User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 174 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 27 out of 174

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  1. Oct 25, 2011
    10
    Epic map. Open, wide, no railrracks. liberty and freedom.

    Battlefield 3 is no doubt the fps benchmark for the next 24 months to come whith its incomparable sound and lightning possibilities offered by frostbite 2 engine. Enter war and feel it.
  2. Dec 27, 2011
    10
    Back To Karkand breathes new life into four of the the most beloved maps of Battlefield 2. Each map has been beautifully redone in the frostbite 2 engine bringing unrivaled visuals to these classic maps. As well as upgraded visuals, frostbite 2 brings titanic amounts destruction that gives these maps a true Battlefield feel. Also included, are 2 new assignments for each class and 2 extraBack To Karkand breathes new life into four of the the most beloved maps of Battlefield 2. Each map has been beautifully redone in the frostbite 2 engine bringing unrivaled visuals to these classic maps. As well as upgraded visuals, frostbite 2 brings titanic amounts destruction that gives these maps a true Battlefield feel. Also included, are 2 new assignments for each class and 2 extra assignments that allow the unlocking of 10 classic weapons from BF2. B2K is a must buy for any Battlefield fan. Expand
  3. Jan 8, 2012
    9
    It gave some problems at the launch but its a worthy addition to the game

    + the maps looks great
    + MOAAAR MAPS
    + free (at least for me)
    + Gulf to oman is great

    - The darker settings maybe not for everyone
    - 15 euro is kinda expensive (if you dont have the LE)
    - After all these years, i still hate Wake :P

