'Battlefield 1' DLC release date news: EA previews 'They Shall Not Pass' maps and weapons via concept images

Electronic Arts has begun promoting the first expansion for "Battlefield 1" titled "They Shall Not Pass" set to arrive in March 2017. The game developer released several images that preview the upcoming downloadable content (DLC) for the first-person shooter video game.

In a blog post, EA DICE released the concept exploration images of the "They Shall Not Pass" DLC. These images give a glimpse of the studio's vision and of what players can expect when the expansion is released. According to the developer, players will be exposed to charred landscapes, muddy trenches and close-quarter environments.

The forthcoming expansion is set during the Battle of Verdun, also known as Devil's Anvil, which took place in France from Feb. 21 to Dec. 18, 1916. It is considered as the longest and costliest battle not just during World War I but in the entire human history. Almost 40 million artillery shells were said to have been fired over the course of the battle. As a result of the long-running skirmish, there were massive forest fires around the city and battlefields and villages like Samogneux were destroyed. In "They Shall Not Pass," players will be able to experience the attacks made in the cold February of 1916.

The first "Battlefield 1" DLC will include new maps, weapons and a playable French Army faction. Unfortunately, no other specific details were announced. However, the developer did say that "Battlefield 1" players will be treated to a new kind of gaming experience that has yet to be explored in the game.

Players who purchase the Premium Pass ($49.99) will gain a two-week early access to all four expansions, starting with "They Shall Not Pass" in March 2017. It also comes with priority server access, 16 new multiplayer maps, 20 new weapons and unique dog tags, among others. Furthermore, players will gain 14 free Superior Battlepacks which increase their odds of gaining extra rare weapon skins.

"Battlefield 1" is now available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows PC.