What To Do Before EA Delists Battlefield Hardline On May 22

Battlefield Hardline stands out from other games in the series because it doesn’t focus on traditional warfare. Instead, it puts you in the role of police officers conducting drug busts in cities like Miami and Los Angeles. Released about ten years ago, it hasn’t been updated or re-released for newer consoles like the PlayStation 5. However, because it works with older systems, EA hasn’t felt the need to create a new version.

Recently, EA announced that Battlefield Hardline will no longer be available for purchase on PlayStation and Xbox stores starting May 22nd. This means you won’t be able to buy it digitally for PS4 or Xbox One after that date. Then, on June 22nd, the game’s online servers will shut down completely, joining many other games that have been removed from sale and are no longer playable online. If you’re new to the game, or a returning player who enjoys multiplayer, you don’t have much time left to get it or play online. Let’s discuss why this is happening and what players can do now.

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Buy The Game

Or Get It Through Game Pass ASAP

Currently, Battlefield Hardline is quite affordable on most digital stores. It frequently goes on sale, which is expected since it came out in 2015 and is over a decade old. It usually costs around $20. A great perk of the Xbox store is that Xbox Game Pass subscribers automatically get EA+, giving them access to many free games. Battlefield Hardline is included in this offering, making Xbox Game Pass the best option for players who want to try it without spending any money.

Xbox Game Pass offers many shooting games, so it’s not unexpected to see this happening. This version doesn’t include any extra downloadable content for online play, but since that feature is ending on consoles anyway, buying it wouldn’t be worthwhile. Even purchasing the DLC for the PC version feels risky, as EA could discontinue it at any time, though they haven’t announced that yet. Subscribing to EA+ doesn’t guarantee you’ll own the game permanently, as access depends on maintaining your subscription. Ultimately, fans need to consider whether they want to permanently own the game digitally or simply enjoy it while they can.

Invest In A Hard Copy Before Prices Skyrocket

Never Know When It Will Come In Handy

If you enjoyed playing Battlefield Hardline back in 2015 but never actually bought the game, now’s a great time to own it permanently. Consider purchasing a physical copy for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. Because Battlefield Hardline is part of a popular series, plenty of copies were made, so they’re usually easy to find. You can often find them online for around $20 – about the same price as the digital version. Getting a physical copy is a good option, and it’s likely to be the only way to play on PS4 and Xbox One going forward, which could make those copies quite valuable in the future.

Even though the online multiplayer for the game will end in June, players will still be able to enjoy the single-player mode. This applies to digital versions as well, though some digital copies may become unavailable to re-download if the game is removed from online stores. A good example of this is the P.T. demo on PlayStation 4 – those who downloaded it can still play it, but can’t download it again. This is why many gamers still prefer physical copies of games, and why they’re frustrated when a game isn’t completely included in the box. As for Battlefield Hardline, development is finished, excluding any future updates, but that’s a separate issue.

Play Through The Campaign Using Stealth

Try To Be Non-Lethal

Beyond simply buying the game, let’s talk about what you actually do in it. In Battlefield Hardline, you play as detective Nicholas Mendoza, teaming up with a partner to tackle drug operations and gangs in Miami and Los Angeles. Unlike typical Battlefield games focused solely on shooting, Hardline lets you complete missions in a variety of ways. You’re not just told to eliminate criminals; you can choose how to take them down. You can play stealthily, subdue enemies without killing them by sneaking up and incapacitating them with takedowns, showing your badge for compliance, or using a taser or handcuffs.

Players earn points by disabling enemies, which they can use to unlock new equipment. Taking down specific, high-profile criminals without killing them earns even more rewards. A scanner helps players identify wanted individuals, and they can even use discarded bullet casings to distract enemies and take them out one at a time. The map also includes a radar system that shows enemy lines of sight. While Battlefield Hardline isn’t a traditional stealth game like Splinter Cell or Metal Gear, it offers solid stealth options, which are a welcome addition, especially given the game’s focus on law enforcement. Players are encouraged to try a non-lethal approach when first playing.

Experience The Campaign Like An 80s Action Cop

Become A Renegade Cop

Battlefield Hardline offers many ways to subdue opponents without killing them, suggesting the developers, Visceral Games, wanted players to act more like thoughtful police officers than gunslingers seen in action movies like Bad Boys and Lethal Weapon. However, once players become skilled at completing the game non-lethally, they can revisit missions and play as a more reckless, action-hero cop. Successfully using non-lethal takedowns likely means players have collected powerful, but typically ignored, weapons like rifles and shotguns.

The Battlefield series is known for its excellent shooting, rivaling Call of Duty, so it’s important to fully experience the weapons in Battlefield Hardline.

This new approach will make the game move faster, as players won’t need to focus on perfectly executing takedowns. However, it won’t necessarily be easier – managing a chaotic situation with many armed criminals will create a more intense experience. It’s almost like playing two different games, something fans of stealth games often enjoy. Think about playing Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater as a straightforward action game – it feels very different. So, if you enjoy Battlefield Hardline, try experiencing the campaign in as many ways as possible.

Play Through Some Multiplayer Modes With Friends

Celebrate Before Things Go Offline

No matter how much players prepare, online multiplayer for Battlefield Hardline on consoles will eventually disappear. The PC servers will stay up until EA decides to shut them down. Although very few people are likely playing on consoles now, the announcement that the game is being removed from sale might cause a sudden increase in players. Players have about a month left to play the console version, and a strong turnout could give the game a proper farewell.

Even without buying any extra content, Battlefield Hardline offers a lot to do, including the classic Team Deathmatch. You can also try unique modes like Heist, where players either steal or protect loot, Hotwire, which focuses on car theft and driving, and Rescue, where cops try to save hostages. It might be tricky finding a good online game without friends, but if you own Battlefield Hardline, it’s worth checking daily until the servers shut down in June. While the story campaign is the main draw, the online modes can be quite fun.

2026-05-06 11:41