Bannerlord War Sails How to Unlock Figureheads
© GamerBlurb.com | Published on 12/1/2025 at 12:56 AM CST (USA)
Figureheads are special upgrades in Bannerlord War Sails that decorate the prow of your ship and boost its performance. They’re not just for looks, either. Each one grants a specific stat bonus tied to how it was earned, giving veteran captains a reason to chase rare victories on the open sea.
How To Unlock Figureheads
Figureheads unlock through high-stakes naval combat and key encounters across Calradia’s waters. When you defeat powerful commanders at sea, you have a chance to claim their unique figurehead design for your fleet. These trophies mark your progress and reflect the naval culture of the defeated faction. Examples include…
The Ram’s Head is usually earned after surviving or performing a direct ramming strike in battle. It improves your own ship’s ramming power.
The Sea Serpent comes from major victories against imperial forces, offering better speed and morale when traveling through stormy weather.
The Horse Head design is tied to victories over desert fleets and provides a bonus to crew morale and turning control.
The Swan and Deer are noble figureheads associated with western factions, slightly boosting accuracy for ranged deck crews and stamina recovery for sailors.
These unlocks appear automatically in your shipyard customization list after the battle if the conditions are met.
What Each Figurehead Does
Each design enhances a particular aspect of naval combat or travel. The effect stacks with your ship’s base stats, but bonuses remain balanced for fair play. For example:
Ram’s Head increases damage during collision attacks and slightly reduces recoil.
Sea Serpent improves maneuverability and wind handling in rough seas.
Horse Head boosts crew morale during boarding actions.
Swan grants small bonuses to ranged units on deck.
Deer enhances endurance for long voyages and minor trading efficiency.
These effects depend on your ship class and crew type. Heavy ships like the Dromon or Lodya benefit most from offensive figureheads, while light vessels see better results from agility-based ones.
How To Equip Figureheads
Dock at a shipyard and open the customization screen. Select the “Fore Slot” and choose from your unlocked figureheads. Each can be swapped freely without penalty. Some ports also allow you to purchase alternate designs once unlocked, giving more visual variety without losing stats.
Quick Tips for Unlocking Faster
Prioritize naval duels against named lords and faction leaders.
Use ramming tactics with heavy ships to trigger special unlocks.
Upgrade your Sailing and Leadership skills for better battle rewards.
Ignore burbs as they don’t do anything as of now in War Sails.
Visit ports after every major victory to check for new ship options.
Final Blurb
Figureheads are the ultimate proof of naval mastery in War Sails. Each one tells the story of a battle you’ve won and gives your flagship an edge over rival fleets. Keep fighting, keep upgrading, and your prow will soon carry the marks of every sea you’ve conquered.
FAQ
How do you unlock figureheads
By defeating major naval commanders or achieving specific feats like ramming or capturing flagships.
What bonuses do they give
They boost morale, ramming strength, speed, or accuracy depending on the design.
Are figureheads culture-based
Yes, but they can be equipped by any faction once unlocked.
Where can you install them
At any shipyard through the Fore Slot in customization.
Can you lose them
No, figureheads remain permanently unlocked for all future ships.
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