Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Naval Expansion ‘War Sails’ Launches on November 26

War Sails Expansion for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Set for Release

TaleWorlds Entertainment, an independent developer, today confirmed the anticipated release date for the new expansion, War Sails, for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.

New Release Date and Pricing Details

Initially slated for a June launch, War Sails was postponed but is now officially scheduled to debut on November 26 at the following times:

00:00 PT (Pacific Time)
03:00 ET (Eastern Time)
09:00 CET (Central European Time)

This expansion will be available simultaneously on PC and next-gen consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X, and it will be priced at $24.99.

Gameplay Enhancements and Features

The announcement was accompanied by an extensive gameplay showcase that unveiled several exciting features. One of the highlights is the Custom Naval Battles mode, allowing players to instantly create and command naval engagements across various terrains, including rivers, coastal areas, and open seas. This mode provides an excellent opportunity for players to refine their tactical skills, experiment with different ship configurations, and dive straight into exhilarating combat without needing to progress through the main campaign.

Players will engage in naval warfare reminiscent of historic medieval battles, mastering the intricate mechanics of wind and water. Strategies can include boarding ships, using ramming tactics, and damaging opponents by targeting oars, hulls, or sails.

Exploring the Northern Kingdom

War Sails introduces the Northern Kingdom, the stronghold of the formidable Nords. In this new region, players can engage in trading, recruitment, and battles amidst dramatic landscapes featuring towering mountains and icy fjords. Moreover, Calradia now benefits from an expanded map that includes a northern sea, islands, and rivers, providing sailors with opportunities for resupply and combat, both on land and water.

Diverse Naval Fleet and Strategic Gameplay

Upon launch, players will have access to 18 unique ships, each exhibiting distinct handling influenced by the environmental conditions of wind and waves. Ships can be customized with various enhancements such as siege engines, sails, and ramming devices, and players can acquire ships through purchases or captures. Additionally, upgrading ports will be available to enhance gameplay further.

In this expansion, players will navigate rivers and seas, launching deep strikes into enemy territory while ensuring their armies are well supplied and efficiently engaging in naval blockades of enemy towns. Weather conditions will also play a vital role, particularly during storms. Enhancements include new companions, unique weaponry, Nordic banners, diverse hairstyles, tattoos, and armor.

Continued Community Support and Engagement

Since its release in October 2022, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has maintained a strong following, aided by a robust modding community. Enthusiasts have created modifications ranging from the MMO-like Bannerlord Online to total conversions like Realm of Thrones. Some mods even incorporate generative AI to facilitate freeform interactions with NPCs, showcasing the game’s versatility and continued evolution.