Mount & Blade: Warband - Viking Conquest

The main pros of the game

• Rich Historical Setting: The game immerses players in the Viking Age with a focus on Britain and Scandinavia, providing a sense of authenticity and depth.
• Expanded Gameplay Mechanics: Introduces naval combat, allowing players to build and customize ships, as well as engage in sea battles.
• Single Player Story Campaign: Features a well-developed story mode with branching narratives and moral choices that impact gameplay.
• Improved AI and Tactics: Enemies utilize formations and tactics, enhancing the challenge and realism of battles.
• Diverse Factions and Units: The game includes over 300 towns and a variety of factions and unit types, adding to the strategic depth.
• Enhanced Graphics and Presentation: The game features improved graphics, more detailed character models, and a vibrant game world.
• Gameplay Variety: Offers different paths to play, whether through trade, combat, or diplomacy, catering to various playstyles.

The main cons of the game

• Bugs and Technical Issues: The game has been criticized for having numerous bugs, crashes, and performance issues, particularly at launch.
• Difficulty Balance: Many players found the game to be punishingly difficult, especially in the early stages, making progression frustrating.
• AI Behavior: Some players reported that the AI could be erratic and would not engage properly in battles or follow commands effectively.
• Multiplayer Experience: The multiplayer mode has been described as lacking in players and engagement, making it less appealing.
• Loading Times: Some users noted that loading times could be excessively long, impacting the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Better Recruitment System: Users expressed a desire for a more flexible recruitment system that doesn't require permission from lords or towns to hire troops.
• More Polish and Optimization: Many users felt that the game still needed further refinement and optimization to fully realize its potential.
• Expanded Content: Some players wished for additional quests, items, and features that could enhance the gameplay experience.
• Improved Combat Mechanics: Feedback indicated a desire for more responsive combat mechanics, particularly in terms of unit commands and formations.

Conclusion

Summary

• Overall, Mount & Blade: Warband - Viking Conquest is praised for its ambitious scope, historical authenticity, and engaging gameplay mechanics. However, it is also marred by technical issues and balance problems that can detract from the experience. Despite these drawbacks, many players find it a worthwhile addition to the Mount & Blade series, especially after the fixes provided in the Reforged Edition.

Summary generated on: October 31, 2025