Multiplayer Overview
November 21, 2025
Introduction to Bannerlord multiplayer modes.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is primarily known for its deep single-player sandbox, but its Multiplayer component offers a completely different challenge. Gone are the perks, the campaign map, and the slow buildup of power. In multiplayer, it is pure skill, tactics, and teamwork that decide the victor.
Whether you are looking to command a squad of AI troops or test your personal combat skills against other players, there is a mode for you.
Game Modes
Captain Mode
Captain Mode is the most tactical of the multiplayer offerings and arguably the most unique. In this 6v6 mode, each player commands a detachment of AI troops—ranging from peasant rabble to elite heavy cavalry.
Objective: Control flags or eliminate the enemy team.
Role: You are the commander. Your survival is important, but positioning your troops effectively is critical.
Teamwork: High. You must coordinate with your 5 allies to create shield walls, flank with cavalry, or cover with archers.
This mode is excellent for players who enjoy the "commander" aspect of the single-player campaign but want to test their wits against human opponents.
Skirmish Mode
Skirmish is a competitive 6v6 mode where players fight with limited lives.
Economy: You spend gold to spawn as different classes. Better classes cost more gold.
Objective: Capture flags or eliminate the enemy.
Pacing: Fast and lethal. Mistakes are punished heavily.
Siege Mode
Siege is the chaotic, large-scale battle mode. With up to 120 players (60v60), it replicates the epic castle assaults of the campaign.
Attackers: Push siege towers, battering rams, and use ladders to breach the castle.
Defenders: Man the walls, use ballistae and catapults, and throw rocks/oil pots on the attackers.
Respawn: Unlimited, but with wave timers.
Duel Mode
For those who want to perfect their directional combat, Duel servers are the place to be. Here, you fight 1v1 against another player. It is the best way to learn the intricacies of blocking, chambering, and footwork without the chaos of a large battle.
Classes and Loadouts
Unlike single-player, you do not bring your custom character. Instead, you choose from three main class archetypes, which vary by faction:
Infantry: The backbone. Includes light shock troops (high damage, low armor) and heavy shield infantry (tanks).
Ranged: Archers and crossbowmen. Essential for softening targets and defending walls.
Cavalry: Light skirmishers and heavy lancers. High mobility to flank and harass.
Each class has customizable perks (e.g., "Better Armor" vs "Faster Speed") that allow you to tailor your playstyle slightly.
Matchmaking and Ranks
Bannerlord features a matchmaking system for Skirmish and Captain modes.
Badges/Ranks: As you play and win, you earn rank points.
Custom Servers: For Siege and Duel modes, you typically use the Server Browser to find a game.
Teamwork Tips
Stay Together: A lone wolf dies quickly in Bannerlord. Stick to your teammates' shields.
Communicate: Use voice chat or quick chat commands to call out enemy movements.
Ping: Use the ping system (default Middle Mouse Button) to mark targets or locations.
Don't Friendly Fire: Be careful with your swings in a scrum. Hitting teammates interrupts their attacks and damages them.
Conclusion
Multiplayer in Bannerlord is a brutal but rewarding experience. It strips away the RPG progression and leaves only the raw combat mechanics. Start with Captain Mode to get a feel for commanding, then dive into Siege for the spectacle, or Skirmish/Duel if you want to prove your individual skill.