Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand vs Battlefield 3: Close Quarters
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand is the first DLC expansion for Battlefield 3, bringing four iconic Battlefield 2 maps back to life. Leveraging the Frostbite 2 engine, each map features enhanced destruction and updated visuals for a modern combat experience. The expansion includes Strike at Karkand, Wake Island, Gulf of Oman, and Sharqi Peninsula, delivering fast‑paced, large‑scale multiplayer action across PlayStation 3, PC, and Xbox 360 platforms.
Battlefield 3: Close Quarters is the second expansion pack for Battlefield 3, delivering tightly designed urban maps that force squads into rapid, infantry‑focused engagements. The pack emphasizes turbulent, quick‑paced battles where teamwork and positioning are paramount.
- Remastered classic maps with modern graphics
- Enhanced destruction adds tactical depth
- Available on all major platforms
- Balanced multiplayer experience
- Focused map design encourages teamwork
- Fast‑paced action keeps gameplay engaging
- New weapons enhance close‑range tactics
- Optimized for all three major platforms
- Only adds four maps, limited new content
- Requires base Battlefield 3 purchase
- No single‑player campaign
- Limited variety compared to base game
- May feel repetitive after extended play
- Requires purchase of original Battlefield 3
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Expand the battlefield with new maps, weapons, and an air superiority mode.
Remastered classic maps with Frostbite 2 destruction for intense multiplayer battles.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are paid DLC for Battlefield 3 requiring the base game; choose Close Quarters for fast, tight‑space team fights, or Back to Karkand for classic large‑scale maps with modern graphics.
Key differences
- •Gameplay focus: Close Quarters emphasizes confined, rapid engagements; Back to Karkand offers classic, large‑scale battlefield maps.
- •Content amount: Close Quarters adds specialized weapons and AI tweaks but limited map variety; Back to Karkand adds four fully remastered maps.
- •Critic reception: Close Quarters scored 75/100, Back to Karkand scored 88/100.
- •Destruction: Only Back to Karkand uses Frostbite 2 dynamic environmental destruction.
- •Price detail: Close Quarters MSRP is $19.99; Back to Karkand price not specified.
Gameplay & fun factor
Close Quarters delivers fast‑paced, tight‑space combat designed for intense team coordination.
Platform availability
Both DLC support PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.
Price & value
Close Quarters MSRP $19.99; Back to Karkand price not provided, so value cannot be directly compared.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Back to Karkand adds four classic maps with vehicle and infantry options, broadening multiplayer variety.
Content & replayability
Back to Karkand offers four remastered maps with dynamic destruction, giving more replayable scenarios than Close Quarters.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both require the base Battlefield 3 and share the same ESRB M rating; no specific difficulty data provided.
Graphics & performance
Back to Karkand features updated textures, lighting, and Frostbite 2 destruction, enhancing visual fidelity over Close Quarters.
Choose Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand if…
Players who prefer classic large maps, visual upgrades, and more varied multiplayer content.
Choose Battlefield 3: Close Quarters if…
Players who want quick, close‑range team battles and specialized weapons.
Common questions
Do I need the original Battlefield 3 to play either DLC?
Yes, both Close Quarters and Back to Karkand require the base Battlefield 3 purchase.
Which DLC offers better graphics?
Back to Karkand includes updated textures, lighting, and Frostbite 2 destruction, providing superior graphics.
Is there a price difference between the two?
Close Quarters lists an MSRP of $19.99; Back to Karkand price is not specified in the provided facts.