Unlocking Naval Warfare: 3 Key Predictions in Bannerlord 2

The absence of naval warfare in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a frequent point of discussion among fans. While the base game focuses on land-based combat, the potential for incorporating naval elements in future updates or mods is significant. This article explores three key areas where naval-related events and decisions could realistically impact the Bannerlord 2 experience, offering practical insights and predictions for their implementation.

The allure of sailing the Calradic coasts and engaging in naval battles is strong. While not currently implemented, several avenues exist for integrating naval aspects into Bannerlord 2. Let’s explore some realistic possibilities.

Prediction 1: Coastal Raids and Naval Trade

One of the most likely and readily implementable naval features is the introduction of coastal raids and enhanced naval trade routes. This adds strategic depth without requiring complex naval combat mechanics.

Currently, the world map features numerous coastal cities and towns. Imagine the ability to commission or build longboats, recruit experienced sailors, and launch raids on these settlements.

• Raiding Mechanics: Players could target vulnerable coastal villages and towns, pillaging their resources, capturing slaves, and disrupting trade. This would necessitate the development of new party skills related to navigation, seafaring, and raiding tactics.
• Naval Trade Routes: Establishing safe and lucrative trade routes across the sea could offer an alternative economic pathway. This would introduce new goods, prices, and risks, such as pirate attacks and naval blockades, requiring players to invest in naval escorts or form alliances with powerful naval factions.

The addition of coastal raiding could lead to a change in diplomacy. For example, the Northern Empire relies on coastal access, so a naval threat can weaken its access to trade.

Prediction 2: Naval Sieges and Coastal Fortifications

Expanding siege mechanics to include naval assaults presents another compelling possibility. Coastal cities and castles should be vulnerable to attacks from the sea.

• Naval Siege Engines: Imagine deploying siege engines on ships to bombard coastal fortifications, or landing troops under the cover of naval fire. This would require new ship designs capable of carrying siege equipment and protecting troops during landing operations.
• Coastal Defenses: To counter naval assaults, settlements would need coastal fortifications such as towers, barricades, and naval patrols. Players could invest in building and upgrading these defenses to protect their territories from naval threats.
• Naval Blockades: Siege mechanics could also include naval blockades, cutting off supplies to coastal cities and forcing them to surrender. These blockades could be strategically important, but also create opportunities for daring blockade runners.

This could create a new level of strategic complexity, forcing players to consider both land and sea defenses when planning their campaigns.

Prediction 3: Emergence of Naval Factions and Pirate Havens

The most ambitious, but potentially most rewarding, naval development would be the emergence of dedicated naval factions and pirate havens.

• Dedicated Naval Factions: Imagine a faction based on the Varangian Guard, roaming the sea and offering protection or plunder. These factions would have unique units, ship designs, and strategic goals centered around naval power.
• Pirate Havens: Hidden coves and islands could serve as pirate havens, offering players the option to engage in piracy, smuggle goods, and challenge the established order. Players could even rise through the ranks of pirate society, becoming feared and respected figures.
• Naval Warfare Mechanics: The introduction of naval factions would necessitate the development of more complex naval warfare mechanics, including ship-to-ship combat, boarding actions, and naval formations. This would require new skills and tactics, adding a new dimension to the game’s combat system.

The emergence of a dedicated naval faction could significantly alter the political landscape of Calradia, creating new alliances, rivalries, and opportunities for players.

My own experience with Bannerlord 2 and other sandbox games leads me to believe that naval elements, particularly those focusing on trade and raiding, would seamlessly integrate into the existing gameplay loop. The game already has systems in place for party management, skill progression, and resource management.

My personal wish list includes:

• Customizable Ships: Allowing players to design and customize their own ships, choosing from different hull types, sails, and weaponry.
• Crew Management: Introducing more in-depth crew management mechanics, including morale, training, and specialization.
• Dynamic Weather: Implementing dynamic weather conditions that affect naval travel and combat, adding an element of unpredictability and realism.

From my experience, these additions would add depth without making the naval aspect of the game feel separate from the core experience.

First-Hand Raiding Scenario

I once played a game where I led a small band of Vikings on a raiding campaign in Crusader Kings III. The experience taught me the importance of careful planning, scouting, and timing. Bringing this experience to Bannerlord 2 could involve similar challenges.

• Scenario: You’ve gathered a band of raiders and set sail for a coastal village. As you approach, you notice a patrol of soldiers. Do you risk a direct assault, try to sneak past them, or find another target?
• Decision: If you choose to attack, you must consider the strength of your force, the village’s defenses, and the potential for reinforcements. If you succeed, you can loot the village, capture prisoners, and boost your wealth. But if you fail, you risk losing your men and your ship.
• Outcome: The choices you make will have consequences, shaping your reputation, your relationships with other factions, and your overall success.

This illustrates how even simple naval mechanics can create engaging and meaningful gameplay experiences.

Navigating Potential Pitfalls

While the addition of naval features holds tremendous promise, there are potential pitfalls to consider.

• Balancing: Ensuring that naval gameplay is balanced with the existing land-based gameplay is crucial. Overpowered naval units or trade routes could disrupt the game’s economy and strategic balance.
• Complexity: Adding too much complexity to the naval system could alienate casual players and make the game too difficult to learn.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrating naval gameplay into the existing game world is essential. Naval features should feel like a natural extension of the Bannerlord 2 experience, not a separate and disconnected mode.

Careful balancing is key.

My background in game design and passion for historical strategy games allows me to provide informed and insightful perspectives on the potential for naval integration in Bannerlord 2. I also stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in the gaming industry, ensuring that my predictions are grounded in reality.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is developed by TaleWorlds Entertainment, a Turkish video game developer. TaleWorlds Entertainment

Resources for Further Exploration

For those interested in learning more about naval warfare and strategy, I recommend exploring these resources:

• Wikipedia: Naval Warfare (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_warfare) – A comprehensive overview of naval warfare history, tactics, and technology.
• Sea Power Magazine: (https://seapowermagazine.org/) – News and analysis of modern naval issues.

These resources can provide valuable context and insights into the potential for naval integration in Bannerlord 2.

Table: Potential Naval Unit Types

The inclusion of naval-related events and decisions has the potential to significantly enrich the Bannerlord 2 experience, by creating a more dynamic and strategic world. By focusing on coastal raids, naval sieges, and the emergence of naval factions, developers and modders can bring the excitement of naval warfare to Calradia.