EA’s Battlefield 1 is getting an important update just ahead the holidays, which includes a new map from the game’s single-player campaign. Of course, the update also features plenty of behind-the-scenes tweaks, which EA said will improve the experience for everyone.
“The new map is called Giant’s Shadow and is based on the battle of the Selle in 1918,” EA said in an announcement. “With a massive crashed airship casting its shadow onto the battlefield, you can expect fierce combat on the open ground and river banks alongside the Cateau-Wassigny railway.”
The map is derived from the Battle of Cambrai, which sees players assume the role of Danny Edwards, a British tank driver. It’s one of the more intense stories in the game, guiding players through missions in a tank and on foot. There’s also a part that see players sneak through a French town salvaging tank parts.
The update also includes the Grenade Crossbow, available to the Support class, which EA said can “turn the tide with an armored train.” It looks pretty slick and does exactly what you’d expect: launch a grenade towards its intended target.
Finally, there’s a new Spectator Mode, which allows players to join a match as an observer. According to EA, observers can switch between first-person and third-person camera views—there’s even a Free Cam option so you can zoom around the map unencumbered by fixed camera restrictions. It should give casual players an idea of how elite players tackle matches.
There’s a catch
If you purchased the game’s Premium Pass DLC subscription or preordered Battlefield 1you’ll be able to play on the new map tomorrow. Otherwise, the update will be available to everyone on Dec. 20.
The Battlefield forums will have all the patch notes once the update rolls out. In addition to the new map and weapon, the update will also feature shotgun tweaks, modified gameplay aspects, and a new custom game option.
