Imagine commanding a fleet of heavily armored warships, bristling with archers and ballistae, or raiding coastal villages with nimble longboats designed for swift strikes. The naval aspect of Bannerlord 2, while present, feels underdeveloped. This article proposes three new ship types that could drastically enhance the game’s strategic depth and offer players exciting new gameplay possibilities, focusing on realistic medieval naval technology and tactics.
Currently, Bannerlord 2’s naval gameplay is limited. Adding new ship types would open avenues for diverse combat tactics, trade strategies, and coastal siege warfare. We’re looking to expand beyond the existing basic transport ships to create a truly engaging naval theater.
The Armored Warship: Dominating the Seas
This ship type would be the heavy hitter of any player fleet. Designed for direct confrontation, the armored warship would boast significantly higher health and armor than standard vessels. Its primary purpose is to engage and destroy enemy fleets, acting as a floating fortress.
- Design: Think of a cog-like hull, reinforced with metal plating on the sides and possibly even a reinforced prow for ramming attacks. Multiple decks would allow for numerous archers and potentially even early cannons (if the timeline allows or mods introduce them).
- Gameplay Impact: Armored warships would be expensive to build and maintain, requiring significant resources and skilled shipwrights. However, their presence in a fleet would dramatically increase its combat effectiveness. They would be slow and less maneuverable, making them vulnerable to flanking attacks by faster ships.
- Countermeasures: Players would need to utilize tactics like hit-and-run attacks with smaller, faster vessels or employ boarding parties to overwhelm the crew of the warship. Naval mines (if implemented) would also be a viable option.
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The Longboat: Raiding and Coastal Warfare Specialist
Inspired by Viking longboats, this ship type would prioritize speed and maneuverability over armor and firepower. The longboat would be ideal for raiding coastal villages, transporting troops quickly, and performing hit-and-run attacks against larger ships.
- Design: A long, narrow hull, powered by oars and a sail. Relatively shallow draft, allowing it to navigate rivers and shallow coastal waters. Lightly armored, focusing on speed and agility.
- Gameplay Impact: Longboats would be inexpensive and quick to build, making them ideal for early-game naval dominance. They would be vulnerable in a direct confrontation with armored warships, but their speed and maneuverability would allow them to harass enemy fleets, raid coastal settlements, and transport troops swiftly.
- Tactics: Players could use longboats to ambush enemy trade ships, raid undefended coastal villages for resources, and quickly deploy troops behind enemy lines. They could also be used to screen larger, slower ships from enemy attacks.
- Historical Basis: The design is directly inspired by real-world Viking longboats, known for their raiding capabilities and shallow draft. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longship)
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The Trade Carrack: Securing Economic Dominance
While not directly combat-focused, the trade carrack is crucial for building a powerful and sustainable kingdom. This large, sturdy ship would be designed for transporting large quantities of goods between coastal cities, generating significant income for the player.
- Design: A large, broad-hulled ship with multiple decks for cargo storage. Heavily armed with a few cannons or ballistae for self-defense, but primarily focused on cargo capacity.
- Gameplay Impact: Trade carracks would be slow and vulnerable to pirates and enemy fleets, requiring escort ships for protection. However, their large cargo capacity would allow players to generate substantial profits from trade, fueling their war efforts and economic development.
- Security: Players could invest in upgrades to increase the ship’s defenses or hire mercenaries to protect it. Establishing trade routes between friendly cities would further reduce the risk of attack.
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Adding new ship types is just the beginning. To truly revolutionize naval warfare in Bannerlord 2, we need to consider other improvements.
Naval Combat Tactics and Formations
Implement more complex naval combat tactics, such as flanking maneuvers, boarding actions, and ramming strategies. Allow players to arrange their ships in formations to maximize their effectiveness. For example, a line formation for broadside attacks or a wedge formation for ramming.
Coastal Sieges and Naval Blockades
Expand the siege mechanics to include naval assaults on coastal cities. Allow players to blockade enemy ports to disrupt their trade and starve them into submission. Introduce coastal defenses, such as fortified walls and siege weapons, to make naval sieges more challenging.
Naval Crew Management and Skills
Introduce skills and attributes specific to naval combat, such as navigation, gunnery, and boarding. Allow players to recruit and train skilled sailors to improve the performance of their ships.
Having spent countless hours strategizing in Bannerlord 2, I’ve noticed the naval aspect often feels like an afterthought. The lack of diverse ship types limits strategic options and makes naval battles feel simplistic. Implementing these suggested ship types and mechanics would inject much-needed depth and excitement into the game.
Personally, I find myself gravitating towards kingdom management and economic development. The trade carrack, in particular, would be a game-changer, allowing me to build a thriving economic empire based on maritime trade. I’d also love to see the inclusion of ship customization options, allowing players to personalize their vessels with different paint schemes, emblems, and upgrades.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of naval dominance. Controlling the seas allows you to project power, disrupt enemy trade, and protect your own coastal territories. Investing in a strong navy is essential for long-term success in Bannerlord 2.
| Ship Type | Primary Role | Strengths | Weaknesses | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armored Warship | Direct Combat | High armor, high firepower | Slow, expensive, vulnerable to flanking | High |
| Longboat | Raiding, Troop Transport | Fast, maneuverable, inexpensive | Lightly armored, weak firepower | Low |
| Trade Carrack | Trade, Cargo Transport | Large cargo capacity, self-defense | Slow, vulnerable to pirates | Medium |
The addition of armored warships, longboats, and trade carracks, along with improved naval combat mechanics, would drastically enhance the strategic depth and replayability of Bannerlord 2. These changes would offer players exciting new gameplay possibilities and make the naval aspect of the game a truly integral part of the overall experience. Implementing these 3 new ship types provides a much-needed upgrade.