In Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord you can choose between six different cultures, and I will show you which of them is the best faction to choose in 2023.
Guide Highlights (TLDR):
Not a single faction in Mount & Blade 2 is the same as another. From Vikings from the far north, and Mongol-inspired steppe tribes, to the empire that's based on ancient Rome, there is a suitable historical equivalent for every history fan. Each faction brings its own advantages and disadvantages, unique units & bonuses for trade, combat, or politics. Based on my personal gaming experience, I have compiled the best factions in Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord. Your list might differ from mine, so feel free to write your opinion in the comments! But now to the best list of M&B 2 factions:
Lore: North of the Empire lies the culture of Sturgia. In the snowy forests live wild and tough warriors. They conquered the north of the Empire as it began to lose power and influence. These men were also shaped by harsh environmental conditions and therefore defy nature in their homeland.
Player type for Sturgia: If you want some Viking feeling in Mount & Blade and focus especially on infantry, Sturgia is the best choice for you. Additionally, you have a lot of room to the other factions on the continent.
Lore: Once the Battanians were a great people and ruled almost all of Calradia. Nowadays, Battania has been pushed back to the northwest and is only a shadow of its former self. They strongly remind of the Celts, who were ultimately displaced by the Romans (the Empire). Tactical skill and avoiding position wars ensure that it can be challenging to play this faction.
Player type for Battania: If you love taking on a challenge and playing with tactical skill, you should choose Battania. Additionally, Battania is the best culture for you if you prefer the guerrilla tactic "Hit and Run" instead of a boring position war.
Lore: The desert tribes of the Aserai live south of the Empire and were shaped by the harsh environmental conditions and the lack of resources. The rivaling groups were united under Sultan Banu Hulyan to show strength together. Since the Aserai have to cover long distances in the desert, their horses are swift. They are also able to do a lot of trade through their caravans. The Aserai are strongly reminiscent of the groups on the Arabian Peninsula before they were united by Islam.
Player type for the Aserai: If you are more interested in economic pursuits and prefer to take care of business development and trade, the Aserai as the best faction is your choice. With a focus on the economy, you have a job that can do everything, but also nothing.
Lore: The Khuzait are strongly reminiscent of the Mongols and their hordes from the steppe. Dissatisfied with their own barren homeland and reunited by the Khan, they aim to conquer more cities and lands. Their close bond with horses ensures that the Khuzait produce the best mounted units.
Player type for the Khanate: If you've always wanted to live out your Mongolian warrior fantasies, the Khanate of the Khuzait is the best faction for you. You avoid direct fights as much as possible and want a horse-oriented gaming experience.
Lore: In Bannerlord, the once great imperial realm of Calradia is in turmoil and threatens to fall apart. You can also support the Empire and help it return to its former glory. The realm is divided into three parts - the North, South, and West. The old orders and traditions prevail everywhere. After the death of the Emperor, the three rulers are trying to assert their claim to leadership, if necessary by force. Historically, the Empire is very reminiscent of the Roman Empire.
Player type for the Empire: The Empire is particularly beginner-friendly and a relatively easy faction to play. It impresses with generally well-armored units and a high variety of units. The Empire is the best culture if you want to quickly find your way around the game.
Lore: Originally, the people of Vlandia were mercenaries hired by the Empire to suppress uprisings and hostile tribes in exchange for land. But instead, at some point, the people on the west coast of Calradia proclaimed their own realm called Vlandia. As it is a young realm, it is also the most modern of the six nations.
Player type for Vlandia: If you want to experience the aesthetics of European medieval warfare up close, Vlandia is the best culture for you. You mainly use polearms and cavalry and can especially benefit from the starting bonus at the beginning, which supports you throughout the game.
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