Summary
Taleworlds Entertainment’sMount & Blade 2: Bannerlordtransports players tothe fractured realm of Calradia, where numerous factions left behind by a crumbling empire vie for supremacy. Whether gamers choose to align themselves with the cavalry-focused Vlandians, the horse archer Khuzaits, or one of Calradia’s other powerful groups, they have to demonstrate a mix of strategy, cunning, and military prowess if they are to triumph over their enemies.
VanillaMount & Blade 2: Bannerlordisalready regarded as a great updateto a classic gaming franchise (boasting a “Very Positive” reception on Steam), but it’s nonetheless possible to take the game to the next level with the help of mods. Many mods are available on the Steam Workshop, from quality-of-life tweaks to game-changing updates, adding a new twist to this much-loved game.
1Quick Nearby Tournaments
5 Stars, 515 Ratings
Some mods overhaul games completely, transforming them into novel experiences that challenge even the most experienced players. In fact, many classic standalone titlesstarted as mods. However, while these types of mods receive significant attention, there are manysmall, quality-of-life modsthat should not be discounted.
Adventurers inMount & Bladeoften turn to tournaments to earn renown and valuable equipment, but locating these events in the base game can be tedious. Thankfully, the Quick Nearby Tournaments mod created by Steam user Depression streamlines the process, meaning that gamers get to spend more time triumphing in exciting fights and less time locating them.
2Dismemberment (Plus)
5 Stars, 3739 Ratings
Fromthe epic fantasy sagasof authors like George R.R. Martin to the world-shaping events of real Medieval history, one thing is clear about the historical and social context from whichMount & Blade’s Calradia draws its inspiration: it was a gruesome time in which to live. While vanillaBannerlordavoids many of the more unsavory historical quirks, players who wish to ramp up the authenticity (or who just feel especially bloodthirsty) can get their fix with Dismemberment (Plus), a mod by The_Schwartz.
Dismemberment (Plus) does what it says on the tin, adding a chance for a player’s attacks to cause grisly damage to their fallen enemies. From missing limbs to flying heads, this modadds a gruesome twistto the experience, encouraging adventurers to find new and visually arresting ways to defeat their foes. However, while Dismemberment (Plus) adds a sense of realism, it may turn the stomach of less ruthless gamers.
3Detailed Character Customization
5 Stars, 1080 Ratings
Nominative determinism refers to the concept that a person’s name determines their path through life. In the case of Steam user Designer225, responsible for maintaining the Detailed Character Customization mod, this idea seems to hold true. Detailed Character Customization adds new dimensions toBannerlord’s already impressive suite of character-shaping sliders and options,allowing players to tweak every aspectof their aspiring hero.
One of the mod’s most notable additions is the ability to tweak a character’s age, allowing players to move through the game as anything from a small-statured child to a veteran warrior. These fresh options enhance the roleplaying experience by offering gamers the chance to not only shape their avatar’s progression through the game but also nearly every facet of their physical appearance.
4Breakable Polearms
4 Stars, 44 Ratings
Weapon degradation is a mechanicthat exists in different games for various reasons. As such, this quality fundamentally changes how players interact with games, so it should be no surprise that order_without_power’s Breakable Polearms mod significantly alters theBannerlordexperience.
Polearms play a prominent role in the battle for Calradia, and the addition of a degradation variable forces players to think strategically about their use, encouraging effective blows rather than random flailing. After all, if a polearm does break before an enemy is defeated, this can lead to a desperate scramble for a replacement weapon, potentially jeopardizing a player’s success in a tournament or battle.
5Take Both
5 Stars, 539 Ratings
Likemany other roleplaying games,Mount & Blade: Bannerlordis all about how a player’s choices shape the world in which they inhabit. From crafting a character’s appearance to choosing their backstory and traveling companions, these decisions affect both a player’s sense of immersion and the outcome of gameplay. This is especially true when it comes to upgrading the player character.
However, while vanillaBannerlordforces the player to choose between different perks (each offering different advantages), Anti Hero’s Take Both mod eliminates this choice by automatically selecting both options when a character is upgraded. An argument might be made that this removes a core aspect of the character-building experience, but the Take Both mod helps to create rounded characters for players who don’t want to get bogged down in calculating the optimal specialization route.
6Diplomacy
5 Stars, 3879 Ratings
Epic fantasy sagas likeGame of Thronesshow how shifting alliances, unexpected betrayals, andmulti-faction civil warscan define the fate of a kingdom. Indeed, while vanillaBannerlordthrusts players into the middle of a far-reaching conflict between multiple factions, the base game lacks the mechanics needed for true strategic diplomacy. Luckily, the aptly titled Diplomacy mod plugs this gap, altering the gameplay experience significantly.
From tiny tweaks like the ability to send messengers to other characters in Calradia to the implementation of regicidal conspiracies and faction in-fighting, Diplomacy elevatesBannerlordinto a far more fleshed-out experience. New strategies also emerge, such as forming alliances with other groups to progress. Many players consider Diplomacy to be an essential addition toMount & Blade 2: Bannerlord, especially in the late game, making it one of the RPG’s most popular mods.
