Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a deep and immersive medieval RPG that offers players an unprecedented level of freedom and agency. From leading armies in epic battles to engaging in intricate diplomacy and trade, there‘s no shortage of ways to leave your mark on the world of Calradia. But for many players, one of the most engrossing aspects of Bannerlord is the detailed weapon crafting system.
With the right knowledge, materials, and skills, you can construct some of the most powerful (and valuable) arms in the game. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll delve into the intricacies of the Bannerlord weapon economy, examining the most expensive weapons in each category, the reasons behind their high prices, and the optimal strategies for crafting them yourself.
Whether you‘re a veteran smith looking to maximize your profits or a newer player hoping to understand the nuances of the crafting system, this article will equip you with the expertise you need to forge your way to the top.
Understanding the Bannerlord Weapon Economy
Before we dive into the specific weapons and their crafting recipes, it‘s important to grasp the underlying economic principles that drive the prices of arms in Bannerlord. Like any market, the weapon trade is governed by the forces of supply and demand.
Certain weapon types and parts are rarer and more valuable due to the difficulty of obtaining their materials and the complexity of their designs. For example, weapons crafted with Thamaskene steel – a highly coveted metal used in the finest blades – will always command a higher price than those made with common iron.
Cultural and regional factors also play a role in determining weapon prices. The khuzait regions, known for their exceptional horse archers, place a high value on composite bows and sabers. Meanwhile, the northern Sturgian lands, home to fierce axe-wielding warriors, have a strong market for heavy two-handed axes and maces.
As a smith and trader, it‘s crucial to stay attuned to these economic undercurrents. Pay attention to which weapons are in high demand in different areas, and adjust your crafting output accordingly. With a keen eye for market trends, you can ensure that your wares always fetch the highest possible prices.
The Most Expensive Weapons by Type
Now that we‘ve established the basic principles of the Bannerlord weapon economy, let‘s take a closer look at the most expensive crafted weapons in each major category as of 2022. We‘ll examine the stats, crafting recipes, and value breakdown for each top-tier armament.
Two-Handed Swords
| Weapon Name | Crafting Cost | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Thamaskene Steel Greatsword | 64,800 | 165 Damage / 99 Speed / 130 Reach |
| Macrophyllic Backsword Blade | 58,300 | 159 Damage / 102 Speed / 127 Reach |
| Engraved Greatsword | 52,700 | 155 Damage / 97 Speed / 133 Reach |
The most expensive two-handed sword is the legendary Thamaskene Steel Greatsword. Crafted using a maximum-length Thamaskene steel blade, an echo mahogany grip, and a goldfire pommel, this weapon boasts unparalleled damage and reach. The sheer rarity and cost of the Thamaskene steel, combined with the use of goldfire fittings, justifies the astronomical price of over 64,000 denars.
To craft this sword, you‘ll need the following parts:
- Thamaskene Steel Greatsword Blade (Max Length)
- Echo Mahogany Grip (Max Length)
- Goldfire Pommel (Min Size)
If you can‘t acquire Thamaskene steel, the Macrophyllic Backsword Blade and Engraved Greatsword are still incredibly valuable alternatives. Both feature rare, high-quality parts like engraved blades and mahogany grips that enhance their damage and handling.
Polearms
| Weapon Name | Crafting Cost | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Glaive Poleaxe | 41,200 | 174 Thrust Damage / 144 Swing Damage / 210 Reach |
| Couched Lance | 36,900 | 190 Thrust Damage / 225 Reach |
| Thamaskene Steel Spear | 32,400 | 162 Thrust Damage / 200 Reach |
In the world of polearms, the Glaive Poleaxe reigns supreme in terms of cost. This versatile weapon, which combines the piercing power of a spear with the close-quarters punch of an axe, requires several rare and expensive parts:
- V Long Glaive Head
- V Cured Ash Wood Shaft (Max Length)
- V Silvered Polearm Pommel (Min Size)
The combination of the armor-piercing glaive head, the dense ash wood shaft, and the stylish silvered pommel results in a weapon that excels in both thrusting and swinging. Its impressive reach and damage stats make it highly sought after by noble cavalry units, who are willing to pay top denar for its unmatched battlefield prowess.
