Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a vast and engaging world, but sometimes you crave something more. This article solves the problem of stale landscapes by exploring 5 of the best Bannerlord 2 mods that add new locations, opening up fresh territories and experiences for veteran players. These mods inject new life into Calradia, offering unique challenges and opportunities.
Adding new locations breathes fresh air into the game. Vanilla Bannerlord 2, while expansive, can become predictable after multiple playthroughs. New lands offer more than just visual variety; they can introduce:
- New factions and cultures
- Unique resources and trade opportunities
- Different strategic challenges for warfare and diplomacy
- Untold stories and quests
Ultimately, mods that add new locations enhance replayability and keep the game feeling exciting and unpredictable.
Here are five exceptional mods that significantly expand the world of Bannerlord 2, each offering something unique:
Realm of the Fallen
Realm of the Fallen is an ambitious project that transports players to a grim, post-apocalyptic Calradia. Decades after a cataclysmic event, the land is scarred, resources are scarce, and warring factions fight for survival amidst the ruins.
- New Locations: Rebuilt cities, fortified settlements, and dangerous wilderness zones reflect the harsh environment.
- Unique Factions: Encounter desperate survivors, raider gangs, and mutated creatures vying for dominance.
- Gameplay Changes: Expect resource scarcity, altered technology, and new challenges related to survival and scavenging.
Why it’s great: Realm of the Fallen provides a complete overhaul of the Bannerlord 2 experience, offering a dark and challenging world unlike anything found in the vanilla game. The sense of desperation and struggle is palpable, making every victory feel hard-earned.
Europe 1100
Europe 1100 is exactly what it sounds like: a complete map and faction overhaul that transplants Calradia with a map of Europe in 1100AD, factions now reflect the various kingdoms, duchies and tribal groups of that era.
- New Locations: From France to Russia, the mod features a large map populated with historical cities and villages.
- Unique Factions: Play as the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom of France, or the Rus, each with their own historical units, cultures and leaders.
- Gameplay Changes: Expect changes to the economic system, diplomacy, and warfare to better reflect the complexities of medieval Europe.
Why it’s great: Europe 1100 gives you the sandbox medieval warfare that the series is famous for, while being more historically grounded.
Calradia at War
While Calradia at War doesn’t technically add new landmasses, it dramatically alters the existing map with new settlements, castles, and strategic locations. It’s a fantastic option if you want a fresh experience without straying too far from the familiar setting.
- New Locations: Expect to discover dozens of new villages, castles, and towns strategically placed to reshape the political landscape.
- Gameplay Changes: Increased faction conflicts, expanded troop trees, and reworked economic systems make for a more dynamic and challenging campaign.
Why it’s great: Calradia at War revitalizes the core gameplay loop by adding significant depth and complexity to the strategic layer. The increased number of settlements leads to more frequent battles and political maneuvering.
Northern Road to Pendor
Inspired by the popular Mount & Blade: Warband mod Prophesy of Pendor, Northern Road to Pendor aims to bring the rich lore and unique setting of Pendor to Bannerlord 2. While still in development, early versions offer a glimpse into this fascinating world.
- New Locations: Expect the familiar Pendor locations, including Pendor Castle, Singal, and Javiksholm, to be accurately recreated, alongside new villages and strongholds.
- Unique Factions: Encounter the iconic factions of Pendor, such as the Ravenstern, the Sarleon, and the various knightly orders, each with their own unique units and lore.
- Why it’s great: Northern Road to Pendor has huge potential to re-capture the magic of the original Warband mod, with new enemies and locations to explore.
Vlandia Expanded
It offers a different perspective by diving deep into a single faction. Vlandia Expanded is a comprehensive mod that focuses on expanding and enriching the Vlandian kingdom within Bannerlord 2. While it doesn’t add completely new continents, it introduces a wealth of new settlements, castles, and characters within Vlandian territory.
- New Locations: Dozens of new Vlandian villages, castles, and towns are added, expanding the existing map and creating new strategic opportunities.
- Unique Factions/Characters: New Vlandian noble families, companions, and notable figures are introduced, adding depth to the faction’s lore and political landscape.
