If you’re a fan of the grand strategy and tactical battles of the Total War series and have been drawn into the world of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, you’re likely looking for ways to bridge the gap between the two. While Bannerlord offers a compelling sandbox experience, it doesn’t quite scratch the same itch as Total War’s large-scale campaigns and intricate unit management. Thankfully, the modding community has stepped up to deliver experiences that bring those elements closer to the forefront. This article will explore three excellent mods that capture the spirit of Total War within Bannerlord, offering new strategic depth and gameplay possibilities.
The core desire here is to bring the strategic and tactical depth of Total War to Bannerlord. This isn’t about making Bannerlord exactly like Total War, but rather enriching the existing gameplay with elements that Total War fans appreciate.
Diplomacy Fixes and Expansions for Strategic Depth
One of the biggest areas where Bannerlord falls short of Total War is in its diplomacy system. While present, it lacks the nuance and complexity that can significantly impact a Total War campaign.
- Diplomacy Fixes: This mod overhauls the diplomacy system, introducing features like alliances that actually mean something, more impactful peace treaties, and the ability to form coalitions against common enemies. It also introduces a war score system to bring more rationale during the negotiations of peace.
- Mod Link: Search for “Diplomacy Fixes” on Nexus Mods.
- Improved Diplomacy: Aims to provide a richer, more dynamic, and logically consistent diplomatic experience in Bannerlord. It introduces features like alliance formations and breaking, non-aggression pacts, royal marriages, kingdom opinion, and war exhaustion.
- Mod Link: Search for “Improved Diplomacy” on Nexus Mods.
Battle Size and Tactics Mods for Epic Encounters
Total War games are renowned for their massive battles. Bannerlord’s native battle sizes can feel somewhat limiting in comparison. Several mods address this, but it’s crucial to be mindful of performance.
- Bear Force Engine: This allows you to significantly increase battle sizes. However, it’s crucial to consider your PC’s capabilities before cranking it up too high. Experiment to find a balance between scale and performance. It doesn’t directly mimic Total War’s battle mechanics, it allows for larger, more epic encounters where flanking maneuvers and strategic positioning become even more important.
- Mod Link: Search for “Bear Force Engine” on Nexus Mods.
- Realistic Battle Mod: This mod overhauls the combat system to be more realistic. One element of this is changes to the AI tactics, making battles more difficult.
- Mod Link: Search for “Realistic Battle Mod” on Nexus Mods.
Faction Overhauls for Diverse Experiences
Total War games are known for their diverse factions. While Bannerlord has factions, they can feel somewhat similar in terms of gameplay and units. Mods that overhaul existing factions or add entirely new ones can inject a fresh dose of replayability.
- Kingdom Faction Overhaul: This mod gives each kingdom a distinct feel and unique units.
- Mod Link: Search for “Kingdom Faction Overhaul” on Nexus Mods.
- Beyond Calradia: Mod is a total conversion mod for Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord, built with the goal of bringing new cultures, factions, maps, and more to the game.
- Mod Link: Search for “Beyond Calradia” on Nexus Mods.
Having spent countless hours modding and playing Bannerlord, I’ve come to realize that the perfect Total War experience within Bannerlord is an illusion. The beauty lies in the fusion of the two: Bannerlord’s character-driven sandbox combined with Total War’s strategic depth.
Balancing Immersion and Grand Strategy
One common mistake I see players make is trying to force Bannerlord into a Total War mold. They max out battle sizes, install overly complex economic mods, and end up losing the personal touch that makes Bannerlord unique. Instead, focus on enhancing the areas where Bannerlord is already strong.
For example, instead of just increasing battle size, consider mods that improve AI behavior and unit tactics. This will make smaller battles feel more meaningful and strategic, aligning with Total War’s emphasis on tactical decisions. Similarly, don’t just add economic complexity for the sake of it; focus on mods that create interesting dilemmas and trade-offs, forcing you to make tough choices as a ruler.
