Battlefield 1's popularity has fallen off to a small degree at the turn of the year. However, EA has just what it needs to get some momentum back: an expansion.
As announced in December, They Shall Not Pass will be Battlefield 1's first of three planned expansions. This particular package will introduce the the French Army as it seeks to defend its homeland from foreign invaders.
They Shall Not Pass will add a handful of new content, as revealed today by EA. Among its content is a new game mode called Frontlines, which is a hybrid of Conquest and Rush where players battle for one flag at a time in an evolving, multi-layer format. Along for the ride are a few new weapons and vehicles, including the Char 2C tank and Field Gun. You'll also be able to try out a new Elite Class called the Trench Raider, equipped with a Raider Club and grenades.
The most important of They Shall Not Pass's additions are its four new maps, described as follows:
The first big engagement inside a fort during World War 1 takes place in the dark underworld of Fort 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!
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.
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.
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.
They Shall Not Pass is scheduled for a March 2017 release. It will be provided as part of the Season Pass, or sold individually at a $14.99 price point.
