Developer Fatshark's free Shieldmaidens "mini-expansion" has now gone live for free to anyone owning the medieval War of the Vikings, bringing new female fighters to the bloody viking battlefield.

“This update launches alongside a new DLC package that adds a wealth of customization options to the new female warriors – absurd and nonsensical ‘boob armor’ not included,” stresses developer Fatshark.

“Out of all of the research and study that went into designing War of the Vikings, the history surrounding shieldmaidens was some of the most fascinating and controversial,” writes Gordon van Dyke, the game’s executive producer. “Our design reflects the preparations that any warrior, male or female, would have made for battle: practical protection, not sexualized fantasy. We’ve saved the physics for the combat, where it belongs.”

You can find the full patch notes over at the official Steam discussion, and the Steam purchase page for those who have yet to join in on the viking ranks. Those wanting to customise the heavily armoured female warriors can find a Shieldmaiden DLC pack for $4.99, though Valhalla or Blood Eagle owners gain it for free.