The Stadium was once a secondary point of interest with sporadic combat within Hourglass. On April 30, it becomes the point of interest as Stadium returns as a standalone infantry-only map!
Let’s venture back to last year, and how the team worked to bring it back.
A PLACE OF TRIBUTE
Released alongside Update 5.2, Hourglass represented the final rework of our launch map offering. It brought with it improvements to flow and cover, and included new locations and capture points.
As part of this rework process, and to meet our goal of increased pathing, cover, and flow throughout the map, we removed Stadium as a flag location within Hourglass. As a result, this allowed us to create new areas across the entirety of Hourglass to create a better overall gameplay experience.
Once the reworked version of Hourglass launched, it was clear through feedback from many of you that we weren’t done with Stadium just yet.
We soon decided to bring it back not only to say thank you for your patience as we underwent the rework process of some of our base locations on Battlefield 2042, but also to meet your request for more infantry-only maps.
FAMILIAR SANDS. NEW OPPORTUNITY.
With Stadium also releasing during Season 7: Turning Point, we wanted to ensure it contrasted Haven, this Season’s brand new map, which focused on urban warfare and combined arms. That means we decided to make Stadium an infantry-only experience, which also fits well with its overall layout and already existing gameplay opportunities.
Within the map itself there is also a contrast between open outdoor spaces, and further linear close-quarters combat scenarios. For you as a player this opens up the opportunity to use different weapon ranges, and utilize new routes and access points to your encounters with enemies.
As a final contrast, this will also make Stadium stand out from Redacted, our other infantry-only focused map within our roster.
EXPLORING THE STADIUM.
Alongside its gameplay flow, we also improved lighting across the Stadium, and its flags have received improved visuals.
BEFORE
AFTER
We’ve also added cover and line-of-sight blockers that fit within the themes of each flag. For example, we expanded the Promenade’s exterior with more structures that match the architecture of the Stadium itself alongside a clear military presence buildup in the location.
The new areas of cover we added across the different floors of the Stadium also offer many new opportunities for gameplay. In place of the elevators you’ll now see ziplines, which provide better pacing and navigation throughout the floors.
But cover is only one side of the coin when it comes to the core tenets of a map, flow is even more vital. Stadium will therefore feature additional entrances to ensure multiple routes to tackle any military buildup that may await you inside.
PLAYING THE OBJECTIVE.
To turn the Stadium into an infantry-only level and suited for sustained combat, we also needed to increase the amount of objectives that exist on modes such as Conquest, with the ultimate goal to ensure that each area feels distinctive and unique to the next.
BEFORE
AFTER
Within this new flow of objectives you’ll find that the exterior will result in you fighting through the Promenade and into the Entrance. The interior area now consists of the Weapon Cache, Supply Depot and the Surveillance Network objective locations.
Promenade
The promenade presents the first challenge in your journey to conquer the Stadium. Its open space will test the skill for those who prefer mid to long-range combat. You’ll find cover by moving around the park structures, and by using the broken truck to protect yourself from enemy fire while fighting those who expose themselves on top of the stairs.
Entrance
As you make your way into the fortified entrance you’ll find danger lurking behind the barricades, the overlooking balconies and the stairs. It’s up to you to decide how you’ll navigate through the several entry points and make your way to the core of the building, towards the Weapon Cache and Supply Depot.
Weapon Cache
The heat of an infantry-only map builds up as you progress towards the Weapon Cache, expect intense close-quarters combat as soon as you’ve made it into the interior of the Stadium. Cover throughout the corridors will protect you as you try to claim control over the top floors.
Supply Depot
An additional path along the stands can be used for long range shots, or to flank your enemies. You’ll also find the Weapon Cache and Supply Depot placed close to each other, and combat will be intense as you and the enemy fight for dominance of these locations. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled on the ziplines!
Surveillance Network
The floor is filled with servers that once helped with gathering intel data for a variety of Arkangel’s projects. Now these servers are used as cover from the enemy. Move around using the multiple stairs and elevator shafts, or drop from the floor above to initiate a surprise attack. Just be sure to keep your shotgun ready.
A FINAL COMMENT…
With the standalone version of Stadium on its way we want to say: Thank you. Your continued support throughout the Seasons of Battlefield 2042 means a lot to the team. When you step foot on the familiar sands of the Stadium and play through its battle-torn halls, we hope that you’ll enjoy playing it.
//The Battlefield Team
This announcement may change as we listen to community feedback and continue developing and evolving our Live Service & Content. We will always strive to keep our community as informed as possible.