Mount & Blade: Warband

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 106,136 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Mount & Blade: Warband Game Cover
If you played the original Mount and Blade, Warband adds just about enough new content to make it a worthy purchase. If you didn't play the first game, you owe it to yourself to play this game.
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"Mount & Blade: Warband" is a medieval action-RPG game that allows players to engage in large-scale battles and manage their own faction. The game features a sandbox world where players can explore, trade, and interact with various NPCs. With an emphasis on realism, the game offers extensive customization options for weapons, armor, and character development.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
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  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 106,136 reviews
gameplay2,972 positive mentions
graphics1,773 negative mentions
  • gameplay7,546 mentions

    The gameplay of "Mount & Blade: Warband" is widely praised for its depth, complexity, and engaging mechanics, allowing players to experience a rich blend of strategy, role-playing, and action. While the graphics are considered dated, the game's sandbox nature, extensive modding community, and unique combat system provide countless hours of immersive gameplay, making it a standout title in the medieval RPG genre. Many players appreciate the freedom to forge their own paths, whether as a mercenary, lord, or king, and the variety of gameplay styles keeps the experience fresh and rewarding.

    • “The gameplay is very enjoyable.”
    • “Its combat system was ahead of its time, and its deep, open-world gameplay still captivates players today.”
    • “The gameplay is great, although graphically mount and blade has never been a good looking game even back when it came out, and the sound design is serviceable, however if you're playing this game it's more for the gameplay than the graphics.”
    • “It's ugly, the AI is bad, gameplay is ultimately limited and highly repetitive.”
    • “It's glaringly obvious that pretty much none of the higher level mechanics here are properly designed, polished, play-tested or balanced in any meaningful way.”
    • “The gameplay gets repetitive after you have gotten yourself a good amount of passive income.”
  • graphics7,469 mentions

    The graphics of "Mount & Blade: Warband" are widely regarded as outdated, with many players noting that they resemble those of games from the early 2000s. Despite this, the game's visuals do not detract from its overall experience; instead, the engaging gameplay, depth, and extensive modding community compensate for the lack of graphical fidelity. Players emphasize that the game's mechanics and immersive world far outweigh any concerns about its visual presentation, making it a beloved title among fans of the genre.

    • “The graphics may not impress by modern standards, but the gameplay's depth and richness more than make up for it.”
    • “Don't let the graphics fool you; this game is amazing once you get rolling.”
    • “This game is a perfect example of why you should never judge a game by its graphics.”
    • “Admittedly, it is a 'dated' game in the sense that its graphical quality and mechanical complexity are not on the same level as titles released five years - let alone a decade - after its initial release.”
    • “The graphics have not held up very well.”
    • “The graphics are horrendously outdated.”
  • story4,984 mentions

    The story aspect of "Mount & Blade: Warband" is largely defined by its sandbox nature, allowing players to create their own narratives rather than following a predetermined plot. While some players appreciate the freedom to forge their own paths and engage in various quests, many criticize the lack of a cohesive storyline and the repetitive nature of quests, which can detract from the overall experience. The Viking Conquest DLC offers a more structured narrative, but the base game primarily emphasizes player-driven storytelling and emergent gameplay.

    • “From warband to bannerlord, the series has grown in scope and ambition, yet it has never lost sight of what made it special in the first place—the freedom to write your own story in a living, breathing world.”
    • “This game is amazing, it's not like just some ordinary medieval simulator where you just slaughter peasants and steal cattle...it's like you're writing your own story in this rich, dynamic world and you can either be some petty warlord who makes his money ransacking villages or a mercenary fighting for princes of warring kingdoms or you can found your own kingdom.”
    • “The game provides a framework for players to embark on an adventure set in a vast world, but the story evolves based on players' own decisions and actions.”
    • “There is no real clear line what to do; rather, you are supposed to build your own story.”
    • “The biggest con is probably that it has no story; while it has quests, they all get boring with time except a few.”
    • “There is virtually no story to follow here; only you get to choose how a single character's narrative works within Calradia.”
  • replayability2,036 mentions

    The replayability of "Mount & Blade: Warband" is frequently praised, with many users highlighting its near-infinite potential due to a robust modding community and the game's open-ended sandbox nature. Players can engage in countless unique playthroughs, experimenting with different factions, strategies, and mods that significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, the game is regarded as one of the most replayable titles available, offering hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of entertainment.

