Smithing in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has outlived every balance pass that tried to tame it. In 2026, it remains one of the most reliable ways to gain power, wealth, and a strange sense of superiority over NPC nobles who still think buying swords is sensible.
This guide focuses on what works right now, without theory fluff. Best weapons, smart builds, and how to avoid crafting something impressive that you immediately regret using.
Why Smithing Still Dominates in 2026
Smithing survives because it solves three problems at once: weapon quality, customisation, and money.
Key reasons it still matters:
- Crafted weapons still outperform almost all shop weapons at equivalent tiers
- Stat control lets you tailor weapons to your playstyle instead of adapting to loot
- High-tier crafted weapons remain one of the safest income sources
- Late-game armour scaling makes good weapon optimisation more important than ever
It is no longer accidental power. It is a deliberate system that rewards players who commit.
Smithing Basics Refresher (Quick and Useful)
Smithing revolves around four loops that feed into each other:
- Smelting
- Unlocks parts faster than crafting blindly
- Best done with targeted weapon types, not random loot
- Refining
- Charcoal bottlenecks still exist early game
- Be efficient or be tired
- Crafting
- Where stats actually matter
- Overdesign is still a trap
- Part Unlocking
- Higher difficulty crafts unlock faster
- Failed designs still teach you something
Endurance remains the single most important attribute for serious smithing. Dabbling works, specialising works better.
Best Weapon Types to Smith in Bannerlord
Not everything scales well. These do.
Two-Handed Swords (Top Tier, No Debate)
Two-handed swords remain the most efficient combination of power, flexibility, and resale value.
Why they dominate:
- Excellent scaling with blade length and weight
- High swing damage without crippling speed loss
- Consistently strong against late-game armour
- Sell for absurd prices with tier four and five parts
Focus points when crafting:
- Prioritise balance over raw length
- Keep swing speed above comfort thresholds
- Avoid turning your sword into a decorative paddle
If you only smith one weapon type, make it this.
Polearms (Quietly Ridiculous)
Polearms are still misunderstood, and still lethal.
Strengths:
- Exceptional reach control on foot and horseback
- Swingable polearms offer cleave damage with reach
- Mounted combat scaling remains brutal
Crafting tips:
- Do not max length blindly
- Test indoors and in sieges
- Swingable heads outperform thrust-only designs for most players
Polearms reward restraint, which Bannerlord players historically struggle with.
One-Handed Swords (Reliable, Not Flashy)
One-handed swords will not break damage records, but they win fights through consistency.
Best use cases:
- Shield infantry builds
- Siege fighting
- Companions who need survivability over burst
Crafting focus:
- Swing speed and handling first
- Damage second
- Reach only matters within reason
They feel less dramatic, but they keep you alive longer than you expect.
Throwing Weapons (Still Niche, Still Fun)
Throwing weapons remain specialised but rewarding.
What works:
- Crafted javelins scale extremely well with perks
- High damage at medium range
- Strong opener weapons in skirmishes
Limitations:
- Inventory management
- Perk dependency
- Not universally useful
If you lean into throwing, smithing is mandatory.
Best Smithing Builds for 2026
Smithing perks matter more than raw skill level.
Recommended priorities:
- Endurance early and consistently
- Perks that reduce stamina costs
- Faster smelting and refining efficiency
- Late-game value bonuses if selling weapons
Optional but useful:
- Dedicated smith companion
- Separate combat and crafting characters for efficiency
You can wing it, but optimisation saves hours.
Best Weapons to Smith for Profit
If money is the goal, keep it simple.
Top sellers:
- Two-handed swords with high-tier blades
- Swingable polearms with balanced stats
Selling tips:
- Trade in wealthy towns
- Avoid decorative overdesign
- High difficulty does not always mean higher value
Bannerlord rewards practical craftsmanship, not artistry.
Common Smithing Mistakes
Mistakes are part of the system, but some are avoidable.
Frequent errors:
- Making weapons too long to handle properly
- Ignoring swing speed for raw damage
- Smelting everything without a plan
- Crafting weapons you would never actually use
If it feels bad in combat, the numbers lied to you.
Late-Game Smithing Strategy
Late-game smithing shifts from profit to optimisation.
Focus areas:
- Companion weapon customisation
- Tournament-specific builds
- Armour-penetration balance
- Consistency over peak damage
End-game enemies punish sloppy weapon design. Smithing lets you answer back.
Seven Swords Takeaway
Smithing in Bannerlord remains one of the most quietly dominant systems in the game. In 2026, it is less about exploitation and more about mastery.
If you enjoy tweaking stats, breaking economies politely, and knowing your sword exists because you made it, smithing is still worth the time.
Also, nothing humbles a noble faster than killing them with a sword you forged on a Tuesday afternoon.
