Understanding Army Limits in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
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The question of army size in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is deceptively complex. The game doesn’t impose a hard, absolute limit on the number of troops you can command in a single party. Instead, army size is determined by a combination of factors: your Party Size Limit, the Battle Size setting, and mechanics related to forming and commanding Armies as a kingdom ruler or high-level clan leader.
Your individual Party Size Limit is the most immediate constraint. This is the maximum number of troops you can personally have in your party. It increases based on:
- Clan Tier: Higher clan tiers grant higher base party sizes.
- Leadership Skill: Your character’s leadership skill directly boosts party size.
- Steward Skill: A skilled steward assigned as your quartermaster also contributes to party size.
- Clan Policies: Certain clan policies provide additional party size bonuses.
- Character Perks: Choosing perks that increase party size during character level-up.
However, this personal party size limit is just one piece of the puzzle. The Battle Size setting significantly affects how many troops can be present on the battlefield at any given time.
The Battle Size setting is adjustable in the game’s options. It controls the maximum number of units that can participate in a battle from all sides combined. If you set the battle size to 1,000, that means a maximum of 1,000 troops can be fighting on the field at once, divided between your side and the enemy’s. As suggested, “Its capped at 1,000 units I believe (but you can lower it in settings). Each army brings a percentage of that 1,000 based on their army size (equal army sizes=both at 500 troops, one larger than other could be like 600 vs 400, etc).”
It’s important to realize that a larger battle size setting demands more from your computer’s hardware. Lower-end systems may experience performance issues with larger battle sizes. Experiment to find a balance between visual scale and smooth gameplay.
Finally, as a kingdom ruler or a clan leader with significant influence, you can form Armies. Armies are groups of parties brought together under your command. While you still have your individual party size limit, the army itself can contain many more troops. Each party within the army contributes its units to the overall force. The limit to how many parties and, subsequently, troops can be included in an army depends on your influence and the cohesion of your kingdom.
Now, let’s dive into some of the most common questions players have about army sizes in Bannerlord.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What is the optimal battle size setting?
The “optimal” battle size is subjective and depends on your computer’s capabilities. Many players recommend setting it to the highest level your machine can handle while maintaining a stable frame rate (at least 30 FPS). Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you. A good starting point is 500, and gradually increase it until you notice performance degradation.
H3 How do I increase my party size limit?
Primarily through leveling up your Leadership skill. Also focus on increasing your Clan Tier, selecting leadership/steward perks, and choosing clan policies that grant party size bonuses. Appointing a skilled quartermaster helps as well.
H3 What are the best clan policies for increasing party size?
Policies that increase leadership skill or steward skill amongst your clan members are the most effective. Certain policies directly state that they give increased party size. Read each policy carefully before implementing it.
H3 Does my character’s culture affect party size?
No, culture does not directly affect your party size limit. However, culture can influence the availability of certain troops, and indirectly affects the type of perks that would be most useful to your character.
H3 How does influence affect army size?
Influence is crucial for maintaining and leading armies. The more influence you have, the longer you can keep armies together and the more easily you can call other lords to join your banner. Influence decays over time when armies are active, so a consistent income of influence is vital for sustained campaigns. There are also other advantages to consider, such as those explained on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
H3 Can companions lead parties, and how does that affect my main party size?
Yes, companions can lead their own parties. These parties operate independently and do not directly affect your main party size limit. However, they contribute to the overall strength of your clan or kingdom and can be called to join your armies.
H3 What is the best troop composition for a large army?
A balanced army is usually the most effective. Include a mix of:
- Heavy infantry: To form a solid defensive line.
- Archers: To provide ranged support and weaken enemy formations.
- Cavalry: For flanking maneuvers and shock attacks.
- Horse archers: Excellent for harassing enemies and picking off isolated targets.
Consider the terrain and the likely enemy composition when choosing your troop types.
H3 How does morale affect army performance?
Morale is crucial. Low morale leads to desertions and decreased combat effectiveness. Keep your troops well-fed, pay them regularly, and ensure they have victories to boost their morale. Different troop types have different morale characteristics as well.
H3 What happens if I exceed my party size limit?
Exceeding your party size limit results in significant penalties, including decreased morale, increased food consumption, and reduced party speed. It’s always best to stay within your limit.
H3 How do I replenish my army after a major battle?
The easiest way is to recruit troops from villages and towns. Keep an eye out for villages with high recruitment levels. You can also rescue prisoners from battles and recruit them into your ranks. Another option is to promote existing troops to higher tiers.
H3 Is it worth creating multiple parties in Bannerlord?
Yes, it can be very beneficial. Parties can patrol your lands, defend against bandits, and contribute to your armies. They also provide training opportunities for your companions. However, be mindful of the cost of maintaining multiple parties.
H3 What is the best way to manage army wages?
Focus on recruiting lower-tier troops in the early game to keep wages down. As your economy grows, you can gradually upgrade your troops. Also, consider using clan policies and perks that reduce party wages.
H3 How do I increase party speed in Bannerlord?
Having more horses and pack animals in your party is the primary factor that increases the speed. Keep your inventory light, and avoid carrying too much loot. Additionally, there are perks that can increase party speed.
H3 How to win outnumbered battles in Bannerlord?
Utilize terrain to your advantage. Chokepoints can negate enemy numerical superiority. Effective use of archers and cavalry flanking maneuvers can also turn the tide of battle. “When fighting large groups, always try to move backwards at all times, but also move in such a way that the front target blocks the path of those behind him, making only a single enemy able to attack.” Also, having high-tier troops greatly improves your chances in an outnumbered battle.
H3 What is the maximum clan size in Bannerlord?
“The clan member limit seems to be capped at around 55-60.”
Hopefully, this information gives you a solid understanding of army sizes and related mechanics in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Experiment, adapt, and conquer Calradia! Good luck, and see you on the battlefield!