This article solves 3 problems: It identifies key Bannerlord 2 mods that significantly impact troop sizes, explains how to install and configure them for optimal performance, and provides unique insights into achieving balanced and realistic battles within the game.
For many Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord players, the vanilla experience can feel lacking in scale. Battles, while engaging, sometimes fail to deliver the epic feel of truly large-scale conflicts. This is where mods come in, particularly those focused on increasing troop sizes and enhancing the overall realism of warfare. Mods targeting troop sizes offer a way to transform your gameplay, making each battle feel more impactful and strategic. Let’s explore the best options and how to use them effectively.
Several mods can dramatically alter the number of soldiers on the field in Bannerlord 2. However, not all mods are created equal, and compatibility issues can arise. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular and reliable choices, along with considerations for their use:
Understanding Key Mods
- Realistic Battle Mod (RBM): While RBM’s primary focus isn’t strictly troop size, it reworks combat mechanics, AI, and formations, indirectly contributing to a more realistic battlefield experience where larger armies feel more impactful. It also includes a customizable troop multiplier. (Nexus Mods)
- Bannerlord Tweaks: This mod offers a range of tweaks, including the ability to adjust battle sizes beyond the game’s default limits. It’s a versatile tool that can be used in conjunction with other mods. (Nexus Mods)
- Serve as Soldier: While not directly impacting the scale, it allows players to join armies as a regular soldier, offering a ground-level perspective on large battles and making the enhanced troop sizes even more immersive. (Nexus Mods)
Why These Mods?
These mods are chosen because they are regularly updated, well-regarded in the Bannerlord modding community, and offer a balance of functionality and compatibility. They also represent different approaches to enhancing battle realism, allowing players to tailor their experience.
Installing and configuring mods for Bannerlord 2 can seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Preparing Your Game
- Install the Bannerlord Modding Tools: Ensure you have the latest version of the Bannerlord Modding Tools installed. These are available through Steam as a separate download.
- Enable Mods in the Launcher: Launch the Bannerlord launcher and navigate to the “Mods” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of installed mods. Make sure the mods you want to use are enabled by checking the boxes next to their names.
- Understand Load Order: The order in which mods load can be crucial for compatibility. Generally, core gameplay overhauls like RBM should load earlier, while smaller tweaks can load later. Experiment and consult mod documentation for specific recommendations.
Configuring Battle Size
Most mods that directly affect battle size will have configuration options either in the in-game settings menu or through a separate configuration file. Read the mod’s description carefully to understand how to adjust these settings. For example, Bannerlord Tweaks allows you to set a custom battle size limit in its configuration file.
Simply increasing troop sizes doesn’t automatically lead to a better experience. In fact, it can quickly lead to performance issues and unbalanced gameplay. Here are some personal insights from my time modding Bannerlord 2:
Performance Considerations
- CPU Limitations: Bannerlord is a CPU-intensive game. Increasing troop sizes significantly increases the load on your CPU. If you experience stuttering or low frame rates, you may need to reduce the battle size or upgrade your hardware.
- Graphics Card Impact: While the CPU is the primary bottleneck, a powerful graphics card is still important for rendering large battles. Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date for optimal performance.
- Experimentation is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different battle size settings to find what works best for your system. Start with a moderate increase and gradually increase the size until you find a balance between performance and scale.
Gameplay Balance
- AI Limitations: The AI in Bannerlord, even with mods, can struggle to effectively manage very large armies. This can lead to chaotic and unrealistic battles where units simply clump together.
- Formation and Tactics: With larger troop sizes, formations and tactics become even more important. Use mods that enhance AI and formation behavior to make battles more strategic. RBM is excellent in this regard.
- Economic Impact: Larger armies require more resources. Be prepared to manage your economy carefully to support your increased military.
My Personal Preference and Lessons Learned
I’ve found that a battle size of around 1500-2000 troops offers a good balance between scale and performance on my system (Ryzen 5 3600X, RTX 2070 Super). However, I’ve also learned that the specific mods you use play a significant role. Using RBM alongside a moderate troop size increase provides a more realistic and enjoyable experience than simply maximizing troop numbers. Furthermore, smaller engagements can become tedious with such large armies. Consider increasing party sizes as well, or using mods which increase encounter sizes on the map.
Beyond troop sizes, several other factors contribute to a more realistic battlefield experience.
Terrain Matters
The terrain of the battlefield significantly affects troop movement and tactics. Chokepoints, hills, and forests can all be used to your advantage or disadvantage. Pay attention to the terrain and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Morale is Crucial
Morale plays a significant role in Bannerlord battles. Units with low morale are more likely to rout, even if they have a numerical advantage. Use tactics and leadership skills to maintain high morale among your troops.
Supply Lines
Consider using mods that introduce supply line mechanics. This adds another layer of realism by forcing you to manage your army’s food and resources. An army with low supplies will quickly become ineffective, regardless of its size.
The Bannerlord modding community is a vibrant and supportive place. Here are some resources to help you find mods and get support:
- Nexus Mods: The primary hub for Bannerlord mods. (https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord)
- Reddit: The r/Bannerlord and r/mountandblade subreddits are great places to ask questions, share tips, and find mod recommendations.
- Discord: Many mod developers have their own Discord servers where you can get direct support and provide feedback.
By carefully selecting and configuring mods, you can transform your Bannerlord 2 experience and create truly epic and realistic battles. Remember to prioritize performance, balance, and compatibility to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Increasing troop sizes is only one part of the equation; realism requires a holistic approach.
Consider weapon rebalance mods or animations mods to complement it.
Table: Recommended Mods and Their Impact
| Mod | Primary Function | Troop Size Impact | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Realistic Battle Mod | Overhauls combat mechanics, AI, and formations | Indirectly through AI and tactics | High | Improves AI behavior in large battles. Can cause balance issues if not configured carefully. |
| Bannerlord Tweaks | Offers a variety of gameplay tweaks | Direct, customizable battle size | Medium to High | Requires careful configuration to avoid conflicts with other mods. |
| Serve as Soldier | Allows players to join armies as regular soldiers | None Direct | High | Enhances immersion by providing a ground-level perspective of large battles. Good to pair with troop-size-enhancing mods. |