The assault that Allied forces launched on June 6th, 1944, was bold and risky, yet meticulously planned. Operation Overlord would send troops to five carefully selected beaches along the Normandy coastline to begin a push against the German forces occupying France.

The five beaches were given code names: Gold, Juno, Utah, Omaha, and Sword. Responsibility for taking Sword Beach fell largely to the British 3rd Division along with British and French commandos. Despite a German counterattack, the Allied troops succeeded, and by the end of the day Sword Beach was secured.

This year, we celebrate the 81st anniversary of this daring campaign with a special event mode inspired by the Sword Beach landing. And that’s not all; Challenges tied to the event and special Store bundles in honor of D-Day are also available!

Click below or read on for details:

• D-Day: Sword Beach – Event Mode Basics
• D-Day: Sword Beach – Challenges
• Sales: Sword Beach Chargers
• D-Day Sales

D-Day: Sword Beach – Event Mode Basics

The D-Day: Sword Beach event is a special PvE mode that you can access from the game’s mode select screen for one week starting on June 3rd.

In this event, you’ll be joining the British in their assault on Sword Beach. That means that you can use only certain types of tanks for this event:

• Only British tanks
• Only tanks from Tiers VI and VII
• Artillery (SPG) is NOT allowed

Once the match is underway, your mission begins, Commander. You’ll be part of a team ranging from seven to ten players in size that will have 15 minutes to complete three phases:

You read that correctly, Commander. Remember, this is a game that’s inspired by history. That means that in addition to battling enemy German tanks, attacking stationary pillboxes that fire at you, and dodging airstrikes, you’ll also fight a boss battle at the end—and the boss you fight will be random each time you play!

• The Black Baron is a fearsome single tank.
• The Red Tigers are a regiment of three tanks.

You can play the D-Day: Sword Beach event as many times as you want. After each successful completion of the entire event, you’ll receive the Sword Beach Medal.

And after your first victory (and only for the first victory), you’ll also receive a D-Day (Sword Beach) Event Trophy for your customizable garage.

Other points to note:

• Respawns will be enabled.
• Silver and XP can be earned in this event.
• Boosters cannot be used in this event.
• Repair and resupply costs will apply.
• Ammo pickups will be available on the map.

And although valor is its own reward, for those of you who love a good Earn Challenge, we’ve got some Challenges tied to this event as well!

D-Day: Sword Beach – Challenges

The main D-Day: Sword Beach Challenge is set up like many of our other recent special event Challenges. As you complete specific goals during the D-Day event, you’ll be awarded points.

The goals and points are as follows:

Unlike other recent Challenges, there is no way to lose points in D-Day: Sword Beach.

As you earn points, you’ll progress through the D-Day: Sword Beach Chained Challenge. Themed rewards including the new season’s War Chests, points toward completing the Overlord season, a new Camo, and other new Cosmetics will be waiting.

Your final reward is a brand-new 3D Hero Commander: Frank “Pain” Cain, a heroic figure inspired by the British anti-tank gunners of World War II! (Please note that Frank does not come with custom voiceover.)

Are you ready to fight for liberty on the mainland of Europe? Then take a look at the Challenge info below!

Information updated on June 3rd.

You’ll recall that we mentioned “Challenges,” plural.

The Black Baron and Red Tigers are indeed formidable bosses. And so, it’s only fitting that we should have Challenges that reward you for the damage you do against them. The rewards will be the Skins equipped by these enemy tanks!

Sales: Sword Beach Chargers

No soldier should go into battle without proper armor. So, to ensure that you’re well outfitted for your Sword Beach event battles, we’ve made a fine selection of vehicles available to you this week!

First, take advantage of the following Tech Tree discount:

Next, should you desire additional firepower, head to the Store and get any of these extraordinary Premium tanks. Included are two bundles that contain both a tank and a rare 2D Standard Commander from our World War II-inspired 2016 collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, each available at a 20% discount.

Look for the bundles labeled “Sword” in the Store for all these deals!

All Premium vehicle bundles purchased from the Store come with their own Vehicle slot and a mix of standard and Premium ammo. If you want to send any of the bundles below as a gift, make sure that you and the receiver are friends on both your device and in the game.

D-Day Sales

The deals above related to the event mode battle aren’t the only specials available in honor of D-Day.

For two weeks, enjoy the following discounts:

Also for the next two weeks, you can claim thematic Cosmetics, including several new Camo sets, from the Store. Don’t miss these unique celebratory items!