GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Battle Brothers session
Our independent guide breaks down the core pillars of Battle Brothers, offering observations that help you shape a resilient mercenary company. By comparing the game's open‑ended systems—combat, exploration, personnel and economics—you can craft strategies that suit any playstyle without relying on hidden mechanics.
01 / THE GUIDE
Combat Terrain Utilization
Compare battles fought on flat ground versus those with height advantages. Note how positioning on hills changes attack ranges and enemy movement, then experiment with placing spearmen on elevated tiles to test reach benefits.
- Observe enemy armor before committing heavy weapons; a lighter weapon may preserve valuable loot.
- Position high‑ground units early to gain a defensive advantage.
02 / THE GUIDE
Fatigue vs. Armor Trade‑off
Select two brothers with similar stats, equip one with heavy armor and the other with light gear. Track fatigue accumulation over several fights to see how armor weight impacts action point availability.
- Visit multiple towns before accepting a contract to compare reward offers.
- Note terrain features like height and obstacles that could give you an edge in upcoming fights.
03 / THE GUIDE
Background Impact on Early Gear
Recruit a Crusader and a Beggar, then record their starting equipment and attribute spreads. Observe how these differences affect early combat choices and whether one background offers a smoother start.
- Rotate heavily fatigued brothers out of the front line to recover before the next encounter.
- Maintain high morale by securing quick victories early in a battle.
04 / THE GUIDE
Contract Risk Assessment
Take a low‑risk bandit contract and a high‑risk monster contract in the same region. Compare the gold earned, brother casualties and subsequent faction reputation changes to gauge risk versus reward.
- Match a brother’s background to the role you need; a Crusader may start with better armor for frontline duty.
- Watch for traits like Deathwish that can bolster group morale in tough fights.
05 / THE GUIDE
Morale Shifts During Battle
Engage a prolonged fight and note morale levels at key moments—first enemy kill, a brother’s injury, and a shift in momentum. Identify actions that most reliably boost morale and those that cause retreats.
- Balance risk by mixing easy bandit contracts with occasional tougher monster hunts.
- Consider the political climate before taking a contract that may anger a powerful faction.
