Shield bashes are a combat maneuver in Bannerlord used to interrupt opponent attacks. It can be a very useful combat skill, so here’s how to shield bash in Bannerlord.
How to Perform a Shield Bash Interrupt
Performing a Shield Bash in Bannerlord is quite simple, provided you have a shield equipped. You can perform one by raising the shield to block with it and then pressing the interrupt input during the block.
This can be done by holding the right mouse button and then pressing E if you haven’t customized your keybinds. Directional input does not matter for these, as all directions result in a Shield Bash when you have a shield raised.
Parrying or interrupts exist in other game series as well, such as Dark Souls, but with Bannerlord there is no need for particular timing. A Shield Bash can be executed at any point, as long as you have a shield raised in the blocking stance.
You do not require a weapon to be equipped alongside it, even just your fist is sufficient. Make sure not to lower your block before giving the interrupt command, the interrupt will come out as a kick instead of a Shield Bash if the block is dropped.
A drawback to these moves does exist, however, much like parry systems present in other games. After you execute one interrupt attack, you will be unable to start another for a short period afterward.
Since Shield Bashes are interrupt attacks, this applies to them as well. This means you’ll want to practice with these, as missing an interrupt will leave you vulnerable and is often punished.
This delay will affect all interrupt attacks, not just shield bashes. So you will be unable to counter or prevent attacks for the short duration of the delay. Learning your interrupt timing is still important. It’s simply more forgiving to learn than other games with similar mechanics.
When and Why to Shield Bash in Bannerlord
Shield Bashes will stop opponent attacks before they can complete and do damage if performed correctly. Your opponent will be shoved back and left vulnerable to attacks for a brief period afterward. Usually, this is enough time for a single safe hit during the stagger. Which is a great trade to make.
There is little difference in the damage a bash attack will do when compared to other interrupts such as kicks. Different perks do affect different kinds of interrupts though. Separate perks are available to improve the damage and stun of both bash interrupts and kicks. But it is not recommended to use Shield Bash for damage. Interrupts will usually deal around 4 damage at the best of times compared to 20 damage for a fairly basic weapon.
They can still be useful for last-hitting opponents if you are trying to knock them out. Most often this would be done to ransom an enemy after the battle ends. Shields in general are reliable for this as they are far less likely to be lethal than an actual weapon, though the results of metal or spiked shields may vary.
If you plan to use bash attacks for knockouts like this, a shield such as the Round Shield makes an ideal candidate for this. Being a larger shield, it becomes harder to miss your bash attack. As an added bonus, it is also far more likely to absorb enemy missile fire due to its size, making them safer to use when advancing to bash your opponents in fights that are not just simple one-versus-one affairs.
