Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is a strategy action role-playing game that players have been enjoying since its release in 2020. Players have loved the large battles that take part in a medieval setting that sees armies of knights on horseback or other medieval units clash with one another on the battlefield.
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Since then, many players have wondered if there are other strategy – possibly RPG – titles that they can play that they would enjoy just as much as Mount & Blade 2. Due to this, these mostly medieval titles are by far some of the best for a player who has found themselves enjoying the medieval environment and the intense strategic combat that comes with it.
Updated August 28, 2024, by Megan Smith: Medieval games like Mount and Blade 2 are incredibly popular due to them allowing players to immerse themselves in a past period of time filled with castles, melee combat and royalty. Being able to explore this period of time was already extraordinary from the open world of Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord, as players were free to explore while making a name for themselves. There are plenty of other games like Bannerlord that continue this open-world exploration of the times of medieval while also allowing players to experience other genres of gameplay too. These are by far some of the best Mount and Blade like games for players to enjoy.
18 Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
An Experience For Purely Strategic Combat
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
Real-Time Strategy
Systems
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- November 14, 2019
- Developer
- Forgotten Empires, Tantalus, Wicked Witch
As one of the most popular strategy franchises to be created, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is a great alternative for those that are looking for games like Bannerlord, which still continues to allow them to battle strategically.
Besides the original campaigns of Age of Empires 2, players also have various other DLC campaigns to enjoy which explore other areas of history and the civilizations that live within them. While the medieval times of Mount and Blade are enjoyable, being able to explore the rest of the globe and then dominate the world in various ways allows for a classic real-time strategy experience that never feels the same.
17 Yes, Your Grace
Every Choice Matters During A Royals Reign
- Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
- Released: 2020-03-06
- Developer: Brave At Night
- Genre(s): PRG, Strategy
Mount and Blade like games don't need to be titles that constantly see the player battling against other kingdoms. In Yes, Your Grace, the focus is instead on making the right choices for the players' kingdom in the hope of thriving and making alliances to avoid the threat of the kingdom being overthrown.
There is a lot more to pay attention to than the townsfolk of the kingdom, as the player will also get to know their family and, hopefully, be not only a reliable king but a loved husband and father too.
16 Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous
A Fantasy Twist On The Typical Medieval
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
RPG
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:81/100 Critics Recommend:78%
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , Xbox One , Switch
- Released
- September 2, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Owlcat Games
While the majority of games that may be recommended to play after Bannerlord would likely be other realistic historical strategy RPGs, some players may wish for a hint of the whimsical which can be happily found in Pathfinder. RPGs like Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous have the perfect mix of medieval and fantasy to allow players to go on an amazing adventure with an even more interesting group of companions.
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Besides the usual combat that can either be enjoyed in real-time or turn-based, there are also plenty of choices for players to make that will change how the story goes for the player and their party.
15 We Who Are About To Die
Fight To Appease The Patrons That Watch The Arena
We Who Are About To Die
RPG
Action
Indie Games
Fighting
Simulation
Strategy
Systems
- Platform(s)
- Microsoft Windows
- Released
- November 14, 2022
- Developer
- Jordy Lakiere
Players who are simply looking for a medieval-themed title that allows them to battle against other units should look no further than We Who Are About To Die. Players will start as a lowly slave who must fight in various arenas in the hope of rising through the ranks and eventually getting their freedom – maybe.
Unlike Mount & Blade 2, which had the occasional moment of politics to scare off an opponent, the only thing that matters in We Who Are About To Die is fighting and appeasing rich patrons. With an in-depth career management system, players will be looking for the best fights to up their chances of making it to the top.
14 Kingdoms And Castles
Build And Protect A Glorious Kingdom
Kingdoms and Castles
Simulation
Strategy
- Top Critic Rating:77/100 Critics Recommend:60%
- Platform(s)
- PC , Linux
- Released
- July 20, 2017
- Developer
- Lion Shield, LLC
While at first glance Kingdoms and Castles shares little in common with Mount & Blade 2, some players may still be intrigued to try a game that will broaden their medieval horizons while still approaching strategy differently. While players put together their armies and dabble in the occasional politics of Mount & Blade 2, Kingdoms and Castles has players expanding their kingdoms and attempting to keep everyone in check.
Occasionally, this may entail defending the city walls from incoming Viking attacks or even taking their chances to destroy a neighboring Kingdom, which means players may still have their chances of taking on an army.
