Sailing into New Adventures: Bannerlord's Big Update

A Game-Changing Expansion

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is set to receive a significant upgrade with its upcoming expansion, War Sails. This isn't just about adding ships; it's about revolutionizing the entire game.

The Nords Return with a Vengeance

The Nords are back, and they're bringing some serious muscle to the fight. With the toughest infantry in the game and unmatched naval combat skills, they're a force to be reckoned with. Their unique culture and economy add a fresh layer to the game.

Ship Combat Takes Center Stage

Ship combat is the star of the show. Players can now:

Ram enemy ships
Use ballistas
Set ships on fire

But the real game-changer is the upgrades. Players can enhance their ships to:

Increase speed
Carry more troops
Improve storm resistance

Some ships are jack-of-all-trades, while others specialize in specific areas. For traders, upgrading cargo holds to carry more goods is a significant advantage.

The Nords: More Than Just Brute Force

The Nords aren't just about raw power. They have:

Fewer towns but more castles
A military-focused economy
Unique ship-inspired town designs
Exclusive trade items

New Skills for Naval Warfare

The expansion introduces new skills like:

Mariner
Boatswain
Shipmaster

These skills are tied to existing attributes, making it easier for players to master them if they're already proficient in certain areas. While the captain's skills are crucial for ship performance, troops' skills still matter in combat.

Multiplayer and Modding Enhancements

War Sails isn't just about single-player. The update also includes:

Improved modding capabilities
Characters can now crouch and use weapons simultaneously (a big deal for musket mods)
Easier adaptation to base game changes, like new water rendering

Future Plans and Community Engagement

The developers are tight-lipped about future DLC or cross-play functionality but are working on features related to the Claimants. While they can't confirm plans for the PS5 Pro, the optimization work for the DLC will benefit all console players.

The developers encourage the community to keep the feedback coming. They love seeing the excitement and engagement from players. One last piece of advice from the team: Don't sail a ship you can't afford to lose.