Mount & Blade: Warband

It's good. Wish there was less level-scaling of enemies, but that's probably a minority view.

One of the greatest medieval games out there, but definitely held back by some major problems.
Pros:
- Really addicting, if that's what you're looking for. Gameplay is super satisfying, and I usually keep coming back to it for that reason.
- Unique, no other game like this one, especially with the way the single player is set up.
- Modding support, so many mods for this game it's unbelievable, if you get tired of playing the main game, bam, Civil War, don't like that? Bam. Star Wars. There's also two expansions which are excellent in their own right but Napoleonic Wars is strictly multiplayer, bot wars is awesome though.
- u get 2 b a freaking knight
Cons:
- Tedious Lategame: Oh my God, once I reached this point and had beaten off 3 other factions, it's like there was a crack in the Dam wall. Soon, as if the turkjank of the game had laughed in my face, I was facing one of the more horrendous video game decisions ever made. LORD DEFECTION. You cannot appease your lords well enough to keep them all happy, so don't even try. By the time I had reached this stage it was about 20 hours in, and 15 hours later, it was pretty much a stalemate. I had given my lords so much land in an attempt to try to keep them under control I had somehow blotted out what was going on during the last 10 hours previously, as constantly messages would appear about lords defecting from factions. I had not realized that could have happened to me, and it was all too late. Want to try running around the map keeping all your places in check whilst in constant warfare due to everyone else despising you? Lategame is for you. 2.5% of players have completely conquered all of Calradia, and at first, I had thought it was going to be easy. Was I so wrong.

This is an absolute hinderance on late game. Am I still going to play? OFC. Am I going to beat lategame? Ehh... I think I value my time on this Earth a little too much to waste another week trying to figure out the fuck I'm supposed to do against a game that literally changes the landscape and regional power on a WHIM. If you're up to that monumental task, go right ahead, but man oh man is it a pain in the ass.

King Harlaus throws the best feasts, I lose all my land.... but my god does he offer the best selection of fine quality butter! from Xbox to PC, so many years and he never ceases to amaze making every feast feel like your first!

GOAT

Even today, this is a titan of its self-created genre. No game quite lives up to Warband, not even its sequel. So many hours spent on this one when I was younger, and I still come back to it about once a year. Easy 10/10, mods enhance the completed package.

Infinite replay-ability. Genuinely fun combat system with a high skill ceiling. Good RPG and strategy elements. Decently-active and competitive multiplayer scene. Mods out the wazoo.

There's no other game like Mount & Blade Warband. The game is great without mods, but there is a a huge selection of total overhaul mods to keep it fresh.

Amazing game! The combat is so fun! and dont even get me started with the mods! especially the 1866 mod! this game is so fun, you need to play this!

this game is very good...i can't expect this game.....i will say this game is approve

Best Game I ever tried, even it was made years ago, still the best first experience into the Mount and Blade game

well, it's a good old game, that gave me cool memories. but it's not simple game and you can go insane because of it. if you are interested in strategical/action rpg games, mb warband would be probably an interesting experience, but there is a problem - it would consume a lot of time, like, more than ~25 hours. know your time to stop - i wasted way more time than i wanted... memories should be memories, not a perpetual circle of repeating acts.

oh, by the way. it's an important game in the history of videogames, but it's not as important as a game today. play something else, a sequel for example...

One of the best games of it's kind to ever exist. Would recommend to everyone except those who can't afford a steep time investment.

it looks like jank, runs like jank, and yet its super addictive and has an incredible modding scene. the star wars mod is amazing and so is warsword conquest the warhammer mod.

I pirated Mount & Blade original over a decade ago and now I've bought the entire series ever since. This game is a masterpiece and I have many pleasant memories with it.

Very fun medieval sandbox RPG game. The world simulation makes for nice emergent storytelling. During battles, you command your troops while being a combatant yourself, which feels quite immersive.

Charged into epic battles with zero strategy—just pure, accidental glory.

After playing it for more than 1000 hours, I think I am finally able to suggest this game to potential gamers :) One of the unique games that has ever been developed. The game also benefits from a wide array of mods, which provide better equipment, additional fractions & tasks, and sometimes fantastic elements. Try different mods to boost and diversify your gaming experience.

Probably my favorite game to play on the airplane. Runs on my 7 year old HP laptop what else do you need.

Charming, addicting, fun.
If you like medieval setting in any form this game is for you. Has a bit of a learning curve but it's worth learning how to play. All this game offers is great, from the gameplay, art, soundtrack, it's all charming.

Played console warband for years now religiously and now im getting into pc, mods are amazing and imo hold up to this day.

One of the best games I ever played. However, I moved to Bannerlord due to better graphics and size of battles, but role -player wise this game is 100x better than its successor.

Lord Harish was the biggest thorn in my side. Took me the entire game to finally capture him and send him to my dungeon for eternity.

