Choosing a culture in Mount & Blade 2 Bannerlord determines your starting identity. Your units, initial strategy, and even movement speed are all affected by this choice. To avoid restarting after ten minutes, our Mount & Blade 2 Bannerlord factions guide provides a clear overview of each faction and what you can expect.
Table of Contents
Aserai
The Aserai dominate the deep south. Their sandy cities shine in yellow, and their ruler is Sultan Unqid. Life in the desert influences everything they do.
- Fast horses and camels
- Strong mounted archers
- Lower caravan costs and better trade margins
This makes them the best culture for a strong trading economy. Their territory is also naturally protected by narrow routes into it. Just expect long travel times and plenty of desert bandits early on.
The Calradic Empire
The Empire has split into three rival factions (Northern, Southern, and Western). All of them aspire to restore the old glory. For beginners, this is one of the easiest ways to start.
- Top-tier infantry
- Imperial Cataphracts
- Faster construction of buildings and siege engines
You start in a civil war, which means fighting breaks out quickly. You have no dedicated polearm unit, and you are surrounded by enemies from day one. Still, the Empire remains straightforward and forgiving if you want a smoother intro to the game.
Bannerlord Factions: Sturgia
Sturgia rules the icy north. Think of Nordic and Slavic warriors hardened by relentless snow. Prince Raganvad governs this land.
Their strengths are clear:
- Powerful infantry
- Strong shield walls
- Reduced movement penalties in snow
Their territory is easy to defend and hard to invade. The downside is obvious. Snow bonuses don’t do anything once you leave home. Their ranged troops are limited, their cavalry is weak, and their noble lines lack standout roles. Pick Sturgia if you prefer a strong defensive style.
Battania
Battania is located in the forested highlands. Their leader, Caladog, leads green banners and a group of warriors inspired by Celtic tribes.
They offer:
- The Battanian Fian, one of the strongest archer units in the game
- Reduced movement loss in forests
- Flexible unit loadouts
Their downside is weak infantry and light armor. You need to play smart, choose your terrain wisely, and avoid prolonged positional battles. If you enjoy ranged combat and tactical ambushes, Battania offers that.
Khuzait
The Khuzait control the eastern steppes. Their culture reflects the swift-riding peoples of the real-world tundra.
Expect:
- Deadly mounted archers
- Fast cavalry with a culture speed bonus
- Strong spearmen on horseback
However, their infantry is limited, and sieges become difficult. Light cavalry relies on hit-and-run tactics and falls apart under pressure if caught. Choose Khuzait if you want speed, mobility, and continuous mounted combat.
Vlandia
Vlandia governs the west under King Derthert. Their culture mirrors late medieval European nations and early knightly combat.
Their highlights:
- Faster experience gain in battle
- Elite crossbowmen
- Banner Knights as noble cavalry
Weaknesses include slow crossbow reloads, fewer shields, and weaker heavy infantry. If you enjoy charging into enemies with cavalry and leveling quickly, Vlandia is an excellent match.
Build a Mighty Kingdom with PLITCH!
Once you’ve chosen the faction you want to lead, you can make your campaign smoother with PLITCH. If you’re short on time or the grind becomes too difficult, our Mount and Blade 2 Bannerlord cheats let you customize the game to your liking. You can boost your influence, increase your gold, refill your food, or improve your character with more attribute and focus points.
For a challenge, try flipping the script and starting with almost nothing. Drop your reputation, lose your resources, and work your way up from the bottom.
Visit this blog to learn more about PLITCH, and check out our Trainer Showcase on YouTube to see our cheats in action!
Happy Gaming!
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