M&B Bannerlord: Empire Unit Tree - Master Cataphracts & Legionaries

This article is based on information from PC version v1.4.6 / War Sails v1.2.6 as of June 15, 2026. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord does not have a seasonal system. The latest major update is "War Sails," which adds naval combat and related content.

The "Empire," holding vast territories in the center of the Calradia continent, retains vestiges of its former glory. Its army is known for heavy equipment reminiscent of ancient Rome and well-organized tactics. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Empire's unit tree, which boasts unparalleled balance among all factions. From the "Imperial Legionary," forming an ironclad infantry line, to the "Imperial Elite Cataphract," the strongest heavy cavalry that dominates the battlefield, we will detail their training methods and ideal force composition. This is an essential strategy guide for all Bannerlord players aiming to unify the continent under the Empire's banner.

Characteristics and Strengths of the Empire Army - A Balanced and Versatile Faction

The greatest strength of the Empire army lies in its exceptional balance. It possesses robust heavy infantry, archers with consistent performance, and powerful heavy cavalry capable of turning the tide of battle, fielding unit types capable of adapting to any combat situation. While individual units may sometimes seem less outstanding compared to factions specializing in certain areas (such as Battania for archers or Khuzait for cavalry), their appeal lies in the ability to expect stable results against any opponent. This versatility makes them ideal for beginners to learn the game system and provides a solid foundation for advanced players to expand their tactical options.

Furthermore, although the Empire is split into three factions—Northern, Western, and Southern—this is a lore-based setting, and there is no difference in the types or performance of the soldiers you can recruit. Their extensive territory in the center of the continent also makes it easy to replenish soldiers, which is a significant advantage.

Complete Guide to the Empire Army Unit Tree

Soldiers of the Empire army begin their careers as "Imperial Recruits", who can be conscripted from villages. From there, they can branch into infantry, archers, and the noble cavalry units. Here, we will delve into the abilities of the final Tier units for each route.

Common Soldier Route: Infantry & Archers

Common soldiers, easily recruited from Empire villages, form the core of your army. The infantry line, in particular, boasts some of the best performance in the game.

Imperial Legionary - T4

• Strengths: Their overwhelming defensive performance, thanks to full heavy armor and a large shield, is top-tier among all infantry. They are extremely resilient against missile attacks and can establish a stable battle line. Their throwing weapon, the "pilum," deals bonus damage to shields, making it highly effective for breaking enemy shield walls.
• Weaknesses: They have low mobility and can be vulnerable to cavalry charges from the flanks. In terms of pure offensive power, they are inferior to shock infantry wielding two-handed weapons.
• Optimal Battlefields: They excel in any situation requiring defensive power, such as maintaining the front line in open field battles (shield wall), defending during sieges, or breaching enemy walls.
• Faction Comparison: Compared to Vlandian Sergeants, Legionaries have superior defensive capabilities but are slightly inferior in offensive aspects. Even against Sturgian Druzhinniks, their larger shield and the presence of pilums give them an edge in anti-missile and anti-shield wall performance.

Imperial Palatine Guard - T4 / Imperial Sergeant Crossbowman - T4

• Strengths: Palatine Guards are equipped with exceptionally good armor for archers, allowing them to withstand enemy counterattacks and approaching cavalry with resilience. Sergeant Crossbowmen can deal effective damage to heavily armored enemies with their crossbows' high single-shot damage and penetration.
• Weaknesses: Both unit types are inferior in terms of damage per second and archery skills when compared to Battanian Fians, renowned as the strongest archers. They fall a step short as pure damage dealers.
• Optimal Battlefields: Firepower support from behind an infantry battle line. Palatine Guards particularly shine in attrition warfare in open field battles due to their high survivability. Sergeant Crossbowmen are suitable for sniping through narrow passages during siege defenses.

Noble Unit Route: Heavy Cavalry

Noble units can only be recruited from villages attached to castles or towns when your relationship with local notables is favorable. While their training requires significant time and cost, their value is immense.

