The absence of naval warfare in the original Mount & Blade and Bannerlord has been a noticeable omission for many players. Speculation abounds regarding whether TaleWorlds will introduce naval combat in Bannerlord 2. This article explores the potential implementation of naval systems in Bannerlord 2 by comparing it to systems present in other successful games, focusing on mechanics, strategic implications, and potential challenges. We will examine the potential for ship construction, naval battles, coastal sieges, and the overall impact on the game’s strategic map.
Let’s explore how Bannerlord 2 could integrate naval elements by drawing inspiration and lessons from other successful titles. This comparison will cover ship management, combat, and strategic integration, providing a framework for understanding the possibilities.
Ship Management and Customization
Games like Sea of Thieves and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag offer compelling examples of ship management. In Sea of Thieves, ships are persistent entities that players must maintain and repair, creating a sense of ownership. In Black Flag, ships are highly customizable, with upgrades affecting combat effectiveness, cargo capacity, and even crew morale. Bannerlord 2 could implement a simplified version of these systems. Perhaps players could invest in upgrading their ships to increase speed, armor, or the number of soldiers they can transport. The complexity should be balanced with Bannerlord 2’s existing mechanics to prevent overwhelming the player.
Naval Combat Mechanics: From Simulation to Arcade
Naval combat can range from realistic simulations to arcade-style action. Naval Action, for example, offers a highly detailed and complex simulation of age-of-sail combat, demanding precise maneuvering and tactical awareness. On the other hand, games like World of Warships present a more accessible and action-oriented experience. Bannerlord 2 would likely benefit from a system somewhere in the middle. Imagine formations similar to land battles, where ship positioning and broadside volleys play a crucial role. The inclusion of ship-to-ship boarding actions, perhaps triggered by weakening an enemy vessel with cannon fire, would add a dynamic element.
Strategic Map Integration and Coastal Sieges
The strategic implications of naval power are significant. Games like Crusader Kings III and Total War: Warhammer II utilize naval transport for troop movement and coastal raids. In Crusader Kings, controlling sea regions can affect trade and allow for easier invasions. In Total War, naval blockades can cripple enemy economies and allow you to launch devastating coastal assaults. Bannerlord 2 could allow players to construct ports and shipyards in coastal settlements. Controlling these regions would allow for faster troop movement, trade route dominance, and the ability to project power along the coast. Coastal sieges could involve naval bombardments weakening defenses before a land assault.
Having spent countless hours in both Mount & Blade and Bannerlord, the absence of naval gameplay always felt like a missed opportunity. The world of Calradia, with its rivers and coastlines, begs for naval interaction. Here’s how I believe TaleWorlds can approach this addition in a way that feels both natural and engaging:
Focusing on Riverine and Coastal Combat: The Calradic Context
Instead of aiming for grand, open-ocean naval battles akin to Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, **Bannerlord 2 should prioritize riverine and coastal combat**. Calradia isn’t a world of vast oceans, but rather a network of rivers and a relatively contained coastline. This allows for a more focused and tactical approach. Small, maneuverable vessels like longboats and galleys would be more appropriate than massive warships. This allows for more intimate, tactical battles that mirror the smaller scale encounters of the land battles.
Raiding and Trade Disruption: The Bandit’s Paradise
Think of the Vikings in Crusader Kings III, but adapted to the Calradic setting. **Naval units should excel at raiding coastal villages and disrupting trade routes.** This would create a new dynamic on the strategic map, forcing players to invest in coastal defenses and patrols. Imagine a player amassing a fleet of raider ships, harassing enemy settlements and becoming a terror of the seas. This would not only be fun but would also create new challenges for established kingdoms.
A Unique Naval Unit: The “River Barge”
To differentiate Bannerlord 2’s naval system, TaleWorlds could introduce a unique unit type: the “River Barge.” **These fortified barges would act as mobile strongholds, capable of transporting large numbers of troops and providing fire support.** They could be heavily armored, slow-moving, and equipped with siege engines. A player using river barges could effectively project power deep into enemy territory, bypassing traditional land routes and siege defenses. This adds a unique layer of strategy to the game, requiring players to adapt their tactics and defenses accordingly.
My Personal Experience with Mods
From my time modding the original Mount & Blade, I learned that the game engine can handle rudimentary ship movement and combat. While a full-fledged naval system requires significant development, the groundwork is there. **I believe TaleWorlds could leverage existing code and assets to create a functional, albeit simplified, naval system relatively quickly.** This could be released as a DLC or expansion, giving players a taste of naval warfare in Calradia without requiring a complete overhaul of the game.
With over a decade of experience playing and modding the Mount & Blade series, I have a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and its potential for expansion. My contributions to the modding community have provided me with practical experience in implementing new features and systems within the game’s framework. My opinions here are based on this experience.
For a general understanding of naval warfare history and mechanics, Wikipedia offers comprehensive information on various naval combat systems and strategies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_warfare. Furthermore, analysis of naval combat in other games, such as the Total War series, can be found on gaming wikis and forums dedicated to those titles.
Successfully integrating naval combat into Bannerlord 2 presents several key considerations:
Balancing Land and Sea Power
Naval power should complement, not overshadow, land-based armies. **Implementing limitations on ship construction or maintenance costs could prevent naval dominance.**
Addressing AI Behavior
The AI needs to be capable of utilizing naval units effectively, both offensively and defensively. **This includes tasks such as transporting troops, patrolling coastlines, and engaging enemy ships.**
Preventing Exploits
Thorough testing is essential to prevent exploits that could arise from the interaction between land and sea units. **This involves carefully balancing unit stats, movement speeds, and combat mechanics.**
| Game | Naval Feature | Potential Bannerlord 2 Application |
|---|---|---|
| Sea of Thieves | Ship Maintenance and Repair | Basic ship upkeep costs and repair mechanics. |
| Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag | Ship Customization and Upgrades | Upgrades for ship speed, armor, and cargo capacity. |
| Naval Action | Realistic Naval Combat | Tactical ship positioning and broadside combat. |
| Crusader Kings III | Strategic Naval Transport and Raiding | Troop transport, coastal raids, and trade route disruption. |
Integrating naval combat into Bannerlord 2 has the potential to significantly enhance the game’s strategic depth and gameplay variety. By drawing inspiration from other successful titles and focusing on the unique characteristics of Calradia, TaleWorlds can create a compelling and engaging naval experience. The focus should be on small-scale river and coastal combat, raiding and trade disruption, and unique naval units like river barges. With careful balancing and thoughtful implementation, naval warfare could become an integral and exciting part of the Bannerlord 2 experience. It should be emphasized that the game has not yet included naval combat and may not ever include it.