While The Creative Assembly team is busy working on their Empire: Total War mini-expansion The Warpath Campaign they are also planning to release some new free content as well via their next patch. An update on the game's official message boards reveals that the upcoming 1.5 patch for the historical RTS game will include five multiplayer maps.

While the patch will be released the same day the $9.99 Warpath Campaign will be made available via Steam, the new multiplayer maps will be totally free and will not require players to purchase the mini-expansion. There's no word on when the patch or the expansion will be released. The maps are:

• Grassy Flatlands - This is a flat, balanced map designed for competitive/tournament play.
• Austrian Pinnacles - A maze like European landscape with plenty of opportunities to outflank and maneuver around your opponent(s).
• Syrian Ridge - A desert map with several oasis scattered around and a large sandy hill near the centre to dominate the opposition.
• Siberian Plateau - A balanced flat snowy tundra map, heavily forested to allow for ambush and concealed fighting.
• Homestead - An American plains map with several cabin dwellings and low rolling hills with opportunities to seize elevated positions.