In the world of Mount & Blade Bannerlord mods, Realm of Thrones stands out as one of the most immersive experiences for fans of medieval fantasy warfare. One of the most important systems in this mod is the troop trees structure, which determines how your soldiers evolve from simple recruits into elite warriors. Understanding Realm of Thrones troop trees is essential if you want to build a strong army, survive large battles, and dominate the political landscape of Westeros-inspired factions. Each faction has its own unique progression path, unit identity, and battlefield role, making army management a deep and strategic part of the gameplay.
Understanding Realm of Thrones Troop Trees
Troop trees in Realm of Thrones represent the upgrade paths of soldiers recruited from different regions and factions. When you recruit a basic unit, it is not the end of its potential. Instead, you can upgrade it through battle experience and training into stronger versions with better armor, weapons, and combat skills. These troop trees are designed to reflect the lore of Westeros, where each region has distinct military traditions and fighting styles.
For example, northern troops often rely on heavy armor and brute strength, while southern troops tend to favor discipline, cavalry, and tactical formations. This variety makes troop management a key part of success, especially in large-scale wars where different unit types must work together effectively.
How Troop Progression Works
In Realm of Thrones, every troop begins as a low-tier recruit. As they gain experience through battles, raids, or training, they can be upgraded into higher-tier units. Each upgrade improves their combat performance, including damage output, defense, and sometimes mounted capability.
Most troop trees follow a tiered structure
- Tier 1 Basic recruits with minimal equipment
- Tier 2 Light infantry or militia units
- Tier 3 Professional soldiers with better weapons
- Tier 4 Elite troops with specialized roles
- Tier 5 Veteran or champion units with high combat effectiveness
This progression system encourages players to invest time in building their army rather than relying on instant power. A well-developed troop tree often becomes the deciding factor in major battles.
House Stark Troop Tree
House Stark represents the North, known for its harsh climate and resilient warriors. Their troop tree emphasizes durability, heavy infantry, and disciplined formations. Stark troops are not flashy, but they are reliable and extremely tough in prolonged combat.
Common Stark Troop Progression
- Northern Recruit
- Northern Levy
- Stark Soldier
- Stark Veteran
- Stark Heavy Infantry
At higher tiers, Stark troops often carry two-handed weapons or large shields, making them effective in both offense and defense. They are particularly strong in siege battles where endurance matters more than speed.
House Lannister Troop Tree
House Lannister troops reflect wealth, discipline, and well-equipped armies. Their troop trees are known for strong infantry lines supported by ranged units and cavalry. Because of their resources, Lannister soldiers often have superior armor compared to other factions at similar tiers.
Lannister Troop Progression
- Westlands Recruit
- Westlands Militia
- Lannister Footman
- Lannister Man-at-Arms
- Lannister Knight
The strength of Lannister troops lies in their balanced composition. They perform well in most battle scenarios, making them a reliable choice for players who prefer versatility.
House Targaryen Troop Tree
House Targaryen brings a more aggressive and mobile approach to warfare. Their troop trees often include cavalry-focused units and highly offensive soldiers. In some versions of Realm of Thrones, Targaryen forces are also associated with elite units that represent dragon-era influence.
Targaryen Troop Progression
- Dragonstone Recruit
- Dragonstone Warrior
- Targaryen Swordsman
- Targaryen Cavalry
- Dragon Guard Elite
These troops are designed for fast strikes and high mobility. On the battlefield, they excel at flanking enemy formations and breaking weaker lines quickly before retreating or repositioning.
The North Beyond the Wall Troop Tree
The Free Folk, also known as Wildlings, represent a different style of warfare entirely. Unlike organized armies, their troop trees focus on irregular fighters, archers, and lightly armored infantry. They rely on numbers, speed, and adaptability rather than discipline.
Free Folk Progression
- Wildling Youth
- Wildling Raider
- Free Folk Warrior
- Veteran Free Folk
- Thenn Elite Fighter
These units are excellent for guerrilla tactics, ambushes, and hit-and-run attacks. However, they struggle in prolonged frontline engagements against heavily armored opponents.
Other Notable Factions and Troop Styles
Beyond the major houses, Realm of Thrones includes several smaller factions and regional forces. Each has its own troop tree that reflects local culture and military traditions. These factions add depth to the game world and provide alternative recruitment options for players.
Common Regional Troop Types
- Riverlands infantry focused on balanced combat
- Vale knights known for superior cavalry
- Dorne troops with agile desert fighting styles
- Iron Islands raiders specializing in boarding and melee combat
Each of these troop trees offers unique advantages depending on your playstyle. Players who enjoy cavalry dominance may prefer the Vale, while those who enjoy aggressive raiding may lean toward Iron Islands units.
Strategies for Using Troop Trees Effectively
Understanding troop trees is not enough; you also need to apply them correctly in battle. A well-balanced army often includes a mix of infantry, ranged units, and cavalry. Each troop type plays a specific role that contributes to overall battlefield success.
Here are some practical strategies
- Use heavy infantry like Stark troops to hold the front line
- Deploy archers behind infantry for consistent damage output
- Use cavalry units such as Lannister or Vale knights for flanking attacks
- Reserve elite units for decisive moments in battle
Proper troop composition can turn even a smaller army into a powerful fighting force if used correctly.
Why Troop Trees Matter in Realm of Thrones
Troop trees are one of the most important systems in Realm of Thrones because they define progression, strategy, and identity for each faction. Without understanding troop trees, players may struggle to build effective armies or fully experience the depth of the mod.
Each faction’s troop tree is carefully designed to reflect its lore, making battles feel more authentic and immersive. Whether you prefer the disciplined strength of the North, the wealth-driven power of the Westerlands, or the fast aggression of dragon-inspired forces, there is a troop tree that matches your style.
Mastering these systems allows players to fully enjoy large-scale battles, political campaigns, and long-term army development. In the end, success in Realm of Thrones is not just about numbers, but about how well you understand and use your troop trees.