'Battlefield 1' Apocalypse DLC gameplay, release date news: Five new maps and aerial combat mode coming soon

A promotional photo for the "Apocalypse" expansion of "Battlefield 1"Facebook/battlefield

"Battlefield 1" is about to get more intense with the new downloadable content (DLC) called Apocalypse. The expansion comes with a set of new maps, a new combat mode, and a whole load of other improvements from game developer DICE.

The five new maps coming to the World War I shooter include Passchendaele, a once quiet countryside in Belgium; Caporetto, the mountain trenches near the Isonzo River; and River Somme, the once scenic wheat fields turned hell. All three are for land battles.

As Apocalypse introduces a new mode for aeriel combat, it also reveals two new maps dedicated only for such battles. Razor's Edge brings players to "frantic dogfights" along snowy peaks, while London Calling takes knights aerial clashes above the British capital.

In the new air assault game mode, "knights of the skies" will be involved in a "flurry of dogfights that could include a climactic face-off with airships."

The expansion also comes with new sets of weapons, such as meat cleaver, prybar and RSC SMG, weapons that players can use on "desperate times" or when the enemies are getting too close and personal. A stationary weapon also comes in the form the all-new Livens Projector, which can be used to smother enemies with poisonous gas.

Apocalypse is bound to make "Battlefield 1" fights more high-tech with new gadgets, which will come alongside Hansa Brandenburg GI and Airco DH10 aircraft bombers.

For the upcoming DLC, players should be ready to take on new assignments and tackle a new Afflictions specialization type, specifically made for pros.

Apocalypse, which encourages players to enter a "living hell and participate in the most brutal battles of the cataclysmic great war," is the fourth expansion to "Battlefield 1." It will be available sometime in February for anyone who owns a Battlefield Premium Pass. Those who do not have this yet can purchase for $50.