After choosing the best faction for your playstyle in Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord, the next step is to pick your family heritage. This is not influenced by what faction you pick, so everyone will have the same options.
Family Heritage Options
You were born into a family of…
- A baron’s retainers
- Urban merchants
- Yeomen
- Urban blacksmith
- Hunters
- Mercenaries
Baron’s Retainers
“Your father was a bailiff for a local feudal magnate. He looked after his liege’s estates, resolved disputes in the village, and helped train the village levy. He rode with the lord’s cavalry, fighting as an armored knight.”
This provides 10 skill level and 1 focus point to Riding and Polearm, and 1 attribute point to Social.
Urban Merchants
“Your family were merchants in one of the main cities of the kingdom. They organized caravans to nearby towns, and were active in the local merchant’s guild.”
This provides 10 Skill Level and 1 Focus Point to Trade and Charm, and 1 attribute point to Intelligence.
Yeomen
“Your family were small farmers with just enough land to feed themselves and make a small profit. People like them were the pillars of the kingdom’s economy, as well as the backbone of the levy.”
This provides 10 Skill Level and 1 Focus Point to Polearm and Crossbow, and 1 attribute point to Endurance.
Urban Blacksmith
“Your family owned a smithy in a city. Your father played an active if minor role in the town council, and also served in the militia.”
This provides 10 Skill Level and 1 Focus Point to Smithing and Two-Handed, and 1 attribute point to Vigor.
Hunters
“Your family lived in a village but did not own their own land. Instead, your father supplemented paid jobs with long trips in the woods, hunting, and trapping, always keeping a wary eye for the lord’s game wardens.”
Hunting provides 10 skill level and 1 Focus Point to Scouting and Crossbow, and 1 attribute point to Cunning.
Mercenaries
“Your father joined one of Blandia’s many mercenary companies, composed of men who got such a taste for war in their lord’s service that they never took well to peace. Their crossbowmen were much valued across Calradia. Your mother was a camp follower, taking you along in the wake of bloody campaigns.”
Mercenaries provide 10 Skill Level and 1 Focus Point to Roguery and Crossbow, and 1 attribute point to Control.
Picking the Right Family Heritage
To pick the right family heritage, you should understand how skills work first. Read through our Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Skills guide first. Picking the right heritage depends on how you want to play the game. Try thinking about a melee and ranged skill you want to have and base your decision on that.
For example, if you want to rob villages and play like a rogue, Mercenary could be a good option. If you plan to ride around on horseback and poke people with polearms, Baron’s Retainers is a good option. You’ll likely be doing a lot of battles on horseback anyway.
If you are looking to play the game as a Merchant and went with the Aserai faction, Urban Merchants could be a good choice. Ultimately, think about how you want to play Bannerlord and choose accordingly.
