Hi everyone! This is Tommy Rydling from DICE with the latest Battlefield 3 news straight from the studio.
I hope you are ready to go Back to Karkand, as we are releasing our first Battlefield 3 expansion pack Tuesday, December 6th on PlayStation 3 America and Europe – a week early for PlayStation customers! And for our European fans, that’s a day earlier than normal!
To recap, Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand is a massive themed expansion pack featuring four legendary Battlefield maps reimagined in the Frostbite 2 engine. You also get three vehicles (the VSTOL fighter jet, Desert Buggy, and an APC), ten new weapons that you can bring back to the base game, a new layer of persistence with our all-new Assignments, plus five shiny Trophies.
The maps we chose for this expansion pack are all classic fan favorites: Wake Island, Sharqi Peninsula, Gulf of Oman, and Strike at Karkand (from where the expansion pack got its name). These maps are about all-out warfare in a variety of settings and have collectedly been played literally billions of times by our players. Now, they are due for a reimagining with the power of the Frostbite 2 engine. This allows us do things like take the level of destruction to ridiculous heights. You can basically turn these entire maps into rubble (with the exception of Wake Island, which has a lot less buildings and is more of an open landscape).
The design idea for Back to Karkand is that these legendary maps have aged since you last saw them. If you are a returning veteran, you will feel instantly at home, but there will also be a sense of exciting rediscovery about them. If you have not played on the before, they are simply a great addition to the nine available multiplayer maps, building on all the strengths of the series.
Now, let’s turn our eye to take a closer look at Assignments, specifically the “Let it Rain” Assignment. To complete this assignment, players must score 20 kills with Light Machine Guns and two mortar kills. The game will keep track of how far along you have come fulfilling this assignment. When you have met the requirements, you will unlock a new Back to Karkand weapon (with a matching set of dog tags) to use on any map including the base game. You will also unlock the next Assignment in the series, the new Creeping Death Assignment.
The new Assignments add a layer of persistence on top of what is already in the game
As with all of the Assignments introduced in Back to Karkand, you can keep building towards these no matter if you play on regular maps or maps from the new expansion pack itself. Your regular persistence will also be intact and keep building up no matter what map you play. In this way Back to Karkand is completely integrated into the base game, including the ability to have a map rotation mixing base game maps with Back to Karkand maps.
And before we go, here are the five new Trophies you can hunt in Back to Karkand:
Complete Warrior (Silver)
Get a kill with the following weapons in a single life: Rifle, Jet, Tank
Third Tour(Bronze)
Get a kill with the new APC, Desert Buggy, and STOVL fighter jet
Gunslinger (Bronze)
Get 10 kills with all B2K weapons
Like a Boss! (Silver)
Get a kill with the skid loader
Jaws (Bronze)
Take a swim in the pool at the Oman hotel
We hope you enjoyed this look at our first expansion pack for Battlefield 3. We will keep supporting Battlefield 3 on PS3 for a long time, so we hope to see you all playing Back to Karkand on Tuesday and beyond. Let us know what you think about Back to Karkand in the Battlelog forums after you get your hands on it.
If you are a Battlefield 3 Limited Edition owner, you are entitled to this entire expansion pack at no extra charge and you can get it from the in-game store or the PlayStation Store. Otherwise, you can buy it for £11.99/€14.99 starting tomorrow, from the game’s in-game store or from the PlayStation Store. Every future expansion pack for Battlefield 3 will also be available one week early exclusively on PlayStation 3 , just like Back to Karkand.
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78 CommentsAdd Yours
1
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:34 pm by I3loodthirsty
do the people who bought the game from the store the night it launched still get this dlc for free
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:17 pm by Tommy Rydling
Hey, Bloodthirsty,
Potentially yes, as long as you could snag a copy of the Limited Edition. It should have an orange triangle in the top left hand corner of the pack, saying “Includes access to B2K…” (not the EXACT phrasing, don’t have a copy at hand.
2
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:38 pm by green_shorts
Cant wait for this looking forward to it
3
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:38 pm by TalllPaul
Great stuff
Now get making some new co-op levels 
4
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:39 pm by Kellos
This is going to be goooooooood!!!
5
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:48 pm by Muttykins
it’s avaliable to download already through bf3 store link.
@ I3loodthirsty if you have the limited edition redeem your code via the store in BF3
6
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:48 pm by flamingcarrot
Great stuff, looking forward to playing it.
Any chance you can sort out the VOIP before Tuesday though?
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:21 pm by Tommy Rydling
Hi flaming,
It will not be fixed Tuesday. However, rest assured we are fully aware on the problem and working on it!
