The long-running online strategy game Foxhole is preparing for a major celebration. This year marks the game’s 10th anniversary, and the developers are marking the occasion with a significant content expansion. The massive update, known as the Airborne update, is scheduled to go live in early February, bringing a completely new dimension to the persistent warfare experience that has defined the game for a decade.

As the name suggests, the Airborne update focuses heavily on introducing aerial combat to the battlefield. Scheduled for release on February 9, this update completes the combined arms warfare puzzle that the developers have been building. While the game has previously focused on ground-based infantry and vehicle combat, this new addition brings air warfare and logistics into the mix. However, the update isn’t just about planes; it also includes substantial additions for naval warfare enthusiasts, making it one of the most comprehensive content drops in the game’s history.

February Release Date for Airborne Update

When the Airborne update launches, players will gain access to a wide variety of aircraft. This includes squadrons of reconnaissance planes for scouting, fighters for air-to-air combat, bombers for heavy strikes, and various other specialized aircraft. The introduction of these machines will fundamentally change how battles are fought in the persistent world of Foxhole.

One of the most interesting aspects of this update is that every aircraft is crewed entirely by players. Whether engaging in dogfights, conducting bombing runs on enemy positions, or swooping in to disrupt supply lines, the planes are operated by real players. This maintains the game’s core philosophy of player-driven warfare, where every role, from infantry soldier to pilot, is filled by a human participant.

The complexity of air combat is further enhanced by the fact that aircraft subsystems can be individually damaged during missions. A plane might take damage to its engine, wings, or weapons systems, making it less capable until it can land safely and receive repairs. This adds a layer of realism and strategy, as pilots must manage their aircraft’s condition and prioritize getting back to base for maintenance.

Building and maintaining an air force requires more than just building planes. Players will need to construct and control airfields, hangars, and other support buildings. These facilities are also operated by players, reinforcing Foxhole’s dedication to representing the minutiae of wartime logistics. Controlling key airfields will become a strategic objective for clans and factions looking to dominate the skies.

To counter the threat of aerial attacks, the update introduces radar installations. These structures help spot enemy aircraft early, giving defenders time to prepare. Additionally, deployed anti-aircraft weaponry will be vital for defending against air raids. Players will need to coordinate between radar operators and anti-air gunners to create an effective air defense network.

Beyond traditional aircraft, the Airborne update also introduces paratroopers. This allows commanders to deploy troops behind enemy lines, creating new opportunities for sabotage and disruption. Paratroopers can land deep in hostile territory to disrupt enemy logistics, sabotage infrastructure, and create chaos far from the front lines. This adds a new layer of unpredictability to the game’s large-scale battles.

On the naval side, the update introduces the aircraft carrier, described as the largest ship in the fleet. These massive vessels allow aircraft to conduct offshore missions, projecting air power far from friendly shores. The ability to launch and recover aircraft at sea opens up entirely new strategic possibilities for naval operations and amphibious assaults.

When the Airborne update releases in February, it will also bring visual upgrades to the game’s environments. New regions will be added to the map, along with new ship classes to complement the existing naval roster. These additions are ushering in what the developers call a “new era” for the MMORTS, promising to refresh the experience for both veteran players and newcomers alike.

Players interested in seeing these new features in action can check out the gameplay trailer released by the developers. The footage showcases the new aircraft, paratroopers, and naval vessels in action, giving a preview of the intense combined arms warfare that awaits when the update goes live next month.