Welcome to another edition of our development update series. In this edition, we're diving into the two core game modes that define the tactical experience of '83: Frontlines and Assault.
Each mode offers a distinct take on large-scale, objective-driven warfare, built to encourage coordination, strategic thinking, and squad-level tactics.
Frontlines
Frontlines is a dynamic, two-way mode where teams battle to control a linear sequence of objectives stretching across the map.
Each team begins with a fortified home base positioned at opposite ends of the battlefield. These bases serve as key infantry and vehicle spawn locations, and represent each side's final line of defence. Spawn protection prevents enemies from entering or attacking inside these bases, ensuring players always have a safe fallback.
A real-time frontline system overlays the map in the overhead UI, visually showing territorial control. This line also dictates where Squad Leaders and Commanders can place spawn points. If the front shifts and a rally point ends up behind enemy lines, it will be automatically removed.
At match start, both teams hold an equal number of objectives, with a neutral zone in between. Objectives must be captured in a strict linear order, no skipping or flanking rear positions directly. However, branching paths allow for alternate routes and tactical manoeuvres.
Respawn tickets are shared by the team. Every time a player respawns, one ticket is consumed. Certain roles, like Squad Leaders or Commanders, may consume additional tickets. When tickets are depleted, that team can no longer respawn.
Matches are also time-limited. If neither side completes the objective chain before the timer runs out, fallback win conditions determine the victor.
Spawning is multi-layered. Players can respawn at:
Their home base
Any friendly-held objective
Rally Points placed by Squad Leaders
Command Posts placed by the Commander
However, spawn proximity is affected by nearby enemies. Spawns will shift further back if contested, preventing spawn camping.
Commanders play a critical role in Frontlines. They earn resources (fuel and munitions) from objectives linked to their home base. These are spent on powerful off-map abilities, turning every held zone into a strategic asset.
Assault
Assault mode offers a more asymmetric experience where one team attacks through a sequence of objectives while the other defends.
Inspired by the classic Territories mode from Rising Storm, this game mode features a one-directional flow from the attackers’ base to the defenders’ last position.
Both teams retain home bases, but in Assault, only vehicle crews can spawn there.
Objectives are captured in a linear chain. Once captured, an objective is locked and the next one becomes active. Occasionally, multiple objectives may be active simultaneously, attackers must capture all of them to progress.
Respawn tickets once again play a vital role. Vehicle losses and certain specialist roles consume more tickets. If a team is fully eliminated after running out of respawns, they lose the round.
The map layout ensures fighting is focused around the active objectives. Players cannot push too far ahead, keeping battles intense and contained. If time expires, defenders win, unless the final objective is being actively contested, which triggers overtime until the fight is resolved.
Assault mode is played in two rounds, with each team switching roles. Victory is awarded to the team that wins both rounds, or to the team that progresses furthest if each side wins one.
Together, Frontlines and Assault provide complementary experiences: one emphasising fluid, back-and-forth momentum, the other delivering relentless offensive pressure and heroic last stands.
Both modes demand communication, teamwork, and smart tactical play, and we can’t wait to see how you take them on in Early Access.
Stay tuned to our channels to not miss upcoming Developer Tapes on our road to Early Access Launch.
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