In war, it's important to know your battlefields. A keen understanding of the lay of the land can be a powerful advantage over your opponent. That's why we're pleased to present you with a preview of the maps that will be included in Battlefield 2, the next-generation successor to Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield Vietnam. Being developed by Battlefield creator Digital Illusions, Battlefield 2 is set in a near-future conflict between China, the United States, and the fictional Middle Eastern Coalition. In the game, you'll be able to battle with up to 63 other players divided into two teams as you attempt to seize control points on the map and eliminate the other team. At your disposal will be the latest in military arms and hardware, including assault rifles, missile launchers, fighters, helicopters, and tanks. Below are details on the 11 maps in the game. Each map comes in three different versions so it can be scaled for 16, 32, or 64 players. Keep in mind that the locales of Battlefield 2 are completely fictional. The game itself will ship in the first part of 2005.

Get a bird's-eye view of the battlefield from a plane, or by checking out the maps below.

Dalian Plant

Theater: Asia
Country: China
Location/City: Dalian
Forces: China vs. US
Modes: Conquest (16-, 32-, or 64-player)

The Dalian plant is a strategically critical nuclear power plant. In addition to the plant itself, this map features a construction site and a shoreline, complete with docks and beaches.

16-player double assault.	32-player assault.
64-player assault.

Daqing Oilfields

Theater: Asia
Country: China
Setting: Winter
Location/City: Northeast (Manchuria)
Forces: China vs. US
Modes: Double Assault (16-player); Head-On (32- and 64-player); Single-Player

The Daqing oil fields are a strategically vital resource asset. In addition to the fields themselves, there are industrial areas, farms, and a built-up village that offers urban combat.

16-player double assault. Ticket bleed is triggered by owning two control points.	32-player assault. Ticket bleed is triggered by owning four control points.
64-player assault. Ticket bleed is triggered by owning four control points.

Dragon Valley

Theater: Asia
Country: China
Location/City: Northeast (Manchuria)
Forces: China vs. US
Modes: Conquest (16-, 32-, or 64-player); Single-Player

The Dragon Valley contains a refinery that must be secured. Other terrain features include industrial areas, several temples, and a harbor. The US team will lose tickets until it captures at least one control point.

16-player assault.	32-player double assault.
64-player assault.

Tanks are powerful, but you can destroy bridges to slow them down.

Glowing Pass

Theater: Asia
Country: China
Location/City: Northeast (Manchuria)
Forces: China vs. US
Modes: Conquest (16-, 32-, or 64-player); Tactical Conquest (64-player)

The Glowing Pass is home to uranium mines. The terrain is dominated by the mining area and surrounding canyons.

16-player double assault.	32-player double assault.
64-player assault.