DICE and Electronic Arts (EA) have finally laid out the details for Battlefield 2042’s long-awaited first season, titled Zero Hour. After months of waiting, players can expect a sizable update arriving in early June, which brings with it a new map set in the Canadian Rockies, a fresh Specialist built for vehicle hunting, new weapons, and two stealth helicopters. For the first time, the game will also introduce a Battle Pass system.
Key Takeaways
- New Map: Exposure, available to all players.
- New Specialist: Ewelina Lis, an expert in tracking and destroying vehicles.
- New Hardware: Two weapons, the Ghostmaker R10 Crossbow and the BSV-M Marksman Rifle, plus two stealth gunships.
- Battle Pass: A 100-tier progression system, with gameplay content included on the free track.
New Battlefield and Specialist
At the heart of Season 1 is Exposure, a new map set high in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This battlefield leans heavily on verticality, with battles stretching from towering cliffs to deep valleys and indoor facilities. Players will clash around a damaged research center, with combat ranging from long-distance sniper duels to chaotic close quarters encounters in tight tunnels and server rooms.
Also joining the fight is Ewelina Lis, a new Polish Specialist who focuses entirely on anti-armor combat. She carries the G-84 TGM, a player-guided missile that gives squads a new way to deal with enemy vehicles. Her passive trait, Armor Hunter, automatically highlights damaged vehicles on the battlefield, making her an invaluable pick against heavy armor. Lis can be unlocked for free through the Battle Pass.
Fresh Weapons and Vehicles
Season 1 is also expanding the sandbox with new tools for players to master. The Ghostmaker R10 Crossbow is a silent but deadly option for close to mid-range combat, while the BSV-M Marksman Rifle provides a flexible suppressed weapon for longer-range precision.
The skies will see two new additions as well. The RAH-68 Huron and YG-99 Hannibal are stealth helicopters built for two players. Both aircraft feature stealth technology to stay hidden from enemy mini maps, along with defensive countermeasures to keep them alive longer in hostile airspace.
Every gameplay-focused addition, including Lis, the weapons, and the vehicles, will be available on the free tiers of the new 100-level Battle Pass. Players who opt for the Premium version will gain access to cosmetic extras such as character skins, weapon charms, and player cards. According to DICE, this setup is designed to avoid splitting the community while still giving players new rewards to chase.
For Battlefield 2042, which launched back in late 2021 to a wave of criticism and player feedback, this marks a significant turning point. Season 1 may not answer every concern fans have raised, but it signals that the developers are committed to gradually rebuilding the game’s reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When does Battlefield 2042 Season 1 start?
A. Season 1: Zero Hour is scheduled to launch in early June 2022.
Q. Is the new map free for all players?
A. Yes, the Exposure map is free for everyone who owns Battlefield 2042.
Q. How do I unlock the new Specialist, Ewelina Lis?
A. You can unlock Ewelina Lis by reaching a specific tier in the free track of the Season 1 Battle Pass.
Q. Are the new weapons and vehicles free?
A. Yes, the Ghostmaker R10 Crossbow, BSV-M Marksman Rifle, and the new stealth helicopters are all unlockable through the free tiers of the Battle Pass.
Q. What is included in the premium Battle Pass?
A. The premium Battle Pass contains exclusive cosmetic items, such as Legendary skins for Specialists and weapons, player cards, weapon charms, and Takedowns. It does not contain any gameplay-affecting items.
