Assassin's Creed 3 multiplayer DLC releases this week, Season Pass holders get it for free

Update (1/8/13): We've added a good helping of screenshots for the new Battle Hardened Pack DLC, which you can find below after the break.

The much anticipated Battle Hardened Pack DLC for the Assassin's Creed III multiplayer is releasing this week after weeks of idle speculation and frustration on the official forums. The content will be readily available this week, contrary to the Hidden Secrets DLC that was available last month, meaning Season Pass holders won't be getting it earlier than anyone else, but does come with the perk that is completely and utterly FREE. I should note it's only free for people who have purchased the Season Pass, those without will unfortunately need to fork out $£7.99 (no USD equivalent mentioned) on PS3/PC or 800 Microsoft Points for those of you on Xbox 360.

The DLC includes:

• Three new Multiplayer characters
  • The Influential Governor
  • The Resilient Highlander
  • The Fearsome Coyote Man
• Three new Multiplayer maps 
  • The "lush, tropical" Saint Pierre
  • The "moody, atmospheric" Fort St-Mathieu
  • The "embattled, enflamed, Boston neighbourhood", Charlestown

The maps will be available in standard multiplayer and Wolfpack game modes.

But when will it release, I hear you cry! The DLC will be available Tuesday, January 8 on Xbox 360, Wednesday, January 9 for Playstation 3, and Tuesday, January 15 on PC. There is currently no announcement on when it will reach those on Wii U, however.