Final Launch Details Confirmed
One of the best pieces of news is the confirmation of naval custom battles from Day 1. This is a huge win for players who want to jump straight into the action, test out different ship configurations, or just enjoy the new combat systems without risking their precious campaign saves. No need to grind for weeks just to see what a top-tier vessel can do; you can set up your own fleet engagements right away.
Naval Combat and Economy Deep Dive
The latest Q&A also shed light on how naval warfare will integrate with the core game's economy and skill progression. Acquiring a fleet won't be a trivial matter. Ships are a serious investment, which is exactly how it should be in Bannerlord's world.
How much will ships cost in War Sails?
Prepare to start saving your denars. Ship prices will range from 12,000 for a small, basic vessel to a staggering 150,000 denars for a high-end warship. This cost structure ensures that commanding a powerful fleet will be a significant mid-to-late game objective, changing the strategic calculus for any lord with coastal ambitions.
Other mechanical clarifications add more tactical depth. If your ship goes down, your character can swim indefinitely, but your troops have limited endurance. They can try to swim to a nearby friendly ship, but many will be lost to the waves. This adds a new layer of tactical desperation to chaotic battles. Additionally, operating ballistas on ships will now grant Engineering skill XP, a smart move by TaleWorlds that seamlessly integrates the new combat with existing character progression. This, combined with the new Mariner skill, means seafaring will be a legitimate character build path.