TaleWorlds Entertainment has officially announced that the War Sails DLC, the highly anticipated nautical expansion for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, is now scheduled to set sail in early Fall 2025. Originally planned to launch on June 17, the developers shared in a community update that the delay will allow for additional polish and deeper integration with the base game.
“We need more time to reach the level of quality you rightfully expect,” the devs said. “This short delay will ultimately lead to a better and more enjoyable experience for all players.”
Fans of Bannerlord’s expansive medieval sandbox will now have to wait a little longer before commanding ships, exploring storm-ridden waters, and going toe-to-toe with sea-hardened warriors.
🌊 What is the War Sails DLC?
War Sails is the first major naval expansion for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, bringing with it a wave of new gameplay systems, faction lore, and sea-based warfare mechanics that open up the world of Calradia like never before.
🛡️ Meet the Nords
A new Viking-inspired faction, the Nords, make their debut in War Sails. You’ll explore their jagged coastlines and freezing fjords, trade with their settlements, and decide whether to ally with or conquer them.
🚢 Master Naval Combat
Inspired by real medieval sea battles, naval warfare in War Sails uses realistic wind and water physics. Players can ram, board, shatter sails, and use siege engines to control sea battles in a truly dynamic system.
🗺️ Explore an Expanded World
With the map extended to include coastal towns, islands, and open ocean, Calradia feels bigger and more alive. New weather systems such as storms and trade winds add tension and strategy to every journey.
⚔️ Build & Customize Your Fleet
Command up to 18 unique ship types, each customizable with rams, siege engines, sails, and more. Ships reflect their regional cultures and can be upgraded or captured during battles.
🔧 New Gear, Skills, and Companions
A sea-themed arsenal expands the gameplay: new weapons, armor, tattoos, hairstyles, and mariner-specific companions are now part of the adventure. There’s also a new skill tree dedicated to navigation, tactics, and stewardship on the water.
📜 Questline & Audio
The expansion kicks off with a scripted questline, introducing players to maritime life through missions and cinematics. A revamped audio experience, featuring new music and ambient sounds of wind, waves, and war, deepens immersion.
⚔️ A Look Back at Bannerlord
Originally launched in Early Access in 2020, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has evolved into one of the most robust sandbox strategy RPGs in modern gaming. With its deep simulation systems, real-time battles, and modding support, it’s a staple for fans of medieval warfare.
Set 200 years before Warband, the game sees the Calradian Empire fractured and at war, with players rising from humble origins to shape the political and military destiny of the land.
From managing fiefs and crafting weapons, to engaging in massive battles and playing diplomacy like a game of chess, Bannerlord continues to define its genre — and War Sails is shaping up to be its boldest leap yet.
🕰️ What’s Next?
TaleWorlds will share a revised release date and more details about War Sails in the coming weeks. The expansion is planned for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S and will launch alongside a major free update to the base game.
Stay tuned for more updates, and until then — sharpen your blades and prep your sails. Calradia awaits.
