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Armored Kill is the third Battlefield 3 expansion, released in September 2012 with four huge vehicle maps (Bandar Desert, Armored Shield, Death Valley, Alborz Mountains), the Tank Superiority mode, tank destroyers, mobile artillery and the AC-130 gunship. Bandar Desert was the largest map in the series when it shipped.
Last verified: November 2026 · Game: Battlefield 3 · Type: expansion
| Field | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Game | Battlefield 3 | EA |
| Released | Sep 2012 | EA |
| Maps | Bandar Desert, Armored Shield, Death Valley, Alborz Mountains | EA |
| Modes added | Tank Superiority | EA |
| Also added | AC-130 gunship; tank destroyers; mobile artillery; the largest maps in the series to that date | EA |
| Availability | Included in Battlefield 3 Premium; sold separately | EA |
Link to section: What it isWhat it is
Armored Kill was the opposite of Close Quarters: maps so large that walking was pointless, with new vehicle classes to fill them. Tank destroyers, mobile artillery and quad bikes joined the roster, and the AC-130 gunship circled as a capturable asset. Tank Superiority, a single-flag mode for armour, was its signature. Bandar Desert’s scale and Alborz Mountains’ snowy passes were the showpieces.
It is the expansion vehicle players remember most fondly and infantry players least.
Link to section: How it playsHow it plays
Spawn in a vehicle or do not spawn. The AC-130 is a flying fortress that wins fights until jets find it. Mobile artillery is strong on the open maps and useless on the mountain. Tank Superiority is a brawl at one flag with everyone in armour. Death Valley is the most infantry-friendly of the four, and that is relative.
It also introduced the base-jumping and parachute mechanics to open terrain in a way the launch maps had not, since Alborz Mountains’ peaks allowed long glides down to objectives, and the archived threads on this site are full of players comparing the four maps’ size to Battlefield 2’s Fushe Pass.
Link to section: Changes by patchChanges by patch
| Date | Update | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2012 | Release | Expansion released | EA |
Link to section: SourcesSources
- Battlefield 3 forum on this site
- Battlelog and Origin help on this site, 2011 to 2016
- Battlefield 4 Second Assault page (remakes)
Link to section: FAQFAQ
Which maps are in Armored Kill?
Bandar Desert, Armored Shield, Death Valley and Alborz Mountains.
What is the AC-130 in Armored Kill?
A gunship that circles the map and can be crewed by the team that controls it.
What mode did Armored Kill add?
Tank Superiority.
Is Bandar Desert the biggest Battlefield 3 map?
Yes, and the biggest in the series when it shipped.
When did Armored Kill come out?
September 2012.
Discuss Battlefield 3 in the Battlefield 3 forum. This page is part of the Battlefield Wiki; see also Battlefield 3 (game) and every Battlefield game in order.