Cheers
/T
7
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:51 pm by Muttykins
@LAClennell COD games have plenlty of online trophies especially zombie maps.
Every retail game that has dlc has extra trophies with them.
8
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:55 pm by Catkiller1
I personally think extra trophies is a nice touch! Doesn’t effect your Platinum, so what’s the problem?
This expansion imo, will be better than the base release. To see 4 great maps from the BF2 glory days, is going to be great! I like the idea of Conquest Assault & the Assignments are also a nice touch.
Well done EA/DICE, but could you please release a fix soon for VOIP, as it’s laggy & most of the maps you can’t hear each other, due to the constant break ups & dips in sound! Supposed to be a Squad incentive game so fix it soon!
9
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 2:59 pm by shedboy90
ppl excited for the same old bf maps lol
when its cod its “boring” “waste of money”
10
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:08 pm by kivi95
Overpriced just like the cod maps.
11
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:12 pm by andycass
Just traded the game in at asda for £20. a team based game with no voice chat well done dice.
12
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:13 pm by ytevo79
@11 unlike the COD maps these come free to people who bought new at launch
Anyway I though we get them Wednesday when our Store updates?
13
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:14 pm by Catkiller1
@ shedboy90
I think you’re missing the point!
BF2 was released in 2003 & the overhaul of these maps makes a huge difference!
The maps that are released within the COD games are with the same engine & are still relatively new!
Also VOIP issue: http://goo.gl/xNvJJ
14
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:17 pm by Catkiller1
Sorry 2005!
15
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:27 pm by Catkiller1
Just to add this isn’t just a map pack, it’s an expansion!
It’s not a simple ploy to make money, it’s actually evolving the gameplay!
Weapons
•MP5
•PP-19
•L85A2
•FAMAS
•Type 88
•L96A1
•Jackhammer
•MG36
•Type 95
•Type 97
Maps
•Strike At Karkand
•Wake Island
•Gulf of Oman
•Sharqi Peninsula
Vehicles
•F35B fighter jet
•BTR-90 infantry fighting vehicle
•DPV fast transport vehicle
Game modes
•Conquest Assault
Features
•Assignments
16
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:30 pm by bigred-80
Are you kidding with that trophy?
Get a kill with the following weapons in a single life: Rifle, Jet, Tank
That aint gonna happen!! I having a hard enough time getting the air kills ribbon as it is!!
These maps should be good though.
17
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:36 pm by KAP
Tommy Rydling, what Bloodthirsty had meant to say was those that bought Battlefield 3 from the Playstation Store just after midnight of the games launch also get the B2K DLC?
I also bought the game from the PS Store for £49.99 and wondered for that huge price, the B2K DLC had to be included right?
Please reply if you do or dont know the answer to the question. Thanx mate.
18
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:36 pm by shedboy90
@catkiller1
have u received messages from me?
19
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:40 pm by Catkiller1
@ shedboy90
If you mean through PS3, I won’t know until 22:30 this evening!
20
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:47 pm by sterushton
£11.99 for a couple of maps and some trophies?
Games companies and console manufacturers are bleeding people dry. Recession, what recession.
People stop buying this stuff and they will stop making it. This kind of thing should be in the box/on the disc when you buy the game initially for £40-£45.
Disgusting.
21
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:48 pm by sterushton
Oh and as a reward for being a mug PS3 users get to spend their money one week early. Aah gee thanks.
22
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:50 pm by Catkiller1
@ sterushton
UMMMMMMMM, this was in the box when bought initially!!
23
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:51 pm by shedboy90
@catkiller1
ah ur on a computer lol
24
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:51 pm by TehPhilosopher
Do you have any plans to bring back some of the elements encouraging and rewarding teamplay in BF2? I was disappointed that they were entirely dumbed down in BF3, and won’t be buying any DLC until that’s fixed.
25
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:54 pm by Catkiller1
I know what you’re saying though as every game should have stuff like that.
From a business point of view, they have to make money & releasing additional content adds to the longevity of the title imo!
This isn’t a simple map pack & they’ve worked hard on this! I agree when it’s stupid things like, costume unlocks, characters/fighters etc. CAPCOM & Activision are the worst for being cashcows!
26
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:54 pm by green_shorts
At the bottom it says
you can buy it for £11.99/€14.99 starting tomorrow, from the game’s in-game store or from the PlayStation Store.
i thought it was released next tuesday?
27
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:57 pm by TehPhilosopher
Oh, yeah, and as if the dubmed down teamplay controls weren’t enough of a slap in the face, you release a game with entirely borked VOIP. IT’S A TEAMPLAY GAME [DELETED].
