So, you’re diving into Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord and wondering how to add companions to your party? You’re in for a treat! Companions are like super helpful sidekicks. They fight by your side, manage your troops, and even run businesses for you. Whether you’re a new lord or a battle-hardened fighter, companions make your life a whole lot easier.
TL;DR
Companions can be found in taverns across Calradia. Use the “Encyclopedia” to find the ones that match your needs. They can help with combat, scouting, medicine, trading, and more. Make sure to hire wisely and use them to manage parties or caravans.
What Are Companions and Why Do You Need Them?
Think of companions as your trusty team of heroes. They’re not just random soldiers — they come with unique skills and traits. Some are great with swords, others are master traders or doctors. You can assign them tasks like:
- Leading separate parties
- Running caravans
- Governing towns and castles
- Healing your troops
Basically, they’re your second-in-command for everything!
Step 1: Unlock Companions
When you start the game, you can only have one or two companions. But as you level up and increase your clan tier, the limit grows. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Clan Tier 1: 1 companion
- Clan Tier 2: 2 companions
- Clan Tier 3: 3 companions
- Clan Tier 4: 4 companions
- Clan Tier 5: 5 companions
So raise your clan tier by gaining renown. Then it’s companion-hiring time!
Step 2: Open the Encyclopedia
Finding the right companion manually is slow. Instead, use the amazing Encyclopedia.
Press the N key to open it. Then follow these steps:
- Click the Heroes tab on the left.
- Filter by Wanderer under Occupation. These are the companions.
- Sort by skills like Medicine, Scouting, or Roguery.
Click on a character’s name to see their location. It’ll even tell you where they were last seen.
Step 3: Find Them in Taverns
Now that you’ve identified a wanderer, it’s time to meet them. Head to the town where they were last seen.
Once you arrive:
- Enter the Tavern District from the town menu.
- Click on Talk to wanderer if they’re there.
If not, don’t worry. The game updates their location often. Use the track feature in the Encyclopedia to follow their movements.
Step 4: Hiring Your Companion
Talk to the wanderer and they’ll give a short backstory. You can skip the drama if you’re in a hurry, though it’s pretty entertaining!
When you’re ready, say: “I could use someone like you in my company.”
They’ll respond with their price. Pay the fee, and boom — new companion added!
Prices vary, but most cost between 500 – 2,000 denars.
Step 5: Gear Up Your New Friend
Once they’re part of your crew, open the Inventory screen and equip them with some solid gear.
Pro tip: Don’t send your companion into battle with a peasant’s stick and a robe. Get them decent weapons and armor so they don’t die on Day 2.
Step 6: Assign Companion Roles
Each companion brings something special. So give them jobs!
Open the Clan menu (L key) and choose the Roles tab. You can make a companion your:
- Scout – For spotting enemies and finding paths.
- Engineer – For building siege weapons.
- Surgeon – Heals injured troops quickly.
- Quartermaster – Keeps morale and food supplies stable.
Pick roles based on their skills. Don’t make your best swordsman the doctor!
Step 7: Splitting Them Into Parties
Once your clan grows, you can create separate parties. Companions can lead them!
Go to your Clan > Parties tab and assign a companion to start a new party. They will:
- Recruit troops automatically
- Move independently across the map
- Join battles with you or help in quests
This is great for expanding your army or patrolling your lands.
Step 8: Companions in Caravans
Want to make some passive income? Set up a caravan!
Visit a Merchant in major towns. Choose to start a caravan using one of your companions.
They need to have high Trade skill. Otherwise, expect them to lose money or get ambushed easily.
- Caravans cost about 15,000 denars to start
- They generate income over time
- Be patient — it takes a few days to kick in
Caravans are risky but profitable. So equip the companion well before they leave!
Managing Your Companions
Keep an eye on your companions’ morale and health.
Also, be aware of their Backgrounds. Some may clash with the culture of your kingdom or other companions. This can cause tension or them abandoning you.
If you’re a roleplayer, dive into each character’s history. They’ve got fun stories:
- “The Robber” may dislike law and order
- “The Surgeon” might complain if your troops are always hurt
In some mods or future updates, personalities could have a bigger impact. But in vanilla Bannerlord, they mostly affect immersion.
Best Skills to Look For
Here are the top skills to watch out for when hiring:
- Medicine – Keeps your troops alive
- Scouting – Helps with map speed and avoiding ambushes
- Engineering – Vital for sieges
- Roguery – Great for stealth and prisoner handling
- Trade – For setting up caravans
Check their starting skills in the Encyclopedia before hiring anyone!
Can You Customize Companions?
Yes and no. You can’t change their backgrounds, but you can adjust their gear and upgrade their skills. Use skill points gained through battle or training. Equip better weapons, horses, and armor over time.
Also, you can rename them if you want to add a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
Adding companions in Bannerlord is one of the best ways to boost your kingdom’s power. Whether they’re managing your towns, healing your armies, or fighting beside you — they’re priceless assets.
So ride forth, visit those taverns, and build your dream team!