For a more specialized polearm, the Couched Lance is the preferred choice of heavy shock cavalry. With its double hook wings, extra-long pine shaft, and bronze-inlaid pommel, this lance is designed to deliver devastating damage from horseback charges.
Axes
| Weapon Name | Crafting Cost | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Lordly Bardiche | 24,100 | 167 Damage / 86 Speed / 127 Reach |
| Macrophyllic Battleaxe | 21,800 | 163 Damage / 89 Speed / 123 Reach |
| Engraved Broad Axe | 19,500 | 158 Damage / 92 Speed / 119 Reach |
When it comes to cleaving through enemy armor and shields, nothing beats a well-crafted axe. The most expensive of these fearsome weapons is the Lordly Bardiche, which features a devastating heavy bardiche head mounted on a majestic engraved walnut handle. To complete this pricey chopper, you‘ll need:
- V Heavy Bardiche Head
- V Engraved Walnut Handle (Max Length)
- V Decorated Axe Pommel (Min Size)
The bardiche head is what gives this axe its exceptional damage output, while the engraved walnut handle provides both style and substance. The compact decorated pommel helps to balance the weight of the head without sacrificing speed or handling.
For a more budget-friendly – but still highly effective – alternative, consider crafting the Macrophyllic Battleaxe or Engraved Broad Axe. These axes utilize similar high-end parts like the lordly bardiche, but substitute slightly less rare materials to keep costs down.
One-Handed Weapons
| Weapon Name | Crafting Cost | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Thamaskene Steel Sabre | 38,600 | 114 Damage / 112 Speed / 104 Reach |
| Macrophyllic Broadsword | 32,700 | 109 Damage / 117 Speed / 101 Reach |
| Goldfire Longsword | 28,900 | 105 Damage / 124 Speed / 96 Reach |
One-handed swords offer a balance of damage, speed, and defense unmatched by other weapon types. The undisputed king of these blades is the Thamaskene Steel Sabre, an exotic curved sword that slices through foes like a hot knife through butter. To forge this sabre, you‘ll require:
- Thamaskene Steel Sabre Blade
- V Macrophyllic Leather Grip
- V Goldfire Sword Pommel
The key ingredient is once again the exceedingly rare Thamaskene steel, which imbues the blade with unrivaled sharpness and durability. Paired with an ergonomic leather grip and an opulent goldfire pommel, this sabre is a true masterpiece of the swordsmith‘s art.
For a more classic straight sword design, the Macrophyllic Broadsword and Goldfire Longsword are excellent choices. Both feature high-quality blades, grips, and pommels that justify their hefty price tags.
Maces
| Weapon Name | Crafting Cost | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Fluted Sledgehammer | 16,300 | 152 Damage / 83 Speed / 96 Reach |
| Cataphract‘s Pick | 12,700 | 143 Damage / 88 Speed / 93 Reach |
| Turbaned Face Smasher | 9,600 | 137 Damage / 92 Speed / 90 Reach |
Maces are the favored weapons of heavily armored troops, offering unmatched armor-piercing damage at the cost of reach and speed. The most valuable crafted mace is the Fluted Sledgehammer, a two-handed wrecking ball that pulverizes even the thickest plate armor. To create this skull-crushing device, you‘ll need:
- IV Heavy Horseman‘s Mace Head
- V Hardened Walnut Handle (Max Length)
- V Goldfire Mace Pommel (Min Size)
The dense horseman‘s mace head is what allows this weapon to deliver such devastating blows, while the hardened walnut handle provides both heft and style. The goldfire pommel adds an extra touch of flair befitting such a high-end instrument of war.
For a one-handed alternative, the Cataphract‘s Pick is an excellent choice. This mace features a spiked head designed to pierce through mail and plate, and a silver-inlaid handle that screams nobility.
