# The Banner Saga: Factions

> 2013 tactical role-playing multiplayer video game

**Wikidata**: [Q109534939](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109534939)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Banner_Saga:_Factions)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-banner-saga-factions

## Summary
The Banner Saga: Factions is a free-to-play, multiplayer-only tactical role-playing video game released on 26 February 2013 as a standalone prelude to the single-player trilogy The Banner Saga. It delivers turn-based combat for two players on Windows and macOS and is distributed digitally through Steam.

## Key Facts
- Release date: 26 February 2013
- Genre: tactical role-playing game
- Modes: multiplayer only
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
- Distribution: digital via Steam (app-id 219340)
- Language: English
- Part of: The Banner Saga series
- Website: http://thebannersaga.com

## FAQs
### Q: Is The Banner Saga: Factions the same as The Banner Saga?
A: No. Factions is a multiplayer combat spin-off released earlier and separately from the narrative-driven single-player trilogy. It focuses exclusively on competitive battles between two players.

### Q: Do I need to buy The Banner Saga: Factions?
A: No. The title is free-to-play and can be downloaded from Steam at no cost.

### Q: Can I play The Banner Saga: Factions on Linux?
A: Source data list only Windows and macOS as supported platforms; no Linux version is documented.

### Q: Does Factions have a story mode?
A: No. The game is multiplayer-only; there is no single-player campaign.

## Why It Matters
Released three months before the flagship Banner Saga, Factions served as both a technical prototype and community builder, letting Stoic test grid-based combat, unit balance, and net-code with real players while generating early buzz for the crowdfunded trilogy. By offering a free, standalone experience, the studio lowered the barrier to entry for tactical-RPG newcomers and created a persistent competitive environment that extended the franchise’s tail without fragmenting the player base. For the industry, it demonstrated how a small team could leverage a focused multiplayer slice to validate design assumptions, fund further development, and cultivate an engaged audience ahead of a premium launch.

## Notable For
- First commercial release in The Banner Saga franchise
- Free-to-play model rare for tactical RPGs in 2013
- Pure multiplayer design—no single-player component
- Digital-only distribution on Steam for Windows and macOS

## Body

### Release & Distribution
The Banner Saga: Factions launched worldwide on 26 February 2013, preceding the single-player Banner Saga (January 2014). It is available exclusively through digital distribution on Steam (application 219340) for Microsoft Windows and macOS; no retail version exists.

### Gameplay Scope
The title strips away narrative and resource management to focus on turn-based, grid-combat for two human opponents. Players assemble a squad of Viking-inspired units from six classes, level them through online battles, and compete on seasonal leaderboards. No AI skirmish or campaign mode is provided.

### Technical Details
- Engine: proprietary, shared with the main trilogy
- Network: Steam-based matchmaking and cloud saves
- Language support: English audio and text only
- Monetisation: cosmetic microtransactions; no pay-to-win mechanics documented

### Legacy
After fulfilling its role as a community test-bed, Factions remained playable but received no further major content updates once the single-player saga shipped. Its core combat rules and art assets were carried forward into the trilogy, ensuring continuity for veteran players.

## References

1. Steam
2. GameSpot
3. Q124398839
4. GOG Dreamlist