    Damn it kids, stop reading this and buy it
  4. Dec 23, 2011
    9
    Please do not listen to HET35 or Woopya. They are both trolls. HET35's last 8 reviews were given to good games, and he gave them all 0's. Don't listen to his crap. He is obviously only trying to bring down the average score. And Woopya, a review should include what you experienced, not what you didn't experience. So do me a favor. I GUARENTEE that your problem is fixed by now, so play itPlease do not listen to HET35 or Woopya. They are both trolls. HET35's last 8 reviews were given to good games, and he gave them all 0's. Don't listen to his crap. He is obviously only trying to bring down the average score. And Woopya, a review should include what you experienced, not what you didn't experience. So do me a favor. I GUARENTEE that your problem is fixed by now, so play it first to form your untroll, unbiased opinion of it. Now, onto the review. The maps are extremely big, and I can't help but feeling nice and remembering that I played these maps in BF2. Do not be fooled, these maps are not recycled. They are completely revamped. Many parts are different, but the basic general look is the same. All the maps are nice and big, and action packed. Just look for a 600+ ticket server because the matches can end quickly if there are only 300 tickets. The pack adds four maps to the mix, Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman, Sharqi Penisula, and Wake Island, for a total of 14 maps for the full game. 10 new weapons are also added, and as are three (four) vehicles, the BTR-90, the DPV (desert patrol vehicle), the F-35 jet, and the Skid Loader (which is merely a small bulldozer that allows three people, including a driver, mostly novelty). I enjoyed a function of the F-35 that allows it to hover, but the BTR-90 is really an IFV just with a new look. I highly recommend getting this expansion pack of these revamped maps. BTW, the weapons you unlock can also be used in vanilla BF3. Expand
  5. Dec 19, 2011
    10
    Ah, the memories. BtK is different than it's predecessor, yet contains enough familiarity to generate nostalgia in BF2 vets. This expansion added 'assignments' to the game, when completed, unlock weapons found in the BF2 game. Karkand is a massive map with fewer choke points than it's BF2 predecessor. Sharqi Penninsula is amazingly fun as well: Who doesn't remember the TV station? ThisAh, the memories. BtK is different than it's predecessor, yet contains enough familiarity to generate nostalgia in BF2 vets. This expansion added 'assignments' to the game, when completed, unlock weapons found in the BF2 game. Karkand is a massive map with fewer choke points than it's BF2 predecessor. Sharqi Penninsula is amazingly fun as well: Who doesn't remember the TV station? This X-pac is worth picking up. Definitely not game-changing, but fun nonetheless. Expand
  6. Feb 5, 2012
    8
    The best Battlefield game yet. Highly ragequittable. Either incredibly fun, or incredibly frustrating. Don't see a lot of hackers. Way better for cheat free gaming, rather than say CODMW3. A must buyt...go get it now.
  7. Feb 13, 2012
    10
    Epic map. Open, wide, no railrracks. liberty and freedom. Battlefield 3 is no doubt the fps benchmark for the next 24 months to come whith its incomparable sound and lightning possibilities offered by frostbite 2 engine. Enter war and feel it.
  8. Mar 17, 2012
    10
    Great addition of maps, new twists to familiar scenes. Stunning graphics as expected from Frostbite 2. Infinitely better than Operation Metro garbage.
  9. Apr 20, 2012
    10
    The vanilla BF3 maps are a little cramped for 64 players, but these classic BF2 maps take care of the cramped problem. Oman is still awesome with all the tanks. I've never been spawn trapped on these maps unlike some of the bottlenecks in some of the vanilla maps.
  10. Jan 26, 2012
    10
    Very good expansion for a very good game. New maps are fun to play, and destructibility is even better. It reminds me of Battlefield Bad Company 2, where you could destroy whole buildings. New weapons are also fun to play, but I really do not like doing assignments to obtain them. Overall it is solid expansion for a reasonable price. Waiting for more...
  11. Jan 30, 2012
    8
    I don't even really know what this map pack is about. I bought it out of annoyance of not being able to play with my friends online. Although BF3 is awesome and definitely the best multiplayer FPS there is, I still don't know what this extension brings to the table. Having said that, I could also be wrong about this, but the overall game launcher system is just too damn messy and I'm beingI don't even really know what this map pack is about. I bought it out of annoyance of not being able to play with my friends online. Although BF3 is awesome and definitely the best multiplayer FPS there is, I still don't know what this extension brings to the table. Having said that, I could also be wrong about this, but the overall game launcher system is just too damn messy and I'm being lazy and just put on my gaming gear and get with the program. The biggest regret I have is that I wish I had known this was included in the limited edition which was on sale at the same price as the original a while back. In any case, I bought two limited editions to my friends, so they could also get with the program! Ahh, screw it, I'll give this an 8 simply out of being hooked to BF. ;) Expand
  12. Feb 9, 2012
    10
    Maps are very fun. Best Multiplayer maps ever. Love the new stuff. Still needs some more destruction, however; there is quite a bit, but only Heavy Tanks and Attack Helicopters can actually see the destruction due to the powerful guns. Map pack is great, worth buying for sure. 9/10 for the constant child-run servers. It is so annoying getting kicked out of my squads and the server it'sMaps are very fun. Best Multiplayer maps ever. Love the new stuff. Still needs some more destruction, however; there is quite a bit, but only Heavy Tanks and Attack Helicopters can actually see the destruction due to the powerful guns. Map pack is great, worth buying for sure. 9/10 for the constant child-run servers. It is so annoying getting kicked out of my squads and the server it's self for literally "Having a great kill/death ratio". Also a 9/10 for the stupid jet ramming glitch. EA needs to fix this, because its annoying being rammed by jets all of the time. 10/10 for the epic maps (although Wake Island is pretty boring), Gulf of Oman is the bomb. Expand
  13. Feb 12, 2012
    10
    Simply put, this is the greatest shooter I've ever played in my life. The expansion adds onto the sheer beauty of this game's graphics. Wake Island is truly a masterpiece with its bright and colorful skies, then to the barren war-torn streets of Karkand. The new weapons and vehicles add onto the stunning gameplay that reels you in and keeps you playing. This expansion, if released bySimply put, this is the greatest shooter I've ever played in my life. The expansion adds onto the sheer beauty of this game's graphics. Wake Island is truly a masterpiece with its bright and colorful skies, then to the barren war-torn streets of Karkand. The new weapons and vehicles add onto the stunning gameplay that reels you in and keeps you playing. This expansion, if released by activision, would be known as Battlefield 4 and be priced at 60 bucks, but buying the Limited Edition (as I did) it was completely free. Nice one EA Expand
  14. Mar 6, 2012
    10
    Very cool game. Awesome graphics, probably the best around today.

