-damage javelins that can one-shot enemies. They are incredibly fast and effective at harassing enemy flanks. Their javelins make them dangerous even before they make contact.
Battania: Fian Champions
Role: Elite Archer (Infantry)
Top Tier: Battanian Fian Champion
Weapon: Noble Longbow & Two-Handed Sword
Battania is the only faction without a noble cavalry line. Instead, they get the Fian Champion. These are the best archers in Calradia, period.
Range & Damage: Unmatched. They outrange everyone.
Melee: They carry elite two-handed swords. If cavalry reaches them, the Fians can often cut them down.
Tactics: Place them on a hill and watch the enemy melt.
Comparison and Strategy
Best Charge: Vlandian Banner Knight.
Best Durability: Imperial Elite Cataphract.
Best DPS: Khuzait Khan's Guard.
Best Ranged: Battanian Fian Champion.
Building an army of noble troops is expensive and time-consuming, as they are harder to recruit. However, a core of 20-30 of these elites can turn the tide of battle against hundreds of peasants.