The They Shall Not Pass expansion for Battlefield 1 introduces a formidable new armored vehicle: the Saint-Chamond Assault Tank. Dubbed a “baby behemoth,” this tank brings immense firepower and unique abilities to the battlefield. With three distinct variants—Field Assault, Gas Assault, and Standoff Assault—each offering different tactical advantages, mastering the Saint-Chamond can give you a game-changing edge.

Saint-Chamond Variants & Their Strengths

Field Assault Variant

The Field Assault version of the Saint-Chamond is an all-purpose tank built for frontline combat. It is armed with:

• 75mm Low-Velocity Cannon – Fires either high-explosive shells or shrapnel rounds, effective against both infantry and vehicles.
• Four Side-Mounted Machine Guns – Operated by teammates to provide protection from flanking attacks.
• Emergency Repair Ability – Allows the driver to recover from damage mid-battle.
• Artillery Strike via Carrier Pigeon – The most unique feature of this tank, allowing the player to call in an artillery barrage. However, deploying the pigeon leaves the driver vulnerable, making this a high-risk, high-reward tactic.

Best Used For: Objective control and breaking enemy defenses.

Gas Assault Variant

For those who prefer area denial, the Gas Assault version brings additional crowd control abilities to the battlefield. It features:

• 75mm Cannon with Airburst and Gas Shells – The ability to blanket an area in toxic gas forces enemies to either flee or equip gas masks, reducing their combat effectiveness.
• Gas Emission System – Deploys a persistent gas cloud for extended suppression.
• Emergency Repair Ability – Just like the Field Assault version, the driver can recover damage while in combat.

Best Used For: Suppressing enemy positions and controlling chokepoints.

Standoff Assault Variant

The Standoff Assault version may be the most underrated, but it boasts one of the most impactful abilities in Battlefield 1:

• 75mm High-Velocity Cannon & Heavy Machine Gun – A versatile weapon loadout that allows the driver to switch between anti-vehicle and anti-infantry firepower.
• Spotting Searchlight Ability – This game-changing feature automatically spots all enemies visible to the driver. When used effectively, it provides unparalleled battlefield awareness.
• Smoke Screen Instead of Emergency Repair – Unlike the other variants, the Standoff Assault does not have an emergency repair ability. Instead, it uses a smoke screen to evade enemy fire.

Best Used For: Supporting teammates with reconnaissance and eliminating long-range threats.

How to Dominate with the Saint-Chamond Tank

1. Play to Your Variant’s Strengths

• Field Assault: Push objectives, clear buildings, and break enemy lines.
• Gas Assault: Control battlefield zones and force enemies out of cover.
• Standoff Assault: Provide real-time spotting for teammates and suppress enemy armor.

2. Use Positioning to Your Advantage

The Saint-Chamond was historically known for getting stuck due to its long body and short tracks. While Battlefield 1 doesn’t fully replicate this, poor positioning can leave you vulnerable. Stay clear of tight spaces and utilize open fields to maximize firepower.

3. Deploy Artillery & Gas Strategically

• Artillery Strike (Field Assault): Ideal for clearing contested objectives. Deploy only when safe to avoid being caught vulnerable.
• Gas Assault: Effective for denying enemy access to points, creating chaos, and forcing them to rely on gas masks.

4. Make Full Use of the Spotting Searchlight

• Standoff Assault’s searchlight is one of the best support abilities in the game.
• Constantly scanning and spotting enemies makes it easier for teammates to secure kills.
• Be mindful that the bright light also makes your tank an easy target.

Countering the Saint-Chamond

Despite its power, the Saint-Chamond is not invincible. Here’s how to deal with it:

• Flanking: The tank lacks significant rear armor. Attack from the sides or behind to maximize damage.
• Anti-Tank Weapons: AT grenades, rocket guns, and tank mines are all effective.
• Artillery & Air Support: The Saint-Chamond is vulnerable to airstrikes and long-range artillery fire.

Historical Context & Accuracy

The Saint-Chamond tank was historically unpopular among its crews due to its poor off-road capability and tendency to get stuck in trenches. However, DICE has taken creative liberties in Battlefield 1 to make it more effective. Interestingly:

• The Field Assault and Gas Assault versions are modeled after early Saint-Chamond designs.
• The Standoff Assault is based on a later model with a pop-up spotlight and high-velocity cannon.
• Only one surviving Saint-Chamond tank exists today, housed at the Musée des Blindés in France.

Final Thoughts

The Saint-Chamond Assault Tank is one of the most exciting additions to Battlefield 1, offering three unique playstyles that cater to different combat scenarios. Whether you prefer brute-force assaults, area suppression, or battlefield intelligence, this vehicle provides a strategic edge.

For those who love commanding armored vehicles, the Saint-Chamond is a must-try. If you haven’t played with it yet in the CTE, now is the perfect time to jump in and master this baby behemoth!