best infantry bannerlord

2 min read 11-03-2025

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a vast array of units, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right troops for your army is crucial for success. This guide focuses on identifying some of the best infantry units available, considering their effectiveness in various combat situations. We'll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal battlefield roles.

Tier 1: Elite Infantry - The Heavy Hitters

These units represent the pinnacle of infantry combat in Bannerlord. They are expensive to recruit and maintain, but their battlefield performance justifies the cost.

1. Imperial Legionaries (Imperial Authority)

Strengths: Exceptional melee stats, high armor, good discipline. They form the backbone of a strong Imperial army.
Weaknesses: Expensive, relatively slow. Vulnerable to ranged attacks if not supported.
Ideal Role: Frontline shock troops, breaking enemy formations.

2. Swadian Knights (Swadia)

Strengths: Excellent melee combat, high armor, good shock value. Their charge is devastating.
Weaknesses: Expensive, relatively slow. Vulnerable to flanking maneuvers.
Ideal Role: Breaking enemy lines with a powerful charge, holding the center.

3. Sturgian Veterans (Sturgia)

Strengths: High melee stats, excellent against cavalry, high morale. Their strength is their resilience.
Weaknesses: Slower than other top-tier infantry, can be costly.
Ideal Role: Defense, holding key positions, countering cavalry charges.

Tier 2: Powerful & Versatile Infantry

These units offer a strong balance of cost-effectiveness and combat prowess. They are excellent choices for building the core of your army.

1. Vaegir Guard (Vaegirs)

Strengths: Good melee stats, strong morale, relatively cheap. A reliable and versatile unit.
Weaknesses: Armor is lighter than Tier 1, less effective against elite infantry.
Ideal Role: Flanking maneuvers, supporting stronger units, holding lines.

2. Khuzait Khagan's Guard (Khuzaits)

Strengths: High melee attack, good mobility for infantry, excellent against cavalry. Combine close combat strength with mobility.
Weaknesses: Lower armor than Tier 1 units, can be more vulnerable to ranged attacks.
Ideal Role: Flanking, harassing enemy lines, disrupting enemy formations.

3. Battanian Fian Champions (Battania)

Strengths: High melee stats, exceptional against cavalry, use excellent two-handed weapons.
Weaknesses: Relatively low armor, can be vulnerable to ranged attacks, high cost per unit.
Ideal Role: Counter-cavalry, breaking enemy formations.

Tier 3: Budget-Friendly Infantry – Good Value

These units represent excellent value for their cost, allowing you to build a larger, more effective army.

1. Aserai Mamluks (Aserai)

Strengths: Relatively cheap, decent melee stats, good morale. Provides a solid infantry base for larger armies.
Weaknesses: Lower armor than higher-tier units, less effective against elite infantry.
Ideal Role: Filling out your army, supporting more elite units.

2. Rhodok Sergeants (Rhodoks)

Strengths: Good archers, good defense, decent melee stats. Offers a good blend of ranged and melee capabilities.
Weaknesses: Lower melee stats compared to top-tier units. Less effective in close-quarters combat.
Ideal Role: Holding positions, providing ranged support.

Choosing the Right Infantry for Your Army

The "best" infantry unit depends heavily on your overall army composition, your playstyle, and your budget. A balanced army will typically include a mix of infantry types, leveraging their individual strengths to overcome their weaknesses. Experimentation is key to finding the combinations that work best for you.

Remember to upgrade your troops as you progress through the game. Higher-tier units become available as you gain experience and control more settlements. Investing in your infantry is crucial for building a powerful and successful army in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.