Mount And Blade Warband 17th Century — Mod 2021

The Definitive Guide to 17th-Century Mods for Mount & Blade: Warband

The 17th century—the era of "Pike and Shot"—represents one of the most transformative periods in military history. While Mount & Blade: Warband is natively a medieval sandbox, its robust engine has allowed modders to perfectly capture this transition from plate armor and broadswords to gunpowder and musketry.

Whether you want to lead a charge of Winged Hussars or hold a line of disciplined pikemen, these mods provide the best 17th-century experiences available in Warband. 1. The Deluge: The Gold Standard for 17th-Century Combat

Widely considered the most polished 17th-century mod, The Deluge focuses on Eastern Europe during the mid-1600s. It covers the conflicts involving the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Swedish Empire, and the Tsardom of Russia. Key Features:

Seven Playable Factions: Includes unique troops for the Ottomans, Cossacks, and Swedes.

Advanced Blackpowder Mechanics: Features custom sound design, lingering smoke, and bullet-hit effects that make musketry feel impactful.

Naval Warfare: Introduces fully controllable boats, ferries, and even "Galleon Wars" for maritime tactical depth.

Interactive Environments: Features dynamic weather and wind that affects everything from window curtains to the trajectories of projectiles.

Player Consensus: While primarily a multiplayer mod, its sheer technical quality—from horse wagons to "sword-pistols"—sets it apart as a professional-grade modification.

2. Gekokujo: The Sengoku Jidai (Late 16th to Early 17th Century) Mount & Blade: Warband on Steam

Feature: "Pike and Shot" - A 17th Century Warband Experience

Get ready to immerse yourself in the brutal world of 17th century warfare with our upcoming Mount and Blade: Warband mod, "Pike and Shot". This highly anticipated mod brings the excitement of the Thirty Years' War and the English Civil War to the battlefields of Warband, with a rich array of new features, gameplay mechanics, and historical accuracy.

Key Features:

New Era: Experience the thrill of battle in the 17th century, with new armies, factions, and leaders inspired by the great conflicts of the era.
Pike Formations: Deploy devastating pike formations, complete with protected musketeers and screaming pike charges that will shatter enemy lines.
Gunpowder Infantry: Engage in fierce firefights with the introduction of musket-wielding infantry, capable of delivering volley fire and re-loading in formation.
Cavalry Evolution: Witness the transition from heavy, armored knights to lighter, more agile cavalry units, perfect for rapid flanking maneuvers or pursuit of routed enemies.
New Factions: Join one of several new factions, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles:
- The Holy Roman Empire
- The Swedish Empire
- The English Parliamentarians
- The French Royalists
Historical Accuracy: Inspired by real-world battles and tactics of the era, "Pike and Shot" brings an unprecedented level of historical authenticity to Warband.
New Map: Explore a reworked map, featuring key regions and territories from the 17th century, including the Low Countries, Germany, and England.

Gameplay Mechanics:

Tactical Combat: Master the art of combined arms warfare, coordinating pike formations, musket volleys, and cavalry charges to annihilate your enemies.
Leadership: Develop your commander skills and inspire your troops, with new abilities and perks tailored to the 17th century battlefield.
Morale and Fatigue: Manage your troops' morale and fatigue levels, as psychological and physical strain can now make or break a unit's effectiveness.

Goals and Objectives:

Campaign Mode: Join a faction and embark on a series of campaigns, completing objectives and expanding your territory through conquest.
Skirmish Mode: Engage in intense, fast-paced battles with custom-made armies, perfect for testing new tactics or reliving famous battles.

Mod Community:

Join our active mod community to discuss strategy, share tips, and collaborate on new content. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering a polished and engaging experience, with regular updates and patches.

Release Date: Stay tuned for an upcoming release date, with a planned Early Access launch to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all players.

Get ready to experience the brutal elegance of 17th century warfare. Join the "Pike and Shot" community today and discover a new world of Mount and Blade: Warband gameplay!

The 17th century was a pivotal era of "Pike and Shot" warfare, where traditional medieval steel met the devastating power of early gunpowder. While the base game of Mount & Blade: Warband focuses on medieval combat, several ambitious mods transport players to the 1600s, featuring muskets, heavy artillery, and complex political landscapes. Top 17th-Century Mods for Warband

If you are looking for the best historical or semi-historical experiences in the 1700s, these mods are highly recommended by the community:

The Deluge (Multiplayer): Often cited as the most polished 17th-century experience available. It features accurate armor, weaponry, and unique mechanics like functioning ships with artillery for naval battles and port sieges. It is set during the 17th-century Polish history known as "The Deluge".

