Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers one of the most intricate crafting systems in any medieval sandbox. Smithing isn’t just a means of making money. It allows you to shape your army’s weaponry, tailor damage types to specific enemies, and create some of the deadliest arms in the game. This guide focuses on the best weapons you can craft, based on performance, profitability, and utility across different playstyles.
Why Smithing Matters
Smithing is more than a passive skill. It’s a cornerstone of self-sufficiency. A high-level smith can:
- Craft tier 6 weapons far earlier than they appear in markets
- Generate large sums of gold by selling crafted gear
- Tailor weapons for companions and vassals
- Break down looted gear into raw materials
Investing in Endurance and Intelligence to level up Smithing and its related perks pays off long-term, both on and off the battlefield.
Key Weapon Types to Craft
Two-Handed Polearms: Thamaskene Steel Executioners
Crafted polearms, particularly glaives and poleblades, are the most efficient melee weapons for both the player and companions. Look for blade heads like the Fine Steel Menavlion Head combined with long handles. These weapons benefit from:
- Huge swing damage, especially with high-tier blades
- Excellent cavalry dismounting potential
- Safe spacing in group fights
Polearms sell well and are useful across most troop types. They also level up Smithing quickly due to the cost and part complexity.
Two-Handed Swords: The Profit Kings
Two-handed swords are the most profitable weapons to craft for pure income. Focus on:
- Broad or ridged blades (tier 5 or 6)
- Heavy pommels to boost weight and price
- Decorative grips and guards to increase value
These swords can sell for over 100k gold with the right materials and perks. Smithing perks like Curious Smelter and Experienced Smith help unlock these blades faster.
Throwing Weapons: Tier 5 Javelins
While less popular, crafted throwing weapons are extremely potent in the hands of skilled companions or the player. Combine:
- Long, heavy heads
- Reinforced wooden or iron shafts
- Feathered fletchings
Crafted javelins deal massive damage and can break enemy formations when used correctly. They’re also relatively cheap to produce, making them a good mid-game item for resale or self-use.
One-Handed Swords: Balanced and Versatile
For companions who operate from horseback, one-handed swords with long reach and solid swing speed offer an ideal balance. Use:
- Tier 4 or 5 curved blades for faster swing recovery
- Compact grips and guards for quick strikes
- Heavy pommels to balance the blade
They’re not as profitable as two-handers, but a well-made one-handed sword suits many companions and mounted heroes.
Materials and Efficiency
Crafting the best weapons depends heavily on access to high-tier materials:
- Thamaskene Steel is required for most top-end gear. You’ll need Fine Steel and Steel to smelt into it.
- Always dismantle looted gear to gather resources. Smelting cheap axes, sickles, and maces yields valuable parts early on.
- Invest in charcoal production. Without a steady charcoal source, your smithing efficiency drops significantly.
Best Smithing Perks to Prioritise
Here are several essential perks that maximise your output:
- Steel Maker 3: Unlocks Thamaskene Steel, vital for top-tier crafting
- Curious Smelter: Speeds up the part-unlocking process
- Experienced Smith: Boosts XP from crafting
- Legendary Smith: Increases weapon value
Choosing the perks that align with your goals (combat use, profit, or part discovery) will save time and resources.
Companion Use vs. Market Use
Tailor your crafting based on your intent:
- For market: Focus on aesthetics and high-tier components. The game values size and complexity more than practical battlefield use.
- For companions: Focus on balance, speed, and weapon length. Companions don’t need the flashiest gear, but they do need reliable weapons with high DPS and good handling.
The Seven Swords takeaway
Smithing in Bannerlord takes patience, but it pays off in power and wealth. Focus on two-handed swords for profit, polearms for effectiveness, and one-handed swords for mounted use. Once you unlock Thamaskene Steel and the best parts, you’ll be able to outclass anything bought in a town market.
With the right setup, a forge becomes your kingdom’s most valuable asset.
