Best Battlefield Games

Key Takeaways

Battlefield franchise has produced over 10 main games with rich story modes and engaging multiplayer experiences.
Battlefield 2042 struggled at launch with a lack of content, but updates have improved the player experience.
Battlefield 2 and Bad Company standout as successful entries in the franchise, with varied gameplay and memorable experiences.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that the Battlefield series has been a constant companion throughout my gaming journey. From the early days of Battlefield 1942 to the modern-day destruction in Battlefield 3, each game has offered unique experiences that have left an indelible mark on me.

Ever since the debut of Battlefield 1942, way back in 2002, Electronic Arts’ first-person shooter series has seen over ten primary games along with numerous expansion packs. It’s worth noting that Battlefield has consistently gone head-to-head with Activision’s Call of Duty franchise, as both game licenses have been neck and neck in terms of sales, gameplay, single-player campaigns, and online experiences.

The top-notch Battlefield titles have consistently offered endless fun for enthusiasts, with their compelling storylines and multiplayer features keeping gamers engrossed for extended periods. Although not every Battlefield game is perfect, each one in the series offers enjoyment to first-person shooter (FPS) fans who appreciate military strategy games and relish opportunities to improve their skills while indulging in a power trip as they mow down enemies by the scores or even hundreds, at times.

Nevertheless, the Battlefield series is set to revert back to its origins, as DICE and some of their internal teams are preparing to launch a new Battlefield game in 2025. In the meantime, it’s exciting to review the entire franchise while we eagerly await the developers to finish cooking up this next installment!

This list only includes the official installments of the Battlefield series. Modded versions don’t count.

16 Battlefield 2042

Trying Out A New Formula With The Series That Didn’t Succeed

As a dedicated gamer, I must confess my disappointment with Battlefield 2042 from EA. Unlike previous installments, this one has gone all-in on multiplayer, a departure that, in theory, seemed exciting. But the real issue isn’t the absence of a single-player mode; it’s the game’s shaky launch and the dearth of content. It’s not the experience I was hoping for.

The game, Battlefield 2042, hints at greatness with its expansive battles and Portal feature, but it seemed to require more cooking time prior to release. Upon debut, DICE’s production failed to resonate with gamers, prompting many to revisit older Battlefield titles. However, since then, the game has undergone several updates aimed at enhancing its core experience, and it has improved significantly as a result.

In Battlefield 2042, DICE abandoned the traditional class system and introduced characters with unique abilities who also share the same arsenal of weapons. Additionally, they boosted the server capacity from 64 players to 128 players. Initially, these changes appeared thrilling before the game’s launch. However, it didn’t take long for players to understand that the older Battlefield systems functioned more effectively. Consequently, developers have been making updates, spanning a few years now, to reintroduce the original system.

15 Battlefield Play4Free

A Free-To-Play Version Of Battlefield Focusing Strictly On Multiplayer

A largely overlooked multiplayer game named “Battlefield Play4Free” highlights its main appeal in its very title. Drawing inspiration from “Battlefield 2” and “Bad Company”, the game adapted the franchise’s conventional layout for a free-to-play version, which, as expected, included numerous premium items designed to give players an edge. Although the shop left much to be desired, the game still held its own during its time, offering a good assortment of maps, vehicles, and weapons.

Play4Free found it challenging to establish its purpose since its minimalistic content wasn’t enticing enough to make longtime fans abandon the main releases of the franchise. Although it could have served as an entry-level product for novices dabbling in online multiplayer shooters, the game lacked appeal to sustain itself beyond a couple of years.

14 Battlefield Heroes

The Only Third-Person Battlefield Game Ever

In simple terms, the free-to-play game “Battlefield Heroes” provided PC users with a scaled-down yet entertaining online gaming experience. Despite having fewer game modes and customization options, it was satisfactory considering its objectives. Notably, “Heroes” marked a shift in the “Battlefield” series to a third-person perspective.

This game, a beginner’s shooter, catered to younger audiences. Its childlike aesthetics and easy-to-grasp mechanics were evidence of this. Unfortunately, it ceased operation on July 14, 2015. Electronic Arts (EA) did not experiment with the third-person perspective in any other Battlefield game after Heroes.

13 Battlefield Hardline

Changing The Setting From Military Wars To Street Criminals Vs Cops

Described as a “brand new” and more character-focused adventure, unfortunately, Battlefield: Hardline did not meet expectations. The primary criticisms of the game revolve around its uninteresting and shallow storyline that fell short in character development. However, the stealth aspect adds a fresh twist to the game and is definitely worth the investment.