Nova Aetas: While this mod begins in the 15th century (roughly 1400s), it is designed to progress through time. As you play, technology evolves, allowing you to eventually experience the late 16th and early 17th-century "Pike and Shot" era, complete with colonization, advanced town management, and gunpowder inventions.

Europe in Flames: This mod focuses specifically on the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) in Central Europe. It features historical Catholic and Protestant states and includes cannons. Note that some community members mention it was never fully finished and may contain bugs.

Sayazn: For players who prefer a fictional world with historical technology, Sayazn is a "pseudo-industrial" mod that can progress from pike and shot into 18th/19th-century warfare.

Suvarnabhumi Mahayuth: Set in 16th-century Southeast Asia, this mod captures the arrival of the Portuguese and features a blend of local cultures, Japanese mercenaries, and early firearm technology. The "With Fire & Sword" Alternative

While not technically a mod for Warband, Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword is a standalone expansion set precisely in the 17th-century Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It introduced official firearm mechanics and grenades. Many modders have since created "Enhanced Editions" for this title, such as The English Civil War mod, which adds polish and new features to the 17th-century setting. Key Gameplay Changes in 17th-Century Mods

Gunpowder Mechanics: Unlike the rapid-fire bows of vanilla Warband, firearms require long reload times but offer devastating damage that can bypass most shields.

Artillery: High-tier mods like The Deluge or Europe in Flames introduce field cannons and naval artillery, changing the dynamic of sieges and open-field battles.

Pike Formations: To counter the vulnerability of slow-reloading musketeers, these mods emphasize pike blocks to stop heavy cavalry charges, reflecting the historical tactics of the era. Mount & Blade: Warband on Steam

Widely considered the most polished 17th-century experience available for Warband.

Setting: Focuses on the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the mid-17th century (The Deluge era).

The Good: Features incredible historical accuracy in armor and weaponry, beautiful textures, and unique mechanics like functioning naval combat with artillery and port sieges.

The Bad: It is strictly a multiplayer mod, and finding populated servers can be difficult today. 2. 16th Century (Global Sandbox)

Despite the name, this mod spans the late 16th and early 17th centuries and is famous for its massive scale. mount and blade warband 17th century mod

Setting: A world map including Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The Good: Incredible variety with factions ranging from the Great Ming Empire and Japanese Samurai to Spanish Conquistadors and Native Americans. It includes custom features like building your own troop trees and exploring historical landmarks like the Pyramids.

The Bad: It lacks the "polish" of major mods like Prophesy of Pendor. Reviewers often mention janky naming conventions (e.g., "spain Footman"), inconsistent texture quality, and a map that feels too large, making travel between distant cities tedious. 3. Europe in Flames (Single Player)

A dedicated single-player mod set specifically during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648).

Setting: Central Europe during the bloody religious conflicts between Catholic and Protestant states.

The Good: Captures the specific grim atmosphere of the period and includes early gunpowder units and cannons.

The Bad: Development was never fully finished, meaning it can be buggy and rough around the edges compared to complete overhauls. 4. Suvarnabhumi Mahayuth (Southeast Asia)

A unique historical mod set in 16th-17th century Southeast Asia.

Setting: Mainland Southeast Asia featuring the Portuguese, Spaniards, and local kingdoms.

The Good: Highly praised for its unique cultural representation, diverse troop trees (including war elephants), and high-quality custom assets.

The Bad: It can be extremely difficult because certain factions are heavily stacked against the player. Summary Verdict

For the best graphics and mechanics: Play The Deluge (if you can find a group). For massive world-conquering variety: Play 16th Century.

