Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, despite exiting early access, still carries some of the burdens of its developmental past. While TaleWorlds Entertainment has made significant strides, certain pain points persist for many players. This article addresses three crucial areas where Bannerlord 2 still falls short and offers actionable solutions, and unique perspectives gleaned from my experience, which may not be readily available elsewhere.
Several core issues continue to affect player experience in Bannerlord 2, even after its full release. This section delves into the most persistent of these.
Kingdom Management: The Burden of Micromanagement
One of the most common complaints revolves around the sheer amount of micromanagement required to run a kingdom effectively. Players often find themselves bogged down in tedious tasks like managing settlements, dealing with clan disputes, and constantly patrolling for bandits. This detracts from the core gameplay loop of combat and strategic decision-making.
The practical solution lies in leveraging the game’s existing mechanics more effectively. Implement policies that automate certain processes. For example, invest in policies that boost loyalty and security in your fiefs, reducing the need for constant intervention. Designate companions as governors and equip them with skills that complement the needs of the settlement. This not only distributes the workload but also allows you to focus on more pressing matters.
The most efficient way is to focus on the most important fief and ignore the others. Build up one or two very rich towns and allow others to revolt. This will allow you to field strong armies without the stress of managing a large empire.
The Stilted Diplomacy and War System
The diplomacy system, particularly the war declaration and peace negotiation mechanics, often feels arbitrary and unsatisfying. War can erupt seemingly at random, and peace treaties can be difficult to secure, leading to endless conflicts that drain resources and manpower.
To mitigate this, players need to be proactive in managing their relationships with other factions. Regularly send gifts to improve relations, and be mindful of your honor rating, as this can influence how other lords perceive you.
Consider investing in perks that boost your diplomatic capabilities, allowing you to negotiate more favorable terms in peace treaties and alliances. Also, focusing on destroying enemy armies instead of taking territory can often result in quick wars and more favorable peace terms. I find that weakening enemy clan leaders by capturing and holding them makes kingdoms more likely to sue for peace.
The Clan Tier Grind
Advancing your clan through the tiers feels like a slow, arduous grind. Building a large, powerful clan is crucial for long-term success. The accumulation of renown is a slow process, especially early on.
Focus on activities that provide the highest renown rewards. Participating in tournaments, winning battles against larger forces, and completing quests for notable characters are effective ways to accelerate your clan’s progression.
Consider investing in steward and leadership perks that increase renown gain from various sources. Creating multiple parties to participate in combat is an effective way to boost your renown gain. I have found that having 4-5 parties out at a time can increase the renown gain exponentially compared to just one party.
Beyond the commonly cited issues, several nuanced problems often go unnoticed. These are based on my experience with countless hours invested in Bannerlord 2.
The Illusion of Choice
Bannerlord 2 presents itself as a sandbox RPG, promising unparalleled freedom in shaping your character’s destiny. However, the reality often feels constrained. The impact of your choices, especially in the early game, can feel limited, and the narrative sandbox can feel surprisingly rigid.
Instead of striving for “perfect” outcomes, embrace the chaos and unpredictability of the game world. Use in-game save states to experiment with different choices and see how they play out. Each playthrough can be viewed as a unique story shaped by the player’s decisions, rather than a predetermined path to follow.
I would like to see more consequence for your decisions. I think implementing a faction reputation that affected prices, quests, and even army composition would add a lot to the game.
The Stale Mid-Game
The early game of Bannerlord 2 is often praised for its emergent storytelling and sense of progression. However, the mid-game can become repetitive, as players fall into a cycle of managing settlements, fighting bandits, and participating in endless wars.
Experiment with different playstyles and challenges to keep the game fresh. Try starting as a merchant, focus on trading and economic development. Or attempt a “one-man army” playthrough, relying solely on your character’s skills and abilities.
The gameplay is a major factor in deciding if this game is for you. Combat and castle sieges can be a lot of fun but there are some quirks that could be improved.
The Inconsistent Combat AI
The combat AI can be unpredictable, sometimes displaying moments of brilliance, while at other times making questionable decisions. This inconsistency can lead to frustrating outcomes in battles and sieges.
Adapt your tactics to the AI’s behavior. Instead of relying on a single strategy, be flexible and adjust your approach based on the enemy’s actions. Focus on exploiting their weaknesses and capitalizing on their mistakes.
I feel the best strategy in combat is to use your cavalry to flank the enemy while your infantry keeps them busy in the front. This is a strategy that works on most field battles.
The Tedious Castle Sieges
Sieges are a core component of Bannerlord 2. However, they can quickly become tedious due to repetitive mechanics and a lack of strategic depth.
Focus on upgrading your siege equipment and deploying it effectively. Experiment with different siege strategies, such as focusing on destroying walls or breaching gates. Also, be mindful of your troop composition and deploy units that are well-suited for siege warfare. Using trebuchets to destroy the walls before attacking is a great way to soften up the enemy garrison.
As a long-time fan of the Mount & Blade series, I have spent countless hours playing and analyzing Bannerlord 2. My experience and expertise allow me to provide valuable insights and practical solutions to the game’s lingering pain points.
I follow Bannerlord 2’s development closely, reading patch notes, and engaging with the community. My goal is to help players overcome the challenges and fully appreciate the game.
While much of this article is based on personal experience, I have also consulted reliable sources to ensure accuracy and provide additional context.
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki: https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord – A comprehensive resource for all things Bannerlord 2.
| Feature | Pain Point | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom Management | Tedious micromanagement | Automate tasks with policies, delegate governors, and focus on critical fiefs. |
| Diplomacy | Arbitrary wars and peace treaties | Improve relations with other factions, invest in diplomatic perks, and focus on destroying enemy armies. |
| Clan Tier Progression | Slow and arduous grind | Participate in tournaments, win battles, complete quests, and invest in renown-boosting perks. |
| Combat AI | Inconsistent and unpredictable | Adapt tactics, exploit weaknesses, and capitalize on mistakes. |
| Castle Sieges | Repetitive and lacking depth | Upgrade siege equipment, experiment with different strategies, and deploy appropriate troop compositions. |