True White War
Hardcore fans of tactical shooters will want to know that BlackMill Games, in collaboration with Focus Entertainment, has released the White War expansion for the World War I title Isonzo. This new chapter invites players into the snowbound Dolomites and tasks them with securing Marmolada, the region’s towering peak, across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam. The expansion pushes the frontline into frozen alpine terrain, turning the battlefield into a chilly theater where strategy, grit, and timing are put to the test.
In White War, the Alpine clashes of the Great War are re-created, letting players explore landmarks like the Ice City, a zone where Austro-Hungarian forces tunneled beneath the Marmolada glacier to clash with Italian troops. The frontier sits along the line between the former Austro-Hungarian empire and Italy, where both sides built layered defenses and manned entrenched positions as the conflict wore on. The weather in winter conditions, crevasses, and ice-fall hazards add a layer of realism that intensifies every skirmish and siege.
Italian troops once camped along the steep southern cliffs, while Austro-Hungarian units carved a tunnel network beneath the glacier. The Ice City emerged as a central point in the campaign, and the fighting on this front persisted for much of the war. Casualties mounted on both sides under brutal alpine conditions that offered little respite from the constant risk of combat and exposure, making endurance as critical as marksmanship.
Isonzo: World War I video game expands with an alpine border landscape and a new set of challenges for players seeking a snowbound war experience, as noted by contemporary gaming coverage. [citation: game press archive]
It’s time to put on your snow boots
Extreme environments demand proper gear, and Marmolada’s harsh conditions pushed soldiers to the limit. The new Glacial Units Pack arrives with fresh cosmetic options for every class of troops, expanding uniforms with a variety of hats, moustaches, beards, and facial accessories that help players customize their look on the battlefield. The release also adds a broader armory for all armies, including new weapons such as the M14 Repetiergewehr, a Vetterli conversion for Austro-Hungarian troops, the 1870-pattern rifle for the Italian forces, and the Gewehr 1871/84 for German units. These additions bring more authenticity to the campaign and invite players to experiment with era-appropriate loadouts as they push through the icy corridors and exposed ridgelines.
Free weekend
To celebrate the expansion, developers have announced a free trial period on Steam for players who want to explore the new content firsthand. The trial makes it possible to sample the new maps, weapons, and visual enhancements without committing to a full purchase. System requirements are provided for those planning to participate, ensuring a smooth download and setup so players can jump into the snowy battles right away. The free weekend runs through November 13, giving a generous window for adventurers to experience the Alps from the comfort of their own rigs by mid-November. [citation: Steam announcements]