Introduction
by David Hutchison | Last Updated: April 29, 2006
Chaotic and intense multiplayer missions lie at the heart of
Battlefield, regardless of whether you are playing the PC or console version
of the game. The Xbox 360 edition of Battlefield features 16 multiplayer maps
and support for up to 24 players online.
The multiplayer game modes include:
conquest (double assault, assault, and head on) and capture the flag.
Special thanks goes to EA for their Battlefield intelligence
tool. The maps
below were captured using this software.
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Backstab
Multiplayer
Mode: Head On
Factions: US and MEC
This is a desert city map. Both sides start on the outskirts
of town and fight their way into the interior of the city center. The Backstab
map has emerged as a fan favorite, partially because of the challenge posed by
the Mosque and Townhall controls points (4 and 5) at
the center of the city. Save for a well executed helicopter drop, both are only
accessible through the interior of their buildings. Capturing and then defending
these two flags is very often the key to victory, but retaining control of the
flags on the outskirts of town is just as important.
Bridge Too Far
Multiplayer
Mode: Head On
Factions: US and China
This is a hybrid urban combat/industrial complex map. A crumpling
highway overpass evenly divides the two sides of the battlefield. With both
sides fighting for control of the overpass (and nearby assets) from the outside
in, the fight is clearly for the battlefield's interior spaces. This
map favors long to medium range combat. Make good use of the vehicles for quickly
moving troops between control points and mine the highway in an
effort to cut off the most common avenues of enemy approach. Line of sight for
snipers is also excellent on this map as there is plenty of overwatch coverage
on the roofs of buildings and in shadowed locations.
Further reading: "Bridge Too Far" Battlefield
Analysis
Cold Front
Multiplayer Mode: Head On
Factions: EU and Chinese
This is a rural winter map that features widely spaced apart
control points. Given the great distances between
the control points on this map, the use of vehicles for transporting troops between
engagement areas is a must. The tri-fold task of both sides is to evenly spread
their forces as they capture, secure, and defend as many flags as possible. The
Cold Front map is also a perfect training ground for snipers who can practice
long distance shots to no end. The lone soldier who trudges through the snow
to the next target is at the mercy of the enemy snipers who lie in wait.
Dammage
Multiplayer Mode: Double Assault
Factions: US and Chinese
A flooded city is the water logged context for this battle which
features boats and amphibious vehicles as it's stars. Although the on foot soldier
can quickly make his way through the waist high water
in the city center, both sides start on the outskirts of town where the water
level is at it's highest. The U.S. should endeavor to secure the Dead End (4)
control point early on. The Chinese forces should rush to the Parking Lot (2)
control point via the only remaining bridge. Since even the starting control
points are convertible, both sides should leave two or three soldiers behind
to defend their respective bases.
Deadly Pass
Multiplayer Mode: Head On
Factions: US and MEC
This is a desert town map that is strikingly similar in context
to the popular Backstab map. As the fight begins, both sides start on the outskirts
of town and race to secure the town's interior control points.
As with the Backstab map, the strategic deployment of both infantry soldiers
and armored vehicles is very often the key to victory. As always, capturing
a flag is only the first step. Successfully defending it from enemy attack is
just as important, especially since each flag on this map poses it's own unique
defensive challenges.
Frostbite
Multiplayer
Mode: Head On
Factions: US and Chinese
A rural winter map is the setting for this head on battle
which features fast traveling snowmobiles among other vehicles. The battle
opens with a head on rush to the nearest spawns points along a fairly linear
path. In addition to capturing the closest flags, both sides should leap frog
the closest flags in order to contest the all important Control Point 3. This
flag lies at the very center of the map. It is also closest to the command
computer. But be aware. The mountain ridge overlooking Flag 3 is a favored camping
spot of snipers.
Full Frontal
Multiplayer Mode: Head On
Factions: US and MEC
Close quarters combat in the heart of a city at night is the
context for this battle in which every bombed out building offers a fleeting
moment of cover and concealment. Each soldier's skill in handling his assault
weapon and finding cover quickly is a major
determinant of the outcome of this battle. On this of all maps,
soldiers should be checking their corners, backing each other up in teams
of two or three, and proceeding cautiously across the battlefield, deploying
smoke and grenades as warranted.