    Swedish DICE did an excellent work on this, I can play it for hours! :)

    See you guys on the battlefield! :D
  15. Mar 8, 2012
    9
    I've been playing BF3 now for over 250 hours, so it must be time to pin my opinion to the wall. I've been playing with mates socially, with my Gaming clan on our servers [BhR] in Aus, and we've been scrimming in a national competition, and having a ball.

    The game itself is brilliant. Seriously, i've been playing FPS since Half life was released (didn't like wolfenstien lol) and this games
    I've been playing BF3 now for over 250 hours, so it must be time to pin my opinion to the wall. I've been playing with mates socially, with my Gaming clan on our servers [BhR] in Aus, and we've been scrimming in a national competition, and having a ball.

    The game itself is brilliant. Seriously, i've been playing FPS since Half life was released (didn't like wolfenstien lol) and this games is the first in its league of wow. I love it, in fact i'd be a fan boi except for the constant drama's with connection issues and patches etc that PLAGUED this poor game when it was first released.

    That Said, (and enough has been said, and RAGED about - it truly was terrible) its pretty much stable now. (march 2012) We still have problems with 3rd party software trying to get servers to do what WE want them to do, but the Game is great.

    The realism is off the dial. The confusion in the middle of battle can mix you around when you first start playing but that's war i guess (never been, don't plan to).

    After playing for a long time, my experience is to 'slow down' your game play. Take corners slowly, wait to see where your enemies are, be deliberate in your aim. Find a wep that suits your play style, and when you've mastered it move onto a different one.

    Its been a love hate relationship, but this is a game I didn't give up on, and EA has got it to where it should have been at release, so go and safely spend your money on some serious FPS happiness.

    Rock on BF3

    sealcomm
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  16. May 21, 2012
    9
    Fine piece of art. Maps includes Easter eggs (ok that's not the point :p), but basically I love the Strike at Karkand -map the most, cos there's so many strategies to play in it. Gulf of Oman is also fine, because it's pretty big.

    The weapons also bring variety, tho' I've not found myself so keen on any of them. I think I should use them more often. So, the cheap prize of this expansion,
    Fine piece of art. Maps includes Easter eggs (ok that's not the point :p), but basically I love the Strike at Karkand -map the most, cos there's so many strategies to play in it. Gulf of Oman is also fine, because it's pretty big.

