Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord - War Sails

The main pros of the game

• Naval Combat Mechanics: Many players found the naval combat system enjoyable and a fresh addition to the gameplay, with ship customization and engaging battles.
• New Faction and Content: The introduction of the Nord faction and new ships added variety to the game, providing players with new strategic options and gameplay experiences.
• Atmosphere and Graphics: Several users praised the improved graphics, atmospheric effects, and the overall aesthetic of the naval battles and environments.
• Expanded Gameplay: The DLC adds depth to the game with new trade routes, raiding mechanics, and the possibility of piracy, enhancing the sandbox experience.
• Improvements to Game Systems: Some players appreciated the overall improvements to the game, including the addition of new skills and the enhanced economic system.

The main cons of the game

• Bugs and Technical Issues: A significant number of users reported various bugs, crashes, and performance issues, particularly during naval battles and while using new features.
• Underwhelming Content for Price: Many players felt that the $25 price tag was too high for the amount of content provided, comparing it unfavorably to previous expansions like Viking Conquest.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Players noted that naval battles could become monotonous and that the combat mechanics felt clunky, with limited tactical options.
• Poor AI and Pathfinding: Users criticized the AI for being ineffective in naval combat and for not utilizing ships as intended, leading to a lack of engaging naval warfare.
• Lack of Land-Based Content: Some reviews mentioned that despite the naval focus, the game still felt primarily land-based, limiting the relevance of the new naval mechanics.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Expanded Naval Warfare: Players expressed a desire for more robust naval mechanics, including better ship controls, more tactical options during battles, and the ability to engage in larger-scale naval conflicts.
• Enhanced Storyline and Quests: The campaign and story elements were viewed as lacking depth and polish, with many players preferring a more engaging and meaningful narrative.
• Improved Diplomacy and AI: Users wanted better diplomatic options and more intelligent AI behavior, especially regarding the use of naval units and strategies in the game.
• More Variety in Troop Types: Some players felt that the Nord faction lacked distinct troop roles and diversity compared to other factions, leading to a sense of imbalance.
• Offline Play Capability: Several reviews mentioned the frustration of needing an internet connection to play the DLC, which detracted from the overall experience.

Conclusion

• While "War Sails" introduces exciting new features to Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, including naval combat and a new faction, many players feel that it falls short in execution and content relative to its price. The presence of bugs, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of depth in certain areas have led to mixed reviews, with some users expressing hope for future updates and improvements.

Summary generated on: December 6, 2025