It took eight years, but players can finally get their hands on an early-access version of the long-awaited Mount & Blade sequel: Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.
The early access release was announced on Monday via an early access trailer that was released on YouTube.
Like its predecessor, the oft-delayed sequel puts you in charge of a band of soldiers fighting and raiding your way across the countryside, conquering strongholds and getting into the thick of giant battles between opposing forces. It boasts a combat system that requires both tactical awareness of the battlefield and skill-based fights as you fight to the death using bows, swords, spears, and all manner of medieval-themed armaments.
The game has a single-player sandbox mode that places you in the thick of an empire battered by a civil war and a growing number of external threats, letting you choose which side to take and how to handle yourself on the battlefield. It also has numerous multiplayer modes that range from small-scale skirmishes to giant sieges.
The game is available in early access now on Steam. It's currently on sale for $44.99 until April 13, after which it will cost $49.99.