Dominating Calradia: Your Guide to the Best Recruits in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
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The plains of Calradia are vast, the battles are fierce, and your success hinges on the strength of your warband. Knowing who to recruit in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is paramount to establishing your dominance. The best recruits in Bannerlord aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the highest tier soldiers initially. Instead, they are those with the most efficient upgrade paths, the best cost-to-effectiveness ratio, and those who complement your strategic goals. Some outstanding early recruits include Battanian Highborn Youth, renowned for their upgrade path into Fian Champions, and Vlandian Recruits, which ultimately become Vlandian Sharpshooters and Banner Knights, deadly ranged and melee cavalry units respectively. Also consider the potential in early game Imperial Recruits with their versatile upgrade paths to Legionaries and Bucellarii. Early game also consider Steppe Bandits, or Sea Raider Warriors for your skirmishing and raiding needs.
Building Your Warband: Faction-Specific Powerhouses
While universally “best” recruits are difficult to pinpoint due to varied playstyles and strategic needs, certain faction troops stand out for their potential.
Vlandia: The Cavalry Kings
- Vlandian Recruit: Their upgrade path is a dream. They can become Vlandian Sharpshooters, exceptional archers who can hold their own in melee, or the feared Vlandian Banner Knights, arguably the best heavy cavalry in the game. Start recruiting in Vlandian villages and focus on high relations to get access to more of these units.
Empire: The Disciplined Force
- Imperial Recruit: A versatile option, leading to Imperial Legionaries, some of the most durable and well-equipped infantry, or Imperial Bucellarii, effective horse archers. The Empire offers balanced units, essential for diverse battle tactics. Alternatively they can be developed into Imperial Elite Cataphracts, also considered some of the best heavy cavalry units in the game. Also consider Imperial Palatine Guard known for their martial ability.
Battania: The Forest Warriors
- Battanian Highborn Youth: These nobles are the key to unlocking Fian Champions, arguably the best archers in the game. Their accuracy and melee prowess make them invaluable. The challenge lies in finding them and managing their relatively high cost.
Khuzait: The Horse Lords
- While Khuzait don’t necessarily have a standout “recruit,” focusing on Khuzait Tribal Warriors is crucial. These lead to the terrifying Khuzait Khan’s Guard, some of the most effective horse archers on the battlefield. Their speed and ranged power can devastate enemy formations.
Aserai: The Desert Fighters
- Aserai Recruit: These can be upgraded into Aserai Mameluke Heavy Cavalry, powerful heavy cavalry suited to the desert terrain. Their ability to charge effectively and withstand harsh conditions makes them a valuable asset in the Aserai region. Some develop into Aserai Vanguard Faris also.
Beyond Faction Troops: Mercenaries and Outlaws
Don’t overlook the potential of mercenaries and outlaw units.
- Sea Raider Warrior: Tough and versatile, Sea Raiders provide a solid early-game force, particularly for raiding and skirmishing.
- Steppe Bandit: Fast and cheap, Steppe Bandits are excellent for harassing enemies, scouting, and disrupting supply lines. Their speed makes them perfect for guerilla warfare.
- Bedouin Rover: Quick and cunning.
- Bushwacker: Adaptable and opportunistic.
The Importance of Training and Upgrading
Recruiting is only the first step. Consistent training and strategic upgrading are vital. Focus on developing your recruits along specific upgrade paths to maximize their effectiveness. Invest in a skilled trainer companion to accelerate the process. Also, keep in mind that the best recruits on paper are useless unless you have the leadership skills, food, and money to sustain them.
Location, Location, Location
The best place to recruit in Bannerlord varies depending on your desired units. Factions’ homeland territories will provide the most opportunities for their respective troop types. Prioritize building relationships with villages to increase the quality and quantity of available recruits. Check taverns for unique mercenary options. Completing quests for villages improves their relationship with you and can improve recruit quality and quantity.
Choosing Your Path to Victory
Ultimately, the best recruits in Bannerlord are those that align with your strategic vision and playstyle. Experiment with different units, explore various upgrade paths, and adapt your recruitment strategy to the ever-changing political landscape of Calradia. Every playthrough is different, so adaptability is key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the single most overpowered unit in Bannerlord?
While balance adjustments are frequent, the Fian Champion is consistently considered one of the strongest units. Their incredible archery skill combined with surprising melee effectiveness makes them devastating in almost any scenario.
2. How do I recruit better troops?
Improving your relationship with villages is crucial. Completing quests, trading fairly, and protecting them from bandits will increase the quality of recruits available. Also, increase your clan tier. The higher your clan tier, the more troops you can recruit.
3. Is it worth recruiting prisoners?
Yes, recruiting prisoners is an excellent way to bolster your ranks, especially in the early game. It can be a much cheaper alternative to recruiting directly from villages. Higher tier prisoners often have high stats and the option to recruit prisoners should always be considered.
4. Which faction has the easiest early game?
Vlandia is often cited as having a relatively easy start due to their strong cavalry and advantageous geographical position.
5. How do I find companions with specific skills?
Visit taverns in different towns and look for companions with the desired skills, such as scouting, medicine, or engineering. Recruit companions based on your individual needs. The article notes “The Falcon” is a good Tactics companion or “Of The Wastes” is a good scout.
6. What is the best way to train my troops quickly?
Investing in a companion with high trainer skill is essential. Also, engaging in battles against weaker opponents will provide valuable experience for your troops.
7. Should I focus on one troop type or diversify?
A balanced army is generally recommended. However, focusing on a specific troop type can be effective if you tailor your tactics accordingly.
8. What is the best weapon for my character?
This depends on your playstyle. Two-handed swords are powerful but slow, while one-handed swords offer better speed and defense. Polearms excel at range, and bows are ideal for mounted combat. Choose a weapon that complements your skills and preferences.
9. How important is armor?
Armor is crucial for survival. Invest in the best armor you can afford to increase your character’s and your troops’ resilience in battle.
10. How do I increase my leadership skill?
Leading troops into battle, winning victories, and maintaining high morale will increase your leadership skill.
11. What is the best way to make money?
Trading, completing quests, and raiding enemy caravans are all effective ways to earn money. Establishing workshops in prosperous towns can also provide a steady income stream.
12. How do I capture castles and towns?
Siege warfare is complex. Build siege engines, weaken the garrison with ranged attacks, and then assault the walls. A well-coordinated attack with a strong force is essential.
13. What is the best faction to join?
This depends on your goals and playstyle. Each faction has its own strengths and weaknesses. Choose a faction that aligns with your desired role in Calradia.
14. Can I create my own kingdom?
Yes, you can create your own kingdom by capturing a town or castle and declaring independence. Be prepared for war, as existing factions will likely try to eliminate you.
15. Where can I learn more about the game?
Consult online guides, forums, and communities for additional tips and strategies. Consider resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) for insights into strategic thinking and problem-solving that can be applied within the game.
By mastering the art of recruitment and understanding the intricacies of troop management, you will be well on your way to conquering Calradia and becoming the true Bannerlord. Good luck, commander!