Exploring Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord: Subjects, Angles, and Comparisons

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a massive sandbox that lets you forge your own destiny in the fictional continent of Calradia. Whether you want to be a charismatic trader, a ruthless warlord, or a cunning politician, the game offers a multitude of paths. This guide serves as a navigational hub to help you explore the various facets of the game, from basic mechanics to advanced meta-strategies.

The World of Calradia

The heart of Bannerlord is its living, breathing world. Eight major factions vie for control, each with unique cultures, troops, and strengths.

Kingdoms and Cultures

Understanding who you are fighting for—or against—is crucial.

• The Empire: Split into Northern, Southern, and Western factions, they boast heavy cataphracts and disciplined infantry.

• Vlandia: Feudal knights that dominate the open field with devastating cavalry charges.

• Battania: Masters of the forest, their Fian Champions are the deadliest archers in the game.

• Khuzait: Lords of the steppe, utilizing horse archers to harass and destroy slower armies.

• Sturgia: Northern warriors with sturdy shield walls and terrifying shock troops.

• Aserai: Desert dwellers with a versatile roster and high economic potential.

For a deeper dive into the political landscape, check out our Kingdoms Overview.

The Art of War

Combat in Bannerlord is visceral and skill-based. It's not just about stats; it's about positioning, timing, and command.

Combat Mechanics

Mastering the four-directional combat system is the first step. Whether you prefer a sword and shield, a two-handed axe, or a bow, your personal skill can turn the tide of battle. Read our guide on Combat Fundamentals to get started.

Tactics and Formations

Commanding your troops is just as important as your own fighting prowess. Using a shield wall to absorb arrows, or a skein formation to break enemy lines, separates a rabble from an army.

Empire Building

Once you've mastered the blade, you must master the ledger. War requires gold, and kingdoms require influence.

Economy

You can't pay wages with glory. Establishing productive workshops, running profitable caravans, and managing your fiefs are essential for long-term success. Learn how to become a merchant prince in our Economy & Trading Guide.

Diplomacy

Managing relationships with other clans, voting on policies, and deciding when to wage war (or sue for peace) are the hallmarks of a true ruler. Building your own kingdom is a monumental task that requires careful planning. See our guide on Clan Management and the Main Storyline Walkthrough for more.

Beyond the Vanilla Game

Multiplayer

Test your skills against real players in Captain Mode, Skirmish, or Siege. The Multiplayer Overview covers the basics of online play.

Modding

The Bannerlord modding community is incredibly active. From total conversion mods that bring Game of Thrones to Calradia, to simple quality-of-life tweaks, mods can completely transform your experience. Check out our list of Modding & Best Mods.

Whether you are a new player just starting your journey or a veteran warlord looking to optimize your kingdom, there is always something new to learn in Calradia. Use these guides to sharpen your blade and your wits.