The question of whether Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord will ever feature naval combat has been a persistent one since the game’s announcement. While officially, TaleWorlds Entertainment hasn’t confirmed or denied the addition of naval warfare, analyzing their development patterns, community discussions, and existing game mechanics provides valuable insight. This article explores three key avenues to understand the likelihood of naval combat in Bannerlord 2 and, importantly, what you can do right now to scratch that naval itch.
Looking at the past can often illuminate the future. TaleWorlds has a history of listening to its community and implementing features based on popular demand, often through updates and expansions.
The Modding Community: A Potential Indicator
The Mount & Blade series has always been heavily supported by modding. Examining popular mods for Warband can offer hints at potential features TaleWorlds might consider implementing officially in Bannerlord 2. If a naval combat mod gains significant traction and demonstrates player interest, it could increase the likelihood of the developers taking notice.
Lessons from Warband and Other Titles
Consider how TaleWorlds has expanded upon features from previous games. While Warband didn’t have dedicated naval combat, its sieges involved boats and coastal elements. Furthermore, analyze the development cycle of other similar games, specifically those that have introduced naval combat later in their lifecycle. This provides a timeframe expectation and an understanding of the challenges involved.
Even without official naval combat, Bannerlord 2 possesses features that could be leveraged for a basic naval experience or expanded upon.
Utilizing the Siege System for Naval Raids
Bannerlord 2’s siege system already includes the use of boats for troop transport and flanking maneuvers. Imagine adapting this system to allow for naval raids on coastal villages and towns. Players could build smaller vessels to harass enemy trade routes and disrupt their economy.
Implementing Water Physics and Boat Models
The game already has a basic understanding of water physics, as demonstrated by swimming and river crossings. Introducing more sophisticated water physics and incorporating rudimentary boat models would lay the foundation for future naval development. Even simple boat movement and combat animations could significantly enhance the gameplay experience.
Turning River Crossing into Naval Ambush
Based on the existing river crossing, players can use the rivers to make naval ambushes. When crossing rivers, the AI may split up their team, and the player can wait at the corner to ambush the AI lords.
Table: Leveraging Existing Mechanics for Naval Gameplay
| Existing Mechanic | Potential Naval Application | Implementation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Siege System | Naval Raids and Coastal Sieges | Medium |
| Water Physics | Boat Movement and Combat | Low |
| Troop Transport | Amphibious Assaults | Low |
| Crafting System | Building Small Boats | Medium |
The desire for naval combat within the Bannerlord 2 community is undeniable. Various forum threads, Reddit posts, and YouTube videos showcase this demand.
Voicing Your Opinion Constructively
Instead of simply demanding naval combat, provide TaleWorlds with constructive feedback and suggestions. Clearly articulate the potential benefits of naval warfare, focusing on how it would enhance the overall gameplay experience and add strategic depth. Participate in official forums and social media channels to make your voice heard.
Supporting Modders and Their Efforts
As mentioned earlier, the modding community is crucial. Actively support modders who are attempting to create naval combat mods. Provide feedback, test their mods, and offer financial support if possible. This encourages further development and demonstrates the community’s interest to TaleWorlds.
Managing Expectations: A Realistic Outlook
While naval combat would be a welcome addition, it’s essential to manage expectations. Developing a fully fleshed-out naval system is a significant undertaking that requires substantial resources. Understand that TaleWorlds may prioritize other features or improvements.
My Personal Experience and the “Naval Illusion”
I’ve spent hundreds of hours in Bannerlord 2, and while I desperately crave true naval combat, I’ve found ways to create a “naval illusion” using the existing mechanics. My favorite tactic is using archers positioned on riverbanks to harass enemy armies attempting to cross. It’s not the same as commanding a fleet of warships, but it adds a tactical layer that satisfies my desire for coastal conflict. I also find that focusing on coastal settlements in my campaigns makes the lack of naval combat less glaring. For example, I prioritize taking control of Sargot and Ortysia because their locations naturally lend themselves to coastal defense scenarios.
This approach highlights a crucial point: even without full-fledged naval battles, you can still incorporate coastal strategies and tactics into your Bannerlord 2 gameplay. Embrace the limitations and find creative ways to simulate the naval experience.
While there’s no guarantee Bannerlord 2 will ever receive an official naval combat system, understanding TaleWorlds’ development history, analyzing existing game mechanics, and actively engaging with the community can help you navigate the uncertainty. In the meantime, explore the modding community, manage your expectations, and find creative ways to incorporate coastal strategies into your gameplay. The waters may be calm now, but the potential for naval warfare in Bannerlord 2 remains an open sea.