    The weapons also bring variety, tho' I've not found myself so keen on any of them. I think I should use them more often. So, the cheap prize of this expansion, which had so much variety and content was a fair deal for me.
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  17. Dec 13, 2011
    7
    Haters gonna hate. I find Back to Karkand (first DLC i have ever paid for!) pretty good as it gives you almost the half of the actual game at a... normal (?) prise. Having 4 new maps is sure nice, when you think about how many maps the game now haves. Maps are quite good, weapons too, vehicles same... Still only a DLC but a good one. Only for hardcore BF3 fans. But still nice.
  18. Dec 13, 2011
    10
    The pack is amazing. The maps feel like the maps we grew to know and love in BF2, but in their own way different. The added destruction and assignments add a new level to the game and make it even better to play. The maps are a definite step up from the vanilla maps, as they feel like true, battlefield maps. GET THIS PACK!
  19. Dec 15, 2011
    10
    This DLC is a great refreshment and brings in better maps than the vanilla BF3 maps. They give the game more of a "Battlefield" feel which has been previously lost because of maps like Seine Crossing and Metro. Not only are the maps more open, but destruction has been improved significantly. Not to mention some of my favorite guns are included as new unlocks in this DLC. If you wereThis DLC is a great refreshment and brings in better maps than the vanilla BF3 maps. They give the game more of a "Battlefield" feel which has been previously lost because of maps like Seine Crossing and Metro. Not only are the maps more open, but destruction has been improved significantly. Not to mention some of my favorite guns are included as new unlocks in this DLC. If you were unsatisfied with BF3's tiny closed maps, definitely get this DLC for real Battlefield maps. Expand
  20. Dec 20, 2011
    10
    AWESOME. So far BF3 has become the new benchmark in FPS gaming. It is everything i expected and more. With this expansion it is just adding more goodness to an already near perfect game. If you are buying this expansion pack now you are dumb because you should have pre-ordered the main game to get it for free.... however I would gladely pay for it now anyways. The maps are not theAWESOME. So far BF3 has become the new benchmark in FPS gaming. It is everything i expected and more. With this expansion it is just adding more goodness to an already near perfect game. If you are buying this expansion pack now you are dumb because you should have pre-ordered the main game to get it for free.... however I would gladely pay for it now anyways. The maps are not the biggest highlight... the fact that they have included something like 15 new guns to unlock is the real draw. I myself never played BF2 so this was the first time for me playing 3 out of the 4 maps. really the only disappointing map was Wake Island... Mainly because I played it to death in BF1943. OVERALL A 10.... BUY IT NOW... SO I CAN FRAG YOUR ASS :) Expand
  21. Dec 17, 2011
    9
    To be honest, I don't know why people can rate it 0 , either they are on crack or get pissed on their own computer that can't play this awesome dlc.Seriously, the remake of BF2 is the best idea, wide maps with Freedom, with the destruction ability of frostbite 2, B2K is simply the most recommended dlc, at least not only remake of maps but also added new vehicles to the game . Though thereTo be honest, I don't know why people can rate it 0 , either they are on crack or get pissed on their own computer that can't play this awesome dlc.Seriously, the remake of BF2 is the best idea, wide maps with Freedom, with the destruction ability of frostbite 2, B2K is simply the most recommended dlc, at least not only remake of maps but also added new vehicles to the game . Though there is some bugs and glitches but it doesn't mainly effect the game. Good map pack , New assignments and vehicles, free for pre-order, worth any penny Expand
  22. Mar 9, 2012
    0
    These maps, sure they are well made but they should definately have been included in the base game. BF3 on launch had 9 (NINE!!) multiplayer maps... ffs, this is even less than had. This way, there is no way they can justify this DLC. Despite how good it might be. 9 maps is not close to enough content, Even with B2K "expansion" (its _NOT_ an expansion, its small map pack DLC ffs!)These maps, sure they are well made but they should definately have been included in the base game. BF3 on launch had 9 (NINE!!) multiplayer maps... ffs, this is even less than had. This way, there is no way they can justify this DLC. Despite how good it might be. 9 maps is not close to enough content, Even with B2K "expansion" (its _NOT_ an expansion, its small map pack DLC ffs!) it is still not enough.. Not to mention that EA forces us to use Origin once more (yes i know they will do this for all upcoming releases, but i hate it i will point that out as long as they force us to use it.) and "Back to Karkand" dlc was a Day 1 dlc. It was developed AFTER the initial game.


    _do_not_buy_this_¨


    http://steamcommunity.com/groups/ANTI-EA

    http://steamcommunity.com/groups/ANTI-EA
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  23. Dec 13, 2011
    6
    Looking forward to this all year, the closest map resemblance is Strike at Karkand. However the 'destruction' isn't as good as originally made out. It's still plagued by silly spawn areas, CPU leaks which cause temporary moments of lag (even with an i5 2500k), and vehicle spam. It's not Battlefield i'm afraid, they have successfully ruined the franchise comparing it with COD too much.
  24. Dec 13, 2011
    0
    Quite simple really. I own the expansion, my account recognizes me as an expansion owner, but the game will not let me play on any expansion servers. Therefor, until i can play the game for which I paid good money, they get a zero. Origin and EA are really ruining what is such a fun game in BF3.
  25. Dec 13, 2011
    0
    1.graphics=really bad,high contrast,blue filter,blinding lights,color "art' style headbob and other constant screen shakes=headache,eye strain,epilepsy 2.a lot of 3d spoting visual in the game=it feels like you are a robot .MP=worse then SP mouse problems,basic functions missing from the game,no in game menu,you start the game with browser no ping in the game cant set different sensitivity1.graphics=really bad,high contrast,blue filter,blinding lights,color "art' style headbob and other constant screen shakes=headache,eye strain,epilepsy 2.a lot of 3d spoting visual in the game=it feels like you are a robot .MP=worse then SP mouse problems,basic functions missing from the game,no in game menu,you start the game with browser no ping in the game cant set different sensitivity for vehicles etc. bad maps no blood,gore,when you kill someone they just drop down bolt snipers nerfed,added cod style hold breath,scope sway ugliest scopes ever small scopes,just watch bc2 and then bf3=tunnel vision in bf3 prone=more campers OP spray guns broken knifing you want like this game if you like cod,cs,bf2,bc2 or any other fps game and constant crashes also Expand
  26. Mar 1, 2012
    5
    This is what the gamers said "splitting the community" at its finest. I use to be clueless on what that actually means. So people who don't have B2K can't play with those who have. And until today, I don't see much B2K servers anyway, at least in my region. Kind of redundant.

