The top games like Bannerlord are perfect for those who want to forge and manage empires in both fantasy and reality settings.
Before we get started with our list, it’s safe to say that there aren’t many games like Bannerlord. That’s because TaleWorlds Entertainment’s incredibly unique game offers a gameplay formula that we can’t find in other games. That said, it’s still possible to scratch that Mount and Blade itch with some games that share similar themes and gameplay elements.
Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord unifies a myriad of gameplay aspects in its bulletproof gameplay. It comes with diplomacy options, refined base management, strategy elements, and addictive third-person real-time combat. It’s even possible to have kids in Bannerlord, so it can be difficult to find alternatives to this brilliant game.
5. Wartales
Wartales is a medieval RPG that blends elements of strategy, exploration, and turn-based combat. It’s also one of the best games like Bannerlord, as it bears similarities to the early-game stage in Mount and Blade titles.
You lead a band of mercenaries in a war-torn land, where you manage your group and make strategic decisions on the world map. While you can also engage in tactical battles, it’s not possible to dive into real-time combat in Bannerlord. Still, Wartales is a great game that will keep you busy for a solid amount of time.
Release Date: April 12, 2023
Metacritic Score: 80
4. Conqueror’s Blade
Conqueror’s Blade stands out among the games like Bannerlord, especially with its combat gameplay. Similar to TaleWorlds’s critically acclaimed sandbox RPG, Conqueror’s Blade puts you in massive battles both as a soldier and a commander.
On the other hand, it’s completely different from Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord. For instance, it’s a free-to-play tactical warfare that executes the core elements of the MMO genre. It also focuses on large-scale battles that include other players. The game also features different armies inspired by different factions and historical eras. Similar to Bannerlord, you can tailor your army to expand your clan’s domain on a persistent world map.
Although there are stark differences, Conqueror’s Blade is still one of the best games like Bannerlord. It offers a mix of strategy, real-time combat, and RPG elements.
Release Date: May 30, 2019
Metacritic Score: 64
3. Kenshi
Kenshi is an open-world sandbox RPG set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world. While it doesn’t seem like the best games like Bannerlord, it clearly caters to the taste of most Mount and Blade fans.
You control a highly customizable character and a group in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Similar to the early gameplay stages of Bannerlord, you can scavenge resources, take down bandits, and engage in squad-based combat. It’s worth mentioning that Kenshi is one of the most complex and sophisticated titles of its genre. While it shares similarities in terms of strategic depth, it’s much more challenging than many other games like Bannerlord.
Release Date: November 21, 2011
Metacritic Score: 75
2. Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 is a grand strategy title that you shouldn’t miss out on if you’re looking for games like Bannerlord. Although you’ve probably heard of it or sank hours into it, it’s always good to praise this game from Paradox Interactive.
As the third mainline entry, Crusader Kings 3 takes you to the medieval period. As the leader of a dynasty, your task is to guide your empire through generations of political intrigue, warfare, and diplomacy. While it shares certain similarities with the games like Bannerlord, it’s completely devoid of combat gameplay. It’s more like the games like Victoria 3. Still, it’s a great alternative if you’re burnt out on Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord.
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Metacritic Score: 91
1. Medieval Dynasty
Medieval Dynasty is at the top as one of the best games like Bannerlord. In its essence, it’s a survival RPG that combines elements of village management, crafting, and exploration in a medieval European setting.
While it’s a lot less chaotic than Bannerlord, it offers a similar feeling of struggle that slowly transforms into a quest to expand your Dynasty. The concept of becoming a ruler as a commoner is one of the things that make Bannerlord so alluring. Medieval Dynasty also touches on that, making it one of the top games like Bannerlord.
Release Date: September 17, 2020
Metacritic Score: 73
Final Thoughts
The Mount and Blade games are completely unique games without any solid alternatives. They offer the perfect blend of combat, strategy, and diplomacy. That’s often why even the top games in similar genres don’t scratch that Warband or Bannerlord itch.
Furthermore, you can sink hours into every Mount and Blade game. Unlike many other games, the acclaimed games of TaleWorlds Entertainment offer an unmatched level of replayability. That’s another reason why it’s difficult to find games like Bannerlord in the current landscape.
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