Just like in Mount & Blade: Warband, the world of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is shaped by its diverse and often conflicting factions. Set in the continent of Calradia during a time of political fragmentation, Bannerlord introduces eight major factions—each with unique cultures, unit rosters, and strategic positions.
Here’s your complete guide to all the major factions in Bannerlord, including their strengths, lore, and military specialities.
Aserai
The Aserai are desert-dwelling people who inhabit the arid southern lands of the Nahasa. Inspired by pre-Islamic Arab tribes, the Aserai excelled at versatile cavalry warfare and trade. Their military lineup includes fast-moving light cavalry, deadly horse archers, and strong skirmishers. The Aserai benefit from cheaper trade penalties, making them excellent merchants.
Strengths:
- Strong cavalry
- Great economy and trading perks
- Effective desert warfare
Battania
Battania controls the dense forests and rugged highlands of western Calradia. Drawing inspiration from Celtic and Pictish tribes, the Battanians are master ambushers with some of the best archers and guerrilla tactics in the game. Their troops get bonuses in forest battles, and their infantry are formidable in close-range combat.
Strengths:
- Top-tier archers (Battanian Fian Champions)
- Forest combat bonuses
- Strong ambush and skirmish tactics
Khuzait Khanate
The Khuzait dominate the eastern steppe, drawing heavy inspiration from the Mongol Empire. Their armies are defined by light and heavy horse archers, giving them incredible mobility and ranged damage. Khuzait cavalry can quickly encircle and harass enemies, making them deadly in open-field battles.
Strengths:
- Best horse archers in the game
- Fast-moving armies
- Strong in open terrain
Northern, Southern, and Western Empire
The once-unified Calradic Empire has splintered into three rival factions after the death of the emperor. All three Empires share a similar culture, troop tree, and unit roster, but they have different leaders, locations, and political goals.
Northern Empire
Located in the heartland of Calradia and led by a council-oriented leadership, the Northern Empire claims legitimacy through tradition. It borders Battania, Sturgia, and the Khuzait Khanate.
Southern Empire
Ruled by Rhagaea, the widow of the last emperor, the Southern Empire claims dynastic legitimacy. It is geographically isolated by deserts and mountains, giving it a natural defensive edge.
Western Empire
Led by the military strongman Garios, the Western Empire believed in strength through force. It’s the most aggressive of the three factions and borders both Vlandia and Battania.
Shared Empire Traits:
- Balanced troop tree with strong heavy infantry and siege capabilities
- Excellent armoured cataphract cavalry
- Effective in siege warfare and set-piece battles
Sturgia
Inspired by Norse and Slavic cultures, Sturgia dominates the northern, snow-covered forests of Calradia. Their military focuses on heavy infantry and shock troops, including the iconic Sturgian Berserkers. While their cavalry is lacking, they’re strong in harsh terrain and brutal melee combat.
Strengths:
- Excellent heavy infantry
- Forest and snow bonuses
- Strong early-game units
Vlandia
Vlandia, located in the fertile west, is a feudal powerhouse modelled after the Normans and other early medieval Western European states. Vlandians rely on elite crossbowmen, shock cavalry, and a feudal military structure. They also benefit from increased influence gain, helping them dominate the political game.
Strengths:
- Top-tier cavalry and crossbows
- Large starting territory
- Strong feudal governance and vassal system
Each faction in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a unique playstyle and strategic opportunity, whether you’re drawn to the raw cavalry power of the Khuzaits, the dense forest ambushes of Battania, or the disciplined might of the Empire’s legions. Whether you’re fighting for unification or conquest, your choice of faction shapes everything from your battle tactics to your political goals.
