Best Battlefield Campaigns, Ranked

The Battlefield games are famous for their large-scale battles, environments you can destroy, and believable war settings. However, the single-player stories offered a more intimate look at the conflicts, focusing on the people involved. These campaigns weren’t just about action; they explored emotional moments, humor, and the human side of war.

Throughout the history of the *Battlefield* series, EA and DICE have tried out various approaches to stories and environments. While not every campaign has been a success – *Battlefield 6* being one example – some have truly showcased the potential for compelling storytelling within the franchise, and deserve recognition. These campaigns have delivered some of the most immersive and cinematic experiences you can find in first-person shooter games, going beyond just explosions and action.

7. Battlefield 4

A Visually Stunning Campaign With Big Moments But Shallow Story

The single-player campaign in *Battlefield 4* is full of thrilling action and impressive visuals. You play as Sergeant Daniel Recker, leading his team through a world on the brink of conflict between the U.S., China, and Russia. The game takes you to diverse and dangerous locations, from crumbling urban landscapes to huge sea battles, all brought to life with stunning explosions and destruction powered by the Frostbite engine.

The story is functional, but lacks complexity, primarily serving to connect the game’s various missions. Gameplay focuses on intense action – battling through enemy bases, operating tanks, and leading charges amidst collapsing structures.

6. Battlefield 3

A Linear Modern War Story With High Stakes

The single-player campaign of *Battlefield 3* puts you in the role of Sergeant Blackburn, a U.S. Marine fighting in a large, modern war. The missions feel like an action-packed Hollywood war film, with fast cuts, explosions, and massive battles happening all around you. The game keeps a relentless, fast pace throughout.

The game features exciting scenes, such as navigating city streets while under attack, a thrilling jet sequence, and intense gun battles in Paris. While the action is polished and looks great, the story is somewhat familiar and focuses more on delivering adrenaline-pumping moments than a deeply moving narrative.

5. Battlefield 5

Small War Stories That Highlight Different Perspectives Of WWII

So, like in *Battlefield 1*, *Battlefield V* has a single-player campaign made up of these shorter stories called War Stories. What I really like is that each one puts you in the shoes of different soldiers and shows you parts of World War II you don’t usually see in games – it’s not just the big, famous battles.

The game features multiple stories, including one about a young Norwegian fighting in the resistance, another following a Senegalese soldier in France, and a highly-regarded story where you play as a German tank commander as World War II nears its end. Players will experience different styles of gameplay, switching between sneaking around undetected, direct combat, and missions involving vehicles.

4. Battlefield 1

Short World War I Stories

Battlefield 1 doesn’t tell one continuous story. Instead, it shares the experiences of World War I through a series of shorter, focused chapters called War Stories. Each story puts you in the shoes of a different soldier – like a tank crewman, pilot, or messenger – and highlights the personal impact of the war, showcasing its vastness and the hardships faced by those who fought.

What really struck me about this game is how each story feels totally different. One minute I was really feeling the bond between tank crewmates and the sacrifices they made, and the next I was soaring through the air in a biplane, loving the freedom but always aware of the danger. It kept me hooked emotionally the whole time. Honestly, it did a great job of showing the human side of war – the real people involved – without ever sacrificing the thrill of massive battles.

3. Battlefield Hardline

A Police Drama That Mixes Crime Scenes And Explosions

Unlike previous games, *Battlefield Hardline* puts you in the shoes of a police officer instead of a soldier. The story centers around detective Nick Mendoza as he navigates a complex case involving drugs, corruption, and deceit. It’s designed to feel like a thrilling crime drama, almost like watching an episodic TV show with suspenseful cliffhangers.

Every mission takes place in a city environment. Players will raid gang hideouts, pursue criminals on foot, and gather clues. You can choose to arrest suspects instead of using lethal force, adding a strategic element to gameplay. However, when combat erupts, expect intense action with car chases, explosions, and widespread destruction.

2. Battlefield: Bad Company

A Funny, Character-Focused Story About A Squad Of Misfits

Battlefield: Bad Company stood out for its funny and engaging story. The game centers around Private Preston Marlowe and his somewhat reckless squad, nicknamed Bad Company. These soldiers aren’t trying to be good or bad – they’re just caught up in the mayhem that follows a hunt for hidden gold.

This game blends humor with over-the-top action. You’ll be destroying structures, hijacking vehicles, and battling huge armies, all while your teammates trade witty and sarcastic comments. The characters are all uniquely voiced, and the writing is surprisingly light and fun for a war game. While the story isn’t deeply emotional, it’s a blast to play. It’s the first Battlefield title where players connected with the characters just as much as with the explosive gameplay.

1. Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Most Balanced Campaign

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 improves upon the original game. The story follows Preston Marlowe and his team again, but with bigger challenges and a somewhat more serious feel, while still keeping the fun, lively conversations and character personalities that players enjoyed before.

The game now offers a wider range of missions, including intense city fights, large-scale desert battles with vehicles, and sneaky infiltration operations. Players also have more freedom in how they approach objectives, with larger, more open areas that encourage creative problem-solving and unique strategies.

2025-10-16 04:05