Mount & Blade II Bannerlord: Essential Shokuho Mod Installation Guide

The Shokuho mod transforms Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord into an authentic Sengoku period experience, featuring historically accurate weapons, armor, tactics, and political dynamics set in 1568 Japan. This comprehensive installation guide will help you properly set up the mod and configure your system for optimal gameplay, ensuring you can fully experience the rich world of samurai warfare and feudal Japanese politics.

System Requirements and Prerequisites

Before installing the Shokuho mod, it's essential to ensure your system meets both the base game requirements and the additional specifications needed for the mod's enhanced features and historical accuracy elements.

Base Game Requirements

Component	Minimum	Recommended
Operating System	Windows 7 (64-bit)	Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor	Intel i3-8100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200	Intel i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Memory	6 GB RAM	8 GB RAM
Graphics	GTX 660 2GB / Radeon R9 270X	GTX 1060 6GB / RX 580 8GB
Storage	60 GB available space	60 GB SSD space

Shokuho Mod Additional Requirements

The Shokuho mod includes enhanced graphics, additional AI routines, and expanded battle sizes that require slightly higher specifications than the base game for optimal performance.

• Additional RAM: 2 GB extra recommended for large battles (1000+ troops)
• Graphics Memory: 4 GB VRAM recommended for high-resolution textures
• Storage Space: Additional 8 GB for mod files and assets
• Game Version: Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord version 1.2.0 or later

Pre-Installation Setup

Proper preparation before installing the Shokuho mod will prevent common installation issues and ensure smooth gameplay. This preparation phase is crucial for maintaining save game compatibility and optimal performance.

Game Preparation

Before installing any mods, it's essential to prepare your Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord installation:

1. Update the Game: Launch Steam/Epic Games and ensure Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is updated to the latest version
2. Verify Game Files: Use your platform's file verification feature to ensure no corrupted files
3. Create Backup: Back up your save games located in Documents/Mount and Blade II Bannerlord/Game Saves
4. Clear Previous Mods: Remove any existing mods to prevent conflicts
5. Test Base Game: Launch the game once to ensure it runs properly without mods

Installing Required Dependencies

The Shokuho mod requires several dependency mods and tools to function properly. These must be installed in the correct order:

Shokuho Mod Installation Process

With prerequisites installed, you can proceed with the main Shokuho mod installation. Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper installation and avoid common issues.

Method 1: Automatic Installation (Recommended)

The easiest installation method uses a mod manager to handle file placement and load order automatically:

1. Download Vortex: Install the latest version of Vortex Mod Manager from NexusMods
2. Configure Vortex: Set up Vortex to manage Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord mods
3. Download Shokuho: Use Vortex to download the latest Shokuho mod version
4. Install Dependencies: Vortex will automatically identify and install required dependencies
5. Enable Mods: Activate all required mods in the correct load order
6. Deploy Mods: Use Vortex's deploy function to install all mod files

Method 2: Manual Installation

For users preferring manual control over mod installation, follow these detailed steps:

1. Download Mod Files: Download the Shokuho mod archive from the official source
2. Extract Files: Use WinRAR, 7-Zip, or similar to extract the mod archive
3. Locate Game Directory: Find your Mount & Blade II installation folder (usually in Steam/steamapps/common/)
4. Copy Mod Files: Place the extracted Shokuho folder in the Modules directory
5. Verify Structure: Ensure the mod folder contains SubModule.xml and other required files
6. Update Load Order: Manually configure the load order in the game launcher

Configuration and Optimization

After installation, proper configuration is essential for optimal performance and authentic gameplay experience. The Shokuho mod includes numerous customization options that can be adjusted to match your preferences and system capabilities.

