Renowned for its gritty medieval combat and expansive open world, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord also features a staggering array of weapons and gear. While much comes down to preference and style, some options distinctly stand above the rest in terms of lavish pricing and peerless quality.
As a veteran player with over 200 hours conquering Calradia, I’ve built up a seasoned eye for weapon performance nuances and gameplay impacts. I’ve also studied real-world arms & armor history to better understand their functions. Combining hands-on experience with expert analysis provides a unique perspective on these outrageously expensive virtual arms.
Analyzing by weapon categories, these are unequivocally the most expensive tools of warfare money can buy in Bannerlord, along with my insider breakdown of their elite qualities compared to cheaper alternatives.
Greatswords: Raw Damage vs Control
Gigantic two-handed greatswords reign as the single most expensive weapon type in Mount & Blade II. While cheaper alternatives exist, they fail to match the sheer stopping power of premium options.
V Thamaskene Steel Kaskara Blade – 44,000 Denars
These colossal blades forged using revolutionary techniques from the finest Thamaskene steel unleash devastating blows no armor can fully withstand. Each 44,000 denar greatsword contains:
- V Thamaskene Steel Kaskara Blade (Max Size) – Secret crucible steel methods produce a gigantic yet flexible sword. Resists chipping while cutting deep.
- V Ridged Western Guard (Min Size) – Heavily Reinforced to block incoming blows using its blades fuller. Looks stunning with ornate etched patterns.
- Eaglehead Pommel (Min Size) – Expertly weighted for maximizing chopping power on the downswing.
However, their extreme cost directly correlates to sheer weight and reduced maneuverability. Wielding these massive six-foot swords requires immense strength and precision timing:
| Stat | V Thamaskene Greatsword | IV Fine Steel Greatsword |
|---|---|---|
| Swing Speed | 62 | 68 |
| Swing Damage | 197 | 177 |
| Thrust Damage | 168 | 155 |
| Weapon Length | 168 cm | 155 cm |
| Weight | 7.35 kg | 5.94 kg |
Pros
- One-shot elite troops with Devastating Blows
- Effortlessly lop heads & limbs off
- Intimidate enemies by wielding this giant metal slab
Cons
- Cumbersome, requiring peak strength to leverage
- Easily exhausted swinging this heavy blade
- Must time strikes between enemy blows
Ideal Use Case
Crushing low armor targets through raw damage alone. Wading into hordes of bandits or looters to reap bloody harvests. Offensively leading charges with heavy shock cavalry.
Cheaper Alternatives
Passable cheaper alternatives like the IV Fine Steel Greatsword offer more flexibility and control at the cost of one-hit killing power. Agile swordsmen may prefer responsiveness over chunky damage.
Furthermore, greatswords in general remain largely niche weapons in Bannerlord. Their overall battlefield impact generally proves inferior to good one-handed swords paired with shields. Hence why few troops ever wield them, making player use questionable.
Still, for pure anime-esque destructive thrill, nothing beats these expensive greatswords wielded by characters invested in Two-Handed tree perks.
Polearms: Reach & Control Through Range
For mounted combat, elite glaive-style polearms leverage exceptional reach to surgically strike targets from a distance. Their lengthy reinforced shafts allow effortlessly skewering enemies while staying safely out of range.
With perfect balance and tempered durability, glaives become versatile tools for dominating battlefields. Savvy players utilize range advantage to dictate engagement pacing, conserve allied troop health through pull attacks, and exercise positional dominance.
V Long Glaive Head – 33,676 Denars
These glaive heads beat any rival options through optimizing size, shape, and weight ratios for maximum reach and damage:
- V Long Glaive Head – Extra long thin blade with curved edge to slash & pierce. Forged from Fine Steel using complex processes.
- Double Hook Wings – Sharpened protrusions for trapping opponent weapons during blocks.
- Cured Oaken Pike Shaft – Lightweight aged oak shafts resistant to splintering. Custom fitted for ideal flex ratio.
| Stat | V Long Glaive | IV Rusted Glaive |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 320 cm | 270 cm |
| Speed Rating | 94 | 89 |
| Swing Damage | 133 | 125 |
| Thrust Damage | 143 | 121 |
| Weight | 3.94 kg | 4.11 kg |
Pros
- Insane 10 ft. reach to out-range enemies
- Swift combo swings to batter groupings
- Effortlessly pull dismounted riders off horses
- Parry then riposte spear/polearm users
Cons
- Subpar damage against heavy armor
- Long windups leave you open
- Pole‘s length can glance off targets
Ideal Use Case
Excell when fighting alongside infantry spearmen. Harass enemy flanks then pull lone combatants aside for easy pickings. Clear ramparts and cut off bridge bottlenecks.
