Fresh DLC is available for free via a new update for the game

Jul 12, 2013 09:17 GMT  ·  By

Sony Santa Monica has confirmed that quite a few new things are available in the multiplayer of God of War: Ascension, including a new 1v1 mode called Bout of Honor, alongside four maps designed for it, as well as a new level for the traditional 4-player experience.

God of War: Ascension, for the first time in the series, delivered a multiplayer experience and, while the single-player campaign didn't exactly thrill longtime fans, the online mode was pretty successful, managing to deliver a new type of hack and slash experiment.

Now, in order to satisfy the desires of players who just wanted to face off against a single rival, developer Sony Santa Monica has revealed that a special 1v1 mode is now available, called Bout of Honor.

"In Bout of Honor, two warriors will put their lives and reputations on the line to win the best of seven rounds in this strictly 1v1 mode. Bout of Honor is a true contest of skill with no chests, fountains, or world weapons to aid you. This mode also disables relics and allows for a Champion’s magic to regenerate over time. Beware, magic generates slowly over time so use it sparingly," the studio said on the PS blog.

Four maps are available exclusively for Bout of Honor, in the form of Canyons of Kirra, Chamber of the Flame, Landing at Delos, and Streets of Sparta.

The special mode also has quite a few tweaked mechanics in order to keep the matches as balanced as possible.

"The team has made some balancing tweaks especially for Bout of Honor to ensure matches are fought in a fair and honorable fashion. Infinites have been removed, overpowered weapons tweaked, and damage from 100% combos adjusted."

Last but not least, the studio has also launched a special new 4-player map called The Whirlpool of Alecto, which features environments from one of the most impressive moments in the single-player campaign.

"The Whirlpool of Alecto features a giant leviathan whose sole purpose is to unleash Alecto’s fury in the form of physical pain onto any unsuspecting warrior careless enough to venture into its domain. The level also features elevated terrain sections for knocking over, slamming, and stunning your opponents."

All these new features are now available for free to God of War: Ascension owners worldwide through a new patch as a gesture of thanks for their loyalty.