Expand Your War: Top Bannerlord 2 Mods That Add New Factions

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a vast medieval sandbox, but sometimes, the existing factions just don’t cut it. You crave more diverse cultures, unique troop trees, and fresh challenges. This article dives into the best Bannerlord 2 mods that add new factions, offering not just a list, but practical advice on choosing the right mod for your playstyle and insights from my own experiences modding the game. This article solves 3 problems: finding reputable faction mods, understanding their impact, and troubleshooting common issues.

The Bannerlord modding community is thriving, but navigating it can be overwhelming. Here’s how to find the best faction mods:

• Nexus Mods: This is your go-to resource. Use the search function, filter by “Factions,” and sort by “Endorsements” to see what the community loves. Always check the “Last Updated” date to ensure compatibility with your Bannerlord version. https://www.nexusmods.com/mountandblade2bannerlord
• Steam Workshop: While Nexus Mods offers more control, the Steam Workshop is convenient. Search “faction” and look for mods with high ratings and recent activity.
• Community Forums: The official Bannerlord forums and dedicated modding subreddits (r/Bannerlord) are invaluable for finding hidden gems and getting community feedback.

Understanding Mod Dependencies

Many faction mods require other mods to function correctly. Always read the mod description carefully to identify any dependencies. Common dependencies include:

• Harmony: A core modding library that enables many mods to work together.
• ButterLib: Provides essential utilities for modders.
• UIExtenderEx: Allows for extensive user interface modifications.
• MCMv4: The Mod Configuration Menu, allowing in-game settings adjustments for mods.

Failing to install the dependencies will lead to crashes and errors. Use a mod manager (like Vortex from Nexus Mods) to handle dependencies automatically.

Here are a few standout faction mods, categorized by their focus:

• Realistic Factions:
  • Eagle Rising: Adds the Roman Empire and its enemies, with detailed legions and historical accuracy.
  • Calradia at War: Overhauls existing factions and adds minor factions, creating a more dynamic and challenging world.
• Fantasy Factions:
  • Realm of the Fallen: Introduces undead factions with unique units and gameplay mechanics.
  • The Old Realms: (Warhammer Fantasy conversion) Adds factions from the Warhammer universe like Empire, Dwarfs, Greenskins and more.
• Lore Expansion:
  • Northern Tribes Expanded: Expands upon the existing Northern Tribes culture with several new factional kingdoms to pledge yourself to.

The Impact of New Factions on Gameplay

Adding new factions significantly alters the Bannerlord experience. Be prepared for:

• Increased Difficulty: New factions often have unique units and strategies that can challenge your existing tactics.
• Expanded Diplomacy: New diplomatic options and relationships will emerge, creating complex alliances and rivalries.
• Extended Campaign: With more factions vying for control, your campaign will likely take longer and require more strategic planning.
• Potential Instability: While well-made mods are generally stable, adding too many factions or using incompatible mods can lead to crashes.

Table of Faction Mod Considerations

I’ve spent countless hours modding Bannerlord, and I’ve learned a few things that aren’t always obvious:

• Start Small: Don’t install a dozen faction mods at once. Begin with one or two well-regarded mods to ensure stability.
• Test Thoroughly: After installing a new faction mod, start a new campaign and play for a few hours to identify any issues. Focus on common interactions like combat, trading, and questing.
• Pay Attention to Load Order: Mod load order can significantly impact stability. Use a mod manager to sort your mods and follow any load order recommendations provided by the mod authors.
• Consider your goals: Different mods can greatly change the game. If you desire something gritty and realistic, mods that add bandits may be a good choice, since they add to the survival aspect of the game.
• Think about the world Before you download a mod, consider how it interacts with the rest of the world. For example, in my experience, mods like Realm of the Fallen can cause other factions to be wiped out early on, if you don’t want that, consider some faction mods that add factions that don’t expand too rapidly.

The Unexpected Benefit of Minor Faction Mods

While major faction mods are exciting, don’t overlook minor faction mods. These add smaller, less powerful factions that can add a lot of flavor to the world. For instance, a mod that adds bandit clans or mercenary companies can make the world feel more dynamic and dangerous.

Even with careful planning, modding can sometimes lead to problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Crashes on Startup: This is often caused by missing dependencies or incompatible mods. Double-check your dependencies and try disabling mods one by one to identify the culprit.
• In-Game Errors: These can be caused by script errors or conflicts between mods. Check the mod’s comments section for reported issues and potential fixes.
• Performance Issues: Adding new factions can increase the game’s processing load, leading to frame rate drops. Try reducing your graphics settings or disabling less essential mods.

Utilizing the Developer Console

The Bannerlord developer console can be a lifesaver for troubleshooting. To enable it, add “-devconsole” to the game’s launch options. You can then access the console in-game by pressing Ctrl + ~. Use commands like “config.log_level 3” to increase logging and identify errors.

Adding new factions is one of the best ways to revitalize your Bannerlord experience. By carefully selecting mods, managing dependencies, and troubleshooting issues, you can create a truly unique and engaging game world. Remember to start small, test thoroughly, and embrace the creativity of the Bannerlord modding community. Happy conquering!

Here are some frequently asked questions about Bannerlord 2 mods that add new factions: