Choosing the Right Difficulty in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord: A Player's Guide
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a rich and dynamic gaming experience, and selecting the right difficulty level can significantly impact your enjoyment.
Whether you're a seasoned warrior or a new recruit, understanding the different difficulty settings can help tailor your gameplay to your preferences.
Let’s delve into the various options and find the perfect balance for your Bannerlord adventure.
Understanding Difficulty in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Customizable Difficulty
Bannerlord doesn't restrict you to predefined difficulty levels like "Easy" or "Hard." Instead, it allows you to customize several aspects of the game. This flexibility lets you fine-tune your experience based on your skills and desired challenges.
Core Settings
There are a few primary settings you’ll need to adjust:
Damage to Player: Adjusts how much damage your character takes.
Damage to Allies: Controls the damage your troops receive.
Combat AI: Sets the intelligence and responsiveness of enemy units.
Campaign AI: Influences how strategic and aggressive other factions are.
Friendly Troops in Battles: Determines the number of soldiers you command directly.
Map Movement Speed: Affects how fast you and your party move on the campaign map.
Difficulty Levels Explained
Easy
Best for: New players, those unfamiliar with the series, or those looking for a relaxed experience.
Settings:
Low damage to player and allies.
Basic enemy AI.
Slower-paced campaign AI.
Advantages:
Easier battles with less punishing consequences for mistakes.
Greater room for experimentation and learning game mechanics.
Less pressure, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the game.
Drawbacks:
Might become too simple for experienced players.
Less rewarding sense of accomplishment from victories.
Normal
Best for: Players with some experience in Bannerlord or similar games, seeking a balanced challenge.
Settings:
Standard damage to player and allies.
Moderate enemy and campaign AI.
Advantages:
Balanced difficulty provides a fair challenge.
Suitable for players who want a mix of strategy and action.
Allows for gradual improvement of skills without being overwhelming.
Drawbacks:
Might still be too easy for veteran players.
Can sometimes feel inconsistent, with certain battles being unexpectedly tough.
Hard
Best for: Experienced players looking for a tough challenge, or those who thrive under pressure.
Settings:
High damage to player and allies.
Advanced enemy and campaign AI.
Faster-paced campaigns.
Advantages:
High-stakes gameplay with significant consequences for every decision.
Greater sense of achievement from overcoming tough challenges.
Encourages strategic thinking and precise combat skills.
Drawbacks:
Can be very punishing, leading to frustration.
Requires a good understanding of game mechanics and effective strategies.
Customizing Your Experience
Mixing and Matching
The beauty of Bannerlord’s difficulty settings is the ability to mix and match. For example, you might want hard combat but a more forgiving campaign AI, or vice versa. This customization allows you to create a gameplay experience that suits your strengths and preferences.
Adjusting Over Time
Don’t be afraid to adjust the settings as you go. If you find the game too easy or too hard, tweak the settings to find that sweet spot.
Bannerlord is a long game, and your skills and strategies will evolve over time. Adjusting difficulty can keep the game engaging throughout your campaign.
Tips for Each Difficulty Level
Tips for Easy Difficulty
Experiment Freely: Use this mode to learn game mechanics, try out different units, and explore various strategies without severe consequences.
Focus on Story and Exploration: Take your time to enjoy the narrative elements and explore the world of Calradia.
Tips for Normal Difficulty
Balance Your Strategy: Develop a well-rounded approach, balancing combat, trade, and diplomacy.
Learn from Battles: Use each battle as a learning opportunity to refine your tactics and improve your command skills.
Tips for Hard Difficulty
Master the Basics: Ensure you have a solid grasp of combat mechanics and troop management.
Be Strategic: Every decision matters more. Plan your moves carefully, and always consider the long-term impact of your actions.
Use Terrain and Tactics: Leverage the environment and tactical maneuvers to gain advantages in battles.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Ideal Difficulty
Choosing the right difficulty in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can greatly enhance your gaming experience.
Whether you prefer a laid-back adventure or a challenging campaign, Bannerlord's customizable settings allow you to tailor the game to your liking. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust as needed – after all, it’s your adventure in Calradia, so make it the best it can be!
Happy conquering!