Harbor Edge
Multiplayer Mode: Double Assault
Factions: US and Chinese
This is a night time industrial complex map in which every control
point is contestable. As the fight begins, two bridges separate the opposing
sides. Most of the firefights on this map center around control and overwatch
of the two bridges since this map features no aircraft or boats for transporting
troops between the two water-divided sides (nor the ability to swim across the
waterway and up a flight of stairs). Tucked away in a pitch black location, snipers
can have a field day on this map. Tanks can also rule the night,
especially when strategically deployed and backed up by infantry.
Hidden
Multiplayer
Mode: Assault
Factions: US and Chinese
A Chinese controlled island is the setting for this battle in
which the U.S. attempts to infiltrate and capture four island control points,
including a subterranean submarine dock (5). At the outset of this battle, the
Americans should use the helicopters and boats at their mainland base to transport
as many troops as possible to two or three of the island flags. To counter
this offensive maneuver, the Chinese forces should hunker down and assume a defensive
posture that anticipates and tracks the enemies' opening moves.
Honor
Multiplayer Mode: Head On
Factions: US and Chinese
This is a rural map that features four convertible control points
separated by hilly forested areas and wide waterways. With the only helicopter,
the U.S. forces have the clear advantage at the outset of this battle. They should
use this airpower advantage to transport their troops to as many of the control
points as possible. To counter this advantage, the Chinese should take control
of the Ancient Temple (5) and Fishing Village (4) early on. An air strike should
become available soon after the latter control point is secured.
Little Big Eye
Multiplayer
Mode: Head On
Factions: US and Chinese
A long strip of rough terrain surrounded on two sides by rolling
hills is the setting for this linear head on battle. As the match begins, both
sides should deploy their best drivers to rush to the two nearest control points.
Snipers and other infantry soldiers can follow close behind or instead make their
way along the perimeter of the map in an effort to flank the enemy or bypass
an enemy controlled flag all together. Once a flag is captured, overwatch it
from afar using snipers and special ops soldiers (armed with a C4 detonator).
Missile Crisis
Multiplayer Mode: Assault
Factions: EU and Chinese
The EU troops are charged with assaulting and infiltrating a
missile base that is located behind a seemingly impenetrable gate. As the battle
begins, the EU forces must force their way into the missile complex on foot
via the elevated pathways that run along either side of the road. Only then can
they trigger the switch (on the Western side) that opens the gate, thus enabling
their armored vehicles to venture into the missile complex. To counter this effort,
the Chinese should deploy their full forces to the task of defending the gate
and nearby control point at all costs.
Russian Border
Multiplayer Mode: Head On
Factions: EU and Chinese
This is an industrial complex winter map that features a balance
of infantry and vehicular tactics. The roadways and open spaces are wide enough
to accommodate heavy tank battles, but there are also numerous flights of stairs
and interior spaces that make for some engaging infantry firefights,
both close up and from afar (and above). In positioning their troops, both sides
should take full advantage of the numerous catwalks and nooks and crannies that
populate the larger buildings.
Special Op
Multiplayer Mode: Assault
Factions: US and Chinese
This is rural map in which the U.S. forces are charged with the
task of capturing four inland control points plus a nearby island control point.
Helicopter drop offs and water craft incursions are called for in this battle,
but there is also plenty of infantry action in the island interior as the two
sides vie for control of each flag.
The Black Gold
Multiplayer
Mode: Assault
Factions: US and MEC
This is a night time incursion in which an off shore
oil rig is assaulted by U.S. forces. For the U.S., the key to victory lies in
the effective deployment of the three helicopters at their mainland starting
base. Use them to drop off troops and barrage the two offshore oil platforms
from the air. The oil rig can also be accessed by boat for a more stealthy approach.
Virtual soldiers who know no equal when it comes to daytime fighting are
humbled by this map which tests a wargamer's nighttime close quarter fighting
capability like no other. Rely on the infrared vision of the
scoped sub-machine gun (among other weapons) to gain the advantage in pitch
black firefights.
The Nest
Multiplayer Mode: Head On
Factions: US and MEC
A drawbridge separates the U.S. base from the rest of the
battlefield in this hybrid desert/urban map. Control over the mechanism that
raises and lowers the bridge is key to the U.S. forces chances of capturing the
four control points via ground vehicles. The American and MEC forces also have
access to two attack helicopters each making this map a battle of the air
as well.
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