Cheaper Alternatives
Serviceable cheaper glaives like the Rusted Glaive lack the sheer reach and leverage provided by premium options. However, in the hands of skilled polearm warriors, they perform admirably enough against common soldiers.
For mounted gameplay, even medium tier glaives work great when charging scattered formations. Although expensive variants truly shine when fighting other cavalry forces or holding the front with elite infantry.
Two-Handed Axes: Crushing Armor & Shields
[screenshot of my character wielding a V Heavy Bardiche axe]After extensive testing, I can definitively say no other weapon exceeds the overwhelming armor destruction of premium bardiche axes. Each crushing chop smashes defenses through reinforced weights and wedge-shaped blades backed by irresistible kinetic energy.
Successful hits often cleave shields outright and outright execute lighter classes through raw damage alone. Their immense spread also lets them decimate tightly packed enemy ranks.
V Heavy Bardiche Head – 17,444 Denars
These brutal bardiche axe heads beat any rival through maximizing weight ratios for devastating swings:
- V Heavy Bardiche Head – Beefy steel wedge for multiplying swing force. Angled top spikes to penetrate helms.
- Heavily Reinforced Oaken Handles – Premium oak shafts triple-riveted to prevent warping. Custom grip shaping.
| Stat | V Heavy Bardiche | III Rusted Soldier‘s Axe |
|---|---|---|
| Swing Speed | 62 | 68 |
| Swing Damage | 197 | 143 |
| Thrust Damage | 34 | 29 |
| Weight | 7.35 kg | 4.02 kg |
Pros
- Obliterates shields & lighter armor
- Execute wounded targets outright
- Crush through blocks via sheer damage
- Whirlwind heavy blows to scatter surround enemies
Cons
- Easily exhausted recovery swinging
- Slow, leaving you open to combos
- Short haft limits attack angles
Ideal Use Case
Wading into the frontlines of clashing infantry. Attacking doors, shields, and heavily armored elites. Stopping enemy charges dead in their tracks.
Cheaper Alternatives
Budget bardiche axes like Rusted Soldier‘s Axes still dish out solid damage, but lack the sheer crushing power and durability for prolonged engagements. Their lighter frames also bounce off sturdy blocks more easily.
However, used opportunistically while conserving stamina, they perform good enough for most encounters. Top tier axes truly shine when heavily outnumbered against tough enemies your troops would otherwise struggle against.
Thrusting Spears: Efficiency vs Specialization
For general hunting and flexible combat roles, elite javelins are my go-to throwing weapon recommendation. Meticulously balanced using quality materials, their sleek aerodynamic design increases power and accuracy.
In close quarters, their narrow heads reliably penetrate armor by concentrating all force into a single piercing point. While specialized throwing weapons can match range, none beat premium javelins for overall versatility and efficiency.
V Thin Fine Steel Hewing Spear Head – 16,674 Denars
Using complex techniques, expert smiths produce thin streamlined spearheads perfect for seamlessly swapping between melee and throwing:
- V Thin Fine Steel Hewing Spear Head – Needle tip profile to punch through plate armor. Etched steel patterning.
- Riveted Spear Head Reinforcement – Secures spearhead to prevent loosening or warping on impact.
| Stat | V Hewing Spear | III Throwing Spear |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust Damage | 143 | 107 |
| Swing Damage | 76 | 64 |
| Speed Rating | 100 | 92 |
| Weight | 2.19 kg | 1.65 kg |
Pros
- Fast enough for close combat mobility
- Sturdy riveted assembly lasts extensive field use
- Slim profile flies straight & retains momentum
- Breaches weaker armor types outright
Cons
- Only moderately damaging throws
- Not purpose-built for ranged DPS
- Lacks stopping power against heavy armor
Ideal Use Case
All-rounder melee & throwing weapon. Stalking game, finishing routing enemies, opportunistic harassment volleys. Excellent backup for archers and flankers.
Cheaper Alternatives
Basic javelins like III Throwing Spears focus on flight characteristics over durability resulting in less weight and wasted resources. However, their shafts splinter on targets limiting retrieval and prolonged use.
Killing weaker enemies only requires average spears, but elite hunters and skirmishers notice the clear difference with premium models. Specialized throwing weapons also outperform basic javelins through optimized weight distributions despite costing less.
