Mount and Blade 2: War Sails – Overview of the big naval DLC at release

Today, on November 26, 2025, the first major DLC for Mount and Blade 2 will be released, called War Sails. As the name suggests, this DLC focuses on naval battles. The game evolved from purely land-based warfare to a dual battle system on land and sea. It also adds many new gameplay mechanics that expand the world of Calradia. The DLC will launch on PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5 for €24.99.

What is Mount and Blade 2 Bannerlord?

Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is a strategy and action RPG set in the world of Calradia. You start by creating your character and then you are free to do whatever you want. To survive in the world, you must recruit troops and fight bandits. Later, you can establish your own kingdom or join an existing kingdom to take part in massive wars. If you prefer a peaceful playing style, you can earn money as a trader or blacksmith. There are many ways to play this game.

Combat in the base game is quite tactical. You can command your units one by one, for example ordering archers to attack from a distance or ordering cavalry to charge into enemy lines. There are also sieges, where you attack a castle or city to take over your kingdom and generate taxes. And there is much more to discover. For more information on the entire franchise, check us out Pixel Sundays article about Mount and Blade.

Mount and Blade 2 War Sails Gameplay Mechanics

The new one Mount and Blade 2: War Screen DLC presents naval battles in full medieval style. You directly control only one ship and can give orders to other ships. Your archers will fire from deck to deck, and with your ram you can ram enemy ships to sink them. The new pincer attack allows you to inflict massive damage on enemy ships. If you don’t want to sink it straight away, you can turn it upside down, causing your troops to climb the wooden bridge and fight on deck. This battle took many casualties on both sides, and many would drown in the cold water.

This DLC features a total of 18 new ship types. Each faction has its own unique, historically inspired ships. You can upgrade your ship to make it stronger. Upgrades include siege engines, better screens, better ram, or more storage space. You can buy ships at the shipyard or capture them in battle.

Return of the North: Nords

Along with the new DLC, the world map is expanded with new locations and biomes. A new northern kingdom is being added, filled with icy fjords and taiga forests. This army is inspired by Vikings, making it a perfect fit for the naval theme. Nords focus on close combat and include some of the strongest infantry units in the game. They are less focused on cities than other cultures and represent a land of warriors. As a player, you get access to new hairstyles, beards and tattoos.

Strategic Changes with War Screen

This new mechanism also introduces new strategic and economic layers. Castles and coastal towns can now be besieged with expanded mechanics. With your fleet, you can build blockades to cut off supply lines. Another new feature was sea trade routes, which completely changed the economy. However, it can be attacked by new pirates, raids, and other enemies.

There are also three new skills, all related to sailing, that upgrade your troops and ships. If you wish, you can completely specialize in naval gameplay. A new quest line related to sailing has also been added, but as in the base game, it is completely optional.

Conclusion: A New Course for Calradia

Mount and Blade 2: War Sails expands Bannerlord with a whole new dimension and brings fresh life to its renowned sandbox gameplay. Naval battles introduce new tactical areas and change the way you plan war, manage trade, and rule your empire. With 18 unique ship types, historic designs, new upgrades, new skills, and the return of the Nords, Calradia feels bigger and more alive than ever.

War Sails is a very interesting DLC ​​for strategic players, fans of large-scale battles and explorers. If you like Bannerlord and want more depth and variety, this release offers a rich package that sets the stage for new stories and conquests on the high seas.

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