Developed on the Frostbite 3 engine, “Battlefield: Hardline” marked the final creation by Visceral Games prior to their closure in 2017. Despite introducing some unique elements in gameplay, these innovations didn’t align with Battlefield’s core identity. The focus of combat shifted towards civilian cars instead of military vehicles, and one mode, Hotwire, required players to drive a designated car across the map and survive to earn as many points as possible.

12 Battlefield 4

A Sheer Evolution In Multiplayer But A Step Back In Storytelling

Launched in 2013, Battlefield 4 is set in a fictional war scenario of the year 2020. You assume the role of Sgt. Daniel “Reck” Recker, the second-in-command of the Tombstone squad (previously seen in Battlefield 3), as you navigate through the escalating conflicts between the US, Russia, and China.

The game received acclaim for its engaging multiplayer feature and stunning visuals, yet faced significant backlash due to its simplistic gameplay that felt rushed. However, the DLC provided some additional content, though it probably didn’t alleviate much disappointment for those who bought the game at release.

11 Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

The First Battlefield Game To Release On Console With Multiplayer Modes

Although overshadowed by “Bad Company”, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat should be acknowledged for being the console version that introduced Electronic Arts’ license. As a spin-off from Battlefield 2, Modern Combat didn’t offer the same depth and fulfillment in gameplay as its PC counterpart, but it was suitable as a streamlined shooter tailored to the mid-2000s console market. Apart from nostalgia or curiosity, there is not much incentive for playing Modern Combat today.

Initially, this game was designed for multiple generations, debuting on PlayStation 2 and Xbox with just a single-player campaign mode. However, a more advanced version featuring multiplayer options became available on the Xbox 360 later. To begin with in the console world, Modern Combat offered an acceptable 24-player multiplayer experience, marking a positive start.

10 Battlefield 2142

The Only Time That Battlefield Depicted A Futuristic Warfare

In the 22nd-century New Ice Age, the global powers, the European Union and the Pan Asian Coalition, are at odds in a battle for control over the unthawed lands of North Africa and the Middle East, as depicted in the game Battlefield 2142.

The year 2142 marked the debut of a Battlefield game that deviated from the traditional US lead role, offering a fresh and intriguing twist. Remarkably, this particular installment was tailored for engaging multiplayer campaigns, accommodating up to an impressive 64 players on a single server.

9 Battlefield 5

Following Battlefield 1’s Solid Foundation And Experimenting With Battle Royale

Just like Battlefield 1, which focused on the happenings of World War I, Battlefield 5 followed as its sequel, setting its story during World War II. Although it wasn’t terrible, the game didn’t receive the same acclaim as its forerunner. The fundamental gameplay is often considered one of the best in the series, and the maps are usually well-designed, but other aspects of the game tend to spark debate among players.

The latest installment, Battlefield 5, didn’t receive as much praise as its previous version due to the lack of major novel features. Instead, it primarily offered the familiar core gameplay on a fresh map, along with an array of new firearms and vehicles.

8 Battlefield 1943

A Multiplayer-Only Entry That Remained Exclusive To Consoles

Instead of being considered a standalone game, Battlefield 1943 could be seen as merely an update or continuation of Battlefield 1942, as its maps were derived from the latter. However, since Battlefield 1942 was not available on consoles, Battlefield 1943, being an updated version, effectively carved out its own niche.

In Battlefield 1943, you can engage in battles with two different factions and three character classes. This game supports up to 24 players on a single map, which was quite substantial for its time during the late 2000s. One interesting aspect of this game is that the final map, Coral Sea, could only be unlocked when the player community accumulated a total of 43 million kills.

7 Battlefield: Bad Company

The Beginning Of The Best Sub-Franchise In The Battlefield Series

Kicking off the Frostbite engine era was never more perfectly done than with Battlefield: Bad Company, released in 2008. This game marked an impressive debut for the engine and earned acclaim for its cutting-edge ambiance and graphics that were remarkably advanced compared to other games of that period.

The game titled Bad Company revolves around a squad of soldiers often used as pawns, collectively known as ‘Bad Company,’ made up of Private Preston Marlowe, Terrence Sweetwater, George Gordon, and Sergeant Samuel D. Redford. They are engaged in the fictional First Russo-American War. While the main storyline is relatively brief at approximately 7.5 hours, the game offers additional content that extends playtime significantly. The average time taken to complete all aspects of the game is a substantial 56 hours, largely due to some tough trophies and achievements.