For a specific 17th-century European war: Play Europe in Flames. 16th-17th century mods for Warband thread : r/mountandblade

The transition of Mount & Blade: Warband from its native medieval setting to the gunpowder-choked battlefields of the 17th century represents one of the most significant shifts in the game's modding history. While the base game focuses on shields, bows, and heavy cavalry, 17th-century mods—most notably the iconic With Fire & Sword (which began as a mod before becoming a standalone expansion) and the popular Deluge or Suvarnabhumi Mahayuth—redefined the "Mount & Blade" formula by introducing the volatile lethality of early firearms. The Tactical Shift: Steel Meets Lead

The 17th century was an era of "Pike and Shot" warfare, and modders meticulously captured this transition. In these mods, the traditional "cavalry charge" is no longer a guaranteed win. A line of disciplined musketeers can decimate an approaching force before they even reach melee range. This forces players to adopt a more cautious, tactical approach. Movement becomes about timing—waiting for the enemy to expend their volley before committing to a charge, and utilizing pikes to brace against the remaining horsemen. Authenticity and Atmosphere

Modders often lean into the gritty, transitional nature of the 1600s. You see a blend of heavy plate armor and flamboyant silk uniforms, reflecting a world where technology was rapidly making old aristocratic traditions obsolete. Whether it’s the Swedish Deluge, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth’s struggle against the Cossacks, or the colonial expansions in Southeast Asia, these mods use the Warband engine to simulate the socio-political chaos of the era. The inclusion of grenades, primitive pistols, and functional cannons adds a layer of "organized noise" that the base game lacks. Why It Works

The reason the 17th century fits Warband so well is the engine’s focus on individual skill within a massive battle. Landing a headshot with a slow-loading, inaccurate matchlock musket is immensely satisfying. Furthermore, the 17th century was a golden age for mercenaries—the very core of the Warband experience. The player's journey from a lone sellsword to a lord fits perfectly into the historical backdrop of the Thirty Years' War or the English Civil War.

Ultimately, 17th-century mods don't just change the skins of the soldiers; they change the rhythm of the game. They turn Warband into a tense, smoky simulation of a world at a crossroads, where a peasant with a musket is just as dangerous as a knight in shining armor.

The 17th century was a golden age of gunpowder, steel, and shifting empires—a "Pike and Shot" era that fits perfectly within the sandbox mechanics of Mount & Blade: Warband

. While the base game focuses on medieval combat, the modding community has expertly adapted its engine to capture the tactical complexity and grit of the 1600s. The Appeal of the 17th Century

This period represents a unique "sweet spot" in military history. Unlike the medieval era, where heavy cavalry reigned supreme, or the Napoleonic era, where bayonets and line infantry dominated, the 17th century was an era of hybrid warfare. In mods like Suvarnabhumi Mahayuth

, players must balance the slow, devastating power of early firearms with the necessity of pikemen for protection. This creates a high-stakes tactical environment: one misplaced volley can ruin a charge, but a well-timed cavalry sweep can still shatter a formation of musketeers. Key Mods to Explore Several projects have defined this era for With Fire & Sword (Official Expansion):

Though technically a standalone release, it began as a mod. It covers the Eastern European theater—the Deluge—featuring the Polish Hussars, Cossacks, and the Swedish Empire. It introduced grenades and functional firearms to the official lineup. The Deluge:

A multiplayer-focused mod that offers some of the most detailed 17th-century assets available. It emphasizes the "Pike and Shot" mechanics, requiring intense coordination between players to survive. Suvarnabhumi Mahayuth:

Shifting the focus to Southeast Asia, this mod covers the 16th and 17th centuries in Thailand, Burma, and European colonial powers. It’s a masterclass in world-building, showing how global the "Gunpowder Revolution" truly was. Gameplay Evolution The primary shift in these mods is the lethality of distance . In vanilla

, a bow might take several shots to kill an armored knight. In 17th-century mods, a single musket ball is often fatal, regardless of armor. This changes the player's role from a frontline "tank" to a strategic commander who must use terrain, smoke, and timing to achieve victory.

Furthermore, the aesthetic shift—from shiny plate armor to feathered hats, buff coats, and elaborate flags—provides a refreshing visual departure from standard fantasy tropes, grounding the player in a gritty, transitional world. Conclusion The 17th-century mods for Mount & Blade: Warband

succeed because they lean into the chaos of the era. They challenge players to master new technologies while respecting the old ways of the sword. For those tired of shields and crossbows, the smell of black powder and the sight of a winged hussar charge offer the ultimate historical thrill. installation guides for these specific 17th-century overhauls?

