This is just a barebone co-op modification made for fun. It is in no way playable, but can serve as a starting point for future endeavours.
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Disclaimer: This is not affiliated nor endorsed by Taleworlds Entertainment.
Table of Contents
The project was intended to be a playground to learn more about TCP, and by extention the client-server architecture to create a modification that enables a real co-op experience to be enjoyed in Mount & Blade.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord had at the time of starting this project just been released, without any co-op option. Therefore I took this as an opportunity to try and get accustomed with their modding API, as the official documentation was sparse. The Visual Studio solution consists of three projects.
- MBCoopClient: contains game logic
- MBCoopLibrary: contains classes shared as dependencies
- MBCoopServer: the actual server
At the current stage this modification is basically just a shell to facilitate further development. A host is able to boot up a server on which another client can join. The initial idea was to have the host join the server as well, and the host would synchronize everything (read: events, NPC movement e.g) with other connected clients. The client and server logic is implemented and players can have their ingame parties synchronized, though it is only their location and movement being transmitted between clients. There's also a chat system implemented, that does what you'd expect. Sends messages between clients.
When this project was initially started Taleworld had internalized a substantial number of classes from their API. This makes modifying the game difficult, which is why the project relies on Harmony to patch methods.
To get started I recommend opening the solution using Visual Studio 2019+ and run in debugmode. The settings in MBCoopClient will automatically build and output the DLL files to the required folder inside the Mount & Blade installation folder. After building, Visual Studio will start your game as well, and fire up the server from the MBCoopServer project. Follow the steps below to set up the paths for your installation.
- Inside Visual Studio 2019+ -> MBCoopClient -> properties -> Debug
From here change the 'Start external program' and 'Working directory' so they match your path
Make sure to have the following frameworks at hand. The collection of DLLs from Taleworlds will be available from your installation folder. So either install the game, or find any archive online to download them from.
- .NET Framework 4.7.2
- Harmony 2.x
- Taleworlds.x DLLs
Distributed under the MIT License. See LICENSE.txt for more information.
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