Sieges in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord are some of the most demanding and rewarding battles in the game. Victory requires more than brute force. Success depends on preparation, timing, tactical decisions, and understanding how the game’s systems work. Whether you’re storming a small castle or laying siege to a heavily fortified city, this guide breaks down the key principles that can help you win every time.
Preparation Before the Siege
Before launching any siege, make sure your party and kingdom are in a strong position. Entering an extended siege without food, cohesion, or backup is a recipe for failure.
- Gather plenty of food: Your army will burn through supplies quickly during a prolonged siege. Stock up beforehand.
- Maintain high morale: Low morale leads to desertion. Rest, fight smaller battles, or host feasts to keep spirits up.
- Have enough troops: Aim for at least 1.5x the defending force. Numbers alone don’t guarantee victory, but they offer flexibility and reduce risk.
- Bring high-tier units: Veteran infantry and ranged troops are far more effective than raw recruits when storming walls.
- Engineer skill matters: The higher your engineer’s skill, the faster and more effectively siege weapons are built.
Choosing the Right Siege Equipment
Building the right equipment during a siege can dramatically alter the outcome. Use your build queue wisely and tailor your strategy to the type of settlement and your available resources.
| Siege Weapon | Best Use | Counters |
|---|---|---|
| Trebuchet | Best for destroying walls | Slow build time |
| Onager | Targets siege equipment | Fast but vulnerable |
| Ballista | Defensive use only | Not buildable by attacker |
| Battering Ram | Essential for breaking gates | Can be burned by defenders |
| Siege Tower | Needed to scale walls effectively | Long build time |
| Ladders (default) | Always available but vulnerable | No protection |
- Use multiple trebuchets to batter down enemy siege equipment and walls. Replace them if they are destroyed.
- Construct a battering ram if you lack siege towers or time. It opens the front gate and is faster to build.
- Siege towers are more effective for scaling walls than ladders but require extra time and protection.
Timing the Assault
Once you’ve weakened the defences, you’ll have the choice to attack or continue the siege. Timing is crucial.
- Wait until the walls are breached or siege towers are in position. Assaulting too early leads to high casualties.
- Watch enemy reinforcements. If enemy armies are approaching, you may be forced into an early attack or a retreat.
- Use starvation as a tactic. If you can afford the time, starving out a garrison reduces its strength and morale.
During the Siege: Tactical Tips
When the assault begins, your choices on the battlefield determine the cost of victory. Positioning, command, and momentum all matter.
- Let siege engines take the lead. Open with trebuchet fire or battering ram charges before committing infantry.
- Control your troops directly. Use the F1-F3 command menu or take direct control to target weak points.
- Use archers effectively. Place them on high ground outside enemy archer range to pick off defenders on the walls.
- Focus on breach points. If the walls are broken or a gate is open, pour your troops through those weak spots.
- Clear the walls. Once inside, take control of the ramparts quickly to cut down the defenders’ ability to regroup.
- Keep reserves. Hold back a portion of your force to respond to sudden counter-attacks inside the castle.
Post-Siege Considerations
Winning the siege is only part of the equation. Once the castle or city is yours, you’ll need to hold it.
- Assign a strong governor. High Stewardship and Loyalty skills will stabilise the region faster.
- Leave a strong garrison. Emptying the place for your next campaign often leads to rebellion or a quick recapture.
- Manage loyalty and security. These stats drop quickly after conquest. Use policies, fair treatment, and festivals to improve them.
- Repair walls and structures. Rebuild what your siege destroyed before enemies return to take advantage.
Seven Swords Takeaway
Every siege in Bannerlord is shaped by your planning, leadership, and adaptability. While numbers help, it’s your tactical decisions that ultimately decide the outcome. Understand your options, control the flow of the battle, and respond to threats as they emerge.
Even the toughest castles can fall with a methodical, intelligent approach. Keep your engineers working, your army fed, and your commands sharp. The rest is up to steel and nerve.
