Two-handed weapons in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord are the showstoppers of the battlefield. They are heavy, devastating, and built for players who want to end fights with one brutal swing. From axes that crush through helmets to swords that slice through entire ranks, these weapons define power play. Below you’ll find a ranking of the best two-handed weapons, complete with a comparison of their core stats.
Quick Comparison Table
| Weapon | Damage Type | Swing Speed | Reach | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executioner’s Axe | Cutting | Very Low | Medium | Unmatched damage, armour shredder |
| Heavy War Axe | Cutting | Low-Medium | Medium | Strong balance of damage and control |
| Two-Handed War Sword | Cutting | Medium | Long | Great reach, faster swings |
| Bardiche | Cutting / Piercing | Low-Medium | Long | Mounted and infantry effectiveness |
| Rhomphaia | Cutting / Piercing | Medium | Medium | Versatile strikes, exotic feel |
| Great Maul | Blunt | Very Low | Short | Shield breaker, crushes armour |
Note: Exact numbers vary depending on crafting parts and smithing upgrades, but this table captures the general strengths of each category.
1. Executioner’s Axe
The Executioner’s Axe is the king of raw damage. It will cut down even elite troops in a single blow if you connect. The drawback is obvious: its speed. You have to commit, read the fight, and swing with confidence.
Best for: destroying heavily armoured infantry
2. Heavy War Axe
The Heavy War Axe has less flair than the Executioner’s, but in actual battles it is often easier to use. It swings faster, handles more comfortably, and still packs damage that will drop enemies with a couple of well-placed hits.
Best for: siege fights and tight infantry combat
3. Two-Handed War Sword
The Two-Handed War Sword feels elegant compared to the axes. Its reach allows you to cut cavalry before they can close in, and it is quick enough to chain swings in a crowd. Perfect if you prefer speed and reach over brute force.
Best for: countering cavalry and infantry waves
4. Bardiche
Few weapons feel more medieval than the bardiche. It’s essentially a polearm with axe-like power, and it works brilliantly both on horseback and on foot. It’s slower than a sword, but the arcs it carves make it lethal in formations.
Best for: hybrid play between cavalry and infantry
5. Rhomphaia
The rhomphaia brings something different. It’s a curved weapon with both slashing and thrusting potential, rewarding players who can master its timing. It’s rarer to find, but it feels unique and satisfying once you do.
Best for: versatile players who like mixing cuts and thrusts
6. Great Maul
The Great Maul is Bannerlord’s comedy weapon and terror weapon rolled into one. It ignores shields, crushes helmets, and sends bodies flying. Landing a hit is an event in itself, but missing leaves you wide open.
Best for: chaotic fights where you want maximum impact
Final Word
Two-handers are not forgiving, but they are thrilling. If you like fighting on the edge of risk and reward, they will make you feel unstoppable. The choice really depends on how you want to play: axes for raw damage, swords for reach and speed, mauls for sheer carnage. No matter your pick, every swing feels like a moment.
