Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a rich and varied skill system, allowing players to mold their characters to fit their preferred playstyle.
But with so many skills available, which ones should you prioritize?
This guide will help you decide which skills to choose in Bannerlord for a well-rounded and effective character.
Understanding the Skill System
Skill Categories
Bannerlord’s skills are divided into several categories, each linked to a primary attribute. These categories include:
- Vigor: Focuses on melee combat skills like One-Handed, Two-Handed, and Polearm.
- Control: Enhances ranged combat with skills like Bow, Crossbow, and Throwing.
- Endurance: Covers skills that improve your physical capabilities, including Riding, Athletics, and Smithing.
- Cunning: Pertains to tactics and trickery with skills like Scouting, Tactics, and Roguery.
- Social: Involves leadership and persuasion skills, including Charm, Leadership, and Trade. These skills can help with talking to any Lords or getting married.
- Intelligence: Focuses on knowledge and strategy with skills like Steward, Medicine, and Engineering.
Leveling Up Bannerlord Skills
Skills are leveled up through practice and focus points. Performing related activities improves the skill, while focus points increase the rate of improvement and the skill’s potential maximum level. When you or your heir grows up, you can also select any skill proficiencies that that character displays.
Essential Skills to Focus On
Combat Skills
One-Handed and Two-Handed
For players who enjoy frontline combat, investing in One-Handed or Two-Handed skills is crucial. These skills improve your effectiveness with swords, axes, and maces, making you a formidable opponent in close quarters.
Bow and Crossbow
Ranged combat enthusiasts should focus on Bow and Crossbow skills. These skills enhance your accuracy, reload speed, and damage output, allowing you to take down enemies from a distance.
Polearm
Polearm skills are excellent for players who prefer a balance between reach and power. Ideal for cavalry charges and defending against mounted units, polearms offer versatility in combat.
Leadership and Party Management Skills
Leadership
Leadership is vital for players who want to command large armies. This skill improves your ability to lead troops, boosts their morale, and increases your party size. Higher leadership levels also unlock better troop formations and strategies.
Steward
Stewardship is essential for managing your party’s food and supplies efficiently. This skill increases your party size and improves the loyalty and performance of your troops.
Tactics
Tactics skills help you win battles through superior strategy. This skill allows you to deploy more effective battle plans, giving you an edge in combat scenarios.
Support Skills
Medicine
Medicine is a crucial skill for keeping your troops healthy. It reduces the time needed for injured soldiers to recover and increases the survival rate of wounded units, ensuring your army remains combat-ready.
Trade
Trade skills are invaluable for players looking to amass wealth. This skill improves your ability to buy low and sell high, maximizing your profits from trading goods across Calradia, a good hobby to do during peacetime.
Scouting
Scouting skills enhance your ability to spot enemies and navigate the terrain. Higher scouting levels increase your party’s movement speed and help you avoid ambushes.
Skill Synergies
Combining Skills for Maximum Effectiveness
To create a well-rounded character, consider combining complementary skills. For example:
- A Combat Leader: Combine One-Handed or Two-Handed skills with Leadership and Tactics to excel in battle and command your troops effectively.
- A Resourceful Trader: Pair Trade skills with Steward and Scouting to manage your resources efficiently and move swiftly between trade routes.
- A Support Specialist: Blend Medicine with Leadership and Steward skills to keep your army healthy and well-organized.
Focusing on Your Playstyle
Your chosen skills should reflect your preferred playstyle. Whether you want to be a fierce warrior, a cunning strategist, or a savvy trader, focusing on the right skills will enhance your Bannerlord experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skills in Bannerlord is essential for creating a character that matches your playstyle and goals. By focusing on a mix of combat, leadership, and support skills, you can develop a well-rounded and effective character.
Remember to balance your skill points and practice your chosen activities to maximize your potential. Happy adventuring in Calradia!
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