Battlefield 2042

54%
Game Brain Score Based on 181,865 reviews
  • gameplay
  • optimization
  • stability
Battlefield 2042 Game Cover
“Full of worthwhile multiplayer content, Battlefield 2042 brings the long-running shooter franchise to new heights.”
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Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter game set in a near-future combat scenario. Experience dynamic battles on large-scale maps with up to 128 players. The game includes several modes, such as All-Out Warfare, Hazard Zone, and Battlefield Portaldeck, offering a variety of gameplay options. Specialists, the new class system, bring unique abilities and traits to the battlefield.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Ea Origin
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

54%
Audience ScoreBased on 181,865 reviews
gameplay2,731 positive mentions
optimization4,237 negative mentions
  • gameplay10,886 mentions

    The gameplay of Battlefield 2042 has been met with mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements since its rocky launch, yet still expressing frustration over persistent bugs, unbalanced mechanics, and the controversial shift from traditional class systems to a specialist model. While some appreciate the fast-paced action and dynamic weather effects, others criticize the lack of depth, repetitive gameplay, and the overwhelming presence of vehicles that detracts from infantry combat. Overall, the game shows potential but is often seen as a step back from previous titles in the franchise, with many players recommending it only at a discounted price.

    • “Its maps are richly detailed and dynamic weather systems create a sense of realism that elevates gameplay, from sudden sandstorms obscuring vision to tornadoes tearing across the battlefield.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and engaging, earning a solid 6 out of 10.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, with a wide range of weapons and vehicles at your disposal.”
    • “The departure from class-based gameplay to specialists fractured the series' signature teamwork.”
    • “Gone are the strategic squad compositions and focused combat zones, replaced by lone-wolf gameplay and frustrating traversal times.”
    • “The gameplay is stale and frustrating, the monetization makes it feel lifeless with no care at all.”
  • optimization10,120 mentions

    The optimization of Battlefield 2042 has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, low frame rates, and high CPU usage even on high-end systems. Despite some improvements following updates, the game remains poorly optimized, leading to a frustrating experience for many users. Overall, while there are moments of enjoyment, the persistent optimization problems and bugs detract significantly from the gameplay experience.

    • “The performance of the game has greatly improved, gunplay feels good, and it's a chill game to play on the side.”
    • “After a lot of the bugs and general performance issues have been fixed, I find this to be a very fun battlefield game but with some issues.”
    • “Tldr: 2042 is now a classic battlefield experience and it now runs quite well with the optimization updates and DLSS/AMD FX; I get 144fps@1440p while streaming 1080p@60fps and my system isn't even a monster.”
    • “Even on sale for $5, the poor optimization and lame game feel is a waste of any money.”
    • “This is the worst optimization I have ever seen; I can't even play for 10 minutes.”
    • “Purely the worst optimization I've ever witnessed, running in slow motion in some cases and rubberbanding a lot despite meeting minimum requirements.”
  • stability9,396 mentions

    The stability of Battlefield 2042 has been a significant point of contention among players, with many citing a plethora of bugs and glitches that have persisted since its launch. While some users report improvements over time, the game is still described as "buggy as hell," with issues ranging from performance drops and crashes to unresponsive controls and hit registration problems. Overall, while there are moments of enjoyment, the game's stability remains a major concern, leading many to recommend waiting for further updates before purchasing.

    • “The game is now really nice and it’s not that buggy as it was at the date of release.”
    • “No bugs and runs great on my 4090.”
    • “The game runs great, and it's improving with each new patch - this happens with every AAA title day 1 game.”
    • “Bugs ranged from small visual glitches to severe performance drops and game-breaking errors that affected both individual players and teams.”
    • “At release, I couldn't even play; it was so buggy.”
    • “The game is buggy, glitchy, and has a lack of quality of life details that were present in past battlefield titles.”
  • graphics5,892 mentions

    The graphics of Battlefield 2042 have garnered mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning visuals and detailed environments that showcase the game's ambitious scale. However, numerous complaints highlight performance issues, poor optimization, and a perceived downgrade in graphical quality compared to previous titles like Battlefield 1 and 5. While some players enjoy the aesthetic and dynamic weather effects, others express frustration over graphical glitches and inconsistent frame rates, leading to a divided opinion on the overall graphical experience.

