How to Form an Army in Bannerlord: A Comprehensive Guide
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is an epic medieval sandbox game that allows players to immerse themselves in a dynamic and vast world. One of the key aspects of the game is building and leading your own army. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to form an army in Bannerlord, with all the necessary information and tips you need to know.
Step 1: Recruit Troops
To form an army, you first need troops. In the early stages, recruit troops from villages, taverns, or by capturing enemy soldiers in battles. Make sure to choose a diverse range of troops, including infantry, archers, and cavalry, to create a balanced army.
Step 2: Increase Your Party Size
As a beginner, your party size will be limited. To increase it, level up your character’s Steward skill, which directly affects the maximum number of troops you can have in your army. Additionally, maintaining a high morale and having enough food supplies will also contribute to increasing your party size.
Step 3: Create a Clan
To form an army, you need to establish your own clan. This can be done by speaking to a noble in one of the game’s factions and pledging your loyalty. Once you have your own clan, you can recruit and command your own troops.
Step 4: Appoint Companions as Party Leaders
As your army grows, it becomes essential to divide it into smaller parties. Appoint your companions as party leaders and give them troops to command. This will allow you to control different groups of soldiers simultaneously, making your army more versatile and efficient.
Step 5: Upgrade Troops
To strengthen your army, you must regularly upgrade your troops. Visit towns and castles to access military recruitment trees, where you can upgrade your soldiers to more powerful variants. Upgraded troops have higher stats and better equipment, making them vital in battles.
Step 6: Train Troops
Ensure that you invest time in training your troops. By defeating enemy parties or utilizing training fields found in cities, you can level up your soldiers to make them stronger and more effective in combat. Well-trained troops can turn the tide of a battle in your favor.
Step 7: Maintain Morale and Pay Your Troops
Keep your troops happy by maintaining a high morale. This can be achieved by winning battles, paying your soldiers on time, and ensuring they have enough food. A high morale will boost your army’s combat effectiveness and prevent desertions.
Step 8: Engage in Battles and Sieges
As your army grows, you will inevitably face battles and sieges. Engage in these encounters strategically by utilizing terrain, formations, and tactics. Coordinate with your companion-led parties and lead your troops to victory.
Step 9: Manage Prisoners and Loot
After battles, you can take prisoners and loot the defeated enemies. Manage your prisoners by either recruiting them, ransoming them for money, or releasing them. The loot acquired can be sold for profit or used to equip your troops.
Step 10: Establish Alliances and Vassalage
As your influence in the game world increases, consider establishing alliances or seeking vassalage with a faction. This will provide additional benefits and allow you to participate in larger-scale battles and sieges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How many troops can I have in my army?
The maximum number of troops you can have in your army is determined by your character’s Steward skill and party size.
2. Can I recruit troops from any faction?
Yes, you can recruit troops from any faction, but be aware that recruiting enemy soldiers may negatively affect your relations with their faction.
3. How do I increase my party size?
Level up your character’s Steward skill, maintain high morale, and have enough food supplies to increase your party size.
4. How do I upgrade troops?
Visit towns and castles to access military recruitment trees, which allow you to upgrade your troops to more powerful variants.
5. How do I train troops?
Defeat enemy parties or utilize training fields in cities to level up your troops.
6. Can I control multiple parties at once?
Yes, you can appoint companions as party leaders to control multiple groups of soldiers simultaneously.
7. How do I maintain morale?
Win battles, pay your troops on time, and ensure they have enough food to maintain high morale.
8. What should I do with prisoners?
You can recruit them, ransom them for money, or release them.
9. Can I establish alliances or become a vassal?
Yes, as your influence grows, you can establish alliances or seek vassalage with a faction.
10. How do I participate in larger-scale battles and sieges?
Establishing alliances or vassalage will provide opportunities to participate in larger-scale battles and sieges.
11. Can I customize my army’s banner?
Yes, you can customize your army’s banner through the game’s customization options.
12. Can I have a mix of troops from different factions?
Yes, you can recruit troops from different factions to create a diverse army.
Forming and leading an army in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a thrilling experience that requires strategic thinking, management skills, and combat expertise. By following this guide and implementing the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to building a formidable force and conquering the land. So, gather your troops, hone your skills, and embark on a journey of epic proportions!