Why Are There No Nomads in Banished?
The question of why there are no nomads in the game Banished is a bit of a misnomer. Nomads are, in fact, a key mechanic for population growth within the game. It’s not that they don’t exist; rather, the challenge often lies in understanding how and when they arrive and what conditions trigger their appearance. The frustration many players feel often stems from not fulfilling the specific requirements necessary for attracting these migrating groups. To be clear, nomads are a deliberate game mechanic in Banished, not an absence. They arrive to replenish your town’s population and prevent it from stagnating. They are a critical feature, not a missing one. Players who have difficulty with nomads are generally missing a key component of the game setup needed to attract them, or are misunderstanding the nomad arrival mechanics, or simply not waiting long enough. In essence, understanding the game’s mechanics is key to encountering these nomadic groups.
Understanding the Nomad Mechanic in Banished
The arrival of nomads is not an automatic event; it’s triggered by specific conditions. A town needs to reach a certain level of development before nomads will even consider migrating there. The most critical requirement is the construction of a Town Hall. This building acts as the central hub for your settlement and, importantly, as the point of contact for nomadic groups. Without a Town Hall, no nomads will ever arrive.
Once the Town Hall is built, the game begins a randomized timer. This means that nomad arrivals are not on a set schedule; rather, the time between arrivals will vary and can be unpredictable. However, there is a minimum wait time of 1 year after the construction of a Town Hall before the first group of nomads is eligible to arrive. This is a crucial point, as many players who are expecting instant results may give up too early. Patience is key.
Furthermore, the presence of a Trading Post and a Market increases the chances of nomads appearing and considering joining your town. These structures indicate a degree of stability and infrastructure that appeal to wandering populations looking for a new home. A town with these core elements appears more viable than one that is just struggling to survive. This establishes a hierarchy of importance for new players trying to build a flourishing town.
When nomads do arrive, they don’t immediately integrate into your society. They approach the Town Hall, requesting to join your town. At this point, the player must decide to either accept or reject them. Accepting nomads means a boost in population, but also presents challenges.
Managing Nomad Arrivals
Accepting nomadic groups comes with its own set of considerations. Firstly, nomads require immediate housing. They will not settle in your town if they have nowhere to live. Players need to be prepared to either construct new houses or Boarding Houses. Boarding Houses provide temporary shelter, but eventually, nomads need proper houses of their own.
Secondly, accepting nomads increases the chance of disease outbreaks. This is a balancing factor that makes the mechanic more than just a straightforward population boost. Players need to be prepared with adequate resources, like food and firewood to help cope with the increased population and potential illnesses. It’s not just about making a town bigger, it’s also about managing it.
Finally, one should not rely on nomads as their sole source of new citizens. Focusing on establishing a thriving society through careful resource management and construction of key buildings is paramount. Nomads can be a valuable addition to an existing town, not a means of creating one from scratch. In summary, the arrival of nomads requires preparation and proactive gameplay, not wishful thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nomads in Banished
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing common points of confusion and providing additional insight into the nomadic mechanic in Banished:
How do I force Nomads to appear in Banished?
You cannot force them to appear. However, ensuring you have a Town Hall, Trading Post, and Market built will increase the likelihood of their arrival. Focus on this core infrastructure.
What is the minimum time before Nomads can arrive in Banished?
The minimum time before nomads can arrive after building a Town Hall is 1 year. The game uses a randomized timer.
Why haven’t any Nomads arrived in my town?
You may not have built a Town Hall yet. Check if you have this critical building as well as the other core buildings like the trading post and market. Also, be sure to wait at least a year after constructing these buildings.
What buildings do Nomads require?
Nomads need houses or Boarding Houses to live in. You need to build them before accepting them into your town.
Do Boarding Houses permanently house Nomads?
No, Boarding Houses are temporary. Nomads will eventually need proper houses of their own.
Can Nomads carry diseases?
Yes, accepting nomads increases the risk of disease outbreaks. Be prepared to deal with health-related issues.
Are Nomads the only way to increase my town’s population?
No, births among your citizens are another vital source of population growth. Having the proper infrastructure and food supply will create a good growth environment.
How do I know when Nomads have arrived?
A notification will appear under the Nomads tab in your town information panel. This indicates they’ve arrived and are waiting for your acceptance.
Can I reject Nomads in Banished?
Yes, you have the option to accept or reject Nomads when they arrive. Be sure your town is well-prepared before accepting them.
Is it a bad idea to accept Nomads early in the game?
It can be risky early game. Accepting nomads too early can strain your resources, especially if you don’t have sufficient housing, food, and health care ready. Carefully consider your readiness to take in a sudden influx of new citizens.
What happens if I don’t accept Nomads?
They will eventually leave if you do not accept them. They will not stay waiting indefinitely.
How many Nomads can arrive at one time?
The size of nomadic groups can vary, but generally, they can bring a significant increase in population. Be prepared for a large amount of people.
Do Nomads bring any resources with them?
No, they arrive empty-handed. They will rely on your town for all their needs.
Can Nomads reproduce in the game?
Yes, if you provide the proper infrastructure and a good environment, Nomads will integrate into your society and reproduce.
What happens if I run out of resources after accepting Nomads?
If you fail to manage your resources, your town will struggle, leading to starvation and even death for your citizens.
Conclusion
The absence of nomads in a Banished settlement is not a bug but rather a direct consequence of failing to meet the game’s conditions for their arrival. Understanding that nomads are tied to the building of a Town Hall, and that their arrival is influenced by other critical buildings like the Trading Post and Market, is key to attracting these crucial population boosts. By focusing on building a stable infrastructure and patiently waiting for the randomized timer, players can look forward to these migrant groups and manage their towns effectively. The nomad mechanic is not a game error, but a feature designed to challenge the player’s resource management and planning skills. With the right understanding of the game, players can successfully welcome nomads into their communities, ensuring the thriving future of their settlements.