Understanding the Context

Why Mount & Blade II Stands Out as the Premier Strategy RPG

Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord isn’t just a medieval action title—it’s a sweeping grand strategy RPG where every swing of your blade and charge across the battlefield reshapes your power. Unlike traditional sword-and-sorcery games, it combines intricate combat mechanics with dynamic troop management, economy, diplomacy, and terrain strategy. Central to your success is mastering two essential assets: blades for close combat and mounts for mobility, speed, and battlefield dominance.

Mastering the Art of Blades: From Primo Swords to Viking Axes

Key Insights

Blades are your direct link to tactical battlefield control in Mount and Blade II. Starting as a novice warrior, you’ll progress through weapon mastery to become a legendary duelist or ferocious berserker.

Available Blades and Their Strengths

• Primo Swords – Fast, lightweight, ideal for quick one-on-one duels. Perfect for skilled players who favor finesse and precision.
  
• Intermediate & Advanced Weapons – Expand your arsenal with capable hammers, daggers, and longswords that adapt to your playstyle.
  
• Viking Axes & Musket-Armor Synergy – Axes deliver devastating bite in close-quarters, especially effective when used in combination with sturdy mounts for added momentum.

Tips to Dominate Close Combat

• Master Parrying and Crouching: Fueled by Arqlore skill trees, perfect dodging and disarming evade heavy blows and set up counter-attacks.
  
• Upgrade Weapon Stats: Invest in Power of Attack and Critical Hit to maximize damage.
  
• Weapon Skills Matter: The Combat Mastery skill boosts both extra attacks and maneuverability—crucial when darting between enemies.

Final Thoughts

Ride for Victory: Conquering Control with Mounts

Mounts are your wings to the sky and the key to outmaneuvering foes. Ride sturdy horses, warhorses, or heavy cavalry depending on your battle style. A well-chosen mount improves mobility, stealth, endurance, and damage capacity dramatically.

Key Mount Types and Their Roles

| Mount Type | Best For | Strategic Role |
|------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Light Horses | Fast duels, skirmishes, scouts | Speed and hit-and-run tactics |
| War Horses | Charges, races, charges | Powerful shock troops and break formations |
| Mounted Archers | Ranged support, harassment | Keep enemies on their heels from afar |
| Great Warhorses | Heavy cavalry dominance | Upfront assaults capable of turning tide |

Tips for Mount Control