
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has one of the most active modding communities in gaming. Whether you’re looking to overhaul the game’s mechanics, expand its world, or simply improve visuals and quality of life, there are hundreds of mods available. Here’s a curated list of some of the best, updated and compatible with the current version of the game.
1. Bannerlord Overhaul Mods
These significantly reshape the gameplay experience.
Calradia Expanded Kingdoms
This mod introduces new kingdoms and fleshes out underdeveloped regions of the map. It offers new cultures, troop trees, and settlements without breaking the core feel of the game.
The Old Realms
Set in the Warhammer universe, this total conversion mod brings a darker, high-fantasy twist to Bannerlord. With factions like the Empire and Vampire Counts, it offers an entirely different tone and challenge.
Realistic Battle Mod
Designed for those who want more authentic combat mechanics. It rebalances damage, armour interactions, and AI behaviour, making battles feel far more grounded and demanding.
2. Quality of Life Improvements
Mods in this category streamline play without altering the game’s core systems too heavily.
Better Time
Speeds up the campaign map’s time flow with more control. Ideal for players who want to fast-forward long marches or sieges without wasting in-game days.
Party AI Overhaul and Commands Rebuild
Improves how companion parties behave and lets you issue more tactical commands to them, helping your kingdom or clan act with purpose instead of randomness.
UIExtenderEx and Mod Configuration Menu
These aren’t flashy, but they’re essential. They allow many other mods to function properly and give players easy access to mod settings through an in-game menu.
3. Visual and Immersion Enhancements
Focused on making Calradia look and feel better.
Open Source Armory
A massive collection of historically inspired weapons and armour. Many other mods use it as a base, but it’s also excellent on its own if you’re aiming for visual variety.
Sound the Alarm
Replaces some of the in-game sound effects with more immersive alternatives. Small change, big difference in atmosphere.
Improved Garrisons
Adds more options to manage your garrisons, automate recruitment, and better defend towns and castles. It doesn’t just look better; it makes the late game feel less like micromanagement.
4. Companion and Clan Management
Useful once your party and influence start to grow.
Distinguished Service
Tracks the performance of soldiers and allows them to be promoted into companions. It brings continuity and weight to your army, as you’ll remember the archer who saved a siege or the horseman who held the flank.
Tavern Games
Adds new mini-games to taverns, making them more than places to just recruit. They offer a fun break from the campaign and enrich the roleplaying experience.
Installing and Compatibility Tips
- Always use a mod manager like Vortex or ButterLib to keep your load order clean.
- Check each mod’s version number and update date. Bannerlord updates can break mod compatibility.
- Back up your saves, especially if you’re combining overhaul mods with others.
- Mods like Harmony, ButterLib, and UIExtenderEx are required by many others. Install them first.
Modding Bannerlord transforms it from a strong sandbox RPG into a personal, custom experience. These mods reflect both depth and creativity from the community, and whether you’re playing for the hundredth hour or the first time, they can take the game to another level.