Now that Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has officially launched and received multiple updates post-release, it continues to grow into the expansive medieval sandbox experience fans have long hoped for. With deep campaign mechanics involving warfare, politics, trade, and family-building, plus an evolving multiplayer offering, Bannerlord is more than just a sequel – it’s a platform for all kinds of medieval mayhem.
Here’s where things stand with multiplayer, co-op campaign hopes, and what you can expect in the future.
Is There a Co-op Campaign in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord?
As of now, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord does not support a native cooperative campaign mode. Taleworlds Entertainment previously acknowledged that implementing full campaign co-op was too complex to include at launch or in the early post-release updates.
However, there are a few key points worth noting:
- Taleworlds has not ruled it out entirely. Co-op support has been discussed as a potential future DLC or post-release feature, though nothing official has been confirmed as of early 2025.
- There has also been mention of a potential battle-only co-op, where players could join fights together even if they cannot explore the campaign map cooperatively.
The Modding Community to the Rescue
The Mount & Blade modding scene is as active as ever, and several co-op campaign mods are already in development or available in early forms. While these are often community-led projects and may require workarounds or have limitations, they show promising signs of turning the dream of campaign co-op into reality.
One standout is the “Bannerlord Online” mod, which transforms the single-player world into a persistent multiplayer sandbox where players can meet, fight, trade, and explore together. It’s still evolving, but it’s worth checking out if you’re itching for shared adventures in Calradia.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Multiplayer Game Modes
Even without a co-op campaign, Bannerlord’s multiplayer modes offer engaging, competitive combat with tactical depth. As of now, here are the key multiplayer experiences available:
Captain Mode
- Team-based battles (up to 5 players per side)
- Each player commands their own squad of AI soldiers
- Objectives revolve around capturing flags or eliminating the enemy team
- Strategy is essential – coordinating troop movement and communicating with allies can turn the tide
- Customizable unit types separate from the single-player campaign
Captain Mode provides a satisfying blend of RTS and action, and its large maps encourage tactical flanking, ambushes, and long-range engagements.
Skirmish Mode
- 6v6 PVP matches
- Players spend points to deploy troops, with a tradeoff between unit strength and number of respawns
- Emphasizes resource management, class selection, and adaptive tactics
- Includes a perks system for deeper customization and loadout flexibility
Skirmish Mode is fast-paced and rewards smart, team-focused decision-making. Whether you go in as a heavy cavalry monster or a swarm of light infantry, there’s room to experiment and adapt.
The Future of Multiplayer in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Taleworlds has expressed interest in expanding the multiplayer offering with at least four core modes total, though new official modes beyond Captain and Skirmish have yet to be formally added. The community continues to speculate about potential additions like:
- Siege battles (already a popular modded experience)
- Battle Royale-inspired survival modes
- Custom lobbies with full battle editors or campaign-style features
With ongoing support and a healthy modding ecosystem, there’s a good chance we’ll see multiplayer evolve in new directions — especially with community feedback continuing to shape development.
While Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord still lacks native co-op campaign support, its multiplayer offerings provide solid competitive experiences, and the active modding scene is filling in the gaps for fans seeking shared adventures. Whether you’re leading troops into battle, crafting a dynasty in single-player, or jumping into the fray with friends online, Bannerlord offers unmatched freedom in medieval warfare.
For now, keep an eye on updates, dive into mods, and join the community — Calradia has never been more alive.
