Nighttime raids on Calradia's rivers are officially on the table. A new gameplay showcase for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord's upcoming War Sails expansion has revealed visceral naval combat under the cover of darkness, confirming a November 26, 2025 release date.
The footage dives straight into a chaotic river battle, with flaming arrows igniting sails and ships ramming into each other. It's not just about ranged attacks; the showcase highlights the brutal transition to close-quarters fighting as warriors board enemy vessels, turning ship decks into cramped, bloody skirmish grounds. This isn't the open-field combat we're used to; it's a whole new kind of tactical challenge.
Calradia's Waterways Turn Deadly
For years, rivers in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord have been little more than obstacles to cross. War Sails is set to transform them into dynamic battlefields and vital strategic arteries. Controlling a river could mean cutting off enemy supply lines, launching surprise amphibious assaults on castles, or dominating regional trade. The entire strategic map is about to change.
How will night battles affect strategy?
The addition of nighttime naval combat specifically opens up new avenues for asymmetric warfare. Smaller, stealthier fleets might be able to ambush larger, more powerful flotillas under the cloak of darkness. It adds a layer of subterfuge and planning that goes beyond simply having the bigger army, rewarding clever positioning and timing. Expect ambushes and guerilla tactics to become a core part of naval warfare.
War Sails is shaping up to be more than just boats; it’s a fundamental rework of Calradia's geography and the strategic options available to every would-be conqueror. Get ready to gird on your armour and take to the water when the expansion launches for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on November 26, 2025.