Imperial Elite Cataphract - T5

• Strengths: The "Dominators of the Battlefield" in Bannerlord. Both rider and horse are clad in the game's highest-tier armor, allowing them to charge into enemy lines undeterred by volleys of arrows or infantry spear walls. Their lance charge damage is immense, and even in a melee, they can crush enemies with powerful maces. Their survivability and breakthrough power are unmatched.
• Weaknesses: Extremely high training cost and time. Also, due to their top-tier heavy armor, their horses are somewhat slower compared to light cavalry like the Khuzait's.
• Optimal Battlefields: A trump card that determines the outcome in any open field battle. The hammer-and-anvil tactic from the flanks or rear after infantry have engaged the enemy is incredibly potent. They also demonstrate unparalleled strength as a counter to enemy cavalry forces.
• Faction Comparison: While Vlandian Banner Knights excel in charging power, Cataphracts have the upper hand in sustained melee capability and defensive strength. Khuzait Khan's Guards possess unique strengths with their mounted archery, but Cataphracts overwhelmingly dominate in direct frontal confrontations.

Building the Strongest Empire Army! Training and Composition Guide

By combining these powerful units, you can form an unshakeable Empire army. Here, we will explain their specific composition ratios and efficient training methods.

Ideal Force Composition Ratios

• Infantry (Imperial Legionaries): 40%
  The core wall of your force. They form a shield wall on the front line, absorbing enemy charges and arrows to maintain the battle line. It is because of them that your archers in the rear and cavalry on the flanks can be effective.
• Archers (Palatine Guards or Sergeant Crossbowmen): 30-40%
  Firepower units that unilaterally whittle down enemy troops from behind the infantry wall. Choose whether to prioritize the survivability of Palatine Guards or the single-shot damage of Sergeant Crossbowmen based on your playstyle and the enemy faction.
• Cavalry (Imperial Elite Cataphracts): 20-30%
  The stars of the battlefield and your decisive force. While infantry engage the enemy's main force, cavalry swing around to the enemy's flanks or rear to deliver devastating charges. If their charge succeeds, victory is within reach.

Efficient Soldier Training and Recruitment

1. Early Game Setup: In the early stages of the game, funds are limited, so prioritize visiting Empire villages and mass-recruiting "Imperial Recruits" cheaply. Upgrade them to "Imperial Infantrymen" or "Imperial Archers" to build up the numerical strength of your force.
2. Mid-Game Power Boost: Once your force size grows and you can consistently win battles, begin upgrading your soldiers to their final Tier, such as "Imperial Legionaries" and "Imperial Palatine Guards." By the time you have a good number of these, most bandits / enemy troops and small enemy hero forces will no longer be a threat.
3. Training the Strongest Unit, Cataphracts: Once you have ample funds and Influence, it's time to begin training Cataphracts. Visit villages attached to castles or towns and improve your relationship with local notables to enable the recruitment of "Imperial Vigla Recruits," who are noble units. Noble units have a low spawn rate and require a lot of experience to train, so patience is key, but they will become an overwhelming force well worth the effort.

Summary

In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, the Empire army is not a faction that wins through outstanding specialization in one area, but rather one that secures victory through overall strength and stability. The "Imperial Legionaries," boasting ironclad defense, establish an unyielding battle line, while highly survivable archers support them, and the mightiest "Imperial Elite Cataphracts" crush enemy formations. This magnificent trinity of cooperation is the true essence of the Empire army.

Due to the ease of replenishing soldiers and its well-balanced nature, which makes it easy to learn basic tactics, it is highly recommended as the first faction for new players. Of course, its potential runs deep, and under the command of an experienced player, it is possible to build an ever-victorious army unrivaled on the continent of Calradia. Now, become a commander of the Empire, reunify the fractured Empire, and begin the fight to restore its former glory!