March 14 marks the release of Battlefield 1 - They Shall Not Pass, the first of four planned expansions for Battlefield 1. For the first two weeks, the expansion, which focuses on the French army, will only be available to players who have a Premium Pass for the game, though.
The expansion pack features:
Four new maps:
- Verdun Heights
The opening barrage of the Battle of Verdun created massive forest fires in which players will fight for domination. This is an uphill battle towards the massive fortresses of Verdun. A constant grinding struggle where the artillery never stops. Where the forge and “the Devil’s Anvil” continues to consume even the bravest combatants.- Fort de Vaux
The first big engagement inside a fort during World War 1 takes place in the dark underworld of Fort de Vaux. Down in the maze of dark galleries and wet stone corridors, French and Germans fight ferociously with grenades, guns, bayonets, and flamethrowers. Watch your corners!- Soissons
Take part in one of the biggest tank assaults of World War 1. The French 10th Army moves to take back Soissons using their powerful Saint Chamond tanks. Planes, tanks, and infantry clash in the beautiful French countryside in the early hours of a hot summer day. Only the thunderstorm is louder than the war.- Rupture
In dire need to capture key bridges across the Aisne river, the French find themselves back into battlefields where poppies grow over a rusty wreck from previous tank battles. It might seem calm but this maze of steel beasts provides an excellent place for those who plan an ambush. As the sun sets over Fontenoy, the battle wakes up.
Two new tanks:
- Char 2C tank
Spawn into the Char 2C tank and control an epic new behemoth. Based on the real-world French tank, this super-heavy beast may turn the tide of the entire battle.- St. Chamond tank
The St. Chamond was the most heavily armed allied tank of the war. Dominate the battlefield with this impressive French construction.
One new stationary weapon:
- Siege Howitzer
Similar to a Field Gun, the Siege Howitzer can be operated by an infantry player. This new stationary weapon is operated through indirect aiming/firing in the same vein as mortars and artillery in vehicles.
One new class:
- Trench Raider
Use the melee skills of the new Elite Class: the Trench Raider. With the brutal Raider Club and impressive grenade arsenal, you will be a terrifying sight.
One new game mode:
- Frontlines
Experience a mix of Conquest and Rush as you fight for chained control points in a tug-of-war frontline. Both teams fight for one flag at a time and when this objective is captured the action moves on to the next. Capture the enemy’s HQ control point and the game turns into a Rush-style section where telegraph posts need to be attacked or defended.
You can check the new game mode in the following gameplay footage.
The expansion also comes with two new operations: The Devil’s Anvil and Beyond the Marne, focused on "massive tank battles and intense close-quarters fighting". Furthermore, new main weapons, such as the Ribeyrolles 1918, RSC 1917, Lebel Model 1886, Chauchat, Sjögren Inertial, and the MLE 1903 Extended, as well as new melee weapons, such as the Cogwheel Club, the Nail Knife, and the Trench Fleur are available for use. Finally, players can advance their careers through 10 new ranks and unlock new medals, dog tags, service stars, and codex entries.
Be aware that three more expansions are being developed for Battlefield 1: In The Name Of The Tsar, Turning Tides, and Apocalypse. To become a Battlefield 1 Premium Pass gamer and get early access to the expansions, you can buy the Battlefield™ 1 Premium Pass and Deluxe Edition Upgrade Bundle, the Battlefield™ 1 Ultimate Edition or become an EA Access member.
Source: Xbox Wire