Combat in Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord may be a little different to other games you’ve played, especially if you haven’t touched other games in the series. The combat systems in this game are incredibly rewarding and deep, as you’d expect for a medieval simulation of this complexity. That means that you may need a few pointers before you head into the fray, to make sure you keep head on shoulders as you fight for your faction.

Combat Basics

Combat in Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is heavily simulated, meaning that many factors are taken into account when trying to fight. This includes the swing and momentum of the weapon you’re swinging, the skill level of your character, even the speed of your movement. It’s well worth spending the time to get used to how your character moves and behaves in the game, as the simulated combat may take some getting used to.

Before you head out for the first time, remember that you can go to a Training Field to hone your weapon skills. These act as tutorials for the combat mechanics and you can practice there as long as you need.

In addition, play close attention to your skills. If your character has little to no skill in a weapon you may experience issues using weapons of that type. If you’ve been training your sword skills and decide to switch to a bow and arrow, you’ll be missing more often than not until you build that skill up.

We would also recommend getting used to the different weapon types and checking what you have equipped prior to engaging in battle. It’s easier to block with a shield, for example, so if you equip a two handed weapon you may find blocking less effective than you expect. Similarly some ranged weapons can only be fired when standing still, so being aware of this helps prepare you for the fight.

Melee Combat

Hold the left mouse button and drag the mouse in the direction you wish to swing. This is the fundamental concept behind the melee combat in Bannerlord and a mechanic you’ll be spending a lot of time with, so we would recommend getting used to it.

Blocking involves holding the right mouse button and then dragging the mouse in the direction where the attack is coming from.

Different melee weapons serve different purposes, and even within types there are differences, such as swords having different lengths. We would recommend spending time in the Training Field to learn which weapons you prefer and feel most comfortable with.

Ranged Combat

For ranged combat it can seem simple, you aim and then you unleash hell. However, movement even on a horse can impact upon your accuracy, and there are many variables that can cause a ranged shot to miss.

High ground is essential as well as taking firing arcs into account, as your shots will drop considerably on their way to the target. However, if you score a long distance shot you’ll get bonus experience, so it’s worth risking that shot if you have plenty of ammo.

Mounted Combat

It’s called Mount and Blade for a reason, and your horse can be your most powerful ally and weapon. The best way to engage in mounted combat is to harry your foe, riding past them and swinging at your enemy as you pass. This reduces the chance you’ll be surrounded and disabled, as well as adding much needed momentum to your strikes.

Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord’s combat is almost unique in gaming, but in turn is almost uniquely rewarding. Remember, practice makes perfect, and survival is often better than risking a victory. 

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