In-Game Settings

Launch the game and configure these settings for the best Shokuho experience:

• Battle Size: Start with 500-750 troops for initial testing, increase based on performance
• Graphics Settings: Adjust texture quality and effects based on your graphics card
• Audio Settings: Enable directional audio for better combat awareness
• Campaign Settings: Choose historical accuracy level and difficulty modifiers

Shokuho-Specific Options

The mod includes several unique configuration options accessible through the mod options menu:

• Historical Mode: Enables stricter historical accuracy for unit types and equipment
• Economy Settings: Adjusts trade routes and economic simulation complexity
• Diplomacy Options: Configures alliance systems and political relationships
• Combat Realism: Sets injury rates, morale effects, and weapon effectiveness

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, you may encounter issues when first running the Shokuho mod. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

Mod Won't Load

If the Shokuho mod doesn't appear in the launcher or fails to load:

• Verify all dependency mods are installed and enabled
• Check that SubModule.xml is present in the mod folder
• Ensure the mod is compatible with your game version
• Try loading the mod by itself to isolate conflicts

Game Crashes on Startup

Startup crashes usually indicate mod conflicts or missing dependencies:

• Disable all other mods and test with only Shokuho and its dependencies
• Update all mods to their latest versions
• Verify game files through Steam/Epic Games
• Check Windows Event Viewer for specific error messages

Performance Issues

Poor performance can often be resolved through optimization:

• Reduce battle size to match your system capabilities
• Lower graphics settings, particularly texture quality and shader effects
• Close unnecessary background applications
• Consider upgrading RAM if battles frequently stutter

Missing Textures or Models

Visual issues typically indicate incomplete installation:

• Reinstall the mod ensuring all files are properly copied
• Verify your graphics drivers are up to date
• Check that you have sufficient VRAM for high-resolution textures
• Try running the game with different DirectX settings

Getting Started with Shokuho

With the mod properly installed and configured, you're ready to begin your journey through Sengoku period Japan. The Shokuho mod offers several starting scenarios and character customization options that affect your gameplay experience.

Character Creation

The mod's character creation system reflects the social structure of 1568 Japan:

• Social Class: Choose between samurai, ashigaru, merchant, or ronin backgrounds
• Regional Origin: Select your starting province, which affects initial relationships
• Skills Focus: Specialize in traditional samurai arts, firearms, or economic activities
• Starting Equipment: Receive period-appropriate weapons and armor

Campaign Options

The mod offers multiple campaign modes with different objectives and challenges:

• Historical Campaign: Experience the actual events of the Sengoku period
• Sandbox Mode: Create your own alternate history with modified starting conditions
• Clan-Focused Play: Choose to serve a specific daimyo and work within their hierarchy
• Merchant Routes: Focus on trade and economic development rather than military conquest

Understanding the Interface

The Shokuho mod modifies several interface elements to reflect Japanese cultural and political systems:

• Clan Relations: New diplomacy screen showing complex alliance networks
• Honor System: Reputation mechanics based on bushido principles
• Economic Interface: Trade systems reflecting historical Japanese commerce
• Military Organization: Unit management based on historical samurai-ashigaru hierarchies

Community and Support

The Shokuho mod is supported by an active community of players, historians, and developers who contribute to ongoing development and provide assistance to new players. Take advantage of these resources to enhance your experience and resolve any issues.

Official Support Channels

• Discord Server: Real-time chat support and community discussion
• Community Forums: Detailed guides, bug reports, and feature discussions
• Steam Workshop: Easy mod updates and community-created content
• GitHub Repository: Technical documentation and development updates

Contributing to Development

The Shokuho project welcomes community contributions in various forms:

• Historical research and accuracy verification
• Translation support for multiple languages
• Bug testing and quality assurance
• Content creation including models, textures, and sound effects

Conclusion

Installing the Shokuho mod opens up a rich and historically accurate world of Sengoku period Japan, complete with authentic weapons, tactics, and political dynamics. By following this installation guide and taking advantage of the extensive customization options, you'll be well-prepared to experience the complex world of samurai warfare and feudal Japanese politics.

Remember that the mod is continuously updated with new features, historical accuracy improvements, and performance optimizations. Stay connected with the community to receive updates and contribute to the ongoing development of this ambitious historical simulation.

Whether you choose to serve as a loyal retainer to a great daimyo, forge your own path as an independent warrior, or build a merchant empire in the chaos of the Sengoku period, the Shokuho mod provides the tools and authenticity needed for a truly immersive historical gaming experience.