    • “The game's graphics engine pushes current-gen consoles and high-end PCs, bringing environments to life in a way that very few games can.”
    • “From the outset, Battlefield 2042 impresses with its jaw-dropping graphics.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, the sound design is top-notch, and the gameplay is intense and fast-paced.”
    • “Graphics look like CS:GO, overall experience is bad.”
    • “The graphics would be considered decent if the game was published in 2012.”
    • “The graphics are so bad, they make Roblox look like Fortnite.”
  • story2,181 mentions

    The consensus among players is that "Battlefield 2042" lacks a traditional story mode, which has disappointed many fans of the franchise who value narrative-driven gameplay. While some players note that there are hints of lore and environmental storytelling, the absence of a cohesive single-player campaign leaves the game feeling hollow and disconnected. Overall, the game's focus on multiplayer action over a compelling narrative has led to widespread criticism regarding its storytelling elements.

    • “The absence of a story mode, which I’ve always enjoyed in battlefield games, is disappointing.”
    • “Without a campaign mode to anchor the game's storytelling, Battlefield 2042 feels somewhat hollow, lacking the depth and immersion that a compelling narrative can provide.”
    • “The game actually was fun with missions that you could explore and developing characters you emotionally connected with back when 1-4 was out.. now it's a freak show AAA Call of Duty copycat.”
    • “There's no campaign or story.”
    • “There isn't a story mode, which is disappointing.”
    • “The absence of a story mode and the regression in game quality all together make it a disappointing experience overall.”
  • monetization1,710 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many players expressing frustration over the prevalence of microtransactions, battle passes, and intrusive advertisements for cosmetic items. Reviewers feel that the focus on monetization has detracted from the core gameplay experience, leading to a hollow and unfulfilling game that prioritizes profit over player satisfaction. Overall, the sentiment is that the game feels unfinished and is designed primarily to extract money from players rather than provide a quality gaming experience.

    • “There are skins and in-app purchases, but they do not give buyers an unfair advantage, and they are not forced on the player.”
    • “Honestly, the monetization is almost non-existent unless you care about cosmetics in a game where you only ever see everyone else.”
    • “I really don't mind spending a little on microtransactions as the game is really fun for me.”
    • “The decision to rely heavily on a battle pass and microtransactions for in-game content is a blatant cash grab that further sours the gaming experience.”
    • “This game is a blatant cash grab from a company that no longer cares about battlefield.”
    • “The inclusion of a paid battle pass, coupled with an overabundance of cosmetic microtransactions, gives the impression that the developers prioritized profit over delivering a well-rounded and rewarding game.”
  • grinding950 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as excessively tedious and requiring an unrealistic time investment, often likening it to a second job. Users report that unlocking weapons and attachments can take hundreds of hours, leading to frustration and a lack of satisfaction in progression. Additionally, the game's design encourages farming kills in unbalanced matches, further detracting from the overall enjoyment and making the grind feel even more punishing.

    • “The battle pass is fair and the weapons are not too grindy to unlock.”
    • “Not too grindy, but it is a little bit.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “Paid for this game, spent almost 100 hours grinding all the weapons, get accused of cheating and permanently banned for no reason.”
    • “The grind for 100% achievement completion can be satisfying, but it often feels more tedious than rewarding due to the game's current state.”
    • “The progression system feels tedious and unfulfilling, pushing players towards spending real money for cosmetic items that should have been included with the base game.”
  • humor945 mentions

    The humor in "Battlefield 2042" is often derived from its numerous glitches and bugs, which players find both amusing and frustrating. Many reviews highlight the chaotic and unpredictable nature of gameplay, leading to hilarious moments, especially when playing with friends. While some players appreciate the lighthearted tone and comedic elements, others feel that the game's issues detract from the overall experience, making it a "hilarious dumpster fire" that can be entertaining in a group setting.

    • “Very funny and interesting game with lots of funny moments I created.”
    • “It's funny because they probably focused on adding *just enough* content to hit the 2 hour mark, that way you can't refund it.”
    • “Just last night I had a hilarious moment where I managed to sneak my tank up behind an enemy and befriend him, soon 4-6 other enemies joined in and they were riding my tank into battle (a few fell off and became roadkill lol).”
    • “And levolution is an unfunny joke, didn't even notice it while playing, had to search on YouTube whether it exists at all.”
    • “Not funny, didn't laugh.”
    • “This is the worst beta, oh wait, it's the full game. I could not tell, it's so unfinished, not funny.”
  • music918 mentions

    The music in Battlefield 2042 has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as lackluster, forgettable, and even painful to listen to. Critics highlight the absence of the iconic Battlefield themes that characterized previous titles, noting that the soundtrack feels soulless and poorly executed, often resembling ambient noise rather than engaging music. While some players find moments of enjoyment in specific tracks, the general consensus is that the game's audio design fails to capture the intensity and atmosphere expected from the franchise.