10/10

A very good and detailed game starting off as a nobody and turning yourself into one of many things, a great trader, a warrior, a bandit, a politician?. Overall a great game but hard to learn and hard to play, but hey if you get good at it then you're gonna have a great time with this game. I give this game a 7/10.

i genuinely thought Bannerlord is improved version of everything this game can offer. not just graphics alone. now that we have AI they speed up packaging all the goodies from here there as improvement.
WE CAN LITERALLY DO QUESTS FOR OUR COMPANIONS, AND WE CAN LITERALLY PROVIDE INTEL OF ENEMY...

we are literally giving beta test results too. FIX THE DAMN BANNERLORD.

One of my favourite games, great gameplay, fun combat mechanics, great soundtrack, high in replay value in a sense - along with many other awesome aspects. If you have not already tried it, then by (almost) all means.

With countless hours spent in Mount & Blade: Warband, I can confidently say that this game is a must-play for anyone who loves strategy, open-world exploration, and immersive combat. Whether you’re leading a massive army into battle or navigating the political intrigue of medieval kingdoms, Warband offers a rich, dynamic world that feels alive and full of opportunity. And if you’re looking for even more fun, the modding community has crafted some of the most amazing mods to completely transform your experience.

Here's why I highly recommend Mount & Blade: Warband:

~ GAMEPLAY ~
✅ Ace
The gameplay in Warband is a perfect blend of strategy, real-time combat, and role-playing. You create your own character, build your army, form alliances, and fight epic battles. The combat system is engaging, offering a lot of freedom and control over your actions. Whether you're fighting in a small skirmish or commanding a large army on a battlefield, the combat is satisfying and tactical. There’s a real sense of progression as you grow from a lone adventurer to a powerful lord or king.

~ DIFFICULTY ~
✅ Normal
The difficulty level in Warband is perfect for both new and experienced players. It’s not too easy, but it’s not overly punishing either. You’ll need to manage your resources, make strategic decisions, and improve your skills, but it’s all part of the fun. The game gets more challenging as you progress, especially if you decide to take on the responsibility of ruling a kingdom or waging wars across the land.

~ GRAPHICS ~
✅ Normal
While Warband doesn’t boast the most stunning graphics, its style is more than enough to create an immersive medieval atmosphere. The landscapes are beautiful, and the character models, though a bit dated, are still quite charming. The focus here is on the gameplay and world-building, and it works perfectly well.

~ STORY ~
✅ Some lore
Mount & Blade: Warband is not a story-driven game in the traditional sense, but it does offer a rich world with plenty of lore and factions. You can choose your path – whether it’s becoming a mercenary, a bandit, or a noble lord. The game’s open-ended nature means that your story is what you make of it. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s exploring new towns or forging alliances with other factions.

~ LENGTH ~
✅ To infinity and beyond
This game has virtually endless replayability. Whether you want to become a king, conquer the world, or simply explore and help people in need, there’s no shortage of things to do. Every playthrough can feel different, thanks to the many choices available to you and the vast open world.

~ MUSIC ~
✅ Memorable
The music in Warband adds a lot to the immersion, with epic battle themes and atmospheric tracks that make every fight and every journey feel meaningful. While it doesn’t have a large soundtrack, the pieces that are there are memorable and fit the setting perfectly.

~ INTEREST ~
✅ You will remember it long after
There’s something about Warband that keeps you coming back. Whether it’s the satisfaction of leading your army to victory or the thrill of political maneuvering, this game will stick with you. The world is rich with opportunity, and the choices you make have real consequences. The freedom to shape your own destiny in this medieval world makes it an unforgettable experience.

~ REPLAYABILITY ~
✅ Infinitely replayable (or almost)
With all the different factions, strategies, and ways to play, Warband has virtually infinite replayability. Plus, the modding community has taken it to another level. There are mods like Middle-Earth, Star Wars, and A Song of Ice and Fire that completely overhaul the game and give it a fresh coat of paint with new worlds, characters, and gameplay mechanics. You could easily spend hundreds of hours exploring new mods and new ways to play the game.

Pros:
✔ Deep, open-world gameplay with a lot of freedom
✔ Engaging and satisfying combat system
✔ Great replayability, especially with mods
✔ A wide variety of playstyles, from political intrigue to large-scale warfare
✔ A vibrant modding community with amazing mods (Middle-Earth, Star Wars, etc.)

Cons:
✖ Some dated graphics and animations
✖ The learning curve can be steep for new players

In conclusion, Mount & Blade: Warband is a classic that still stands the test of time. It’s a game you can lose yourself in for hours, whether you’re battling in massive armies, exploring the open world, or simply enjoying the freedom to play however you like. With the added bonus of amazing mods, it’s an experience that only gets better over time. Definitely worth your time!

very fun able to lose hours in and the game has many re-play options

With over 1100 hours logged on Steam, and a few hundred more offline, I can say with full confidence that this is one of my favorite games that I have ever played. I can't offer deep analysis into the games systems and mechanics like some others can, but I've enjoyed quite a few harvesting seasons in my time.

