best infantry bannerlord

3 min read 02-03-2025

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a wide variety of infantry units, each with strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right troops for your army is crucial for success in battle. This guide will explore some of the best infantry units in the game, considering their effectiveness in various combat situations. We'll discuss their pros, cons, and ideal roles within a larger army composition.

Tier 1: Exceptional Infantry Choices

These units consistently perform exceptionally well across a range of scenarios. They are often worth the investment, even at higher costs.

1. Imperial Legionaries (Imperial Empire)

Strengths: High defense, excellent melee prowess, good discipline. They form a solid, reliable front line that can withstand heavy attacks.
Weaknesses: Relatively slow, can be expensive to recruit and maintain.
Ideal Role: Main line infantry, holding the center of your battle line. Excellent for absorbing enemy charges.

2. Sturgian Veteran Infantry (Sturgia)

Strengths: High melee stats, good armor, capable of breaking enemy lines. Known for their powerful two-handed axes.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to ranged attacks, relatively slow movement.
Ideal Role: Flanking maneuvers, breaking enemy formations. Their high damage output is devastating when used effectively.

3. Khuzait Sergeants (Khuzait)

Strengths: Excellent melee combat, surprisingly durable despite lighter armor. Their mobility makes them adaptable to various battle scenarios.
Weaknesses: Can be more vulnerable than heavier infantry to strong cavalry charges.
Ideal Role: Flanking, hit-and-run tactics. Their speed allows them to exploit gaps in the enemy lines.

Tier 2: Strong Contenders

These infantry units are powerful choices but may have specific weaknesses or require more tactical considerations to maximize their effectiveness.

1. Vlandian Sharpshooters (Vlandia)

Strengths: Exceptional ranged attacks, high accuracy. Excellent for weakening enemy formations before close-quarters combat.
Weaknesses: Weak in melee combat, vulnerable to cavalry charges if caught out of position.
Ideal Role: Supporting ranged fire, weakening enemy units before your melee infantry engages.

2. Battanian Fian Champions (Battania)

Strengths: High mobility, decent melee combat skills. They can act as a mobile reserve force.
Weaknesses: Relatively low armor, can be vulnerable to heavy infantry and cavalry.
Ideal Role: Flanking attacks, reacting to enemy movements, and supporting your main line infantry.

3. Aserai Mamlukes (Aserai)

Strengths: High melee stats, good discipline and morale, very effective against other infantry.
Weaknesses: Can be expensive, less effective against cavalry.
Ideal Role: Reliable shock troops, engaging the enemy's front line.

Tier 3: Situational Infantry

These units excel in specific situations but may not be as effective as the top tiers in general combat.

1. Aserai Horse Archers (Aserai): (Note: While technically ranged, they often function as infantry in skirmishes)

Strengths: Excellent ranged attack, good mobility. Effective in harassing enemies and hitting and running.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable in melee combat, needs protection from enemy cavalry.
Ideal Role: Harassing attacks, flanking maneuvers, picking off stragglers.

2. Various Low-Tier Infantry:

Many low-tier infantry units can be useful early in the game or for supplementing your main forces. Remember to upgrade them as you progress.

Choosing Your Infantry Composition

The "best" infantry for you depends on your playstyle and the factions you are facing. A balanced army typically incorporates a mix of units, leveraging their unique strengths. Consider the following:

Front Line: High defense units like Imperial Legionaries or Sturgian Veterans are ideal for absorbing enemy charges.
Flanking: Mobile units like Khuzait Sergeants or Battanian Fian Champions can exploit enemy weaknesses.
Ranged Support: Vlandian Sharpshooters or Aserai Horse Archers can weaken enemy formations before melee engagement.

Experimentation is key! Try different combinations of infantry to discover what works best for you. Don't be afraid to adapt your army composition based on the challenges you encounter. The best infantry in Bannerlord is the one that best suits your strategic approach.