Infantry

Discover the best one-handed, two-handed, and polearm infantry troops in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Learn about factional strengths and unique unit roles for your army.

This guide covers the best infantry troop types in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, broken down by their primary weapon proficiency: one-handed, two-handed, and polearms. It also touches upon special conspiracy troops.

Best One-Handed Troops

For a skilled core infantry proficient with one-handed weapons, heavy armor, and shields, consider these factional options: Aserai Veteran Infantry, Sturgian Heavy Spearman, Sturgian Heavy Axeman, Imperial Legionary, Vlandian Sergeant, Khuzait Darkhan, and Battanian Oathsworn. The Khuzait Darkhan, Sturgian Heavy Spearman, Sturgian Heavy Axeman, and Aserai Veteran Infantry offer superior armor, making them ideal for sieges. For alternative heavy hitters, Sea Raider Chiefs, Sea Raider Bosses, and Forest Bandit Bosses are less armored but effective shock troops.

Best Two-Handed Troops

The Battanian Fian Champion is the top choice for two-handed weapon proficiency with a skill level of 220. Other strong options for hard-hitting shock troops include the Battanian Fian, Vlandian Voulgier, Vlandian Pikeman, Sturgian Heroic Line Breaker, and Aserai Mameluke Palace Guard. Vlandian Voulgiers and Pikemen have superior weapon range for close combat against cavalry. The Sturgian Heroic Line Breaker and Aserai Mameluke Palace Guard offer good throwing ranged damage. The Sea Raider Boss is a non-factional option with excellent two-handed damage and decent heavy armor.

Best Polearm Troops

While many top polearm users are cavalry, infantry with high polearm proficiency excel as anti-cavalry units. Good options include Sturgian Heavy Spearman, Khuzait Darkhan, Imperial Legionary, Vlandian Sergeant, Imperial Elite Menavliaton, Battanian Oathsworn, Aserai Veteran Infantry, Battanian Veteran Falxman, Vlandian Pikeman, and Vlandian Voulgier. For maneuverability with lighter armor, consider the Battanian Oathsworn, Battanian Veteran Falxman, Vlandian Pikeman, and Vlandian Voulgier.

Conspiracy Troops

Conspiracy troops are special units encountered during the main story's conspiracy quest. While generally average, some like the Sturgian Conspiracy Commander and Vlandian Conspiracy Commander are exceptionally powerful. They cannot be recruited by traditional means but may become recruitable after being held as prisoners for a long time, or via console commands.