Battlefield 1 is one of the most popular multiplayer shooter franchises today. Featuring a World War 1 setting, Battlefield 1 marks the series' return to their roots in featuring historically inspired shooters. Since its release in November, DICE, developer of the Battlefield franchise has supported the game with a steady stream of updates to keep the game fresh. Now, according to a rumor from gemrant.com, Battlefield 1 is about to get a new explosive weapon.
Youtuber Westie was browsing the online art profile for Battlefield 1 lead weapon artist Peter Olofsson Hermanrud when he noticed something new. The youtuber came across four renders for weapons in the game. The first three weapons are the Cei-Regotti for the medics, the Harlem Hellfighter trench shotgun for the Assault class and the T.E Lawrence SMLE for the scout class. The fourth render was something that is not available at the current state of Battlefield 1. The render looks like a crossbow that fire grenades. Basing on the fact the 3 of the 4 weapons are already available in the game, there is a good chance that the crossbow grenade launcher will be soon available afterwards.
However, the weapon image has been removed from Hermanrud's profile. It was then replaced with two additional renders of existing guns including the MP18 and a scout rifle. It was probably removed to prevent any more information regarding the new weapon and maybe keep it as a surprise in the next DLC of Battlefield 1.
Although Battlefield 1 is set during World War 1 when technology isn't as advanced as today, DICE has managed to assemble a set of diverse and interesting weapons based on the history of the war. Though the weapons are nowhere as technical and advanced as the guns in the modern Battlefield games, Battlefield 1 offers players the use of classic weapons such as the Martini-Henry and the M1911.
And if you find it weird to have a crossbow that is also a grenade launcher, history suggests that there is in fact a similar weapon used during the world war 1. According to the video made by Westie German soldiers were known to use a crossbow like propulsion device to launch grenades at enemies from the cover of their trenches. On the other hand, the British and French also developed a crossbow like catapult to counter the German's launcher. And since Battlefield 1 uses World War 1 as an insipiration and not as a basis, DICE has the liberty of making the own design choices based on the actual weapons.
If this rumor is true, then we can expect a new explosive and maybe 'op' weapon on the next DLC for Battlefield 1. Stay tuned for more details on Battlefield 1.