Mastering the Mid-Game: Identifying the Best Tier 2 Units in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

The early game of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a brutal proving ground. Lords are constantly at war, bandits roam freely, and your fledgling warband is likely composed of desperate peasants armed with pitchforks. Surviving, let alone thriving, requires shrewd decision-making, and one of the most critical choices you’ll make is which Tier 2 units to recruit. These troops are your bridge between utter weakness and a force capable of holding its own on the battlefield. So, which is the best?

While there’s no single “best” unit for every situation, the Imperial Trained Infantryman stands out as arguably the most versatile and effective Tier 2 unit available. Their combination of decent armor, a shield, a sword, and throwing weapons makes them effective against a wide variety of threats, offering excellent value for their cost and accessibility. They form a solid core for any early-game army.

Why Tier 2 Matters

Before diving deeper, it’s crucial to understand why Tier 2 units are so important. They represent a significant power jump from Tier 1 recruits, offering improved stats, better equipment, and access to battlefield roles that basic troops can’t fulfill. Investing in Tier 2 units allows you to:

• Survive early-game encounters: They are significantly tougher than recruits, allowing you to take on larger bandit groups and even small lord parties.
• Act as a stepping stone: They provide a base upon which to build your army, allowing you to gradually upgrade them to higher-tier troops.
• Economical advantage: They are relatively inexpensive to recruit and maintain compared to higher-tier units, making them a cost-effective option for expanding your forces quickly.
• Versatility in early battles: Tier 2 units can fill various roles, such as archers or spearmen, and are quite flexible to fight with in early battles.

The Contenders: Tier 2 Units Analyzed

While the Imperial Trained Infantryman is a strong contender, it’s important to consider other Tier 2 units and their specific strengths and weaknesses.

Imperial Units: A Solid Foundation

• Imperial Trained Infantryman: As mentioned above, their versatility is their greatest strength. They are effective in melee combat, can withstand a decent amount of punishment, and can soften up enemies with javelins before the lines clash.
• Imperial Archer: While not as devastating as higher-tier archers, they provide crucial ranged support in the early game. Their accuracy and rate of fire are significantly better than basic recruits.

Vlandian Units: Heavy Hitters on a Budget

• Vlandian Footman: Vlandia’s Tier 2 infantry offer a notable upgrade in armor and melee capabilities compared to lower-tier units. They are primarily frontline fighters, ideal for holding the line.
• Vlandian Skirmisher: These javelin throwers can be valuable for harassing enemies before a clash or disrupting cavalry charges. However, they are vulnerable in melee combat.

Battanian Units: Skirmishing and Ambush Tactics

• Battanian Skirmisher: Similar to the Vlandian Skirmisher, they excel at harassing enemies with javelins. However, Battanian units tend to be less heavily armored.
• Battanian Trained Warrior: Can hold the line in early skirmishes, but outshined by the later units for holding formations.

Sturgian Units: Shield Walls and Northern Steel

• Sturgian Brigand: A hardy melee unit with a decent shield and axe. They are effective in close-quarters combat and can withstand a good amount of punishment.
• Sturgian Footman: Heavily armored melee troops can be used as a strong front line, and are typically better than counterparts due to the Sturgian bonus to infantry.

Aserai Units: Desert Warriors

• Aserai Tribal Warrior: They are relatively quick and can excel in desert environments.
• Aserai Tribesman: Armed with melee weapons and shields, Tribesmen can withstand attacks from enemies and allow time for other units to charge.

Khuzait Units: Horse Archers in the Making

• Khuzait Tribal Warrior: Lightly armored, and weak in melee combat.
• Khuzait Horseman: Can skirmish, but is more vulnerable to enemy archers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tier 2 Units

Ultimately, the “best” Tier 2 unit for you will depend on several factors:

• Your playstyle: Do you prefer heavy infantry, ranged support, or a balanced approach?
• Your faction: Some factions have access to better Tier 2 units than others.
• Your economy: Can you afford to recruit and maintain a large number of more expensive units?
• The enemy you’re facing: Different units are effective against different enemy types. For instance, Sturgian Brigands are effective against light cavarly.
• Your long-term strategy: How do these Tier 2 units upgrade to higher tiers? Consider the end-game troops you want to build towards.

