Best Expansion Packs in Battlefield Games, Ranked

Summary

Back to Karkand revamped classic maps in Battlefield 3, setting the tone for future DLCs.
Turning Tides in Battlefield 1 introduced naval warfare and an Elite class for intense battles.
Dragon’s Teeth in Battlefield 4 focused on close-quarters urban combat with unique gadgets.

As a passionate gamer, let me tell you, there’s an undeniable charm about an exceptional expansion pack. It’s not merely additional terrains or novel weapons; it’s the allure that draws me to reinstall a fantastic Battlefield game even after years have passed, and I find myself just as engrossed as if I were playing it for the first time on launch day.

Have a look at some exceptional expansion packs that not only added to the main game but completely revamped it. These offer fresh landscapes, innovative approaches, or an intense level of chaos, cranked up to maximum.

Instead of simply extending the initial experience, these expansions underwent a metamorphosis, turning the base game on its head. Here are some top-notch expansion packs that achieved this transformation perfectly.

6. Back to Karkand (Battlefield 3)

The Nostalgia That Shot First

At times, the most successful expansions are those that perfectly cater to the desires of the fans. Back to Karkand was one such example; it was a heartfelt tribute to veterans of Battlefield 2, encased within the advanced engine of Battlefield 3. It brought back four fan-favorite maps: Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman, Sharqi Peninsula, and Wake Island. But these weren’t simple replicas; each location was completely redesigned from the ground up to maximize the potential of Frostbite 2’s physics for destruction and improved movement mechanics.

The real boost came from incorporating legacy weapons and vehicles into the game. The return of the F35B Jet, Desert Patrol Vehicle, and the notorious DAO-12 shotgun created a mix of admiration and anger among players, depending on which side they were firing at. Moreover, it was the initial DLC for Battlefield 3, and it established the mood for what was to come ahead. For numerous gamers, it made Battlefield 3 seem like the long-awaited sequel to Battlefield 2.

5. Turning Tides (Battlefield 1)

The DLC With a Sixth Sense for Naval History

The atmosphere of Battlefield 1 was consistently eerie, characterized by a solemn, muddy, and tumultuous feel. Turning Tides amplified this, focusing on naval combat and beach assaults with a subdued intensity. This expansion took place during the Gallipoli campaign and the North Sea struggle, offering a unique blend of amphibious invasions and ship-to-ship skirmishes that were absent in the original game. Maps such as Cape Helles and Heligoland Bight put players on the frontlines of beach assaults, with dreadnoughts pounding the coastline from afar.

However, it wasn’t all about show. The latest class, the Infiltrator Elite, had the ability to set up mobile respawn points and request artillery fire (essentially serving as a one-person offensive support team). Alongside the addition of the L-Class Destroyer and C-Class Airship, Turning Tides seemed like DICE testing out various aspects of naval warfare that weren’t just for aesthetics. It didn’t always succeed perfectly, but when it did, it felt like experiencing a historical documentary with more spectacular explosions.

4. Naval Strike (Battlefield 4)

Surf’s Up, Missiles Down

When Naval Strike was released, Battlefield 4 at last delivered the extensive water combat it had been hinting at for some time. All of a sudden, the ocean transformed from a scenic backdrop to a battlefield. The highlight was Carrier Assault, an updated version of the Titan mode from Battlefield 2142, where teams fought to destroy the enemy’s aircraft carrier by capturing missile sites first. Storming an opponent’s carrier with rockets illuminating the sky never felt more cinematic.

In Battlefield 4, the maps were designed for a chaotic experience, much like Wave Breaker’s submerged tunnels, Lost Islands’ zip-lines, and Nansha Strike’s open-sea combat zones. They all contributed significantly to the game’s verticality and unpredictability. Unlike many expansions that merely added sea vehicles for novelty, these vessels had real strategic significance in both conquest and obliteration modes. And let’s not forget about those exhilarating weather changes mid-game – they’re still hard to beat!

3. Bad Company 2: Vietnam (Battlefield: Bad Company 2)

What If “Rush B” Meant Rush With a Flamethrower?

Instead of alternate histories, there’s Bad Company 2: Vietnam – a game that turns a 20th-century jungle conflict into a surreal haze of smoke-filled firefights set against the backdrop of pulsating ’60s rock music. The swap to M16s, napalm, and authentic period weapons lends an authentic grittiness to every encounter. This wasn’t just cosmetic change; the gunplay felt denser, engagements more intense, and the environments far less predictable. Maps such as Hill 137 and Phu Bai Valley compel players to reassess their usual tactics of run-and-gun.

Additionally, it deeply embraced an immersive experience. Helicopter blades spun through the foliage as The Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival filled the airwaves from within the game’s radios. Without lock-on launchers or advanced technology, success frequently hinged on strategic maneuvers and tactical timing of suppressive fire. This expansion stood out by offering a complete gaming experience – one that in many aspects surpassed other expansions.

2. Dragon’s Teeth (Battlefield 4)

Urban Warfare With a Dentist’s Nightmare

Instead of Naval Strike focusing on wide-open sea battles, Dragon’s Teeth offered a contrasting experience: intense, gritty, close-quarters fighting within the ruins of once-advanced cities. Scattered across Asian locations, this expansion abandoned distant confrontations for brutal street fights in alleyways, squares, and skyscrapers. Maps like Propaganda and Pearl Market were particularly suitable for those who favored SMGs and shotguns over sniper rifles and bipods.

The R.A.W.R., a remotely operated ground vehicle equipped with a machine gun and grenade launcher, was another feature added. On paper, it seemed excessive. However, in the gameplay, it proved to be both exciting (and frustrating)! Furthermore, the Ballistic Shield for the Assault class and the interconnected Levolution events on each map made Dragon’s Teeth a fun, dynamic expansion of Battlefield 4. Many players still consider it as the spiritual successor to Close Quarters from BF3.

1. In the Name of the Tsar (Battlefield 1)

Cold Front, Hot Lead

Among all the expansions throughout the history of Battlefield, none surpassed the grand ambition quite like “In the Name of the Tsar”. This addition offered six unique maps spread across the Eastern Front, and for the first time, we were immersed in the Russian Empire. It also provided one of the most visually striking and strategically diverse experiences within the series. From the freezing assault on Brusilov Keep to the horse-centric conflicts of Galicia, each map had its own rhythm.

The DLC, titled “In the Name of the Tsar,” unveiled two exciting additions: the friendly Scout-class Mosin-Nagant M91 and the formidable Ilya Muromets Heavy Bomber. These new weapons offered snipers and pilots more than just eye candy to play with. However, what truly stole the show was the Women’s Battalion of Death. This new addition to the Russian Scout class marked a significant milestone as it introduced the first playable female soldiers in a main Battlefield title. “In the Name of the Tsar” didn’t merely augment content; it broadened the franchise’s range and character, making it a remarkable addition not just for Battlefield 1, but for Battlefield overall.

2025-07-27 08:43