Helmsman
🟡 Updated this yearPreview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.0% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #228 of 678 Gameplay mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Watch the video to understand how it works
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If you want to elevate your enjoyment out of DLC, you might want to check out other mods as well:
-
[]Docks
[
]OverfleetJoin my Patreon to Support me - https://www.patreon.com/bloctheworker
or join my Afdian if you are in China - https://afdian.com/a/bloctheworker
If you’ve played War Sails, you’ve probably noticed that you always have to stay at the helm of your ship, and your soldiers can’t move it at all. While steering your own ship is awesome, sometimes, as the commander you want to walk around the deck, give orders to other ships, or simply get to the front line to be the first to jump onto an enemy vessel!
Enjoy (maybe) the first mod for the War Sails DLC!
How to use:
- First, LEAVE THE HELM, because when you are at the helm, helmsman will assume you want to use it. After you left the helm, when you select your ship (by pressing 1), press F5. You won’t see a “delegate” command icon, but F5 should still work. You’ll see the helmsman run to take the helm, and from that moment on, the ship will behave like any other. You can order it to engage, skirmish, or move to a specific position.
- When you want to take control back, simply select your ship again and press F5. You’ll see the helmsman leave the helm, and your ship will return to your control and ship will wait to you to take the helm back again.
Things to note:
I did some testing but nowhere being extensive, so use it at your own risk. Most likely should be fine though
Your crew can leave you in an enemy ship! They simply don't care where you are so they can disengage without your order, so be careful!
Also see early gameplay video
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Frequently Asked Questions
- I'm getting a "Cannot load Helmsman.dll" error.
This means you need to unblock your .dll files. You can Google how to do this, or right-click the .dll file, go to Properties, and unblock it. You can also use the Novus launcher, which can unblock them for you.
- Can I load this mid-save?
- I am pressing F5 and nothing happens?
Did you left the helm? Did you select your ship (player ships are always at firs formation)? You probably didn't. Do that.
- Can I remove this mid-save?
- I don't have the DLC, can I still use it?
- Which loading order I should be using?
Load it AFTER War Sails (NavalDLC)
- How to mod the game? Never did that before?
Download mod, extract, you will get Helmsman folder, copy that folder to your game_path (differs if it's installed to Steam or Epic) / Modules and copy paste to here. You should see Native and Helmsman in same directory. If you still can't figure it out, google it, there are countless how-to-videos and articles out there about it.
- Launcher gives a warning about versions?
Ignore it. It is not important.
- I found a bug and have a report. How do I get a resolution?
Explain what you were doing and how the bug occurred. Create a bug report, but first, check if a similar report already exists.
- Can I play this with the ABC mod?
I have no idea. Try it and let us know in the posts. For example: "I tried this with ABC, version XYZ, and it works great."
- Can I ask if I can play with the ABC mod?
As long as you don't ask me directly, I don't care. Here is a template for you to use: "Hey folks, can I play this with the ABC mod, version XYZ? Has anyone tried that?"
Helmsman is a gameplay mod for the War Sails DLC that lets you delegate ship steering to a crew member, freeing you to walk the deck, give orders, or board enemy vessels. Toggle control with F5 after leaving the helm. 416 endorsements and 40,620 downloads, last updated December 2025.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 416 endorsements and over 40k downloads, showing real demand.
- Solves a genuine annoyance—lets you leave the helm without losing ship control.
- Simple toggle system (F5) makes it easy to switch between manual and delegated steering.
⚠️ Cons
- Author admits testing was not extensive, so bugs may exist.
- Crew can disengage without your order, potentially leaving you stranded on an enemy ship.
- Requires you to remember to leave the helm first—pressing F5 while at the helm won't work.
For Bannerlord players who want more tactical freedom during naval battles, especially those who like to lead boarding actions or manage the fleet from the deck. Skip if you prefer full manual control of your ship at all times.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure you leave the helm before pressing F5, or the mod won't activate.
- Watch the linked video to see the mod in action before installing.
- If you use other War Sails mods like Docks or Overfleet, check compatibility on the mod page.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Bannerlord Mods
- Author
- Bloc
- Version
- 1.0.2
- Downloads
- 40,620
- Endorsements
- 416
- Category
- Gameplay
- Created
- 11/26/2025
- Updated
- 12/1/2025
🧩 Commonly Used Together
Users add these mods to the same collections — a real compatibility signal, not an AI guess.
🔧 How to Install Bannerlord Mods
Use Vortex or manual. Enable mods in launcher. Harmony required.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Bannerlord →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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