For whoever decides to pick this nearly 15 year old game up (8 more days as of writing this), I wish you an absolutely glorious time in Calradia!!!! Don't let them drink from your skull!!

Amazing fun, especially with all the mods you can have. I really enjoyed the LOTR mods.

The base game plus the mods make this one of the best experiences I've ever had gaming

base game is great even better with mods

It is relaxing and stressful, real and fanciful, powerful and strong in the way it strikes into my desire to be a feudal lord. 10/10

Love to play it with the last days of the third age LOTR mod!

Become the ultimate warrior and general.

Recruit hundreds of units to invade your ennemies.
Swear allegiance to a lord only to later (If you wish) start your own kingdom.
Defend your castles from massive armies.
Marry your way into nobility,upgrade your villages to make life better for civilians and soldiers alike.
All of these are things you can do in this game. The graphics have certainly aged quite a bit but the gameplay more than makes up for it.

Mount & Blade Warband is one of the most extraordinary games ever made. It is with ease one of the greatest video games of all time and is everything that video gaming was and is supposed to be.

It created a perfect system for Horseback riding, archery, swordplay, and any combination of all of these things. From this springs the obvious potential for modding, some of the greatest game mods of all time belong to Warband. But in truth, the base game in and of itself is wonderful and something I just keep coming back to. I cannot recommend this game enough. If you love the medieval, if you love skill-based swordplay and archery, if you love medieval tactics, if you are looking for a true third based action RPG with both companions and armies at your disposal, then this game game is for you.

after 2 years of playing this game for free i wanna apologise to the studio because i play this masterpiece on crack for 600+hours i just but it last week in my welsh list to buy it but damn i got also f&s version and the original and DLs just for 5.32$ and i think this game will age with me just remember i will be able to break that 600+hours on steam record in no time in the last i type this review to just say this game is FUKING addicted and every body that's play it feel the same just check other review play time and in the end they ask me wold i commande it HELL YEAH

Don't let the graphics fool you It plays way better than it looks plus there are mods that are like entire new games. It's honestly more fun than Bannerlord.

This game was released in 2010, and the type of game, gameplay, what to do is amaizim still after the years. played almost 150 hours in this game but now i bought it on steam, becouse it deserve. if the main game bored you yea there are mods and great mods where you can expirience completely different story. This game is STILL better then the newer version Bannerlord that comes in 2022.

i love 2hu i love 2hu i love 2hu

the 2hu mod is really good

this game is really good, lots of mods and lots of paths to take

the gameplay is really engaging even in 2025, recommend

Literally the only thing lacking in this game is graphics, functionally it is one of the funnest games I have ever played. If only Bannerlord could've been a graphics remaster.

Mount & Blade: Warband remains a uniquely engaging medieval simulator that hasn't been properly replicated despite its age. Its janky charm and systems-based gameplay offer genuine freedom rarely found in modern games—but this freedom exists within a carefully constructed digital cage that's been selling the same experience for years while you pretend it's still 2010.

Can't get any single achievement even using the all achievements mod on macos, this bug still exists after so many years. Unlocked them with a win device then.

most fun i've had in a while. the ragdoll physics are great, and the range of motion in the attacks is great too, and the modding scene is to die for

12 out of 10
Timeless masterpiece which is heavily supported by it's community and mods. When you play it it really feels like you are a warband leader and roleplay factor makes it quite emercing. You can play as a brigand who struggles to survive. A loyal vassal to your liege. A rebelious warlord. A king who is trying to reunite Calradian Empire. A bandit that leaves no village unraided. A poor wagabond looking for mercenary contracts. AND THAT IS IN ONE SAVE ( or different saves which is just easier =D ).
The only limitation is your creativity and creativity of modders.

The best full overhaul mods that I ever seen in gamedev. Only game that is comparable to M&B is Minecraft.

Cons: game looks really old for 2010 and whith that much game mechanics it is really easy to have errors while playing. Also, at start it's looks quite challenging to win a battle ( f1 + f3 for life ).

Still one of the best open RPG games ever made. Limitless amounts of fun, and playability. Have played for over 6 years now.

It looks like garbage but it's actually one of the best damn games out there. I probably played 500 hours pre-steam

Great game, especially when you get into the mods. 100% recommend even in 2025

A really good game for my little brother easy gameplay and so fun

Fun campaign and really fun multiplayer

This is medieval sandbox character action game with a large modding scene active to this day.

As far as I'm concerned, this is an evergreen classic. Easy recommendation.

truly amazing game if you like medieval settings, not only that, the mods are worth to try as well!