38 Facts About Banished (Video Game)

What is Banished?

Banished is a city-building strategy game developed by Shining Rock Software. Players manage a group of exiled travelers who decide to restart their lives in a new land. The game focuses on resource management, survival, and growth.

1. Banished was released on February 18, 2014. This indie game quickly gained popularity among strategy enthusiasts.

2. The game was developed by a single person. Luke Hodorowicz, the mind behind Shining Rock Software, created Banished entirely on his own.

3. Banished has no combat. Unlike many strategy games, Banished focuses solely on survival and resource management without any warfare elements.

4. The game is set in a medieval-like world. Players manage a small group of exiles in a setting reminiscent of medieval Europe.

Gameplay Mechanics

Banished offers a unique blend of city-building and survival elements. Players must carefully balance resources, manage population growth, and ensure the well-being of their citizens.

5. Players start with a small group of exiles. Typically, the game begins with around 10-20 villagers.

6. Resource management is crucial. Players must gather resources like wood, stone, and food to keep their settlement thriving.

7. Citizens age and die. Villagers grow old, have children, and eventually pass away, adding a layer of realism to the game.

8. Weather impacts gameplay. Seasons change, affecting food production and resource availability.

9. Buildings can be upgraded. Players can improve structures to increase efficiency and capacity.

Challenges and Strategies

Surviving in Banished requires careful planning and adaptability. Players face numerous challenges that test their strategic thinking.

10. Natural disasters can strike. Events like tornadoes, fires, and diseases can devastate a settlement.

11. Food production is vital. Players must balance farming, hunting, and fishing to ensure a steady food supply.

12. Trade is an option. Players can build a trading post to exchange goods with merchants.

13. Education improves efficiency. Educated citizens work more efficiently, making schools an important investment.

14. Health and happiness matter. Providing healthcare and entertainment keeps villagers healthy and content.

Modding Community

Banished has a vibrant modding community that adds new content and features to the game. Mods can enhance gameplay and introduce new challenges.

15. The game supports mods. Players can download and install mods to customize their experience.

16. Popular mods include new buildings and resources. Mods often add variety to the game, such as new crops or structures.

17. Some mods introduce new challenges. For example, mods can add harsher weather conditions or more difficult resource management.

18. The Colonial Charter mod is highly popular. This mod adds a wealth of new content, including buildings, professions, and resources.

Reception and Legacy

Banished received positive reviews for its challenging gameplay and unique focus on survival. It remains a beloved title among strategy game fans.

19. Banished has a Metacritic score of 73. Critics praised its depth and challenge, though some noted a lack of long-term goals.

20. The game sold over 500,000 copies in its first year. This success was impressive for an indie title developed by one person.

21. Banished inspired other games. Titles like "Life is Feudal" and "Ostriv" draw inspiration from Banished's mechanics.

22. The game has a dedicated fanbase. Many players continue to enjoy and discuss Banished years after its release.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond its core gameplay, Banished has some fascinating aspects that make it stand out.

23. The game has no official sequel. Despite its success, Shining Rock Software has not announced a follow-up to Banished.

24. Banished was developed using C++. Luke Hodorowicz used this programming language to create the game.

25. The game has no DRM. Players can install and play Banished without any digital rights management restrictions.

26. Banished has a minimalist soundtrack. The music is subtle, enhancing the game's atmosphere without being intrusive.

27. The game includes a tutorial. New players can learn the basics through an in-game tutorial.

28. Banished has no difficulty settings. The game offers a consistent challenge, regardless of player experience.

29. The game’s map is procedurally generated. Each playthrough offers a unique landscape to explore and settle.

30. Banished supports multiple languages. Players can enjoy the game in various languages, broadening its appeal.

31. The game has a sandbox mode. Players can build and manage their settlement without any specific objectives.

32. Banished has no microtransactions. Players pay once for the game and receive all content without additional purchases.

33. The game has a small file size. Banished requires minimal storage space, making it accessible for many players.

34. Banished includes achievements. Players can earn achievements for completing various in-game tasks.

35. The game has a dedicated subreddit. Fans of Banished share tips, mods, and stories on the r/Banished subreddit.

36. Banished has inspired YouTube content. Many gamers create Let's Play videos and tutorials for Banished.

37. The game has a wiki. Players can find detailed information and guides on the Banished Wiki.

38. Banished remains relevant. Despite being released in 2014, Banished continues to attract new players and maintain a loyal fanbase.

Final Thoughts on Banished

Banished isn't just another city-building game. It stands out with its focus on survival and resource management. Players must think strategically to keep their villagers alive through harsh winters and food shortages. The game’s realistic mechanics and challenging gameplay make it a favorite among fans of the genre.

The attention to detail, from the changing seasons to the aging population, adds depth and realism. Banished encourages players to plan ahead, adapt to unexpected events, and balance growth with sustainability.

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to city-building games, Banished offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its blend of strategy, survival, and management keeps players engaged and coming back for more. Dive into Banished and see if you have what it takes to build a thriving village from scratch.