Tactical Assault VR Expands with Operation Dahlia: A SWAT-Themed Evolution
HammerFire Interactive has officially unveiled the long-awaited SWAT Expansion for Tactical Assault VR, codenamed Operation Dahlia. Launching on September 4, 2025, this ambitious DLC brings players into a darker, grittier fight against organized crime while holding true to the series’ core values—realism, tension, and teamwork.
For fans of Tactical Assault VR, this marks a bold new step. While the base game established itself with military operations and methodical, squad-driven gameplay, Operation Dahlia shifts the battlefield to urban environments where split-second decisions and close-quarters combat define success.
Branching Into New Territory
Developer HammerFire Interactive described Operation Dahlia as an “immense task” for their small indie studio—a project that brought together talented contributors and months of build-up. Earlier updates, like the Surrender Update, hinted at this new direction by giving players more control over rules of engagement. Now, Operation Dahlia cements Tactical Assault VR as not just a military simulator, but a versatile tactical experience that stretches into law enforcement scenarios.
What’s Inside the SWAT Expansion?
Operation Dahlia isn’t just a skin-deep add-on. It’s packed with new content designed to freshen up both single-player and multiplayer experiences.
Five New Missions
Set across North America, these missions pit players against Los Craneos Rojos, a ruthless cartel wreaking havoc across the region. Each mission emphasizes tight, close-quarters combat, adding new layers of tension and requiring sharper coordination.
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Gas Station (Codename: Collapsing Star)
A claustrophobic standoff at a rural gas station. Expect tight interiors and tense encounters. -
Ranch (Codename: Flattened Veil)
Wide open land meets close barns and outbuildings—blending CQB tactics with outdoor firefights. -
Apartments (Codename: Shattered Eagle)
Multi-floor combat in dense housing. Every corner could hide civilians or armed cartel members. -
Favela (Codename: Clipped Wings) – coming Q4 2025
Narrow alleyways, rooftops, and unpredictable threats await in this urban maze. -
Convention Center (Codename: Retaliatory Bite) – coming Q1 2026
Large indoor spaces with high civilian presence demand precision, positive ID, and careful execution.
At launch, three missions will be available, with the final two arriving in free updates tied to the DLC package.
New Gameplay Mechanics
Operation Dahlia builds on Tactical Assault VR’s realism by layering in fresh mechanics:
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Rules of Engagement Variations: Choose to push aggressively or leverage the surrender modifier to take enemies alive.
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Civilian Presence: Players must rely on proper PID (Positive Identification) before pulling the trigger.
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Traps and Hazards: Trip-wires and other environmental dangers keep teams on their toes.
These mechanics add replayability while reinforcing the game’s identity as a thoughtful, tactical VR shooter rather than a run-and-gun experience.
Social Hub & Customization
The expansion also introduces a brand-new multiplayer lobby and social hub, complete with a basketball court and outdoor shooting range. It’s a place to hang out, practice skills, and socialize before diving into missions.
For players who enjoy roleplay and personalization, Operation Dahlia delivers:
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Police-Labeled Plate Carriers
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LEO and Sheriff Avatars
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New Helmets
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SWAT-Themed Camo
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Kneepads
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Two Hawaiian Shirt Full-Body Avatars (a fun nod to casual tactical roleplay)
This mix of serious law enforcement gear and lighthearted cosmetics makes customization more versatile than ever.
New Weapons
At launch, the DLC will include the FAL Rifle, expanding the arsenal with a battle-tested classic. Additional weapons and sights are planned to roll out alongside the remaining missions later in 2025 and early 2026.
Price & Release Date
The Operation Dahlia SWAT Expansion will be available on September 4, 2025, priced at $9.99 USD. Three missions, new cosmetics, weapons, and the social hub arrive on launch day, with Favela and Convention Center missions following in staggered updates. Each mission drop will also add extra gear like sights, camos, and weapons.
Why Operation Dahlia Matters
For a small indie studio like HammerFire Interactive, Operation Dahlia is a milestone. It shows their commitment to expanding Tactical Assault VR into a living, evolving platform that supports both military and law enforcement fantasy in VR.
Fans of tactical shooters will appreciate the realism, expanded mechanics, and squad-focused gameplay, while new players may find the SWAT theme more relatable than traditional military settings.
By leaning into law enforcement scenarios with challenging missions and more immersive social spaces, Tactical Assault VR is carving out a distinct niche in the crowded VR FPS market.
Final Thoughts
Operation Dahlia proves that Tactical Assault VR isn’t afraid to evolve. By delivering a SWAT-inspired expansion with new missions, mechanics, weapons, and customization, HammerFire Interactive is raising the stakes for tactical VR shooters.
For just $9.99, players will gain access to months of fresh content and a new way to experience the game’s methodical, team-driven combat. Whether you’re storming apartments, disarming trip-wires, or rocking a Hawaiian shirt in the social hub, Operation Dahlia offers something new for every VR tactician.