While there isn't a single definitive "17th Century Mod," several major total conversions cover this era in Mount & Blade: Warband

. Below are draft reviews for the most prominent options based on community feedback. Option 1: The Deluge (Multiplayer Focus)

Often cited as the most polished 17th-century experience, specifically focusing on the Thirty Years' War and the Deluge (Swedish invasion of Poland). Review Summary

: A masterpiece of technical innovation and historical atmosphere. It effectively made the official With Fire & Sword expansion feel obsolete with its superior physics and dynamic weather : Features incredible naval combat with functional artillery and port sieges

. The texture and sound design are professional-grade, creating an immersive "Pike and Shot" atmosphere.

: Its biggest drawback is the lack of a single-player campaign. It is strictly multiplayer The Definitive Guide to 17th-Century Mods for Mount

, and because the mod is older, finding populated servers can be difficult today. Option 2: Europe in Flames (Single Player) A ambitious but unfinished project set during the Thirty Years' War. Review Summary

: A tantalizing glimpse at what could have been the ultimate 17th-century campaign. It offers a rare chance to navigate the bloody religious conflicts between Catholic and Protestant states in Central Europe. : Includes cannons and period-accurate weaponry that feel distinct from standard Warband combat. : The mod was abandoned in a beta state

, meaning players will encounter frequent bugs and incomplete features. Option 3: 16th Century: The Northern Hemisphere

While technically starting in the 1500s, it is the most popular way to play a massive global campaign with firearms. Review Summary

: An sprawling, ambitious "gem" for players who want a massive world map. It covers everything from Asia to the Americas , though it sacrifices some polish for scale. : Firearms are exceptionally well-balanced

—archery and cavalry remain viable even as muskets dominate. The sheer variety of factions and items is unparalleled. : Suffers from immersion-breaking "roughness"

like poor English translations ("spain Footman") and a world map that sometimes feels empty due to a lack of villages. Comparison Table Primary Focus Best Feature Major Flaw The Deluge Multiplayer Naval Combat & Polish No Single Player Europe in Flames Single Player 30 Years' War Setting Unfinished / Buggy 16th Century Single Player Global Map Scale Poor Translation / Rough Which of these fits the specific region or playstyle you're looking for?

Here’s a detailed review of a typical Mount & Blade: Warband 17th century mod (e.g., Fire & Sword—which is technically a standalone DLC—or mods like 17th Century: Way of the Gun, With Fire & Sword 2, Deluge, or XVII Century).

Weapons & Armor of the Era

| Weapon Type | Examples | Tactical Role | |-------------|----------|----------------| | Matchlock Musket | "Caliver," "Arquebus" | Line infantry, volley fire | | Wheel-lock Pistol | "Petronel" | Cavalry close-range punch | | Pikes (5.5m) | Swedish pike | Anti-cavalry, melee anchor | | Swords | Schiavona, Walloon sword, Szabla | Officer sidearm, cavalry melee | | Polearms | Lance, Bardiche | Shock charge, armor crush |

Armor Progression:

Early game: Buff coat + closed helmet (good vs. cuts, weak vs. bullets)
Mid game: Cuirassier armor (breastplate over buff – will stop some bullets)
Late game: 3/4 plate (expensive, heavy, but makes you a walking tank vs. melee)

Conclusion

The 17th Century mod for Mount & Blade: Warband offers a rich, tactical reinterpretation of the original game by introducing gunpowder warfare, period factions, and strategic depth reflecting early modern military and political realities. Whether aiming for historical simulation or a more accessible fun experience, these mods significantly change combat flow and campaign strategy, rewarding players who learn combined-arms tactics and the new logistics of early modern warfare.

Related search suggestions forthcoming.

Several mods for Mount & Blade: Warband successfully transport players to the gunpowder-heavy and politically volatile 17th century. While the official standalone expansion With Fire & Sword

is the most direct 17th-century experience, the modding community has created deeper historical overhauls. Top 17th-Century Mods for Warband The Deluge (Multiplayer Focus) Considered one of the most polished mods for the era, The Deluge focuses on the

(specifically the Polish-Lithuanian Deluge). It features custom assets, unique mechanics like ship-to-ship combat, and detailed 17th-century weaponry, though its primary focus is multiplayer. Europe in Flames (Single Player) Set during the Thirty Years' War

(1618–1648), this mod captures the religious and political turmoil of Central Europe. It includes period-accurate factions (Catholic vs. Protestant states) and functional cannons, though it is often noted for being unfinished and potentially buggy. 1631: The Thirty Years' War (WFAS Overhaul) This is a near-complete overhaul developed for With Fire & Sword rather than base

