When Battlefield 5 launches in November, three of the game’s four War Stories will be included. The fourth will come to the game for free in December. DICE released the first official trailer and gameplay footage earlier this week for the game’s War Stories; now, the studio has given fans additional details of the three War Stories which will feature at launch. The first of these is Nordlys.
Battlefield 5 War Stories: Nordlys
Nordlys takes place in Norway, while the country is under Nazi occupation, and the mission places an emphasis firmly on stealth; “Under the green hue of the Northern Lights and hidden among the Norwegian mountains, something dangerous is being built,” says DICE; “something that could dramatically alter the direction of World War 2.”
Players will play as a Norwegian resistance fighter by the name of Solveig. Her mother is in the hands of the Nazis, and in addition to rescuing her, she is also setting out to sabotage the German plans in the region. The story features two intertwining drives; Solveig’s fight to free Norway, and her fight to keep her family alive; “This is a tale of resistance, family and sacrifice in the Scandinavian peaks” says Eric Holmes, Design Director for the Battlefield 5 War Stories; “You’re a guerrilla fighter that terrifies the local German garrison while trying to rescue a member of the resistance.”
According to the Cinematic Director, Pelle Hallert, the story is particularly compelling; “We are trying to tell players an untold story,” he explains; “I’m not sure how many are familiar with the heavy water production in Norway and what actually went on there. But it was important for the Germans and the resistance fighters who actually put up their lives in order to eliminate or destroy this heavy water.”
Nordlys’ Style of Gameplay
As DICE has explained, the War Stories are seen as a method of preparing players for the game’s multiplayer. As a result, players can approach Nordlys’ challenges in several different ways. Of all of the Battlefield 5 classes, this mission feels most akin to the Recon’s style of play; players will need to utilise stealth and care as they approach their objective; “It’s very much about not being seen,” says Eric Holmes; “striking fast, and moving quickly.”
Fortunately, Solveig can make use of skis to travel rapidly. She also carries two throwing knives for taking down enemies silently, even while skiing. She will also face unique threats, however, with the cold being the most distinctive; players risk hypothermia as they play and must move to and from sources of heat in order to stay warm.