Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord. Best games on Xbox Game Pass in 2024 (Febuary)

It's impossible Genreto write about everything that Bannerlord is - there are so many mechanics and elements borrowed from various genres. In the most general terms, this is the second installment of the warmly received sandbox set in an era reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The gameplay consists of two main pillars. The first one is sort of a real-time strategy, and the second one is pretty much an action RPG. The core of the gameplay involves moving around a vast world, recruiting soldiers, taking care of their needs, and participating in battles.

Bannerlord has already left Early Access. The full version brought many fixes and rebuilt some mechanics. Technically, the game also looks much better now. Disappearing game saves are no more. Same as frequent crashes to desktop. However, the early version already compelled many players to spend tens, and probably hundreds of hours with the production. Even the bugs couldn't discourage them. The production has an unbelievable riveting quality. It doesn't even need an interesting plot. Just building your army, fighting and functioning in the huge world's economy and politics is enough.

1. Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord in our encyclopedia