Imperial Elite Cataphract

Dive deep into the Imperial Elite Cataphract in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Discover their stats, skills, and how to best utilize these powerful shock cavalry units in your armies.

Alright, let's talk about one of the absolute heavy hitters in the Imperial roster: the Imperial Elite Cataphract. These guys are your premier shock cavalry, designed to smash through enemy lines and cause absolute mayhem. If you're looking to break an enemy formation or charge down some pesky archers, these are the troops you want leading the way.

The source text gives us a clear picture of their strengths, focusing on their combat skills. Here's a breakdown:

As you can see, their Polearm skill is through the roof at 260, and their Riding skill is also excellent at 200. This tells you exactly what they're built for: charging with lances or other polearms while mounted. Their One Handed skill is decent too, meaning they won't be completely helpless if they get into a prolonged melee after their initial charge.

Why this matters: When you're deploying these troops, you absolutely want them on horseback and using polearms. Think of them as a battering ram. You'll want to position them to charge into the flanks or rear of enemy formations. Don't expect them to be effective archers or skirmishers; their low Bow, Crossbow, and Throwing skills confirm that.

Quick Tip: To get the most out of your Imperial Elite Cataphracts, make sure your character or your commanders have high Riding and Leadership skills. Good leadership boosts their effectiveness and morale, and high riding ensures they can maneuver effectively on the battlefield.