DICE showcases new crossbow weapon in Battlefield 3: Aftermath trailer

One of the biggest new features to make its debut in the upcoming DLC (downloadable content) for Battlefield 3 – titled Aftermath – is the new crossbow as a usable weapon. DICE has released a video for the DLC showing the various uses of the crossbow, along with the different kinds of bolts it uses.

The crossbow is described by DICE as a weapon made with salvage parts – the weapon of a survivor. The weapon is shown to be incredibly versatile, with uses ranging from regular killing, to taking out vehicles like helicopters with well-aimed shots and explosive bolts. Most of the versatility of the weapon comes from the fact that it can have any scope attached to it, as well as the different kinds of bolts you get to use for it.

The different bolts for the weapon include the regular bolt, which is good for close to medium range, a bolt that sweeps a small area and spots enemies for you, as well as an explosive bolt that can take out enemy infantry and vehicles with a bang.

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DICE had recently revealed details about a new game mode that will be making its way into the Aftermath DLC. DICE producer Craig Mcleod gave an introduction to Aftermath’s new mode. “Scavenger really is born out of the Aftermath theme. We wanted the players to feel like, ‘I’ve just been trapped in this earthquake and I’m not going to have all of my equipment, I’m not going to have everything I used to have.’ So you are literally rising up with a pistol, a grenade and a specialisation.”

The crossbow is shaping up to be a very versatile weapon

Mcleod stresses on the importance of exploration of the map and finding new equipment to help you survive. Weapons are going to be tiered in this DLC, with the lowest tier being occupied by sub-machine guns. These will be easy to find near safehouses. “But as you go up through the levels to level three, then you’re really going to have to risk your life to get them.”

EA has recently released a trailer for Battlefield 3: Aftermath. The trailer mentions several new features coming along with Aftermath, including a new Game Mode, new weapon - weapons including a crossbow, urban warfare, new vehicles, new assignments to unlock more weapons, post-earthquake environments, new achievements, and four new maps. Set amongst the shattered districts, streets and surrounding villages of a post-earthquake Tehran, Battlefield 3: Aftermath depicts a continuing struggle for supremacy and survival amongst the devastation.

With operational capacity severely compromised, the opposing forces must adapt and engage in vertical and horizontal urban combat amongst the dust and rubble, with cracks and fissures in the terrain providing unexpected cover and paths to objectives. Additional support comes in the form of heavily modified troop transports and civilian vehicles specially adapted to deliver deadly force to the enemy.

Battlefield 3: Aftermath is set to release in December 2012.