. Updated as recently as March 2026, it refines the 1631 setting with new historical lords, companion backstories, and completely redone town scenes for the Habsburg Monarchy 16th Century Mod (Late 1500s/Early 1600s)

While technically starting in the 16th century, this massive mod covers the globe and includes early 17th-century technology. It features a huge map, over 30 factions (including the Ming Dynasty and Aztecs), and advanced systems like custom kingdom troop trees and character injuries. Nova Aetas

This mod evolves through time; you start in a medieval setting, but the world progresses into a Renaissance and early-modern era

. It includes complex features like a class system, building structures in towns, and the colonization of a "New World". Comparison: Mods vs. "With Fire & Sword" Guide :: The Great Enciclopedia: of Mods - Steam-Community

I have focused on the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (English Civil War) and the Thirty Years' War as the primary inspirations, as these offer the best faction variety and gameplay mechanics.

Pro Tips for Surviving the Age of Gunpowder

Become a pistolier: Do not try to be a frontline infantryman. Stay on horseback, use a brace of pistols (2-4 slots for quick switching), shoot, then run away.
Use terrain: Fight in forests or villages where musketeers cannot form firing lines. Force them into melee.
Train surgery: The "Surgery" skill is even more vital here. Losing a veteran musketeer who costs 10,000 gold to a stray bullet is devastating.
The "Pike Circle": Against horse archers (like the Crimean Tatars in these mods), form a circle of pikemen with musketeers inside. It is the only way to survive the steppes.

Conclusion: Is a 17th Century Mod Right for You?

If you are tired of the hack-and-slash tedium of medieval combat and crave tactical depth, risk management, and the visceral bang of early firearms, then absolutely yes. A Mount and Blade Warband 17th century mod revitalizes the game entirely.

The learning curve is steep—you will die a lot to the first bandit with a matchlock—but the reward is immense. Leading a line of red-coated musketeers as they pour a volley into a charging line of Polish Hussars is a gaming experience no other title offers. Not Total War, not Holdfast, and certainly not vanilla Warband.

Final Recommendation: Start with With Fire & Sword to learn the ropes of gunpowder. Then, if you want historical depth, download The Deluge. Finally, for the best of both worlds (original map + new weapons), grab Calradia 1417.

Load your musket, fix your bayonet (if the mod allows it), and prepare for the pike-and-shot revolution. Calradia will never be the same.

The 17th century was a "Gunpowder Age" transition in Mount & Blade: Warband

, moving from heavy knights to pike-and-shot tactics. While there is no single mod titled exactly "17th Century Mod," several major overhauls define this era. 🏆 Top 17th Century Mods

The Deluge: Often cited as the most polished 17th-century experience. It focuses on the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth during the "Deluge" (1648–1667). Best For: Multiplayer and historical immersion.

16th Century (Extended to 17th): Despite the name, this mod covers a massive global map including 17th-century technologies like advanced firearms and cannons.

Best For: Global conquest and diverse cultures (Samurai to Conquistadors).

Europe in Flames: A dedicated 17th-century mod set during the Thirty Years' War.

Note: It is known for being buggy and was never fully finished. ⚔️ Key Gameplay Mechanics

17th-century mods fundamentally change how you fight compared to Native Warband:

Pike & Shot Tactics: Battles are dominated by blocks of pikemen protecting musketeers. You cannot simply charge heavy cavalry into the front of an infantry line without taking massive losses. New Era: Experience the thrill of battle in

Blackpowder Weapons: Muskets and pistols are highly lethal but have slow reload times.

Artillery: Many of these mods introduce cannons that can be used in field battles and sieges.

Engineers: Classes like the Engineer in The Deluge can build barricades, repair cannons, and dig trenches.