The Verdict

While the Imperial Trained Infantryman offers a well-rounded package, don’t be afraid to experiment with other Tier 2 units. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and how they fit into your overall army composition, is key to success in Bannerlord.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tier 2 Units

1. How important is unit composition in Bannerlord?

Unit composition is crucial. A balanced army with infantry, archers, and cavalry is generally more effective than an army composed of a single unit type. Understanding unit strengths and weaknesses is key to victory. You can learn more about strategic gameplay and its impact on learning outcomes through resources provided by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

2. What’s the best way to upgrade Tier 2 units?

The fastest way is through combat. Units gain experience from fighting and will automatically upgrade when they reach the required experience threshold. Having a skilled trainer in your party can significantly speed up the training process.

3. Should I focus on quantity or quality when building my early army?

In the early game, quantity is often more important than quality. A large force of Tier 2 units can overwhelm smaller, elite forces. As you progress, you can gradually upgrade to higher-tier troops.

4. How can I improve the survival rate of my Tier 2 units?

Proper tactics are key. Use shield walls to protect your infantry from ranged fire, position your archers on high ground, and use cavalry to flank the enemy. Also, investing in the Medicine skill will reduce casualties in your party.

5. Are there any Tier 2 units that are particularly good against cavalry?

Sturgian Brigands are often used to counter enemy horses. Their combination of a shield and melee skills allow them to withstand charges and engage in effective melee combat.

6. How much do Tier 2 units typically cost to recruit and maintain?

Recruitment costs vary depending on the unit type and your relations with the settlement. However, Tier 2 units are generally quite affordable. Maintenance costs are also relatively low, making them a cost-effective option for building your army.

7. Can Tier 2 units hold their own against higher-tier troops?

In a straight-up fight, higher-tier troops will usually win. However, with clever tactics and terrain advantages, Tier 2 units can still be effective against them. Also, overwhelming numbers can often overcome superior quality.

8. Which skills are most important for leading Tier 2 units?

Leadership, Tactics, and Stewardship are all crucial. Leadership allows you to command larger armies, Tactics helps you deploy your troops effectively on the battlefield, and Stewardship helps you manage your finances.

9. How do I know which Tier 2 units are available in a particular settlement?

Visit the settlement and speak to the local notables. They will often have recruitment options available. The availability of specific units depends on the culture of the settlement and your relations with the notables.

10. Is it worth investing in companion parties in the early game?

Yes! Companion parties can significantly increase your overall strength. Equip them with decent troops (including Tier 2 units), and they can patrol your territory, hunt down bandits, and even participate in battles alongside you.

11. How does morale affect the performance of Tier 2 units?

Low morale can lead to desertion and decreased combat effectiveness. Keep your troops well-fed, pay them regularly, and win battles to maintain high morale.

12. What are some common mistakes players make when using Tier 2 units?

• Overextending and engaging in battles against superior forces.
• Failing to properly equip and upgrade their troops.
• Neglecting to use tactics and relying solely on brute force.
• Ignoring morale and allowing their troops to desert.

13. How does smithing impact the effectiveness of Tier 2 units?

Smithing allows you to craft better weapons and armor for your troops. Equipping your Tier 2 units with higher-quality gear can significantly improve their combat performance.

14. Are there any unique Tier 2 units that are worth seeking out?

Some mercenary companies offer unique Tier 2 units with special abilities or equipment. These units can be valuable additions to your army, but they often come at a higher cost.

15. How important is troop training in Bannerlord?

Troop training is very important. Having a party member with a high trainer skill will significantly increase the speed at which your units level up, transforming your Tier 2 units into an elite fighting force.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different Tier 2 units, and by employing smart tactics and strategic decision-making, you can build a formidable army and carve your own path to glory in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Good luck, and may fortune favor your banner!