Get your longboat at the ready! Paradox Interactive have opened the War of the Vikings Steam Early Access programme for those ready to join the war against the Viking invaders, or take the land of the weak Saxon men.

The Steam Early Access program allows players to take on the game first hand through the development process at no extra cost than the price of the game.

The Steam Early Access programme allows players to take on the game first hand through the development process at no extra cost than the price of the game. For those that participated in the War of the Vikings Alpha, and owners of the War of the Roses: Kingmaker Edition will get a free sample of Early Access to War of the Vikings from October 1st to October 4th so you'll want to act fast! Plus if you like what you see you'll also get 10% off the regular Early Access price.

Three different packages are available for purchase during Early Access, the standard edition or the Blood Eagle Edition that includes digital content such as a concept art book, soundtrack and exclusive gear, or there's the Valhalla Edition that comes with all of the in-game content already unlocked, access to all future content at no extra charge, plus the concept art book and an extended soundtrack. Each edition also grants membership to the Early Access Club that includes bonus loot and an additional shield pattern when the game is released.

War of the Vikings is an all-new multiplayer game built on the technology that drives their mediaeval combat game War of the Roses, don't worry though, this isn't just an add-on, War of the Vikings is a standalone entry into the series that will ask players to design their own personalised warrior and pillage England for all its worth as a Norseman, or defend your country as a brave Saxon.

Featuring the same intense close-quarters combat, War of the Vikings will feature authentically inspired settings and weaponry for all you history buffs out there, on large scale 64-player battles that will ensure an unforgettable experience, we only hope that the Norsemen will be seen arriving in landing parties to capture their truly terrifying nature on the shores of England.

War of the Vikings is scheduled for a release during Q1 of 2014 for PC, join in the fight now and watch the game grow before your eyes.