Manor Lords - How to Get Through the Early Game

This guide shows you how to make it through the first couple years. And how to prepare your army for the bandits and Baron attacks.

Early Game Guide

The Starting Months

We’ll skip over the very beginning since it’s not too important. But here’s a quick overview for new players. If you’re past the first months, skip to Part 2.

When you start, you have 5 homeless families and lots of supplies needing storage. First, build a logging camp to get wood for storage and housing. Then build just enough homes for 5-6 families. Next, set up a forager’s hut and hunting camp for temporary food and to raise approval for growth. Don’t forget a well and woodcutter’s lodge too.

Building Your Militia

Now you’ll want to start training militia soldiers. Luckily you start with 20 spears and 20 large shields already. You need around 16 men to conscript into your militia. Raise population by having good approval and housing. When ready, rally the militia and attack the nearest small bandit camp of around 16 enemies. You should beat them easily. After destroying the camp, send the money to your personal treasury, not the village. Then disband the militia and hire mercenaries while they go home. Get spearmen and footmen for around 60 silver. Use the mercenaries to clear out remaining bandit camps, keeping all the money.

Growing Your Town

You can do some of this alongside Part 2. But don’t speed up the game too much or you’ll miss things.

Now build up your town’s economy. A clay mine and furnace can let you profit from selling roof tiles. Always have more housing than families to allow growth. Raise approval with stable food, clothing and a church to level up housing. More housing means more workers for farms, industry, etc. Build foresters and extra woodcutters as needed.

Farming

As your population grows, you’ll need more food production. In your second year, set up farmland. Check soil fertility then build some small farm fields, not too big. Build a farmhouse to assign farmers. Do this in winter so farms are ready for planting season. Once crops grow, build a windmill to mill grain and a community oven to bake bread.

If All Goes Well

By year 2 the bandits will be coming. Look to build more militia regiments. Hire mercenaries again a month before to help fight them off. Your bandit loot and taxes should cover mercenary costs.

The Bandit Attack

The bandits attack with around 36 troops total. If you prepared well, your combined forces should destroy them. Still, don’t get overconfident. Encircle their ranks by having one unit draw them while another flanks. The bandits won’t burn buildings if you threaten them.

Moving Forward

After the battle, you should have influence to claim a new territory from the Baron. Do it, and contest any he tries to take. Keep mercenaries as you build wealth and army.

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