Fix Your Bannerlord 2 Mods Load Order: 3 Proven Methods

Getting your mods to play nicely in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be a frustrating experience. Incorrect load orders can lead to crashes, broken features, and a generally unstable game. This article tackles the core problems behind Bannerlord 2 mods load order issues and provides three proven methods for achieving a stable and enjoyable modded game.

The order in which Bannerlord 2 loads your mods is critical. **Mods often depend on each other, and if a mod loads before its dependencies, things will break.** Think of it like building a house: you need the foundation before you can put up the walls. Similarly, some mods need to load before others for the game to function correctly.

The Importance of Dependencies

Many Bannerlord 2 mods rely on other mods to function. These are called dependencies. **A common example is the “Harmony” mod, which acts as a foundation for many other mods that alter the game’s code.** If you try to run a mod that requires Harmony without loading Harmony first, the game will likely crash. Always check the mod description for any listed dependencies.

Native Modules Always First

Bannerlord 2’s “Native” modules *always* load first. These are the core game files. You can’t change this order, and you shouldn’t try to. **Your focus should be on ordering your *custom* mods after the Native modules.**

One of the easiest ways to manage your Bannerlord 2 mods load order is to use an automatic load order tool. These tools analyze your installed mods and attempt to determine the correct load order based on dependencies and other factors. While not foolproof, they can often get you most of the way there.

Using the Nexus Mods Vortex Mod Manager

Vortex Mod Manager, from Nexus Mods, offers built-in load order management. It can automatically detect dependencies and sort your mods. While not perfect, it’s a good starting point. To use it:

1. Download and install Vortex from Nexus Mods.
2. Link Vortex to your Bannerlord 2 installation.
3. Install your mods through Vortex.
4. Click the “Sort Load Order” button.

Even after using Vortex, it’s always a good idea to double-check the load order and make manual adjustments if necessary.

Why Automatic Tools Aren’t Always Perfect

Automatic tools rely on metadata provided by the mod authors. **If the mod author hasn’t correctly specified dependencies, the tool won’t be able to order the mods correctly.** Furthermore, some mods may have undocumented dependencies or conflicts that the tool can’t detect. That’s why manual sorting is often necessary.

Manual sorting gives you the most control over your Bannerlord 2 mods load order. It requires a bit more effort but is often necessary to achieve a stable game, particularly when dealing with a large number of mods. This method is based on a structured approach I call the S.T.E.P. method (Stability Through Exact Placement).

S – Stability Mods First

**Prioritize core stability mods like Harmony, ButterLib, UIExtenderEx, and MCM (Mod Configuration Menu).** These foundational mods should be near the top of your load order, directly after the Native modules. They provide the necessary framework for other mods to function correctly.

T – Tweaks and Enhancement Mods

Next, load mods that tweak existing game mechanics or add minor enhancements. **This could include mods that alter troop trees, improve AI, or add new items.** These mods generally depend on the stability mods but don’t heavily rely on other content mods.

E – Expansion and Content Mods

Followed by mods that add significant new content, such as new factions, quests, or world map changes. **These mods often depend on both stability mods and tweak/enhancement mods.** Carefully consider their dependencies and potential conflicts with other content mods.

P – Patches and Compatibility

**Finally, load any patches or compatibility mods designed to resolve conflicts between other mods.** These mods are specifically created to ensure that different mods work together harmoniously. They should generally be placed at the bottom of the load order, after the mods they are patching.

Example of a Manual Load Order:

Order	Mod Name
1	Native
2	SandBoxCore
3	SandBox
4	StoryMode
5	CustomBattle
6	Harmony
7	ButterLib
8	UIExtenderEx
9	Mod Configuration Menu
10	Realistic Battle Mod
11	Banner Kings
12	My Little Warband
13	RBM – Banner Kings Compatibility Patch

My Personal Experience with S.T.E.P.

I’ve used the S.T.E.P. method for countless hours of modded Bannerlord 2 gameplay. **I’ve found it especially useful for identifying the *source* of crashes or issues.** If a crash occurs after adding a new Expansion mod, I know to focus my troubleshooting efforts on that specific mod and its dependencies. Furthermore, I always create a backup of my Modules folder before making major changes. This allows me to quickly revert to a stable state if something goes wrong.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, conflicts arise that are difficult to resolve through automatic or manual sorting alone. This is where incremental testing comes in.

The Divide and Conquer Approach

Start by disabling *all* of your mods except for the core stability mods (Harmony, ButterLib, UIExtenderEx, MCM). **Then, gradually enable your other mods, one at a time or in small groups, testing the game after each addition.** If a crash or issue occurs, you know that the problem lies with the mod you just enabled (or one of its dependencies). This “divide and conquer” approach can help you pinpoint the source of conflicts.

Monitoring the Game for Issues

It’s not enough to just see if the game launches. **Pay attention to in-game behavior.** Are quests working correctly? Are there any graphical glitches? Are item stats displaying properly? Subtle issues can indicate load order problems even if the game doesn’t crash outright. I had one game where I could not hire any companions from taverns. I spent three days troubleshooting it. Finally, I figured out that one mod that alter troop trees was in conflict with a companion mod. After I put the troop tree mod below the companion mod, everything worked. This issue never causes crash but it completely ruined the game experience. This is why testing in game is so important.

Documenting Your Findings

Keep a record of the load orders you’ve tried and the results you’ve observed. This will help you avoid repeating mistakes and identify patterns. **Create a simple spreadsheet or text file to track your mod combinations and their corresponding stability.** This is invaluable when dealing with a complex mod setup.

Check Mod Compatibility

Before installing any mods, research their compatibility with other mods you’re using. **Read the mod descriptions, check the comments sections on Nexus Mods, and search for forum discussions.** If a mod is known to conflict with another mod you’re using, you may need to choose between them or look for a compatibility patch.

Update Your Mods

Ensure that you’re using the latest versions of all your mods. **Outdated mods may be incompatible with the current version of Bannerlord 2 or with other mods you’re using.** Check the mod pages on Nexus Mods regularly for updates.

Verify Game File Integrity

Sometimes, game files can become corrupted, leading to crashes or other issues. **Verify the integrity of your game files through Steam.** This will check for and replace any corrupted files.

Consider the Number of Mods

While Bannerlord 2 can handle a significant number of mods, there’s a limit. **The more mods you use, the higher the chance of conflicts and instability.** If you’re experiencing frequent crashes, consider reducing the number of mods you’re using.

Mastering the Bannerlord 2 mods load order is essential for a stable and enjoyable modded experience. By understanding the basics of load order, utilizing automatic tools, employing manual sorting techniques, and practicing incremental testing, you can overcome common mod-related issues and create a personalized Bannerlord 2 experience that suits your preferences. This article provides three proven methods for achieving a stable game.