    • “The sounds and music are perfect and extremely engaging.”
    • “When the theme song starts playing you get some nostalgic feeling of playing a Battlefield game.”
    • “Surprisingly, I found the music to be a highlight.”
    • “The music in this game is horrendous and listening to it just about gave me up left and right syndrome to go with my down.”
    • “The soundtrack literally gave me a headache.”
    • “The music is so bad I turned it off.”
  • atmosphere426 mentions

    The atmosphere in Battlefield 2042 has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment compared to previous titles like Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V. Critics highlight a lack of immersion, gritty realism, and engaging sound design, often describing the game as feeling hollow or lacking personality. While some appreciate the chaotic elements and weather effects, the overall consensus is that the game fails to capture the intense, warlike atmosphere that fans have come to expect from the franchise.

    • “This scale truly delivers a warlike atmosphere, where chaos and unpredictability reign.”
    • “The futuristic setting provides a unique and captivating atmosphere, with the year 2042 serving as a backdrop for the intense battles and strategic gameplay.”
    • “The atmosphere is fantastic, and it's a great time with friends if you're looking for some meat-grinder, combined arms chaos but don't want a mil-sim.”
    • “The guns have no oomph, the sounds of war are deafened, the atmosphere is just weak.”
    • “The atmosphere in this game is trash, the gunplay is boring and doesn't work properly.”
    • “The dark atmosphere and grittiness of war is lost as every character, even the ones bleeding out on the ground, are all weirdly chipper, witty and sarcastic like they were copy/pasted from a teen sitcom on Disney Channel.”
  • replayability320 mentions

    The replayability of Battlefield 2042 has seen mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements since its troubled launch. While some appreciate the game's multiplayer modes and the potential for replay value through achievements and community-created content in Battlefield Portal, others criticize the limited variety in maps and modes, suggesting that without further updates, the game's long-term replayability may be at risk. Overall, players express a cautious optimism about the game's future, contingent on ongoing support and content additions.

    • “Completing all the achievements in Battlefield 2042 was a rewarding experience, highlighting the depth and replayability of the game.”
    • “Very good game, people may be stamping on it but it's very worth it for tens or hundreds of hours of replayability.”
    • “Despite the awful launch, this game has proven to be one of the most replayable, mechanically fluid, and fun games to run.”
    • “This one has zero replay value.”
    • “Thought this was gonna be the game to beat Battlefield 4, I was wrong. I got so hyped by the beta that I stupidly bought the game at full price, but we were led astray. I wish I could get my money back and just have gotten this at sale price... really regret getting this, the game has little replay value.”
    • “However, the lack of a single-player campaign and limited content at launch detract from the overall experience, impacting its replayability and long-term appeal.”
  • emotional282 mentions

    The emotional responses to the game are overwhelmingly negative, with many players expressing feelings of heartbreak and disappointment over its current state compared to previous titles in the franchise. Users lament the loss of emotional connection to characters and gameplay, citing bugs, poor design choices, and a lack of immersive experiences as key factors in their dissatisfaction. Nostalgia for earlier games amplifies their frustration, leading to a sense of betrayal and emotional detachment from the series they once loved.

    • “It's a heartbreaking time to be a Battlefield fan.”
    • “Regardless, I've lost faith in the Battlefield franchise and that's heartbreaking as it's been a series I've played since childhood.”
    • “This game is honestly heartbreaking to play.”
  • character development40 mentions

    Character development in the game has been widely criticized for its generic and uninspired character designs, which many players find bland and unappealing. The shift from traditional classes to a "specialist" system has led to a lack of memorable characters and meaningful development, with some reviewers expressing disappointment over the portrayal of role models and the overall tone of the character interactions. While the graphics may impress, the character design and voice acting have been described as cringe-worthy and out of place, detracting from the immersive experience expected in the franchise.

    • “While it may not always hit the mark in terms of pacing or character development, its epic scale and immersive gameplay make it a worthy addition to the Battlefield series.”
    • “Strong, positive male role models and character development.”
    • “I am a huge fan of hero shooters, which I think this can be counted as one, and I really like the character design for the most part.”
    • “The character designs are so bland and the voices are absolutely atrocious, although Irish sounds somewhat okay even if his voice actor is no longer with us (RIP Michael Williams, you will be missed).”
    • “I am deeply saddened to write this because I really wanted this game to be good. I love this franchise and it could have been great, but it's not; it's a mush of nonsensical mechanics and random character design, with no cohesion, whatever the specialization system is.”
    • “Instead of classes, you get characters to choose from, but all of them are very ugly and unappealing, so every time I logged in, I just didn't want to play as anyone because they all suck from a character design perspective.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

63% average critic score

Buy Battlefield 2042

Play time

22hMedian play time
80hAverage play time
7-72hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1,492 analyzed playthroughs

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