Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord is getting a major boost with its upcoming expansion, War Sails. This isn't just about adding ships; it's about shaking up the whole game. The Nords are back, and they're bringing some serious muscle to the fight. They've got the toughest infantry in the game and can handle naval combat better than anyone else. Plus, their unique culture and economy add a fresh layer to the game.

Ship combat is the star of the show. You can ram enemy ships, use ballistas, and set them on fire. But the real game-changer is the upgrades. You can make your ship faster, carry more troops, or handle storms better. Some ships are jack-of-all-trades, while others are specialists. And if you're into trading, you can upgrade your cargo holds to carry more goods.

The Nords aren't just about brute force. They've got a unique setup with fewer towns but more castles. Their economy is more military-focused, making them a safe bet compared to other factions. Plus, their towns have a cool ship-inspired design, and they produce unique trade items.

The expansion also brings new skills like Mariner, Boatswain, and Shipmaster. These skills are tied to existing attributes, so if you're already good at certain things, you'll find it easier to master these new skills. And don't worry, your troops' skills still matter in combat, even if the captain's skills are more important for the ship.

But War Sails isn't just about single-player. There's a big update coming for everyone, including improved modding capabilities. Modders can now make characters crouch and use weapons at the same time, which is a big deal for mods involving muskets. The update also makes it easier for modders to adapt to changes in the base game, like the new water rendering.

As for the future, the developers are tight-lipped. They're not ready to talk about future DLC or cross-play functionality. But they're working on some features related to the Claimants, even if they can't give us a timeline yet. And while they can't confirm any plans for the PS5 Pro, the optimization work for the DLC will benefit console players too.

The developers have a message for the community: keep the feedback coming. They love seeing the excitement and engagement from players. And one last piece of advice from the team: don't sail a ship you can't afford to lose.

MOUNT AND BLADE II

Sailing into New Adventures: Bannerlord's Big Update

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