    I didn't buy the DLC tho, I had Limited Edition which already come with B2K. Nevertheless, I rarely play B2K maps,
    This is what the gamers said "splitting the community" at its finest. I use to be clueless on what that actually means. So people who don't have B2K can't play with those who have. And until today, I don't see much B2K servers anyway, at least in my region. Kind of redundant.

    I didn't buy the DLC tho, I had Limited Edition which already come with B2K. Nevertheless, I rarely play B2K maps, Kharg, Metro, Seine Crossing and Firestorm are way much better than B2K maps.

    But expect these kind of practices from devs/publishers such as DICE, EA, Activision and Infinity Ward/Treyarch to all their future games. Encouraging the Devs doing these kind of practice isn't good idea in the first place.

    Tripwire interactive with their Killing Floor is the best of how DLCs should be handled. Sell non game changing DLCs and just give in the critical-game changing elements for free.

    But yet, I don't think EA and Activision really cared much about community since they've raked billions and people would buy their games anyway, whether it's original, fresh idea or just another iteration or expansion pack (MW3) sold as a full blown game.
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  27. Mar 4, 2012
    0
    This should be a console-only affair. DICE bleats at how much they care about PC gaming. Only to produce this 'consolized' version for the PC. No Lean/prone? WTF?! Very poor gameplay.
  28. Dec 17, 2011
    7
    This is pretty good for a map pack. Maps are very PC player friendly, with vast detailed maps as opposed to the vast barren maps with a smack of detail in the middle you find in the stock maps. The new vehicles are a let down though, a jet that takes the worst parts of a jet and a helicopter and merges them, and a dune buggy that's less armored and only as fast as the growler with lessThis is pretty good for a map pack. Maps are very PC player friendly, with vast detailed maps as opposed to the vast barren maps with a smack of detail in the middle you find in the stock maps. The new vehicles are a let down though, a jet that takes the worst parts of a jet and a helicopter and merges them, and a dune buggy that's less armored and only as fast as the growler with less armament. The Russians now have a comedy super fast do-crazy-jumps-through-the-air APC like the Americans do which is actually pretty cool. The new weapons aren't very good, with an exception of one or two they're statistically worse in every way than the vanilla weapons they compete with so there's no reason to do the new "assignments" in order to unlock them apart from bragging rights. A pretty good expansion if you were looking for new maps like me, not so much if you were hoping for awesome new guns to pawn knubs with. Expand
  29. Mar 27, 2012
    0
    Untill you bring us back the previous way to play the game is COMPLETELY useless!!! Guys don't let you be blackmailed by the game dev. Simply because the wake-up one day and thought:"Oh, lets make some more money, from the gamers!!!" Great game, ruined by its creators!!! TRAGIC!!!
  30. Feb 8, 2012
    4
    Pretty mediocre, all things considered. Not only is the install folder all kinds of screwed up (Battlefield-something instead of 'Abcd'), but they're saying it's an intended feature, too. I'd rate it higher but the problems listed before tax the score to just six.
  31. Feb 27, 2012
    7
    Definitely not bad for free addition (if you preordered BF3 as in my case). But its cost is OK only in favor of BF3 game itself (as benefit for devs) not for DLC alone.
  32. Mar 29, 2012
    7
    An improvement on the vanilla game, of which I gave a six. The one point extra is for (edited) BF2 maps that provide a small escape from the inferior vanilla infantry maps. However, the strange filter is really annoying unless you get an FXAA injector (highly recommend), and the guns are not particularly interesting or different. Also, more BF2 maps would have notched this up to an 8. AnAn improvement on the vanilla game, of which I gave a six. The one point extra is for (edited) BF2 maps that provide a small escape from the inferior vanilla infantry maps. However, the strange filter is really annoying unless you get an FXAA injector (highly recommend), and the guns are not particularly interesting or different. Also, more BF2 maps would have notched this up to an 8. An improvement, but there is still far to go to 'a proper sequel'. Expand
  33. Jun 20, 2013
    6
    A nice touch from the EA, a reminder of a great BF2, but imo original old maps was better than remake in BF3. Advantage of this expansion pack is the introduction of conquest maps in assault mode. Too bad that there was no legendary AK-101 in B2K.
  34. Feb 14, 2012
    7
    A nice little DLC package. Adds 4 maps that range from infantry heavy to vehicle heavy, while also adding a little nostalgia from Bf2. It doesn't touch the core game of bf3 by adding new vehicles/weapons that are overpowered or anything. It's the same Bf3 that you either love or hate, just with some more well made remakes of some bf2 maps! What they advertise is what you get, nothing lessA nice little DLC package. Adds 4 maps that range from infantry heavy to vehicle heavy, while also adding a little nostalgia from Bf2. It doesn't touch the core game of bf3 by adding new vehicles/weapons that are overpowered or anything. It's the same Bf3 that you either love or hate, just with some more well made remakes of some bf2 maps! What they advertise is what you get, nothing less nothing more. Expand
  35. Mar 6, 2012
    8
    I really like this game. I can't quite put my finger on it. It may be the big maps or the vehicles, but it's probably just the fun of coming home from a long day at work, grabbing a M60 with extended mag and just letting loose.
  36. Sep 20, 2014
    8
    It's really interesting to see how different these maps play on two different games. They are still good maps but unfortunately they still have a major issue from their original version, they can be incredibly unbalanced (especially Gulf of Oman).
  37. Nov 19, 2021
    8
    The last Playable and decent Battlefield game of the series. Everything afterwards is a dumpster Fire!
  38. Feb 26, 2021
    10
    Disclaimer: Due to the behavior of premier servers, buying BF3 DLCs individually doesn't allow you to play on them even if you own the DLC of the map that is currently in rotation. In other words, none of the DLCs are worth buying over premium. If you want a specific DLC, get premium or don't bother getting it at all.

