Worms, the latest installment in the long-running series developed by U.K. studio Team17, is officially open to the public on Facebook after a lengthy beta period.

The game allows Facebook users to challenge then battle friends, use classic Worms weapons such as the bazooka and banana bomb, while players can also customize worms and their own island. The Facebook game features weekly challenges, leaderboards and achievements, and offers players the chance to purchase weapons and gear through the in-game shop with both digital and real currency.

Worms on Facebook first entered closed beta last summer, with plans for an official launch in late 2012. We have contacted Team17 for clarification regarding this minor delay.