13 Medieval Dynasty
Surviving Within A Medieval World
Medieval Dynasty
Open-World
Strategy
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:73/100
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- December 17, 2020
- Developer
- Render Cube
Medieval Dynasty is a brilliant game option for any player looking for a title similar to Mount and Blade 2 while also having a prominent focus on surviving in a medieval world. In this open-world strategy title, players will be forced to hunt, build, and lead if they hope to survive the harsh environment of the Middle Ages.
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Players will gradually expand their dynasty as they start as a single person just trying to survive. Eventually, they will have an heir and then entice others to work for them until they create their kingdom. Naturally, others will not like this and attempt to put an end to the player's reign, forcing the newly found kingdom to defend itself.
12 Kenshi
An Unforgiving RPG Experience
Kenshi
RPG
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:76/100
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Released
- December 6, 2018
- Developer
- Lo-Fi Games
Players who are searching for a more RPG-based game to experience after Mount & Blade 2 may enjoy taking a dangerous stroll into Kenshi. This game is incredibly unforgiving as the world doesn't scale around the player. At the beginning of their adventure, players should come to terms that everything will be stronger than them.
The world of Kenshi will always be complete chaos as the player isn't the chosen one of their world. They are likely to get captured by cannibals or caught in the crossfire of an attack. Survival is all that matters. Using a strategy is the only way to stay alive, or run away.
11 Conqueror's Blade
Enjoy A Medieval Experience With Others Online
Conqueror's Blade
Action
Systems
- Platform(s)
- Microsoft Windows
- Released
- May 30, 2019
- Developer
- Booming Games, Booming Tech
Sometimes the best medieval strategy experience is one that can be enjoyed with others. That's why the massive multiplayer title of Conqueror's Blade is such an interesting and tempting choice for players looking for another game to enjoy instead of Mount & Blade 2. With the control of whole groups of units, players should work with other players to plan sieges on castles and fortresses or defend their own from opposing forces.
Besides commanding units, players can also customize their leader to create the perfect soldier. At the start of each season, a new territory war begins, which means players will always have a battle to be a part of.
10 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
An Immersive RPG With Strategic Melee Combat
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
RPG
- Top Critic Rating:72/100
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Switch
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Released
- February 13, 2018
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is another medieval title that takes players a step away from the strategy of Mount and Blade 2, and instead places them in a medieval world where players are left to freely explore. As players adventure, they will improve their combat skills through various encounters with bandits and other dangers, learning what it takes to survive in certain circ*mstances.
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While players may only be by themselves in this title, instead of having a group of soldiers to look after. Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a great title to try after thinking tactfully about Bannerlord.
9 Ancestors Legacy
Explore Four Nations In Squad-Based Combat
Ancestors Legacy
Real-Time Strategy
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:76/100
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , Switch
- Released
- May 22, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Destructive Creations
Players who are looking for another squad-based real-time strategy title should look no further than Ancestors Legacy. Like Mount and Blade 2, this title is heavily inspired by European History and, therefore, many of the units players are likely to recruit are based on soldiers that were likely used during those times.
Ancestors Legacy also brings to life four different nations that players can be a part of, as they lead one of the nations to greatness against the other three in a variety of campaigns. Players are tasked with all sorts of missions that go deeper than conquering the towns and villages of their enemies, as the player must use the tactical options available to them if they hope to succeed.
8 Wartales
A Small-Scale World With A Band Of Mercenaries To Create
Wartales
RPG
Turn-Based Strategy
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:77/100 Critics Recommend:79%
- Platform(s)
- PC , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- April 12, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Shiro Games
While battles in Wartales may not be on as large a scale as in Mount & Blade 2, it can charm players with its RPG elements. In this title, players take control of a small group of mercenaries that are traveling across the medieval world in search of valuable treasure.
As players explore, they will find new people to recruit to their band of mercenaries that come with their unique equipment, skills, and personalities. Combining the turn-based combat with a story that a player writes themselves, it is up to the gamer to decide what risk is too big as every place is sure to have a contract that catches their eye.
7 Old World
Create A Powerful Dynasty
Wartales
RPG
Turn-Based Strategy
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:77/100 Critics Recommend:79%
- Platform(s)
- PC , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- April 12, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Shiro Games
Another strategy title that takes it one step deeper than Mount & Blade 2 is Old World. In this medieval title, players gradually create their dynasty. By expanding their kingdom while talking to neighboring royalty, players will negotiate and occasionally go to battle with the surrounding individuals in the hope of solidifying the success of their reign.