    New weapons: by completing assignments, 10 new weapons are unlockable
    Disclaimer: Due to the behavior of premier servers, buying BF3 DLCs individually doesn't allow you to play on them even if you own the DLC of the map that is currently in rotation. In other words, none of the DLCs are worth buying over premium. If you want a specific DLC, get premium or don't bother getting it at all.

    New weapons: by completing assignments, 10 new weapons are unlockable to the player. Most of these weapons are excellent with the L96 being the best in the game.

    New vehicles: the F-35 fighter jet (Oman & Wake), BTR-90 APC (Oman, Sharqi, and Karkand), and the DPV buggie (Oman & Wake) all make a return from BF2 on these classic maps.

    New maps: 4 maps return from BF2 with the worst of these maps being better than the best of the launch maps. Gulf of Oman, Strike at Karkand, Sharqi Peninsula, and Wake Island. They're much more detailed than their BF2 counterparts but only Karkand provides a better experience than the BF2 version.

    Conquest Assault: 3 of the 4 maps retain their original Conquest configuration with one team controlling all the capturable flags but containing no friendly uncap. This provided an experience not unlike rush with one team being attackers and the other team being defenders. It was much more appealing than regular conquest and the excellent balance on the maps led to some very down to the wire end results.

    Overall, it's an excellent DLC that is infinitely better than the booster packs of BF2. The existence of premium doesn't make it worth buying though.
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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Mar 1, 2012
    90
    So good that it's become the only way to play Battlefield 3. Buy this now, and enjoy a bit of nostalgia in a new light. [March 2012, p.56]
  2. Jan 26, 2012
    84
    These four fantastic maps are pricey, but they're more than just a nostalgic throwback. They present Battlefield 3 at its best. [Mar 2012, p.74]
  3. 90
    Back to Karkand is a wonderful map pack that highlights the best parts of Battlefield 3 and the series in general. If you like the game, you shouldn't miss out on this DLC pack under any circumstances.