All the Kingdoms in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord (2025 Guide)

November 21, 2025

Quick overview of all the major kingdoms in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord — who they are, where they fight, and what makes them unique.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is packed with warring factions, each with distinct cultures, units, and ambitions. If you're choosing a side — or planning who to conquer next — here's a no-fluff overview of every major kingdom.

1. Vlandia

Colour: Red Territory: Western Calradia – plains, forests and coastal lands. Initial region: West. Neighbours: Borders the three Empire-factions to the east, Battania to the northwest. Leader: King Derthert (dey Meroc). Leader's demeanour: Aggressive expansionist, strong cavalry tradition. Strengths & style: Heavy cavalry shock troops, crossbowmen, feudal structure.

TypeTierNameNotable combat focus
InfantryT1Vlandian RecruitBalanced but weak late game
CrossbowmenT3Vlandian CrossbowmanCrossbow focus, moderate infantry skills
Heavy CavalryT5Vlandian Banner KnightPolearm/One‑Handed very high, Riding strong
Infantry (elite)T4Vlandian SergeantSpear/polearm infantry, good all‑round stats

2. Sturgia

Colour: Blue Territory: Northern Calradia – snowy forests, rivers, rugged terrain. Initial region: North. Neighbours: Empires to the south, Battania to the west. Leader: Grand Prince Raganvad. Leader's demeanour: Tough, somewhat defensive but willing to raid. Strengths & style: Infantry heavy, axes and two‑handers, strong in cold terrain.

TypeTierNameFocus
InfantryT1Sturgian RecruitBasic infantry
RangedT3Sturgian ArcherBow high, moderate other stats
Heavy InfantryT5Sturgian DruzhinnikOne‑Handed + Shield strong, Athletics high
CavalryT4Sturgian Horse RaiderRiding moderate, Polearm decent

3. The Empire (Northern, Southern, Western)

Colour: Purple / Imperial gold (varies) Territory: Central Calradia – mixed terrain, former imperial heartlands. Initial region: Central. Neighbours: Borders all other major kingdoms. Leader: Varies by sub‑faction. Leader's demeanour: Politically complex, balanced military. Strengths & style: Balanced roster — infantry, archers, heavy cavalry (cataphracts).

TypeTierNameFocus
InfantryT1Imperial RecruitBalanced starter
RangedT4Imperial Veteran ArcherBow high
Heavy CavalryT5Imperial CataphractPolearm/One‑Handed high, Riding strong
Infantry (elite)T5Imperial LegionaryTwo‑Handed/Polearm high, Athletics strong

4. Battania

Colour: Green / Earth tones Territory: Northwest Calradia – forested hills and mountains. Initial region: Northwest. Neighbours: Vlandia east/southeast, Sturgia northeast. Leader: High King Caladog. Leader's demeanour: Prefers ambush and ranged tactics. Strengths & style: Excellent archers, strong melee infantry, guerrilla warfare.

TypeTierNameFocus
ArcherT2Battanian SkirmisherBow moderate/strong
InfantryT4Battanian FalxmanTwo‑Handed high, Polearm moderate
Archer (elite)T5Battanian Fian ChampionBow very high, Athletics high
CavalryT3Battanian HorsemanRiding decent, Polearm moderate

5. Aserai

Colour: Yellow / Sand‑tones Territory: Southern Calradia – desert, trade oases, coastal regions. Initial region: South. Neighbours: Empires north, Khuzait east. Leader: Sultan Unqid. Leader's demeanour: Trade‑savvy, cavalry raids, moderate diplomacy. Strengths & style: Fast cavalry, archers, good all‑round desert troops.

TypeTierNameFocus
InfantryT1Aserai RecruitBasic unit
ArcherT3Aserai ArcherBow high
CavalryT4Aserai Mameluke CavalryOne‑Handed/Shield moderate, Riding high
Infantry (elite)T5Aserai Veteran InfantryTwo‑Handed/Polearm high

6. Khuzait

Colour: Teal / Steppe blue Territory: Eastern Calradia – vast steppe, open plains. Initial region: East. Neighbours: Aserai west/south, Empire west/south‑west. Leader: Khan Yuan. Leader's demeanour: Highly mobile, horse‑archer culture. Strengths & style: Mounted archers, lancers, excellent mobility.

TypeTierNameFocus
RangedT2Khuzait ArcherBow high, Riding moderate
CavalryT4Khuzait Horse ArcherBow very high, Riding high
Cavalry (elite)T5Khuzait Khan's GuardOne‑Handed high, Riding very high
InfantryT3Khuzait SpearmanPolearm moderate

Notes

  • Unit "stats" are representative, not exact — values change by patch.

  • "Tier" indicates general progression (T1 = base, T5 = elite).

  • Terrain and adjacency reflect campaign map layout.

  • Leader behaviour generalised from lore.