    • “The sandbox nature of the game ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, allowing for hours of replayability.”
    • “Whether commanding armies in epic battles or forging your path to power, 'Warband' is a game that stands out for its depth and replayability, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.”
    • “The game's modding community adds endless replayability, enhancing an already incredible experience.”
    • “The lack of a storyline means each game starts to get bland after a few hours of playtime, but replay value is immense.”
    • “You can play native over and over, but honestly it gets boring since there isn't much to it, but there are so many well supported and in-depth mods that there is nearly an infinite amount of replayability.”
    • “For as limited as this game really is in what you can do and what you are supposed to do, it never ceased to make you feel like there are a hundred different ways to do it, and the replay value is legitimately endless.”
  • grinding818 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, with many players noting that it can consume a significant amount of time, especially in the mid to late game. While some find the grind rewarding and integral to the experience, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to a sense of monotony. Many reviewers recommend using mods to alleviate some of the grind, suggesting that while the game offers a rich sandbox experience, it often requires a considerable investment of time to progress.

    • “As long as I've owned this game, the combat is still one of the best, and it's not too grindy or at least it doesn't feel that way.”
    • “No farming required to move on (although it is an option).”
    • “Almost no grinding.”
    • “It becomes really repetitive super fast because you now have a ton of cash, a ton of knights, and no castle that pose a real challenge other than being really tedious to raid against with a group of Vaegir marksmen constantly whittling down the now super-buffed garrison of Rhodok sergeants and crossbowmen immediately annihilating your army as soon as they get up the super small ladder, or worse, a siege tower.”
    • “Every part of this game is grindy, torturous, unfair, and bullshit.”
    • “The game is unfortunately very grindy.”
  • music816 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its ability to enhance the immersive medieval atmosphere and complement the gameplay. However, some criticize the soundtrack for being repetitive and lacking variety, often looping the same few tracks during different game scenarios. Overall, while the music can evoke strong emotions and nostalgia, it may become monotonous over extended play sessions, leading some players to prefer using their own playlists.

    • “The immersiveness, intensity, and large scale of the late game of the Mount & Blade gameplay, coupled with a faithful recreation of Rhovanion, Rohan, Gondor, and Mordor with its cities and fortresses, all while the LOTR soundtrack in the background gives you goosebumps, is an experience I have honestly never experienced before.”
    • “The soundtrack, the bleak medieval landscapes, and the sandbox nature of this game can't really be topped.”
    • “The music in this game fits the world like no other.”
    • “The music is also kind of ass.”
    • “It just loops the same 3 different themed songs between combat, exploring and tavern/city.”
    • “The graphics are not the best even for 2010, the dialogue isn't something special, the combat doesn't feel so real, the music is all the same.”
  • stability570 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting a variety of bugs, glitches, and crashes that can disrupt gameplay. While some players find the humorous nature of these glitches endearing and the overall experience enjoyable, others express frustration over the game's unpolished state, particularly on certain platforms like Mac and Linux. Despite these issues, the game's solid mechanics and extensive modding community help mitigate some of the stability concerns, making it a beloved title for many.

    • “Game runs great on my PC, which is not the best, and I have next to no performance issues.”
    • “Also, I must say the game runs great on my Aspire 5532 (AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor L310 1.20 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache, 4 GB of RAM, Radeon HD 3200, 120 GB SSD HDD). So if you have a potato laptop like me, give it a try; battles run smooth on a 200 vs 200 unit skirmish, even with the shadows and textures on high.”
    • “It runs great, even on older machines. There is almost infinite replayability because of deep mechanics and endless mods, and it has a multiplayer mode with a friendly community.”
    • “Textures are not loading (or loading broken), constant crashes and weird glitches.”
    • “I'm around 280 days (in-game) into my adventure, and what this means is no less than five minutes will pass when I start the game before the menu freezes up, my cursor glitches across UI, my character hitches across the map, turning becomes impossible, and items sporadically appear and disappear all over trading menus.”
    • “Warning: since the beginning of 2021, the game has been broken for many users, with graphical glitches, stuttering and crashes.”
  • humor508 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the hilarious AI behavior, unexpected glitches, and the absurdity of combat scenarios. Many reviews emphasize the joy of playing with friends, where chaotic multiplayer moments and funny character interactions lead to endless laughter. Overall, the game is described as a blend of fun and humor, making it a memorable experience for players who appreciate its quirky charm.

    • “The combat is actually hilarious; it feels like the AI was purposely designed to have the memory of a goldfish and their reactions to being hit/shot and dying drives me insane - even their voicelines are pretty funny!”
    • “The ridiculous amount of fun you can have screwing around in multiplayer and just doing all sorts of stupid stuff is hilarious, then you have the single player which is even better, just an all-around fantastic game and still worth playing.”
    • “I didn't stop laughing for 5 minutes after a successful castle defense...”
    • “And, please release the bannerlord, it's not funny to make us wait 3 years.”
    • “Purchased this game after watching a series of the 'A Clash of Kings' mod, and wow, I am so mildly addicted it's unfunny.”
  • optimization210 mentions

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly on low-end PCs and can handle large battles with minimal lag, many users report significant performance issues, especially during larger engagements. Some players have experienced crashes and graphical glitches, particularly on newer hardware, while others praise its modding capabilities that can enhance performance. Overall, the game is generally accessible for various systems, but it still requires some tweaking for optimal performance.

