about 5 years ago - The Battlefield team - Direct link

Welcome back to the battlefield that started it all. Welcome back to Wake Island.

As Chapter 5: War in the Pacific continues, we’re now deploying our reimagination of what is arguably the most iconic Battlefield map ever. As you fight for control over land, air, and sea on this horseshoe-shaped classic, we hope you’ll enjoy both the nostalgia and the new improvements.

Wake Island will be set live for all players on December 12.

PTFO like it’s 2002 – read the interview with Producer Lars Gustavsson, sharing insight into the original Wake Island.

On Wake Island, you’ll get up-close, attack straight on, or flank the enemy using amphibious vehicles. Just as on the original map, the open sandbox design offers multiple approaches to any situation whether you're invading or defending.

Wake Island at a Glance

Units:

  • Infantry 
  • Aircraft 
  • Vehicles   
  • Boats

Size:

  • Medium

Tempo:

  • Fast (Breakthrough mode)
  • Slow (Conquest mode)

Playstyle

Wake Island caters to air/sea/land warfare, as well as different tempos based on which game mode you’re playing. Breakthrough provides fast-paced action, while Conquest Assault lets you experience the classic, more slow-placed version of Battlefield.

Due to the scale of the map, players can find more or less action based on where on the island they are. All flags have been designed for close-quarters combat, while the spaces between the flags have been designed for slower-paced gameplay. There are locations on the maps which are suited for the Recon class as well but have been balanced with a high risk, high reward design in mind.

Breakthrough Sectors and Capture Points

Let’s go through the main sections of Wake Island. The Capture Points (or flags) listed below are based on Breakthrough but will give you a good sense of the surroundings for any mode. Breakthrough on Wake is a great combination and will see you advance from a lush, welcoming space to a more dry, industrial area as the match progresses.

Capture Point A: Hotel

Along with the Barracks, this partially constructed establishment will be part of the first sector in Breakthrough. Players landing at Peal Island will find defined lanes to help make their way safely to the Hotel.

Defenders have two coastal guns and an AA gun to help them hold off the attackers. They also can find good sniping locations on the higher floors of the Hotel. They do need to keep in mind that most of the Hotel is destructible which includes the floors and walls.

Capture Point B: Barracks

From the Hotel, players will cross a bridge that will take them to the Barracks, which existed on the real-life island. This is where most of the residents of Wake Island would live.

The defenders have more breathing room on this flag with the Barracks providing cover from the attackers. They also get an AA gun to keep the enemy planes at bay. Snipers will find a conveniently located water tower at the back of the Barracks.

Capture Point C: Hangar

After taking the first sector, the attackers make their way to the Hangar. On the actual island, there was a proper terminal building here, which we have skipped in favor of a Hangar.

To get there, attackers first need to break through the trench built into the hill. On the hill, defenders will also find an AA gun. This hill is Wake Island’s highest landmass and defenders can use it to prevent enemies from accessing the Hangar. Once the trench falls, defenders will have to fall back to the Hangar and set up Fortifications, especially the tank traps, to prevent enemy tanks from entering. Defenders can make their way to the top of the Hangar to get a high ground advantage. Keep in mind that the roof is destructible.

Capture Point D: Ammo Depot

The next sector once again features two flags, Ammo Depot and Oil Tanks. As the name suggests, this is where all the Ammo is stored and yes, they do go boom. Defenders will find two AA guns at this spot. Attackers can get to the top of radio tower and get a good overview of the defenders.

Capture Point E: Oil Tanks

On the second flag of the third sector, you’ll fight in an area designed for the storage of airplane fuel. This is a tight, close-quarter combat flag, which can change the tide for this sector. Attackers can flank and capture this control point, effectively trapping the defenders at the Ammo Depot. Snipers can find a great location on top of the Oil Tanks.

Capture Point F: Dock

The final flag in Breakthrough. There is a trench in front of the docks which can be used by defenders to halt the attackers’ progress. Snipers on the defenders’ team will also find a tower at the entrance of the docks. The attackers will have to break through the trench to make any progress into the sector. They also have access to boats to flank from either side.

Five Tips for Success on Wake Island

Straight from the developers of the map, here are some great pointers on how to succeed with your invading and defending:

  • In Breakthrough, attackers get tanks in the first sector, defenders don’t. If you’re attacking, take advantage of this. Also, if you spot defenders hiding in the Hotel, take it down! Defenders can build Fortifications to counter this.
  • Attackers can find ways to destroy the Hangar as well. Defenders should set up tank traps as soon as possible to stop the tanks from moving into the Hangar.
  • Some of the bunkers can be destroyed, some cannot. Defenders can use the tunnels leading to the bunkers to their advantage by creating a choke point.
  • The last sector is the prime target for calling in artillery or rocket Reinforcements. Use them.
  • Do not underestimate the small boats! They are fast, nimble, and perfect for flanking.

See you on the battlefield – and on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Reddit, Discord, and the Battlefield Forums. Sign up to receive emails with news, offers, and more about Battlefield and other EA products.

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. For more information, please refer to EA’s Online Service Updates at https://www.ea.com/service-updates.

REFERENCE TO A PARTICULAR MAKE, MODEL, MANUFACTURER, AND/OR VERSION OF WEAPON, GEAR OR VEHICLE IS FOR HISTORICAL ACCURACY ONLY AND DOES NOT INDICATE SPONSORSHIP OR ENDORSEMENT OF ANY TRADEMARK OWNER.