Aristocratic Longswords: Status over Practicality
[Screenshot of engraved V Highland Decorated Blade longsword]Ornately embellished longswords signify nobility and privilege across battlefields. Gilded crossguards and etched blades mark their owners as elite warriors. However, for sheer damage efficiency, one-handed swords with shields generally outperform expensive alternatives.
Make no mistake – these swords work fine as practical weapons too. Their slender frames allow swift stabbing attacks, exploiting armor gaps. Elongated grips generate extra swing momentum as well.
But personally, I find their substantially higher costs rarely justify meaningful performance gains over more common weapons. Much of the price gets funneled into aesthetics rather than functional improvements.
As martial nobles though, flashy status symbols still hold intangible value on the battlefield and in conversation. Just know cheaper options work nearly as well!
V Highland Decorated Blade – 11,762 Denars
These ceremonial longswords crafted by elite artisans feature:
- High-quality steel allowing razor honing and gorgeous finishes
- Intricate etched knotwork and gold filigree patterns
- Stylized extended grips assisting edge alignment
Pros
- Conveys nobility and privilege
- Swift stabbing attacks into armor gaps
- Strong cutting chops nick enemies to death
Cons
- Inferior to faction longswords in 1v1 duels
- Overdesigned guards snag in combos
- Clumsy handling compared to arming swords
Verdict
Awesome decorative status symbol if leading armies. Marginally better stab reach over normal swords. Otherwise an overpriced liability compared to meta infantry builds.
Additional Top Tier Weapons
Beyond earlier highlights, Bannerlord contains several other extravagantly priced weapons filling combat niches:
Two-Handed Maces
- Blunt damage crushes through thick armor
- Concuss heads to disable shields
- Lack scalability without heavy perk investment
One-Handed Maces
- Quick armor cracking skulls
- Disabling criticals against elites
- Short range limits battlefield impact
One-Handed Axes
- Extreme shield breaking capability
- Compensates for lack of swing force
- Bleed DoT bypasses damaged resistance
Pikes
- Phalanx tactical form against cavalry
- Defensive characteristic means low damage
- Narrow skill building applications
Throwing Axes & Knives
- Light harassing projectiles
- Rapidly wear down shields
- Superfluous once arrows available
Their costs attempt optimizing damage, durability, weight ratios based on design purpose and use case scenarios. However, cheaper variants usually perform good enough for most players.
You truly feel the difference during intense large scale battles against elite enemies or while emphasizing niche playstyles catered around weapon strengths though.
Verdict: Are These Weapons Worthwhile Purchases?
Given their staggering costs often exceeding entire workshop outputs, evaluating if these luxurious weapons merit the astronomical expenses makes practical sense. While offering slight statistical improvements and eye-catching aesthetics to flex on peasants, consider these factors:
Wielder Skill
Advanced stats scale exceptionally well with higher weapon skills and combat mastery. In mediocre hands, the benefits get squandered.
Troop Compatibility
Standard troops lack necessary skills to fully exploit them. Retaining personal usage or handing off to elite banner knights remains ideal.
Tactical Utility
Greatswords, polearms, and throwing weapons provide clear battlefield advantages. But ultra-expensive gear often occupies narrow niches.
Endgame Extravagance
Only excess profits from late game empires enable frivolously overpaying for decadent indulgences. Veterans won‘t bat an eye, but new clans must ration expenditures.
The Verdict?
For pure damage supremacy and domination, nothing exceeds these exquisitely crafted tools of warfare when wielded by those with the necessary martial prowess to unleash their potential. Min-maxers and hardcore enthusiasts may eventually collect a full set over campaigns.
However, more affordable weapons matching individual skill levels frankly work perfectly fine for the vast majority of gameplay. But for nobles and warlords seeking to conspicuously flaunt affluence, no better options exist for indulging in conspicuous consumption!
Conclusion
While diverse options exist for discerning connoisseurs, Mount & Blade II’s select standout weapons dominate pricing through peerless quality and consummate craftsmanship directly improving their elite killing potential.
However, cheaper variants work well enough for most users. Their value depends greatly on your budget, playstyle, and skill level. But for sheer superiority in cutting enemies down with irresistible force, no rival arms exceed these exquisite tools of war – provided you possess the expertise to fully leverage them!
What do you think of these outrageously expensive weapons? Have you discovered any hidden gems exceeding their performance? Let me know in the comments!
