Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord enthusiasts have much to look forward to with the imminent release of the game’s most significant expansion yet. As we move past the three-year anniversary of its 1.0 release in October 2022, TaleWorlds Entertainment is preparing to launch War Sails, an update that promises to revolutionize gameplay by introducing naval combat. This expansion brings back the Nords, a cherished faction from the original Mount and Blade, along with a new biome to discover, skills to hone, and numerous enhancements to the base game, all included in a complimentary update.
Exciting Updates and Features with War Sails
In anticipation of this expansion, insights from senior producer Falk Engel and design team lead Gökçen Karaağaç shed light on the substantial updates War Sails will bring. The introduction of naval warfare, complete with ramming ships and balistas, promises a new dimension of strategy and destruction. Players can expect impactful campaign upgrades, influencing troop morale, ship speed, and more. Although a hybrid land-sea combat system isn’t in place, strategic coordination remains key, especially when besieging coastal towns.
Also noteworthy are the new skills Mariner, Boatswain, and Shipmaster, enhancing gameplay without replacing existing abilities. The beloved Nords return, offering heavy infantry and unique gameplay opportunities. Their distinct cultural and economic structures add depth to the game’s political and military dynamics.
Community and Modding Enhancements
Beyond single-player additions, the upcoming update also introduces several improvements that modders should be excited about. Expanded modding capabilities, particularly the ability to crouch and use weapons simultaneously, are designed to enhance creative possibilities for the community. While the multiplayer aspect isn’t the primary focus of this update, visual enhancements from the beta may carry over to enrich the shared experience.
Future Plans and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, TaleWorlds is cautious about announcing future DLCs, adhering to a philosophy of ensuring readiness before unveiling new projects. While cross-play and console enhancements for PS5 Pro remain uncertain, the development team emphasizes ongoing optimizations for current platforms. Both Engel and Karaağaç express gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and enthusiasm, promising exciting adventures with the War Sails expansion.