In the vast and immersive world of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, forming a kingdom is a pivotal moment in any player's journey. It marks the transition from a mere leader of a faction to a ruler of a nation, bringing with it new challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities. However, the path to establishing a kingdom is not straightforward and requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. Here, we'll explore five ways to form a kingdom in Bannerlord, each with its unique set of requirements and implications.
Understanding the Basics of Kingdom Formation
Before diving into the specifics of forming a kingdom, it's essential to grasp the basic requirements and how kingdoms work in Bannerlord. A player can establish a kingdom by meeting specific criteria set by the game, which typically involves accumulating a certain amount of renown, wealth, and influence. Once these prerequisites are met, the player can declare the formation of their kingdom, choosing its name, culture, and other defining characteristics.
1. The Traditional Path: Gathering Renown and Gold
The most straightforward way to form a kingdom in Bannerlord is by accumulating enough renown and gold. This method involves participating in battles, completing quests, and engaging in trade and diplomacy. As you gain renown, your influence among the factions and lords increases, making it easier to recruit troops, form alliances, and eventually, declare the establishment of your kingdom.
Key Steps:
- Engage in Battles: Participate in battles to gain renown. Winning battles against stronger opponents yields more renown.
- Complete Quests: Quests often reward gold and renown, helping you meet the kingdom formation criteria.
- Trade and Diplomacy: Engage in trade to accumulate wealth. Diplomacy with other lords can lead to alliances and further renown.
2. The Conquest Path: Forging a Kingdom through War
For players who prefer a more aggressive approach, forming a kingdom through conquest is a viable option. This path involves capturing and holding territories, eventually creating a contiguous area of controlled lands that can be declared as your kingdom. This method requires a strong military and strategic planning to minimize the risks of rebellion and war with neighboring factions.
Key Steps:
- Build a Strong Military: Focus on recruiting and training troops to create a formidable army.
- Identify Strategic Targets: Choose territories that are lightly defended or key to controlling trade routes and resources.
- Manage Relations: Diplomacy with neighboring factions can prevent unnecessary wars, allowing you to focus on conquest.
3. The Alliance Path: Forming a Kingdom through Diplomacy
Forming alliances and gaining the support of other lords and factions is another way to establish a kingdom. This path requires excellent diplomatic skills, as you need to navigate the complex web of alliances, rivalries, and interests of the various factions in the game. By forming strong alliances and gaining the loyalty of other lords, you can eventually have them support your claim to establish a kingdom.
Key Steps:
- Build Relationships: Spend time and effort building positive relationships with lords and factions through gifts, marriage, and mutual military endeavors.
- Secure Support: Gain the loyalty of key lords and factions by fulfilling their requests and supporting their interests.
- Declare Independence: Once you have enough support, you can declare your independence and form a kingdom.
4. The Mercenary Path: Building a Kingdom as a Mercenary Leader
Another unconventional way to form a kingdom is by starting as a mercenary leader. This path involves building a strong mercenary company, taking on contracts, and eventually gaining enough renown and wealth to be recognized as a legitimate leader. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, a mercenary leader can establish a kingdom.
Key Steps:
- Build a Strong Mercenary Company: Focus on recruiting and training mercenaries. A strong company can command higher payments and attract better recruits.
- Take on Lucrative Contracts: Choose contracts that offer good pay and the opportunity to gain renown.
- Invest in Your Leader: Spend points on improving your leader's skills, especially those related to leadership, tactics, and diplomacy.
5. The Vassal Path: Forming a Kingdom as a Vassal
Lastly, forming a kingdom as a vassal involves serving under another lord or faction, gaining their trust, and eventually being granted lands or independence. This path requires a long-term strategy and the ability to navigate the complex dynamics of vassalage.
Key Steps:
- Find a Suitable Lord: Look for a lord or faction that is likely to grant you lands or independence in the future.
- Gain Their Trust: Fulfill quests, participate in battles, and manage your relations carefully to gain the trust of your liege.
- Request Lands or Independence: Once you've built a strong relationship, you can request lands or independence, which, if granted, can lead to the formation of your kingdom.
Encouraging Engagement
Forming a kingdom in Bannerlord is a monumental achievement that opens up new horizons in the game. Each path to kingdom formation presents its challenges and opportunities, allowing players to choose the approach that best suits their playstyle. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the series or a newcomer, the journey to establishing a kingdom is filled with excitement and strategy. Share your experiences and favorite strategies for forming a kingdom in Bannerlord, and join the discussion on the best paths to take.
What are the basic requirements for forming a kingdom in Bannerlord?
+The basic requirements typically involve accumulating a certain amount of renown, wealth, and influence.
How does the conquest path to kingdom formation work?
+This path involves capturing and holding territories, eventually creating a contiguous area of controlled lands that can be declared as your kingdom.
Can I form a kingdom through diplomacy alone?
+Yes, by forming alliances and gaining the support of other lords and factions, you can eventually have them support your claim to establish a kingdom.