GROUND BRANCH Chapter 1 Deploys Today — Storm the Persian Gulf in Free V1.1.0 Update

New Theatre, New Missions — Free for All Operators

MicroProse Software and BlackFoot Studios have officially launched GROUND BRANCH V1.1.0, and with it comes Chapter 1 of the Operations campaign — a brand-new Persian Gulf hotspot featuring three fresh missions and game-changing mechanics that demand even sharper tactical thinking. Best of all? It’s a completely free update for all owners of the game.

“The Persian Gulf hotspot includes 3 missions, set in maps Tanker, Rig and Docks… Each new hotspot will have its own unique Ready Room.” — GROUND BRANCH Intel Report #034


The Persian Gulf Hotspot — Three New Missions

Your CIA SAC/SOG team is deploying to a critical maritime theatre where every decision carries high stakes across three distinct environments:

MissionMapTactical Challenge
TankerAboard a massive merchant vesselTight corridors, vertical danger, limited cover — control the decks before control is lost
RigOffshore oil platformExposed walkways, long sightlines, and multiple levels — movement must be deliberate and covered
DocksCoastal port facilitiesMixed urban-industrial terrain with civilian presence — lethal force is no longer always the answer

Each mission offers non-linear objectives, multiple insertion points, and dynamic enemy spawns — no “magic” respawns. Every playthrough presents a genuine tactical puzzle.


Game-Changing Mechanics: Civilians & HVTs

This is where V1.1.0 fundamentally shifts how you play:

Civilian AI & Alarms

  • Civilians patrol and react realistically to your presence
  • Spot you, and they will flee, take cover — or hit an alarm panel
  • Trigger an alarm and guards are reinforced and alerted across the entire map
  • Your call: neutralise the threat before it’s seen, or silence the witness before they reach the panel — but every action has consequences

High-Value Targets (HVT) Capture & Escort

  • Some targets are alive — and that’s exactly how you need them
  • Eliminate their security detail → HVT surrenders → take them into custody
  • Issue squad commands: “Fall in,” “Move to,” “Take cover,” “Hold” — the HVT mirrors your stance and movement speed
  • Get them out alive — that’s the mission. Not body count. Intelligence.

What Else Arrives in V1.1.0?

New Gear & Customisation

  • U100 MK3 Light Machine Gun — versatile firepower for sustained suppression
  • SV-98 Sniper Rifle — bolt-action precision at range
  • New optics, attachments, and face paint styles for operator customisation
  • No unlocks, no battle pass — all new tools are available immediately

Quality of Life & Immersion

  • Campaign-specific Ready Rooms — brief from an aircraft carrier for Persian Gulf; a safehouse residence for Northwest Pakistan
  • Shoulder-tapping — tap a teammate to get their attention in-game without voice comms
  • AI improvements — natural idle animations, refined patrol behaviour, smarter reactions
  • Audio updates — improved sound propagation through barriers and broken glass

How to Play

Get GROUND BRANCH on Steam— V1.1.0 with Chapter 1 is live now. The base game is available for S$26.00, with a 5% discount when bundled with Dagger Directive. The update is free to all existing owners.

System Requirements:

MinimumRecommended
OSWindows 10 64-bitWindows 11 64-bit
ProcessorIntel i5-9400F / AMD Ryzen 5 2600Intel i5-12600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Memory16 GB RAM32 GB RAM
GraphicsGTX 1060 6GB / RX 580 8GBRTX 4070 / RX 7800 XT
Storage40 GB SSD40 GB SSD

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“Think ahead. Take your time. Get the job done.” Good luck out there, operator.

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