The On the Edge scenario gives you a limited time (one year) to build defenses against enemies while trying to establish the highest level of development of your city. In addition to managing resources and infrastructure, you have to deal with raiders who can burn your settlement to the ground.
How to quickly upgrade a town and survive attacks in Manor Lords (On the Edge)
To survive attacks in Manor Lords, you need to plan your economy and focus a lot on business. But not all territories are the same; depending on the land fertility and resource availability, you have to decide between grazing and agriculture. It is important to build your city near resources and the main road, because trade is crucial for the rapid development of your city.
While these steps are similar for all scenarios, On the Edge throws other lords and raiders at you, making city building even more difficult.
Plan your urban development
Follow our construction guide to solve the basic needs of your villagers and prepare for more complex activities. Since you have no time to waste, upgrade your settlement to a Village by building five Burgh Plots (houses). Planning is essential, so leave room for church, tavern and market so they are in the same “neighbourhood”.
Get weapons for your Militia
Since the On the Edge scenario includes very active enemies, you should get weapons as soon as possible. You will need a Level 2 City and an upgraded Burgage Plot to Level 2 and assign artisans to produce bows. While crafting your weapons is a goal, you can get weapons for your Militia (armed villagers) through trade more quickly. Focus on business from the early beginnings, so you have enough wealth (money). buy at least 20 weapon pieces (sidearms, bows, staves, etc.).
Hire mercenaries to hunt down bandits
Destroy bandit camps found on the map to get extra resources in Manor Lords. You should deal with them as soon as possible because they will steal your resources. If you don't have enough soldiers, you can always hire mercenaries, which will cost you a fortune. Mercenaries roam the kingdom looking for work, but you can only hire such in your territory. Hiring mercenaries is a good idea because you don't lose workers in battles.
Related: Top 5 things I wish were in Manor Lords Early Access
Prepare your army to fight against raiders
By the end of the first year, you should have enough stored weapons to deal with raiders. Definitely have enough helmets and armor so your soldiers can be more effective in battles. I'm a fan of archers because I want to minimize casualties since every death affects your economy (one less worker). The downside of archers is that they won't shoot at enemies if your melee troops have attacked them. But if you're pragmatic, you can issue friendly fire orders, giving archers the green light to shoot at enemies at the cost of hitting your troops.
While fending off raiders and other lords is crucial, don't forget that building the city to the highest level is a victory condition. Therefore, keep your focus on the economy, especially after you defeat raiders (and lords if they are part of a scenario).
For more on Manor Lords, check out Best ways to improve influence in Manor Lords on Pro Game Guides.
