Battlefield 2042 is looking to revitalize the series, and based on what has been shown for the game thus far, it could do just that. Alongside some exciting weather-based destruction, smart changes have been made to the gameplay system. These range from the new Specialist options to a Weapon Plus system that lets gamers adjust their attachments while in combat. With massive maps and a larger player count, too, there is plenty to be excited about for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
However, Battlefield 2042 is not launching until October, ensuring that fans have a fair bit of time to kill before they are piloting jets and blowing up structures. As such, players shoulmd consider playing some of the older games in the series until the new one arrives. With a mix of different settings and styles, there are plenty of different options for players to choose from. However, each game has its own positives and negatives, so players should be careful to pick the one that is the right fit for them. For those that want to enjoy a DICE-made Battlefield experience before Battlefield 2042 releases, here are the best options.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Kicking off the list is Battlefield: Bad Company 2, a game that stands out for a reason very different to the others on this list. For those frustrated over the lack of a campaign in Battlefield 2042, the disappointment likely ties back to the Bad Company games. The subseries shined due to its lovable band of misfits, as the squad’s antics and personalities were memorable. The nerdy Sweetwater and over-the-top Haggard stood out from the usual soldiers seen in Battlefield campaigns, and the missions themselves were plenty of fun to complete.
However, while both Bad Company games features strong campaigns, the sequel gets the edge due to its equally strong multiplayer. Alongside focused, small-scale destruction, the game is responsible for popularizing the Rush game mode that would define Battlefield 3. It also featured an excellent expansion in the form of Battlefield: Vietnam, with memorable music and themed uniforms joining specially designed maps. With the weaponry also matching this era of warfare, the DLC is worth trying out. Unfortunately, the big downside to Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is that it is over a decade old. As such, gamers may have a hard time finding a match. The graphics are also a fair bit dated in comparison to modern shooters.
Battlefield 3
Battlefield 3 is up next, and with the game’s setting, it could give players similar vibes to what they will get when playing Battlefield 2042. For many, this remains the peak of the series, and for good reason. Some of the most iconic Battlefield maps can be found in this game, with Operation Metro and Damavand Peak being some prime examples of the game’s quality. In the case of the former, players pushed through several different areas, including a park and subway station. For the latter, many players will likely remember the spectacular base jump off the side of the mountain top.
Both maps excelled due to Rush, with the mode being at its best in Battlefield 3. While Breakthrough has taken its place it in recent entries, plenty look back fondly at defending and destroying M-COMs. With the maps built specifically for Rush, too, it shined even more than the series’ iconic Conquest mode. The game also featured some standout expansions like Close Quarters. With modders adding private servers to Battlefield 3, there is clearly still some interest in the game. Like Battlefield: Bad Company 2, though, players will surely be dealing with a smaller pool of players. Further, the game’s campaign is only serviceable, as it lacks the uniqueness seen in the Bad Company games. Still, its narrative is decent enough that those desperate for singleplayer content can give it a try.
Battlefield 4
Next up is Battlefield 4, and while Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3 were better games in their primes, there is no better entry in the series to play right now. This is because of the massive uptick in Battlefield 4's player count following the announcement of Battlefield 2042. The game is now full of life, with servers packed with people that cannot get enough of the game’s modern warfare. With it also being the most recent present-day entry in the series, the game looks more visually appealing than its predecessor.
As for its gameplay, Battlefield 4 has improved a lot since launch. While much has been said about its disastrous debut, as the game’s bug count and netcode were horrendous, DICE put in the work to turn the game around and make it a solid Battlefield experience. While the maps may be a step back and the Rush mode may be lacking, systems like levelution are plenty of fun to mess with. The game features a ton of weaponry to try out, too, and while the campaign is average, it could still give gamers a bit of entertainment. With custom servers letting players cherry pick the best content from the game, it is worth a download.
Battlefield 1
For those that want something a bit different from the modern Battlefield style, giving Battlefield 1 a try may be a good idea. While a turn to World War 1 was a bold move on the part of DICE, it did a fine job realizing the era. Though the limited weaponry and wide-open maps may not be for everyone, moments like a crashing Zeppelin are impossible to forget. The Operations mode is particularly strong, with players able to play through small collections of maps that have a narrative connection to one another.
The War Stories campaign was also decent, as the short stories did a fine job honoring those that served in The Great War. With each representing a country involved in the battles while also introducing different mechanics, this was the strongest campaign to feature in the series since Bad Company. While it may not be as strong as the story modes in other FPS games, it is a solid introduction to what players will see in multiplayer. Modern Battlefield content is hard to top, but there is still a fair bit to appreciate about the experimental Battlefield 1.
Battlefield 5
Admittedly, most would agree that Battlefield 5 is the weakest entry on this list. The game’s building mechanic was lackluster, its War Stories were a step back, and Grand Operations proved that bigger is not always better. Still, DICE did add a lot of free content to the game after launch, and while the Firestorm battle royale mode fell flat, normal multiplayer was left in a better place. The World War 2 weaponry and vehicles are well realized, and the maps are serviceable if not particularly memorable. However, the main reason to give this game a try is because there is no risk attached for PlayStation users. Added to PlayStation Plus in May, those on Sony platforms can experience World War 2-era Battlefield action free of charge. As such, even if the game falls flat for players, there is no downside to giving it a try.
Battlefield 2042 launches on October 22 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.