Getting Started with Bannerlord Modding

Bannerlord modding is officially supported, Workshop-driven, and reasonably mature in 2026. The community-built BLSE launcher makes managing complex mod lists significantly easier than the vanilla launcher. This guide walks the standard install on current Bannerlord (1.2+).

Step 1 — Install BLSE (Bannerlord Mod Loader)

BLSE / Bannerlord Mod Loader is a community launcher that wraps the vanilla one with better mod management.

Download and install per the README. BLSE replaces the default Bannerlord launch — when you run Bannerlord through Steam, BLSE takes over.

If you prefer to avoid third-party launchers, the vanilla launcher works for small mod lists. BLSE shines once you're running 10+ mods.

Bannerlord splits its mod community between Steam Workshop and Nexus Mods. Both work; both have unique mods. Subscribe or download:

Three popular first picks:

Diplomacy — adds diplomatic options the base game lacks (alliances, embargoes, peace negotiations).
Realistic Battle Mod (RBM) — comprehensive combat rebalance. Substantial impact; not for vanilla-balance purists.
Distinguished Service — adds named officers and unit veterancy. QoL + flavour.

Workshop subscriptions auto-download. Nexus downloads extract into Bannerlord/Modules/.

Step 3 — Configure load order in BLSE

BLSE shows installed mods with toggles and a draggable load order.

Cardinal rule: dependencies load before dependents. BLSE validates this; if mod A requires mod B, BLSE warns when load order is wrong.

For most popular mod combinations, BLSE's auto-sort gets the order right.

Step 4 — Launch

Click Launch in BLSE. Bannerlord loads with the active mod set.

The main menu's bottom-right shows mods are active. The new-game setup may include extra options from mods (e.g. Diplomacy's settings appear in the campaign-start configuration).

Step 5 — Save handling

Bannerlord saves embed enabled-mod metadata. Removing a mod that added content (new troops, new factions) leaves dangling references. Save game corruption is rare but possible.

Pragmatic rule: pick your mod list before starting a long campaign. Cosmetic mods can be added/removed mid-save; content mods should not be.

Step 6 — Total conversions

Bannerlord has substantial TC mods:

Realm of Thrones — Game of Thrones setting on Bannerlord's engine. Active development.
Old Realms — Warhammer Fantasy setting.
Star Wars: Bannerlord — Star Wars setting (smaller and more variable maintenance).

TCs generally run standalone — don't combine with major content mods.

Common gotchas

Mod requires SubModule X version Y. Dependency mismatch. Read the SubModule.xml requirements; the mod's dependency declared a specific version range your current install doesn't satisfy.
Patch broke mods. Wait for updates. Most popular mods catch up within a week.
Game crashes on launch. Often a malformed SubModule.xml. BLSE's error reporting is usually clear.
Save game lost references. Mod was removed that added content. Re-enable the mod or accept the content disappearance.
Multiplayer with mods. Server's mods are canonical. Coordinate with the host.

If you're transitioning from Warband to Bannerlord, the modding scenes are entirely separate ecosystems despite shared lineage. See the Warband guide for that game's specifics.