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Keeping family ties strong is only one activity of the game, as sometimes negotiating with potential threats can end up with players needing to choose the right unit to stop a possible invasion.
6 Bellwright
Establish Land And Survive
Bellwright
Survival
Open-World
RPG
Systems
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Developer(s)
- Donkey Crew
- Released
- April 23, 2024
In Bellwright, players are left to establish their own land and expand their settlement to build their own town that may eventually one day become a kingdom. As players assist the villagers in this open-world survival title, the player will unlock new forces to command, so they can truly become the hero of their people.
Bellwright has an interesting story for players to uncover too, as they go from living in the shadows after being framed for the murder of a prince, to finally standing on their own two feet, amassing an army they will gladly lead into battle.
5 Battle Brothers
Explore A Gritty But Charming World As Swords-For-Hire
Battle Brothers
Indie Games
Tactical
RPG
Strategy
Adventure
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:76/100 Critics Recommend:70%
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One , Microsoft Windows
- Released
- April 27, 2015
- Developer
- Overhype Studios, Ukiyo Publishing Limited
The graphics of Battle Brothers may not be as realistic as those in Mount & Blade 2, but that doesn't mean that it lacks charm with its interesting pixel graphics. Like Wartales, players control a small group of mercenaries that they must train if they hope to survive in this low-powered, gritty medieval world.
The entire map – and therefore, the open world – of Battle Brothers is procedurally generated, which means players are unlikely to experience the same game twice when starting again. Combining this with the freedom players have of taking whatever contract they see fit allows players to create their own story filled with thrilling moments.
4 Manor Lords
A Great City Builder And Strategy Title
Manor Lords
Strategy
City Builder
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:72/100
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Developer(s)
- Slavic Magic
- Released
- April 26, 2024
Manor Lords shows great potential to be one of the best city builder and strategy titles to release in recent years. As mentioned, many great medieval-themed titles have been released since Mount and Blade 2, with some being great options to take its place.
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It is a perfect replacement for an in-depth kingdom creation while also considering how the player will protect their villagers as they take on the role of a medieval lord. When not taking part in warfare, players should remember to keep their villagers well-fed, or they could risk losing it all to starvation.
3 Chivalry 2
Made For Those That Want Purely Bloody Battles
Chivalry 2
Hack and Slash
Action
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:82/100 Critics Recommend:85%
- Platform(s)
- PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PC
- Developer(s)
- Torn Banner Studios
- Released
- June 8, 2021
Chivalry is a phenomenal franchise created for players who are looking for a game that focuses on the bloody warfare of the battlefield. Players will be one of many soldiers in this hack-and-slash title that challenges the player to defeat opposing armies.
The game tends to drop the need for strategy to instead appeal to players through the sheer chaos that is taking on an opposing player in Chivalry 2. That isn't to say that there isn't any objective, as many players have enjoyed the Team Objective mode of the title that has given purpose to chopping through enemy lines.
2 Total War: Medieval 2
Countless Factions And Exploration To Be Had In The New World
Total War: Medieval 2
Real-Time Strategy
Turn-Based Strategy
Tactical
Systems
- Platform(s)
- Android , Microsoft Windows , iOS , macOS
- Released
- November 10, 2006
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly
Total War: Medieval 2 was a game created by the now-disbanded Australian branch of The Creative Assembly. In this title, players attempt to gain power as they adventure across lands such as Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even the yet-to-be-explored of the time, the New World.
With new factions and units, like Mount & Blade 2, players will have whole armies at their command that they will need to lead into battle if they hope to conquer territories. Defeating these opposing units will allow the player to rise in power until they have conquered the world.
1 Crusader Kings 3
Grand Strategy Meets RPG As Players Attempt To Rule The World
Crusader Kings 3
RPG
Grand Strategy
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:99%
- Platform(s)
- PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC
- Released
- September 1, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Interactive
While players may not be able to get as personally involved in the warfare of Crusader Kings 3, the game is by far one of the most intriguing medieval titles to be released recently. There is so much for players to learn that they will be forced to deal with a myriad of problems when they encounter them during their reign.
A huge map is at the player's fingertips. Fans are allowed to control almost any state at the start of their game. It will be a stressful but also exciting experience for a player to attempt to either stay on top or work their way towards it.
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Finding the right companion is incredibly important to not only take on the burden in the game but to have someone there to save the player.
