Have you ever found yourself in a sticky situation in *Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord*, where you made a small mistake, only to realize your character has become a wanted criminal? Yes, we’re talking about the infamous “Criminal Rating” system! You might be wondering: What is this system, and why is it suddenly giving me trouble? Well, don’t worry, because we’re about to dive into this issue with a bit of humor and a lot of information!
What Is the Criminal Rating in Bannerlord?
In *Bannerlord*, your actions can have consequences, and that’s where the criminal rating comes in. Whether you’re looting villages, attacking caravans, or simply making a bad decision in a heated battle, your criminal rating increases as you break the law in the game world. But wait, what does this mean for you, the player? Well, your criminal rating directly impacts how other characters in the game treat you. If it’s high, expect to be greeted by angry villagers, unfriendly lords, and even bounty hunters hunting you down.
This system is quite realistic — you can’t just walk around committing crimes and expect everyone to forget about it. In fact, your criminal actions can even affect your standing with factions and towns, making it harder to find allies or trade. It’s a tough world out there, and being a criminal might make you feel like you’re on the run forever!
The Problem: Getting Caught in the Criminal Rating Trap
The trouble with the criminal rating is that it can sneak up on you. At first, you might not even notice it happening — after all, what’s the harm in a little loot here and there? But before you know it, you’ll find yourself with a reputation so bad that even your own family might start avoiding you!
Some players report being shocked by how quickly their criminal rating can rise. A simple mistake, like attacking a caravan or accidentally hitting a friendly NPC during a battle, can lead to unwanted consequences. And suddenly, you’re walking around with a target on your back.
Additionally, the criminal rating doesn’t just affect your personal reputation. It can make it harder to recruit troops, get merchants to sell you goods, or even interact with some key NPCs. This can cause a significant slowdown in your progress, especially if you’re trying to build alliances or take over towns.
How to Fix Your Criminal Rating Problem?
Now, the big question: How can you lower your criminal rating and get back on the right path? The answer is a bit more complicated than just pressing a button, but don’t worry. Here are some options to fix it:
1. **Pay the Price:** If you’ve committed crimes in a particular town or settlement, you can often go to the local lord and pay a fine to reduce your criminal rating. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s effective — though it can be a bit expensive, especially if you’ve been on a rampage.
2. **Wait It Out:** Another option is to simply wait for your criminal rating to go down over time. The longer you avoid committing crimes, the more your reputation will recover. Of course, this requires patience and could slow down your progress, but it’s an option if you’re not in a rush.
3. **Use Persuasion or Charm:** Some players have found that using their charisma and persuasion skills can help lower their criminal rating with certain factions or lords. You might need to have some extra points in these skills to succeed, but it’s worth a try if you’re a smooth talker!
4. **Mods or Cheats:** If you just can’t take it anymore, and you don’t mind breaking the immersion, some mods or cheats are available to reset or lower your criminal rating. Be careful, though — using these can affect your overall experience and achievements in the game.
Players’ Reactions: Some Love It, Some Hate It
While the criminal rating system adds a layer of realism to the game, it’s not without its criticisms. Some players love how it makes the game world feel more alive and reactive, saying it’s a great way to increase the challenge. Others, however, find it frustrating, especially when it feels like they’re being punished for minor mistakes.
One player shared their experience on a forum, saying, “I attacked a few bandits, but then I accidentally looted a village, and suddenly every town hates me. I can’t even buy food without being chased by guards! It’s so hard to fix, but I guess that’s part of the fun.” Others have expressed their frustration at how easy it is to trigger a criminal rating increase, saying it doesn’t always feel fair or balanced.
What Do the Experts Say?
Many experienced *Bannerlord* players recommend keeping an eye on your actions and thinking twice before committing crimes, especially early in the game. It might seem like a small choice, but it can have a huge impact on your ability to progress. According to some seasoned veterans, managing your criminal rating is just as important as building an army or conquering castles. You need to stay on the right side of the law — or at least be careful about when and where you break the rules.
What’s Your Criminal Rating Story?
So, now that you know a bit more about the criminal rating system in *Bannerlord*, we want to hear from you! Have you ever found yourself with a high criminal rating? How did you deal with it? Did you use any of the solutions we mentioned, or did you try something else entirely? Feel free to share your stories and tips in the comments below!
Final Thoughts: Keep It Clean… or Don’t!
In conclusion, *Bannerlord’s* criminal rating system is a fascinating, sometimes frustrating mechanic that can really change the way you experience the game. While being a criminal can certainly add some excitement, it can also make life much harder for your character. Whether you choose to follow the rules or break them, it’s important to keep in mind that every action has a consequence. So, what’s your approach? Will you be the law-abiding hero or the notorious outlaw of Calradia? The choice is yours!
