Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord features a vast and varied unit roster, but not all troops are created equal. Some stand out for their power, versatility, or sheer battlefield dominance. This guide outlines the strongest units across the game’s factions, taking into account performance in both campaign and custom battles. All comparisons are based on Tier 5 and Tier 6 elite troops, tested for their effectiveness in different combat situations.
Imperial Elite Cataphract
The Imperial Elite Cataphract is among the most fearsome heavy cavalry units in Bannerlord. Armoured nearly head to toe and wielding lances with high charge values, they can break enemy lines with devastating effect. Their staying power in prolonged melee also makes them useful beyond the initial impact.
- Faction: Empire
- Type: Heavy Cavalry
- Strengths: High armour, strong charge, effective in melee
- Weaknesses: Costly to maintain, vulnerable to massed spears
Battanian Fian Champion
Arguably the best archer in the game, the Fian Champion combines deadly accuracy with a two-handed sword for close combat. Their longbows have excellent range and rate of fire, making them lethal in open-field skirmishes.
- Faction: Battania
- Type: Ranged / Hybrid
- Strengths: Exceptional archery skill, strong secondary melee ability
- Weaknesses: Lower armour compared to heavy infantry, vulnerable to cavalry flanks
Aserai Vanguard Faris
Aserai Vanguard Faris serve as elite medium cavalry, with high mobility and a strong combination of melee and ranged weapons. They do not hit as hard as Cataphracts, but they are faster and better at chasing down fleeing enemies or harassing skirmish lines.
- Faction: Aserai
- Type: Medium Cavalry
- Strengths: Speed, flexibility, good horse archery
- Weaknesses: Less survivability in head-on melee
Vlandian Banner Knight
The Vlandian Banner Knight is a classic shock cavalry unit, effective at charging and cleaving through infantry formations. Though not as heavily armoured as Cataphracts, their speed and weapon quality make them highly effective in repeated charges.
- Faction: Vlandia
- Type: Heavy Cavalry
- Strengths: High damage output, strong weapons, ideal for repeated charges
- Weaknesses: Can get bogged down in prolonged melee
Sturgian Druzhinnik Champion
The Sturgian Druzhinnik Champion is a heavy cavalry unit that doubles as a strong two-handed infantry fighter. They are slower than other cavalry but bring great damage output and battlefield resilience.
- Faction: Sturgia
- Type: Heavy Cavalry / Melee
- Strengths: Strong weapons, great in both cavalry charges and melee slugfests
- Weaknesses: Limited speed, less manoeuvrable
Khuzait Khan’s Guard
Mounted archers dominate many aspects of Bannerlord combat, and the Khan’s Guard is the apex of this style. Fast, accurate, and relentless, they can skirmish from afar and melt weaker units before closing in for melee.
- Faction: Khuzait
- Type: Mounted Archer
- Strengths: High mobility, excellent horse archery, good melee backup
- Weaknesses: Less effective in tight terrain, weaker in prolonged melee
Imperial Legionary
For those who prefer solid, dependable infantry, the Imperial Legionary remains one of the best. Heavily armoured and equipped with shields and one-handed weapons, they are ideal for holding choke points and grinding out wins in sieges.
- Faction: Empire
- Type: Heavy Infantry
- Strengths: High armour, strong shield wall presence
- Weaknesses: Struggles against elite two-handed troops or flanking cavalry
Honourable Mentions
- Vlandian Sharpshooter: Top-tier crossbowmen with heavy armour and excellent accuracy
- Battanian Hero: Fearsome two-handed warriors capable of devastating charges
- Sturgian Heavy Axeman: Excellent siege infantry with armour-breaking potential
The Seven Swords takeaway
No single unit dominates all scenarios in Bannerlord. The strongest unit often depends on terrain, tactics, and the composition of your army. Heavy cavalry like Cataphracts and Banner Knights shine in the open field, while Fian Champions and Khan’s Guard can wreak havoc at range. Infantry like the Legionary and Druzhinnik Champion offer backbone and reliability, especially in siege warfare. A well-balanced army that uses each unit for its intended purpose will always outperform one relying on brute strength alone.