I’m still proud to be a Nordic, but what happened to Nordic quality control? Even Housemarque dropped the ball with their DLC which had gamebreaking lag.
28
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 3:58 pm by bifik3234
If someone bought digital version from store, does he has to enter redeem code too? Because i didnt got any. Tho in my profile in services list when i choose battlefield it says limited edition.
29
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 4:47 pm by dgnfly
plz fix the mortar it´s annoying and also the scout bot for sniper cause it´s hard 2 kill. and annoying when they just use it 2 get kills.
30
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 4:49 pm by dgnfly
and 2 all dumb COD fanboys now this is what i call DLC instead off some stupid map packs that activision releases for 15 bucks.
31
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 4:53 pm by Catkiller1
@ dgnfly
Just use a Stinger against the MAV, 1 hit destroyed!
Mortar is annoying, as alot of people constantly SPAM it! I believe the issue has been addressed on the PC? EA/DICE, you need to reduce the Mortar, to 5 shells only & the only way to replace them is, with a fresh life & not through Ammo packs!
32
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 5:03 pm by Ultima-Genesis
whinge whinge whinge, that is seriously all i seem to see on this blog of late. Catkiller1 is right its not just a map pack its an expansion pack, and anything that adds to the awesomness that is BF3 goes down as 5 stars in my book
33
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 5:21 pm by RedeyedRonin
yeah yeah FIX THE VOIP! oh and BATTLELOG PSN STILL AN ISSUE IM SICK OF BEING TOLD TO BUY BF3 ARHHHHHHH
34
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 6:29 pm by X-KILLIMANJARO-X
Nice game!
35
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 7:24 pm by frodouk
Awesome stuff. People saying this game has no comms are mental! It does – yes, they can be a bit hit and miss but they are there and work most times.
Clearly needs a patch though, and EA/DICE are sorting it.
36
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 7:36 pm by marcindpol
Best Multiplayer game ever made!, COD can suck donkey balls…
37
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 7:41 pm by Dan1428
Mr.Rydling should you release a post saying how to get 1943 for free? i only just found out on ign how to do it. and a lot of people might miss out :L
38
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 8:19 pm by Stonesthrow
Hell yes, 2142 was my favorite BF and shooter, but Karkand has to be one of my favorite BF maps in general..
39
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 8:52 pm by giro_John
can’t wait i enjoy playing this more than cod4 and that’s saying something. well done dice on a great game don’t listen to the cod fan boys they got no skills
40
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 9:10 pm by judgehusler
@Dan1428
here we go 1943redemption.battlefield.com
41
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 10:22 pm by TitManSoldier
Scuse me why would u trade over a minor problemm????!!!!!!!! They will fix it. Pathetic really i dont get why everyone is using the word cod. Imm into this bad im gettin it free because of limited edition of course. Gona be a memorable moment in the game!
42
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 10:41 pm by craigbravo
shhhush u cod whingers why you on this blog if Ur just comparing the two games and complaining, we r talking bf3
43
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 11:08 pm by BodoBlaze
Nice1!
Check out my uploads, search 4 BodoBlaze on YouTube
44
Posted on 2 December, 2011 at 11:48 pm by krazyyungwun
fantastic dlc!!! Activision should learn a lesson from EA & DICE this is how you treat your fans!! 4maps, 10 weapons, challenges to unlock them, 5 trophies absolutely awesome
Cannot wait!!!
Bf3= epic
45
Posted on 3 December, 2011 at 12:28 am by krazyyungwun
oh and 3 vehicles I forgot to mention!! Or is it 4? Lol epic!!
46
Posted on 3 December, 2011 at 12:41 am by dgnfly
@Catkiller1
i was playing on a an asian server and those guys move fast with a MAV not a easy thing with the stinger. o ya some website say use the MAV 2 take down mortars in spawn but i hope they just make it impossible 2 use it in spawn.
47
Posted on 3 December, 2011 at 12:55 am by dieselmonster
NEW WEAPONS….CAN’T WAIT TO MEET THEM
)))) BOOYAAAAA
48
Posted on 3 December, 2011 at 1:17 am by TehPhilosopher
For all those saying EA/DICE is treating their customers better than Activision: you get 4 maps which are redone – so there’s very limited new and original content for fifteen euros.
And VOIP is still broken. In a teamplay. Since beta.
49
Posted on 3 December, 2011 at 3:00 am by skin08
sounds good but I’m not paying that
50
Posted on 3 December, 2011 at 3:00 am by skin08
sounds good but I’m not paying that
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