Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval 2 - Medieval Factions, Castles and Warfare for RimWorld

Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval 2 is a major RimWorld mod that expands the medieval era with new factions, fortified castles, Viking settlements, weapons, armor, technologies, and economic systems. It builds upon the original Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval and Vanilla Factions Expanded - Vikings, combining medieval warfare, trade, crafting, and colony development into a broader gameplay experience.

Unlike medieval overhaul mods that remove advanced technology, Medieval 2 fills the gap between the neolithic and industrial eras. Its equipment, fortifications, and production systems remain useful even as colonies advance toward modern technology.

New Medieval Factions, Castles and Warfare

Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval 2 introduces additional medieval factions and settlements, expanding interactions across the RimWorld world map.

New faction-related content includes:

• Fortified castles: Medieval strongholds protected by defensive structures.
• Viking settlements: Towns representing Viking-inspired factions.
• Merchant caravans: Trading opportunities and barter-based interactions.
• Castle sieges: Battles involving fortified enemy positions.
• Medieval skirmishes: Additional combat encounters with medieval opponents.

These additions make medieval factions a more substantial part of the game world, providing new opportunities for exploration, combat, and trade.

Medieval Weapons, Armor and Equipment

The mod significantly expands the selection of medieval equipment available to colonists.

New weapons and equipment include:

• Warbows and arbalests: Ranged weapons for medieval combat.
• Halberds and pikes: Polearms with extended attack range.
• Matchlock firearms: Early firearms that introduce gunpowder weaponry into medieval progression.
• Crafted armor: Additional protective equipment for warriors.
• Heraldic apparel: Clothing and equipment displaying faction colors.

The mod also changes certain weapons from Vanilla Weapons Expanded. Flintlock firearms and muskets become direct upgrades to matchlock weapons, offering longer range and effective armor penetration.

This creates a more gradual transition from medieval weapons to advanced firearms.

Medieval Economy, Crafting and Alchemy

Medieval 2 introduces additional production and economic opportunities that expand colony management.

Players can produce fine wines, honey, and crafted armor, developing industries that support trade and military preparation.

New medieval technologies also include alchemy and advanced fortifications.

Unlike temporary early-game equipment, these systems are designed to remain useful as the colony enters the industrial era.

Heraldry and Colony Customization

A dedicated heraldry system allows players to represent their faction through customized apparel and structures.

Heraldic clothing and buildings can display faction colors, giving colonies a more recognizable medieval identity.

Combined with new defensive structures and armor, heraldry provides additional options for creating castles, fortified settlements, and themed colonies.

Maynard Medieval Storyteller

Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval 2 includes Maynard Medieval, a storyteller focused on difficult survival, dramatic events, and slower technological development.

Maynard encourages a demanding progression where technological breakthroughs require considerable effort.

However, Maynard Medieval does not restrict access to advanced technology. Players can still progress into industrial and later technological eras.

For players who specifically want to restrict technological advancement, the separate World Tech Level mod is recommended.

Compatibility and Existing Saves

Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval 2 can be added to an existing RimWorld save, but there are important restrictions involving its predecessors.

Compatibility details:

• Existing saves: Supported only if the save has never used Vanilla Factions Expanded - Medieval or Vanilla Factions Expanded - Vikings.
• Original Medieval and Vikings mods: Existing saves containing either predecessor are incompatible with Medieval 2 because of extensive faction changes.
• Medieval Overhaul: Can be used alongside Medieval 2, but the combination is not recommended due to substantial content overlap.
• Vanilla Weapons Expanded: Some existing firearms are adjusted to fit the new weapon progression.
• Combat Extended: Compatibility has not been confirmed.
• Gunplay: Incompatible. The conflict causes ranged weapons to fire hundreds of projectiles continuously and generate repeated errors.

Medieval 2 is intended to expand normal RimWorld progression rather than create a medieval-only playthrough.

Authors

• Oskar Potocki - Mod design and artwork.
• Taranchuk - Programming.
• Xrushha - XML development.
• Sarg Bjornson - Gameplay mechanics programming.
• RedMattis - Heraldry system programming.
• Visandar The Unliving - Additional wall artwork.
• Oracle of Thessia - Additional wall artwork.
• Vitalii - Storyteller artwork.