The long-awaited Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is finally here — as a Steam early access title. That’s totally fine considering that fans have been clamoring for this sequel for the past eight years or so. The wait may have been worth it considering that Calradia is a massive continent worth exploring and there are a number of activities to complete during your adventure. Here’s our guides and features hub to help you become a true “Butterlord.”

Note: The articles are intended for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord‘s early access stage. It’s possible that some mechanics may change in due course, so please inform us if we need to update certain information.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord – Guides and features hub

Early access expectations – Here’s the content you can expect during the early access period.

Early access impressions/review – But is all the content fun and engaging, or are some in need of improvements?

Daily hotfixes keep fans happy – Many Bannerlord players are praising the developers as they release new patches almost every day.

Character creation and cultures – We explain the basics of character creation as well as the buffs from your chosen culture and narrative backgrounds.

Character skills, perks, and leveling – Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers numerous skills for you to focus on as you build and level-up your character. There are also several perks that help improve your progression throughout the sandbox campaign.

How to recruit companions – Don’t want to explore Calradia alone? Well, go ahead and start searching for your scattered companions in far-flung corners and familiar watering holes.

How to increase your party’s size – Your party’s size is quite limited when starting the game fresh. However, certain skills and perks will help boost your army’s limit until you’re roaming around with an entire horde.

How to increase your inventory capacity and army’s movement speed – You can’t roam around the continent on an empty stomach, and who’s going to carry all that plunder?

How to make money early in the game – Here are a few tips to amass gold after spending a few hours in the game.

Increasing your Trade skill and bartering settlements – You can min-max your gains by buying high and selling low, increasing your Trade skill in the process.

Crafting and increasing the Smithing skill – Maybe you want to do a bit of “smithing” in between a lot of “smiting?”

Companion-led parties, caravans, and workshops – Once you’ve increased your clan’s rank, you’ll be able to undertake new actions. Oh, and you can start some profitable businesses too.

How to get married and have children – It’s time to start a family in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.

The best units and how to recruit them – Each culture or faction in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has unique units, and there are even some really special ones.

Battlefield tactics and formations – It’s time to apply your knowledge of warfare by leading your armies.

Siege warfare and the Engineering skill – Break the walls down with your engines of war.

Becoming a mercenary or a vassal – It’s time to join your favorite kingdom.

Increasing influence, vassal actions, and the Charm skill – It’s time to play a bit of politics if you managed to become a vassal.

Recruiting enemy lords – Not all nobles need to be executed. You can also convince them to join your cause.

“Neretzes’ Folly” and “The Spy Ring” quests – These two quests can be quite a nuisance.

“The Dragon Banner” and “Conspiracy” quests – Your next step is to assemble The Dragon Banner. You could support a kingdom or form your own while dealing with a nefarious plot set to undermine your efforts.

The life of a ruler: Managing your kingdom’s policies, settlements, and vassals – Assuming you ended up forming a kingdom, you’ll never worry about influence gains as a ruler thanks to your kingdom’s policies and laws. You can also recruit vassals who’ll help you in your conquests.

Additional tips – We’ll continue to add more features, guides, and tips as we journey through this vast world.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is available now via Steam’s early access program. You can purchase the game for $44.99 — it currently has a 10% discount for the first two weeks of its release.