- Gameplay Changes: Enhanced Vlandian troop trees, improved economic systems, and new quests are all tailored to create a more immersive and engaging Vlandian experience.
Why it’s great: Vlandia Expanded is perfect for players who enjoy roleplaying as a Vlandian lord or lady. It adds a level of depth and immersion that is simply not present in the vanilla game.
Installing Bannerlord 2 mods is generally straightforward, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid conflicts or crashes. Here’s a general overview:
- Download the Mod: Obtain the mod files from a reputable source, such as Nexus Mods (https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord).
- Extract the Files: Extract the downloaded archive (usually a .zip or .rar file) to a temporary location.
Locate the Bannerlord 2 Modules Folder: Find the “Modules” folder within your Bannerlord 2 installation directory. The location varies depending on your platform, but it’s usually something like:
- Steam:
- GOG:
- Copy the Mod Folder: Copy the extracted mod folder into the “Modules” folder.
- Enable the Mod in the Launcher: Launch the Bannerlord 2 launcher. In the “Mods” tab, you should see the newly installed mod. Enable the checkbox next to the mod’s name.
- Check Load Order: Ensure the mod is loaded in the correct order, if specified by the mod author. This is usually done by dragging and dropping the mod in the list. Native modules should always load first, followed by harmony, then the mod itself.
- Launch the Game: Start a new game or load an existing save (though starting a new game is usually recommended for mods that significantly alter the game world).
- Steam:
Important Notes:
- Compatibility: Always check the mod’s description for compatibility information. Some mods may not be compatible with each other or with the latest version of Bannerlord 2.
- Dependencies: Some mods require other mods (dependencies) to function correctly. Make sure you install all required dependencies before enabling the mod.
- Harmony: Many Bannerlord 2 mods rely on the Harmony modding library. Ensure that you have Harmony installed and enabled before any of the mods.
- Read the Documentation: Always read the mod’s documentation or readme file for specific installation instructions and troubleshooting tips.
A Word on Mod Load Order
The order in which mods are loaded can significantly impact stability. Here’s a general rule of thumb:
| Load Order | Mod Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Native Modules (Core game files) |
| 2 | Harmony (Modding library) |
| 3 | General Overhaul Mods |
| 4 | Smaller, more specific mods |
| 5 | UI and visual enhancement mods |
Remember: This is a general guideline. Always consult the mod’s documentation for specific load order recommendations.
From my own experience extensively modding Bannerlord 2, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons:
- Start Small: Don’t install a dozen mods at once. Begin with one or two that add new locations and gradually add more as you become comfortable. This makes troubleshooting easier if something goes wrong.
- Read the Comments: The comments section on Nexus Mods is an invaluable resource. You’ll often find solutions to common problems, compatibility information, and helpful tips from other users.
- Back Up Your Saves: Before installing any mods, especially those that significantly alter the game world, back up your save files. This will allow you to revert to a clean state if something goes wrong.
- Embrace the Chaos: Modding can be unpredictable. Expect occasional crashes, bugs, and unexpected behavior. It’s part of the fun!
- New Campaigns Are Best: While some mods are designed to be added mid-playthrough, it’s generally best to start a new campaign when using mods that add new locations. This ensures that the new content is properly integrated into the game world.
A Unique Perspective: Mods As A Form of Collaborative Storytelling
Consider mods that add new locations as a form of collaborative storytelling. The developers provide the core game, but modders expand upon it, adding their own creative visions and interpretations. By exploring these new lands and interacting with the new factions and characters, you’re participating in a larger narrative that’s constantly evolving. This is more than just playing a game; it’s contributing to a shared creative experience.
Bannerlord 2 mods that add new locations offer a fantastic way to revitalize your gameplay experience. Whether you’re looking for a post-apocalyptic challenge, a historical setting, or simply more land to conquer, there’s a mod out there for you. By following the installation instructions and heeding the advice in this article, you can unlock a whole new world of possibilities in Bannerlord 2. So, fire up your launcher, explore the Nexus, and prepare to embark on a grand adventure in a Calradia you’ve never seen before.