Mixed Reactions to Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord’s War Sails DLC
After a significant delay that pushed its release from June to November, the much-anticipated Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord DLC, titled War Sails, has finally made its debut. However, the initial reception suggests that players may be feeling somewhat adrift, as many fans of this acclaimed RPG express disappointment following a lengthy wait for new content.
The launch of War Sails marks the first major paid content addition since the game transitioned out of early access three years ago. In an effort to generate excitement, the developers engaged actively with the community through the game’s Steam news page. Frequent updates, including Community Tales posts, developer blogs, trailers, and Q&A sessions, aimed to build anticipation for this ambitious update, which promised to allow players to command their Nordic armies in naval battles.
Despite these efforts, the response to the DLC, released on November 26, has been decidedly mixed. While the base game boasts an impressive 93,000 ‘very positive’ reviews, War Sails has received over 1,000 reviews in just four days, landing it in a more lukewarm category that reflects a divided community regarding this long-awaited expansion.
So, what appears to be the crux of the issue? Many users cite a perceived lack of substantial content or value in the DLC. Numerous reviews label War Sails as “overpriced,” with several players suggesting it might only be worth purchasing during a sale. A recurring sentiment among players is that the expansion does not offer much more than what modders have already provided for free. One player succinctly expressed their frustration, stating, “I’d rather play any of the well-made mods than pay over 20 bucks for my ship to get stuck on top of another ship.”
However, not all feedback is negative. Some players commend the ship customization features, likening them to the depth of smithing mechanics, while others find the Nord troops enjoyable to play with. One particularly enthusiastic player noted that the Nord Huscarl, reminiscent of the original Mount and Blade, is “broken (in a fun way),” and described the experience as feeling like “a whole new game,” concluding their review with a spirited “Skol.”
For those who prefer not to rely on mods or find them too complex, the War Sails DLC might still hold appeal. One satisfied player remarked, “If you like Bannerlord enough to still be playing it, I don’t see why you wouldn’t like this,” asserting that the expansion delivers on its promises. Nevertheless, even the more favorable reviews raise concerns about the stealth system, which could be a genuine point of contention for players who were looking forward to this new mechanic.
The Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord War Sails expansion is currently priced at .49 or £18.89, with the cost set to rise to .99 or £20.99 after December 10. Given the prevailing sentiment that it may be best to wait for a discount, interested players might consider seizing the opportunity to purchase it now before the price increases, allowing them to engage in naval combat without breaking the bank. Skol!