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:
| Mission | Map | Tactical Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Tanker | Aboard a massive merchant vessel | Tight corridors, vertical danger, limited cover — control the decks before control is lost |
| Rig | Offshore oil platform | Exposed walkways, long sightlines, and multiple levels — movement must be deliberate and covered |
| Docks | Coastal port facilities | Mixed 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:
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel i5-9400F / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | Intel i5-12600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 32 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GTX 1060 6GB / RX 580 8GB | RTX 4070 / RX 7800 XT |
| Storage | 40 GB SSD | 40 GB SSD |
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“Think ahead. Take your time. Get the job done.” Good luck out there, operator.