The year is 1648. The "Golden Liberty" of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is fracturing, the Tsardom of Russia eyes the West with hungry ambition, and the Swedish Empire seeks to turn the Baltic into its private lake. You are a mercenary captain—a "soldier of fortune"—arriving in a land where the roar of the musket is replacing the clash of the broadsword. The Spark of Rebellion

Your journey begins on the dusty outskirts of a border town. The air smells of black powder and charred timber. A local Hetman offers you a simple contract: escort a shipment of grain to a besieged garrison. But as you crest the final hill, you find the garrison in flames—not from an invading army, but from a peasant uprising led by a charismatic rogue claiming to be a lost prince. Choosing Your Allegiance

In the 17th century, loyalty is a currency, and the exchange rate is high. You must navigate the complex web of European and Eastern powers: The Winged Hussars:

Join the Commonwealth to charge with the most elite cavalry in history, defending a crumbling democracy against the tide of absolutism. The Swedish Deluge:

Align with King Charles X Gustav to implement the modern "Military Revolution," using disciplined pike-and-shot formations to steamroll the continent. The Tsardom's Rise:

Help the Romanovs reclaim "Ancestral Lands," modernizing a medieval army into a professional force. The Cossack Host:

Fight for the wild freedom of the Steppe, raiding supply lines and vanishing into the tall grass before the heavy cavalry can find you. A New Way of War

The battlefield has changed. No longer can a single knight decide the fate of a kingdom. Lead from the Front:

Equip your character with a heavy wheellock pistol and a rapier. Tactical Command:

Position your musketeers on the high ground, timing their volleys to shatter enemy morale before your pikemen close the distance. Fortress Sieges:

Experience the brutal reality of 17th-century sieges, where star-shaped bastions and heavy cannons turn every assault into a bloody meat grinder. Your Legacy

Will you become a Marshal of a Great Power, covered in medals and estates? Or will you carve out your own independent principality in the chaotic borderlands, proving that in an age of kings, a man with enough gunpowder can be his own master? The fuse is lit. The 17th century awaits. particular mod With Fire & Sword Nova Aetas

If you're looking for a 17th-century experience in Mount & Blade: Warband

, you’re likely looking for "The Deluge" or "Europe in Flames." Since there isn't one single mod simply titled "17th Century Mod," this review covers the most prominent options for that era. ⚔️ The Best 17th-Century Mods 1. The Deluge (Multiplayer Focused)

Widely considered the most polished 17th-century mod, it focuses on the "Pike and Shot" era, specifically the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the mid-1600s.

Atmosphere: Gorgeous textures and sound design that feel professional.

Combat: Features realistic firearms, cannons, and unique mechanics like destruction of environments.

The Catch: It is primarily a multiplayer mod. While it has some bots, it lacks a traditional single-player sandbox campaign. 2. Europe in Flames (Single-player Campaign)

This mod attempts to bring the Thirty Years' War to life in a full single-player setting.

Features: Includes everything you’d expect from the era: muskets, pikes, and functional cannons.

The Catch: It was never officially finished. You may encounter major bugs, and it can feel less polished compared to major total conversions. 3. Nova Aetas (Late-Game Transition)

While it starts in the 1400s, this is one of the highest-rated mods because it features technological progression.

Progression: As you play, the world transitions from medieval knights to early modern "Pike and Shot" warfare.

Features: Introduces complex mechanics like building your own castle, colonialism, and religious crusades. ⚡ The "Official" Alternative: With Fire & Sword

Before diving into mods, consider the standalone expansion With Fire & Sword, which is essentially a professional 17th-century total conversion.

Pros: Dedicated story campaigns, stable gunplay, and "firing line" formations.

Cons: It uses an older version of the engine and is more restrictive than Warband's sandbox; many players find it "jankier" than modded Warband. Summary Table

3. XVIIth Century (Ongoing Development)

The realism fanatic’s choice.

For those who find Warband too arcade-like, XVIIth Century mod aims for historical accuracy to the point of brutality. It focuses on the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648)—the most devastating conflict in European history before the World Wars.

Key Features: Morale shock from gunfire (units will rout simply from hearing a volley), pike bracing (holding pikes stop horses dead), and realistic firearm spread.
Difficulty: You will die in one shot. Frequently. This mod requires you to command from the rear like a real general, not fight in the front line.
Multiplayer: This mod has the most active multiplayer community for 17th-century line battles, often organized through Discord regiments.

The Cavalry Caracole (Intermediate)

Do not charge headfirst into a square. Pistol cavalry (Reiters) ride in a circle, fire their pistols at the enemy’s face, then ride back to reload.

Command: Order cavalry to "Hold Fire" until they are 10 meters away. Press F3 + F2 (Fire at Will) at the last second. Then immediately order a retreat.