The Power of “Lite” Overhauls
I’ve found that “lite” overhauls often provide the best experience. These mods don’t drastically change the core gameplay but subtly enhance it with Total War-inspired elements. Think of it as adding a pinch of spice to an already delicious dish.
For instance, a diplomacy mod that adds more negotiation options without completely rewriting the system can be incredibly effective. It adds depth and complexity without sacrificing the core Bannerlord experience.
My Modding Philosophy
My personal modding philosophy for Bannerlord is simple: enhance, don’t replace. I aim to create a game that feels both familiar and fresh, retaining the core elements of Bannerlord while adding the strategic depth and tactical nuance that Total War fans crave.
This means carefully selecting mods that complement each other, avoiding conflicts, and constantly tweaking settings to achieve the perfect balance. It’s a time-consuming process, but the results are well worth it.
Modding Bannerlord can be a rewarding but sometimes frustrating experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started and avoid common pitfalls.
Understanding the Mod Load Order
The order in which you load your mods can significantly impact their functionality. Generally, mods that alter core game mechanics should be loaded earlier, while those that add content (like new units or factions) can be loaded later. Experimentation is key, but pay close attention to any warnings or recommendations from the mod authors.
Using a Mod Manager
A mod manager like Vortex (from Nexus Mods) or Bannerlord Mod Launcher is essential for managing your mods. These tools allow you to easily install, uninstall, and reorder mods, making the process much smoother and less prone to errors.
Backing Up Your Game
Before installing any mods, it’s always a good idea to back up your Bannerlord installation. This way, if something goes wrong, you can easily revert to a working state.
Checking Mod Compatibility
Not all mods are compatible with each other. Before installing a new mod, check the comments section on Nexus Mods or the mod’s forum page to see if other users have reported any compatibility issues. Pay close attention to the mod’s dependencies and requirements.
Start Small
Don’t try to install a dozen mods at once. Start with a few essential mods and gradually add more as you become more comfortable with the process. This will make it easier to identify the source of any problems that arise.
The Bannerlord modding community is vibrant and constantly evolving. As the game continues to mature, we can expect to see even more ambitious and innovative mods that blur the lines between Bannerlord and Total War. By carefully selecting and configuring your mods, you can create a truly unique and engaging gaming experience that captures the best of both worlds. Remember, the key is to enhance, not replace, the core elements of Bannerlord, creating a game that feels both familiar and fresh.
This article has highlighted three key areas where mods can enhance Bannerlord for Total War fans: diplomacy, battle scale, and faction diversity. By focusing on these areas, you can create a game that delivers the strategic depth and tactical nuance that you crave.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bannerlord 2 mods that bring Total War-like elements to the game:
Q: Can mods make Bannerlord 2 play exactly like Total War?
A: No, mods cannot completely transform Bannerlord 2 into a Total War game. They can add elements of strategic depth, larger battles, and faction diversity, but the core gameplay mechanics of Bannerlord will remain.
Q: What are the best Bannerlord 2 mods for diplomacy?
A: “Diplomacy Fixes” and “Improved Diplomacy” are two popular mods that overhaul the diplomacy system, introducing features like alliances, peace treaties, and war score systems.
Q: How can I increase battle sizes in Bannerlord 2?
A: The “Bear Force Engine” mod allows you to significantly increase battle sizes. However, it’s crucial to consider your PC’s capabilities before increasing battle sizes too much.
Q: Are there any faction overhaul mods for Bannerlord 2?
A: Yes, the “Kingdom Faction Overhaul” and “Beyond Calradia” mods aim to make the game more varied and unique to play.
Q: Are Bannerlord 2 mods easy to install?
A: Installing Bannerlord 2 mods can be relatively easy with the help of a mod manager like Vortex or Bannerlord Mod Launcher. These tools simplify the process of installing, uninstalling, and managing mods.