6 Battlefield Vietnam

Improving The Core Features Of The First Game In A New Setting

Unlike the expansion pack for “Bad Company 2” in 2010 titled “Battlefield Vietnam,” the game “Battlefield Vietnam” was independently released in 2004. As its name indicates, this game is based on the devastating Vietnam War that claimed many lives from both the Vietnamese and American troops.

Back when I first dived into the immersive world of Battlefield Vietnam, I was blown away by its authenticity – it was powered by the same engine as the original Battlefield, but EA didn’t just stop there. They breathed life into historical settings like the 1968 Battle of Huế and turned them into captivating gameplay experiences that felt so real, I could almost smell the gunpowder.

5 Battlefield 1

One Of The Best World War 1 Depictions Ever In The Industry

After the unsatisfactory outcome of Battlefield: Hardline, EA made a comeback with Battlefield 1. As the name implies, it was set during World War I. It featured four distinct campaigns from various war episodes, such as the Arabian desert and the Battle of Cambrai, Germany’s skies, and the Battle of Gallipoli.

Battlefield 1, initially released, garnered significant commercial triumph, with over 15 million units sold, and attracted various high-profile award nominations. This game also pioneered numerous fresh concepts and elements that would eventually become series mainstays. Despite its main storyline spanning approximately 6.5 hours, Battlefield 1 is considered a relatively brief game. However, owing to its exceptional multiplayer aspect, most players tend to spend significantly more time engaged with it than the initial playtime suggests.

As a devoted fan, I can attest that Battlefield 1 shattered the silence surrounding World War 1 in gaming franchises with an extraordinary experience. To this day, it continues to draw a sizable player base that keeps servers buzzing worldwide. The game’s diverse arsenal of weapons and captivating vehicular combat brought the series back to its former glory.

4 Battlefield: Bad Company 2

The Peak Of The Series When It Comes To Storytelling

In a different setting, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is set in 1944, preceding the events of the original game. The narrative revolves around Private Preston Marlowe, the main character from the first installment, along with Sweetwater, Haggard, and Sergeant Redford. This game utilized the Frostbite 1.5 engine, empowering players to tackle colossal structures and demolish them, thereby expanding their scope for map exploration. It achieved sales exceeding 12 million units, and its extension, entitled Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Vietnam, was launched ten months later.

Similar to its forerunner, the primary campaign in Bad Company 2 lasts approximately 7 hours. Unlike the original Bad Company, it offers fewer additional contents, so a comprehensive playthrough will add around 11 more hours of gameplay.

3 Battlefield 3

Setting For Destructible Environment That Turned Into An Icon In Battlefield

Utilizing the second-gen Frostbite engine, Battlefield 3 was indisputably one of the top Battlefield titles upon its debut. Gamers engage in four distinct campaigns set within a fictional 2014 conflict.

The game was exceptionally popular, surpassing Electronic Arts’ previous sales record as their quickest-selling title to date. Similar to other contemporary games in the series, the main story of Battlefield 3 offers approximately 6 hours of playtime. However, a complete run can take significantly longer, with the average completion time on HowLongtoBeat at about 65.5 hours.

2 Battlefield 1942

The First Entry In The Series And A Multiplayer Game Ahead Of Time

The initial installment in the series, “Battlefield 1942,” was a refreshing change when it was launched back in 2002, just a year prior to the introduction of “Call of Duty.” This game focused on two teams engaged in World War II: the Allies (comprising the US, UK, and Soviet Union) and the Axis powers (Nazi Germany and Japan).

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about the unforgettable journey that took me from Wake Island in the vast Pacific to El Alamein in the heart of North Africa with the epic multiplayer mode of Battlefield 1942. This game wasn’t just a hit; it was a sensation, earning more than $27 million in revenue. For a game that offers around 30 hours of immersive entertainment, I’d say that’s a pretty sweet deal! The main storyline alone accounts for 7.5 hours, making it one of the lengthier Battlefield experiences.

1 Battlefield 2

Battlefield’s First-Ever Attempt On Modern Warfare To Solidify Its Brand

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that Battlefield 2 stands tall as the finest Battlefield game to grace our screens so far. It set a new standard not just for the series but for the entire First-Person Shooter genre. For the first time in Battlefield history, we were thrust into the heart of modern warfare, where global superpowers clashed in high-stakes conflicts. Although it’s not typically known for its narrative, Battlefield 2 holds a unique place among fans due to its immersive online multiplayer mode.

Beyond that, this game offers a vast array of 15 diverse maps for me to delve into. Not only is it currently the highest-rated title in the Battlefield franchise, but its lengthy gameplay experience also sets it apart as one of my all-time favorites.

2024-11-11 04:54