Ranged Weapons
| Weapon Name | Crafting Cost | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Lordly Composite Bow | 22,100 | 92 Damage / 114 Speed / 90 Accuracy |
| Macrophyllic Longbow | 18,400 | 87 Damage / 108 Speed / 94 Accuracy |
| Goldfire Crossbow | 15,900 | 112 Damage / 65 Speed / 87 Accuracy |
While melee weapons tend to be the most expensive overall, there are still some ranged arms that fetch a pretty penny. The Lordly Composite Bow is the most valuable of these, thanks to its elaborate craftsmanship and deadly efficiency. To construct this regal bow, you‘ll need:
- V Composite Bow Limbs
- V Macrophyllic Treated Bowstring
- V Goldfire Bow Grip
The composite limbs, made from layers of wood, horn, and sinew, give the bow immense power and flexibility. The treated bowstring enhances both durability and performance, while the goldfire grip adds a splash of royal panache.
For a cheaper but still potent option, consider the Macrophyllic Longbow. This classic design uses a single piece of premium yew for the limbs, resulting in excellent damage and accuracy. The Goldfire Crossbow is a good choice for those who prefer the raw stopping power of a crossbow.
Advanced Crafting Strategies
Now that we‘ve examined the most expensive weapons in each category, let‘s discuss some advanced techniques for optimizing your crafting profits and efficiency.
Maximizing Smithing Skill
One of the most important factors in crafting high-value weapons is your character‘s Smithing skill level. The higher your skill, the more you can improve the stats and value of crafted arms through Smithing bonuses.
To level up your Smithing skill quickly, focus on these strategies:
- Smelt down large quantities of low-tier weapons to gain XP and unlock new parts
- Craft the highest-value weapons you can as often as possible
- Take the "Curious Smelter" perk to gain extra XP from smelting
- Assign companions with high Smithing skill as your dedicated crafters
Investing heavily in the Smithing skill will pay dividends in the long run, allowing you to consistently churn out top-tier weapons that command premium prices.
Optimizing Part Selection
Choosing the right parts is essential for maximizing the value and performance of your crafted weapons. In general, you‘ll want to use the rarest, highest-quality parts available for each component.
However, it‘s important to strike a balance between cost and benefit. Using an expensive Thamaskene steel blade on a lower-tier weapon may not be worth the investment, as the base stats of the weapon will limit its potential value.
Instead, focus on using high-end parts on weapons that have a strong inherent value, such as two-handed swords, polearms, and bows. This will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck in terms of crafting costs.
Tracking Market Demand
As mentioned earlier, different regions in Bannerlord have distinct preferences when it comes to weapons. By keeping track of which arms are in high demand in each area, you can tailor your crafting output to maximize profits.
Pay attention to the prices and availability of weapons in different towns and cities as you travel the map. If you notice a shortage of high-end maces in the Aserai regions, for example, that‘s a sign that you could make a killing by focusing your crafting efforts on those weapons.
It‘s also a good idea to keep an eye on the global market trends. If a major war breaks out between two factions, the demand for certain weapon types may skyrocket as lords scramble to equip their armies. By anticipating these shifts in demand, you can stay ahead of the curve and rake in the profits.
Conclusion
The world of weapon crafting in Bannerlord is a deep and complex one, offering endless opportunities for those with the knowledge and skills to capitalize on them. By understanding the intricacies of the weapon economy, mastering the art of smithing, and staying attuned to market demands, you can rise to the top of the arms trade and amass a fortune in the process.
Use this guide as a starting point to familiarize yourself with the most valuable weapons and crafting strategies. But remember, the key to success in Bannerlord is adaptability and experimentation. Don‘t be afraid to try out new designs, seek out rare materials, and push the boundaries of what‘s possible in the smithy.
With a keen eye, a deft hand, and a little bit of luck, you‘ll soon be known throughout Calradia as a true master of steel and silver. So fire up the forge, grab your hammer, and get ready to craft your way to glory and riches. The world of Bannerlord awaits, and there‘s never been a better time to make your mark on it.