    • “You can literally run this game on a toaster... it's incredibly smooth and you have the potential to even edit it further and make the game even faster if you really need to mess with the files... I don't recall ever crashing once in all my years playing this game... full star!”
    • “The game is quite optimized and would run on low-end PCs.”
    • “Hundreds of troops can be onscreen at once (more if you edit some INIs), and performance on modern rigs is stellar.”
    • “Crashes constantly, poor graphics, the unfinished version is still being sold, extremely grindy and repetitive gameplay, modding more clunky than that of source games, unskippable cutscene every launch, unoptimized for newer hardware... overall a solid 9.2/10.”
    • “In order to enjoy the fun and chewy caramel center of this game, you have to wade through a lake of poorly optimized trash.”
    • “Lag, poor optimization, terrible hit registration, a lack of satisfaction, unrealistic gameplay and stuttering even on a good machine, combined with a netcode that makes you wonder if the devs were on crack when they made the game.”
  • atmosphere140 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Mount & Blade: Warband" is widely praised for its immersive medieval setting, enhanced by effective sound design and music that captures the essence of the era. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they contribute to a captivating environment that allows players to feel deeply engaged in the game's world, especially during combat and various in-game events. Overall, the game successfully creates a rich atmosphere that resonates with fans of medieval themes, bolstered further by community mods that enhance the experience.

    • “The sound design, with its medieval-themed music and battle cries, adds to the atmosphere.”
    • “Incredible atmosphere, you feel like a real vassal of a noble lord or a totally independent king.”
    • “Its amazingly good atmospheric feeling, it makes you feel that you're part of the medieval era!”
    • “Feels short on atmosphere too, so hard to lose yourself in the moment.”
    • “While they do have the medieval atmosphere M&B aims for, it's just boring and uninteresting.”
    • “It lacks atmosphere and can get a bit dull, dry, and repetitive.”
  • emotional80 mentions

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, often shedding tears during intense moments and feeling fully immersed in their characters' journeys. The combination of engaging gameplay and a rich modding community enhances the emotional experience, allowing players to navigate heartwarming and heartbreaking scenarios alike. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a wide range of feelings, from joy to despair, making it a memorable and impactful experience.

    • “You will tumble into an emotional spiral as friends turn against you, kings extend their hands in peace, and your once loyal warriors desert you as supplies become scarce.”
    • “10/10 emotional rollercoaster”
    • “An amazing and emotional journey about a boy and a girl who fall in love.”
  • character development78 mentions

    Character development in "Mount & Blade: Warband" is widely praised for its depth and customization options, allowing players to shape their avatars' skills, attributes, and relationships within a richly crafted world. The game features a blend of real-time battles and role-playing elements, enhancing immersion through meaningful interactions and reputation systems with various factions and NPCs. While some players note that the character design may feel simplistic and the gameplay can become repetitive over time, the overall experience remains engaging and rewarding for fans of character-driven narratives.

    • “Character development is extensive, allowing players to customize their avatars' skills, attributes, and proficiencies.”
    • “One of the standout features of Mount & Blade: Warband is the depth of character development that it offers.”
    • “The game features a unique blend of real-time battles, character development, and role-playing elements that make it a compelling and immersive experience for fans of the genre.”
    • “The character development and general gameplay does get rather stale after you have sunk over 50 hours into a character's story, but it somehow manages to rope you into kingdom warfare as the game progresses.”
    • “The character development is basic.”
    • “The role-playing aspect is limited to character development, interactions with various lords, politics, courtship, etc. The character development is not overcomplicated and rather intuitively focuses on skills and weapon proficiencies rather than attributes.”
  • monetization44 mentions

    The game is praised for its lack of intrusive microtransactions, with players appreciating that it offers a complete experience without the typical cash grabs seen in modern titles. While there are DLCs available, they are viewed as substantial expansions rather than exploitative add-ons, contributing to a positive perception of the game's monetization model. Overall, players feel that the game respects their investment by providing a rich and enjoyable experience without the burden of excessive in-game purchases.

    • “Its cheap with no microtransactions.”
    • “You can also customize your character before joining each battle, where you can buy (no microtransactions) different swords, bows, armor, horses, etc.”
    • “This is basically like all those mobile ads about starting from nothing, raising a kingdom, going to war and making hella bank, except if they were actually telling the truth.”
    • “If this was a cash grab to fund M&B 2, I think it was immoral and should not be an action that is supported by the community.”
    • “I can't believe someone made a game this well thought out and then released expansions that aren't cash grabs.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

78% average critic score

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Play time

150hMedian play time
431hAverage play time
40-505hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 720 analyzed playthroughs

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