TaleWorlds Entertainment has officially launched War Sails, a major expansion for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord that brings naval systems to the series for the first time. The update is now available globally for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, and GoG. Priced at $24.99 USD / €24.99 / £20.99, it also includes a temporary 10% launch discount. The release coincides with Bannerlord exceeding 6 million units sold worldwide, marking a significant moment for the franchise as it enters a new phase of content growth.
War Sails expands gameplay across land and sea, offering players the ability to travel by ship, manage fleets, and take part in naval encounters. The update also opens the northern reaches of Calradia, adding new terrain, settlements, and access points designed for the expansion’s maritime focus. The arrival of the Nord faction further enhances this region, introducing fresh recruitment options, trading opportunities, and conflicts shaped by their coastal culture.
The game introduces a full naval warfare system shaped by wind direction, water flow, and the handling characteristics of each vessel. Players can board enemy ships, perform ramming attacks, and focus on critical points like sails, oars, and hull plates to reduce an opponent’s mobility and strength. Different ship classes respond uniquely to changing weather and sea conditions, leading to encounters where positioning, timing, and crew coordination play a key role in turning the tide of battle.
The fleet-building system supports 20 ship classes, offering various sizes and roles. Ships can be outfitted with siege equipment, reinforced sails, improved rams, and other upgrades. Ports have been expanded to allow players to manage fleets, construct enhancements, and acquire new vessels. Some ships and figureheads can also be earned through victories, adding progression opportunities tied to successful engagements.
War Sails also introduces a naval campaign layer, enabling travel along rivers and open seas. This system supports long-distance raids, coastal sieges, and supply management for armies navigating maritime routes. Weather patterns and attrition play a larger role, influencing how far forces can travel without resupply or risking losses during storms.
Custom naval battles are another feature included in the expansion. This mode lets players choose their faction, commanders, ships, and crew before adjusting environmental settings such as wind, season, and time of day. Available map types include River, Coastal, and Open Sea, offering flexibility for players who want to test ship loadouts or practice fleet tactics outside the main campaign.
Alongside the new regions and mechanics, TaleWorlds has added companions, armour, banners, and cosmetic options inspired by Nordic themes. Several new melee weapons, including axes, spears, and swords, expand equipment choices and support character progression tied to naval roles.
Originally released in Early Access in 2020 and reaching its full launch across platforms in 2022, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord continues to maintain a strong presence due to its mix of strategy and medieval combat. The War Sails expansion builds on this foundation by integrating ship-based systems directly into the world of Calradia, giving players broader ways to explore, trade, and wage war across both land and sea.
With its new faction, expanded regions, and focus on naval operations, War Sails marks a significant chapter in the ongoing development of Bannerlord, offering players new challenges and tools as the game’s world grows beyond the mainland for the first time.
