So, I finally bought MTW 2.

**Bernhardt** · December 09, 2011, 01:54 PM

Hi there, long time since I´ve posted on these forums since my last TW game was ETW, and I was really pissed by what it was. So I took a long break from TW titles, and didn´t want to buy Shogun (rather play Paradox´s games if I wanted a eastern setting) or NTW because Empire already wasa modern age game.

So, what I want to know is if there is any unnoficial patch I should download, as well as what are the best mods to start playing the game with. Thanks!

**Mhaedros** · December 09, 2011, 02:06 PM

If you like the LOTR books/movies you should download TATW:http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=654
It requires kingdoms patch 1.5 I believe
Kindoms is a DLC which adds 4 brand new campaigns, but also the ability to play LOTS of mods, TATW is one of them

**Jzech** · December 09, 2011, 03:08 PM

While it's not really good for players just starting out, I would recommend Stainless Steel once you get more used to the game. Stainless Steel can be found here: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=417435.

Note that you do need Kingdoms for this mod as well.

**Leaf-Fan-Forever** · December 09, 2011, 03:43 PM

As both guys have said, the Kingdoms Expansion is a must if you want to play most of the popular mods, plus it adds 4 "vanilla" campaigns for you to play. I recommend playing the Vanilla game first (hopefully for a while) until your sick of it, and then move on to mods. Once you start mods you can never go back to Vanilla without feeling that your missing something from the game.

**Mhaedros** · December 09, 2011, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by Leaf-Fan-Forever

Once you start mods you can never go back to Vanilla without feeling that your missing something from the game.

This is true actually, since I started playing TATW I cant even open vanilla again before I get bored

**danny X** · December 09, 2011, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Bernhardt

Hi there, long time since I´ve posted on these forums since my last TW game was ETW, and I was really pissed by what it was. So I took a long break from TW titles, and didn´t want to buy Shogun (rather play Paradox´s games if I wanted a eastern setting) or NTW because Empire already wasa modern age game.

So, what I want to know is if there is any unnoficial patch I should download, as well as what are the best mods to start playing the game with. Thanks!

The Retrofit Mod is a sort of unofficial patch, if you want an enhanced vanilla game, although you will still need Kingdoms installed to play it.

**Stívarðr Reynitré** · December 10, 2011, 07:48 AM

Stainless Steel is a must have...

**In3x** · December 10, 2011, 08:42 AM

Honestly, paradox games are better.

ETW was not actually a bad game at all and I wonder why you are so upset with it.

I find myself in the opposite situation to most on here, I always find myself getting bored of mods very quickly and coming back to the vanilla game. Mods for me either runs slow, are buggy as hell or are obviously unfinished.

**VIP** · December 11, 2011, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by In3x

Honestly, paradox games are better.

Honestly, that is a very subjective opinion.

**In3x** · December 11, 2011, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by VIP

Honestly, that is a very subjective opinion.

Honestly, that's a bit redundant.

**VIP** · December 12, 2011, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by In3x

Honestly, that's a bit redundant.

Mind to explain yourself?

**In3x** · December 12, 2011, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by VIP

Mind to explain yourself?

All opinions are subjective.

**46thCharlemagne** · December 12, 2011, 02:17 AM

I agree with the posted replies. Though I can't speak to Stainless Steel I read nothing but good things about it. I've had it downloaded for a long time but I like going through mods very slowly.

I've been using Retrofit Mod + GUAM (Grand Unit Add-On Mod) for a long time, and found them to be excellent mods over the vanilla game. Also just started the Blood, Broads & B*st*rds mod, fun role-playing tweaks.

At a bare minimum you have to have the Kingdoms expansion and most recent patch of it for much more balanced units. The plain vanilla game made cavalry too highly overpowered, and other adjustments were made for better balance in the units.

Also if you love the visual aspect of battles up close, you have to have the Crimson Tide mod which adds in lots of truly gory blood on fighting and dead troops, blood "mists" from missile impacts, dust/silt in deserts, snow-covered troops on snow-covered battlefields, and a good splotching of mud/dirt on troops and horses and riders who have been moving around awhile. I believe Stainless Steel uses that mod, and I'm sure several other popular mods do too.