Battlefield 1: In The Name Of The Tsar is the second major downloadable content expansion for the acclaimed World War I shooter, bringing a dramatic shift to the Eastern Front. Released on September 18, 2017, this expansion focuses heavily on the Russian Imperial Army and the turbulent events leading up to the Russian Revolution. The DLC introduces six new maps, two new classes, a fresh game mode, and significant historical depth to the base game, earning a Metacritic score of 82.00 for its ambitious scope and execution.

Gameplay and New Mechanics in Battlefield 1: In The Name Of The Tsar

The expansion fundamentally alters infantry combat with the introduction of two distinct classes. The Hussar class brings cavalry back to the battlefield with evolved movement options, allowing players to charge enemies wielding a lance. Additionally, the DLC features the Russian Scout, representing the notorious Women's Battalion of Death. This marks the first time female soldiers are playable in Battlefield multiplayer history, offering a unique perspective on the conflict.

New gameplay dynamics are centered around the Supply Drop mode, set on the Eastern Front. Teams must fight for control of airdrops that deliver powerful weapons, encouraging aggressive play to outgun opponents. The arsenal is expanded with 11 new weapons and stationary coastal gun batteries for defensive positioning. Vehicles also receive a major update, including the Ilya-Muromets Heavy Bomber, the Putilov-Garford Heavy Armored Car, and the Y-Lighter Landing Craft for strategic spawning.

Story and Operations

Battlefield 1: In The Name Of The Tsar offers two epic Operations that drive the narrative forward:

  • Brusilov Offensive: Set in Eastern Front 1916, this operation recreates General Aleksei Brusilov's large-scale breakthrough plan against the Central Powers. Players fight as the Russian Army or Austro-Hungarian forces across the countryside of Galicia before pushing into the mountain town of Brusilov Keep, where a railroad allows for intense comeback mechanics.
  • Red Tide: Taking place in 1919 during the height of the Russian Revolution, this operation pits the communist Red Army against the tsarist White Army. The campaign begins in the vast, snow-covered Volga River map and concludes in Tsaritsyn, depicting the brutal civil war spilling blood on Russian soil.

Notable Maps and Features

The DLC adds six new maps that showcase verticality and diverse terrain:

  • Lupkow Pass: A snow-capped hillside battle between Austro-Hungarian forces and the Russian Imperial Army, emphasizing vertical combat.
  • Albion: Features a massive invasion scenario on the Baltic peninsula.
  • Galicia: The primary battleground for the Brusilov Offensive.
  • Volga River: A ruined rural battleground set in a snow-covered countryside with views of Tsaritsyn.
  • Tsaritsyn: The climatic map where Bolsheviks and Imperials clash in the Red Tide finale.
  • Brusilov Keep: A tight village engagement centered around a railroad track.

Platform Availability and Target Audience

This expansion is available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. It can be purchased individually for $15/£12 or obtained as part of the game's Premium Pass. The content appeals to fans of large-scale military shooters, World War I history enthusiasts, and players seeking to experience the dramatic transition from imperial conflict to civil war through the lens of the Russian faction.