For those on 1.1.6 who wants a workaround, you can revert back to 1.1.5, promote your troops, and go back to 1.1.6.


What I did was first leveling a troop I wanted to promote to the second highest level, with enough XP to upgrade to the highest.

Then I reverted to 1.1.5 by going to my M&B in my library -> properties -> betas -> selecting 1.1.5.

Then, with Distinguished Service installed, I went to Program files(x86) (Or wherever Bannerlord is installed for you) \steam\steamapps\workshop\content\261550\2952807291\Settings.xml. There, I changed <upgrade_to_hero>false</upgrade_to_hero> to <upgrade_to_hero>true</upgrade_to_hero>. This makes any troop into a companion when promoted to the highest level.

Then, I launched the game, upgraded my troop of choice, and got the promotion dialogue.

Alternatively, you could use the console command dservice.uplift_soldier [6] to promote any party member. Then, you don't have to edit the settings.xml.

When I had promoted the troops I wanted, I opted out of the 1.1.5 "beta" and uninstalled the mod.


Of course, this isn't as immersive as promoting troops after a battle, but it's quick and convenient. The update between 1.1.5 and 1.1.6 is very small, so it's more like downloading a mod than reinstalling the game. I also had a weird bug where a single promotion would give me two companions, but it's easy enough to dismiss one of them.