Tired of spending more time traversing Calradia than actually conquering it? One of the most common gripes players have with Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is the sometimes agonizingly slow travel speed. Luckily, the modding community has stepped up to provide solutions. This article explores four effective methods using Bannerlord 2 mods for faster travel, getting you back into the action quicker. We’ll cover essential mods, configuration tips, and even some unexpected benefits these tweaks can bring to your gameplay experience.
The vanilla Bannerlord experience, while realistic, can feel like a slog. Long distances between cities, bandit encounters slowing you down, and the constant need to manage your party’s encumbrance can make the campaign map feel like a chore. Mods addressing travel speed aim to alleviate this by tweaking various factors, from base party speed to the influence of terrain and skills. Ultimately, they allow you to spend less time traveling and more time engaging in the core gameplay loops of battles, sieges, and kingdom management.
1. The “Fast Travel” Mod: Simple and Effective
Perhaps the most straightforward solution is a mod specifically designed to introduce a fast travel mechanic. These mods typically add a menu option or button that allows you to instantly travel between settlements you’ve previously visited.
- How it works: These mods usually work by teleporting your party from one location to another. Some may include limitations such as requiring a certain amount of time to pass in-game or consuming resources.
- Benefits: The obvious benefit is a drastic reduction in travel time. This is particularly useful for quickly responding to emergencies, such as a besieged city, or for transporting goods between distant markets.
- Considerations: Using a fast travel mod can significantly alter the game’s balance and sense of scale. It can also reduce the importance of caravan ambushes and other overland encounters. It is best used by players who have completed the game once or looking for specific scenario to experience.
2. Tweaking Party Speed with “Better Time”
While instant teleportation is convenient, some players prefer a more balanced approach. Mods that adjust party speed multipliers offer a way to speed up travel without completely eliminating the strategic considerations of map movement. “Better Time” is a great example. It allows adjusting the speed of the game clock and party movement.
- How it works: These mods alter the underlying game mechanics that determine how quickly your party moves across the map. This can involve increasing the base speed of parties, reducing the impact of terrain penalties, or enhancing the effectiveness of scouting skills.
- Benefits: Provides a noticeable speed boost without feeling like cheating. This allows you to travel faster while still maintaining a sense of realism and immersion. It also makes scouting and other map skills more valuable.
- Considerations: Finding the right balance is key. Setting the speed multiplier too high can make the game feel unrealistic and trivialise strategic movement. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
3. “Realistic Weather”: Utilizing Weather Effects (Yes, Really!)
This might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. “Realistic Weather” and similar mods introduce dynamic weather patterns that can significantly affect party speed. While adverse weather can slow you down, certain weather conditions, particularly strong tailwinds, can provide a substantial speed boost.
- How it works: These mods add realistic weather effects to the game, such as rain, snow, and wind. The weather conditions affect party speed, visibility, and even combat.
- Benefits: Adds a new layer of strategic depth to map movement. You’ll need to consider the weather forecast when planning your journeys. Also, utilizing tailwinds can result in higher speed than you would normally get.
- Considerations: Requires a more active approach to map management. You’ll need to pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your travel plans accordingly. However, the added realism and strategic depth can be very rewarding.
4. “Bannerlord Tweaks”: Fine-Grained Control over Travel Speed
“Bannerlord Tweaks” is a comprehensive mod that offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to adjust party speed and other related settings. This gives you fine-grained control over how your party moves across the map.
- How it works: This mod provides a configuration menu where you can adjust various game settings, including party speed, encumbrance penalties, and the effectiveness of scouting skills.
- Benefits: Allows you to tailor the game’s travel speed to your specific preferences. You can fine-tune the settings to find the perfect balance between realism and convenience.
- Considerations: Requires some experimentation to find the optimal settings. However, the flexibility and control offered by this mod make it a valuable tool for customizing your Bannerlord experience.
In my own playthroughs, I’ve found that a combination of “Better Time” and “Realistic Weather” provides the best balance between speed and realism. The slight increase in party speed from “Better Time” makes travel less tedious, while the dynamic weather effects from “Realistic Weather” add a layer of strategic depth. I also appreciate that these mods don’t completely eliminate the challenges of map movement. You still need to consider terrain, encumbrance, and enemy patrols.
One unexpected benefit I discovered was that speeding up travel also made other aspects of the game more enjoyable. I was able to respond to events more quickly, participate in more tournaments, and spend more time developing my settlements. Overall, using Bannerlord 2 mods for faster travel improved my overall gaming experience.
Installing and configuring Bannerlord 2 mods is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Download the Mod: Download the mod files from a reputable source such as Nexus Mods (https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord).
- Extract the Files: Extract the downloaded files to the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord modules folder. This is typically located in your Steam installation directory, under steamapps\common\Mount & Blade II Bannerlord\Modules.
- Enable the Mod: Launch the Bannerlord launcher and enable the mod in the “Mods” tab. Make sure the mod is compatible with your current game version.
- Configure the Mod: Some mods may require additional configuration. This may involve editing configuration files or using an in-game menu. Refer to the mod’s documentation for instructions.
Important Note: Always back up your game files before installing any mods. This will allow you to restore your game to its original state if something goes wrong.
Ultimately, the best way to use Bannerlord 2 mods for faster travel is a matter of personal preference. Some players may prefer the convenience of instant fast travel, while others may prefer a more balanced approach that maintains a sense of realism. Experiment with different mods and settings to find what works best for you. Consider these factors:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Realism | How much do you want to maintain a sense of realism in your game? |
| Strategic Depth | Do you want to maintain the strategic challenges of map movement? |
| Convenience | How much do you value convenience and reducing travel time? |
| Game Balance | How much do you want to avoid altering the game’s balance and sense of progression? |
By carefully considering these factors, you can find the perfect balance between speed and realism, and create a Bannerlord experience that is both enjoyable and engaging.
Mods for faster travel are a game-changer for Bannerlord 2, addressing a core player frustration and allowing for a more dynamic and engaging campaign. Whether you opt for simple fast travel or nuanced speed adjustments, these tweaks can significantly improve your experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that best suits your playstyle and preferences.