Making the Most of Peace Time in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
War is a huge part of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, but there are times when your kingdom finds itself in a period of peace.
So, what can you do when not at war? Here are some productive and entertaining activities to keep you busy and improve your game.
Strengthen Your Economy
Trade Goods
Trading is a reliable way to earn money and improve relations with various towns.
Identify Profitable Routes: Find cities where certain goods are cheap and others where those goods sell for a high price. Keep an eye on trade rumors and the market prices.
Trade Items: Focus on items like grain, iron, and tools. Buying low and selling high can significantly increase your wealth.
Invest in Enterprises
Buying workshops in different towns is a smart long-term investment.
Select the Right Workshop: Choose workshops that produce goods in high demand. For example, an ironworks in a town with plenty of iron mines.
Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across different towns and types of workshops.
Improve Your Clan
Recruit and Train Troops
Building a powerful army is crucial for future wars.
Recruitment: Visit villages and towns to recruit new soldiers. Look for units with potential and good starting skills.
Training: Train your troops to higher tiers by fighting bandits or participating in training camps. Well-trained troops are more effective in battle.
Upgrade Your Companions
Your companions are key to your success.
Equip Them Well: Use the downtime to find better gear for your companions. Equip them with the best armor and weapons you can afford.
Assign Roles: Each companion can specialize in different roles, such as trading, scouting, or healing. Make sure they have the skills and equipment to excel in their roles.
Build Relationships
Improve Town Relations
Good relations with towns can provide various benefits, including lower prices and easier recruitment.
Complete Quests: Help townsfolk with their problems. Completing quests for villagers and town leaders increases your standing.
Host Feasts: Organize feasts to improve relations with lords and townspeople alike.
Strengthen Alliances
Diplomacy doesn’t stop during peace.
Form Alliances: Negotiate alliances or non-aggression pacts with other factions. This can provide security and potential support during future conflicts.
Marriages: Arrange marriages between your family members and other noble families. This strengthens political ties and can bring new allies.
Enhance Your Skills
Personal Training
Use the peace time to improve your own skills.
Practice Combat: Spend time in the training grounds to hone your combat abilities.
Learn New Skills: Focus on non-combat skills like trading, leadership, and medicine. These skills can be just as important as combat skills.
Study Tactics and Strategies
Understanding military tactics and strategies can give you an edge in future battles.
Read Books: Books in the game can increase your knowledge and skills. Look for books that cover tactics, leadership, and other useful subjects.
Simulate Battles: Use the practice mode to simulate different battle scenarios and experiment with various strategies.
Manage Your Settlements
Upgrade Infrastructure
Investing in your settlements can pay off in the long run.
Build and Upgrade: Construct new buildings and upgrade existing ones to improve your settlements. Focus on buildings that enhance productivity and defense.
Improve Security: Ensure that your settlements are well-protected. Upgrade walls and garrisons to fend off potential attacks.
Boost Prosperity
A prosperous settlement is a valuable asset.
Support Local Economy: Encourage trade and production in your settlements. Ensure that your towns and villages have what they need to thrive.
Maintain Order: Keep crime and unrest in check. Happy and safe citizens are more productive.
Engage in Tournaments and Feasts
Tournaments
Tournaments are not only fun but also rewarding.
Participate: Join tournaments to win prizes and fame. Success in tournaments can also improve your relations with the hosting town.
Bet Wisely: Betting on yourself can yield a significant profit if you’re confident in your skills.
Host Feasts
Feasts are a great way to build relationships and improve morale.
Invite Nobles: Hosting a feast can improve your relations with other lords and ladies. It’s also an opportunity to form alliances and gather support.
Celebrate Victories: Use feasts to celebrate your victories and achievements. This boosts the morale of your followers and strengthens loyalty.
Conclusion
Maximizing Peace Time in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
While Bannerlord is filled with battles and conquests, knowing what to do during peace time is equally important. Strengthening your economy, improving your clan, building relationships, enhancing your skills, and managing your settlements can prepare you for the next inevitable conflict.
Enjoy the Calm
Embrace these peaceful periods as opportunities to grow and prepare. When war does come knocking again, you’ll be more than ready to lead your forces to victory.
