Battlefield 2042

“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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

46%

Audience ScoreBased on 90,901 reviews

gameplay1,365 positive mentions

optimization2,118 negative mentions

gameplay
5,439 mentions
25 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Battlefield 2042 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements since its rocky launch, including smoother mechanics and better performance. However, criticisms persist regarding the removal of traditional class systems in favor of specialists, which some feel detracts from the series' core teamwork and strategy elements. Additionally, issues such as unbalanced gameplay, bugs, and a lack of content continue to frustrate players, leading to a perception that the game is a step back from previous Battlefield titles.
- “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 a train wreck, the gun balancing is horrible, the map layout is awful and thats just to list a couple things, the list could be about 10 pages long with what is wrong with this game.”
optimization
5,056 mentions
9 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
42 % negative 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 over time, the game remains poorly optimized, leading to a frustrating experience for many users, particularly those with mid-range hardware. While some players have found ways to achieve decent performance, the overall consensus is that significant optimization work is still needed to make the game enjoyable for a broader audience.
- “The performance of the game has greatly improved, and features like a functional scoreboard and voice chat are finally in place.”
- “The game has improved significantly with performance and bugs being significantly improved for the most part.”
- “The performance is much better now, and the gameplay is pretty good right now.”
- “Even on sale for $5, the poor optimization and lame game feel is a waste of any money.”
- “Upon launch, the game was plagued with performance issues across all platforms.”
- “This is the worst optimization I have ever seen; I can't even play for 10 minutes.”
stability
4,695 mentions
3 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The stability of Battlefield 2042 has been a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as a "buggy mess" at launch. Users report a wide range of issues, including frequent crashes, lag, and various glitches that disrupt gameplay, such as problems with hit registration and character animations. While some players acknowledge improvements over time, they still emphasize that the game remains unstable and unpolished, often recommending potential buyers to wait 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 on day one.”
- “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 very buggy and broken with consistent issues, sometimes questionable balance, terrible optimization & performance, and a very egregious monetization system for a full-price pay-to-play title.”
graphics
2,944 mentions
33 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The graphics of Battlefield 2042 have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning visuals and detailed environments powered by the Frostbite engine. However, numerous complaints highlight performance issues, poor optimization, and graphical glitches, leading to a frustrating experience even on high-end systems. While some players appreciate the aesthetic improvements and dynamic weather effects, others feel that the graphics do not meet the expectations set by previous titles in the franchise, often describing them as a downgrade compared to Battlefield 1 and 5.
- “Battlefield 2042 impresses with its jaw-dropping graphics and sound design, showcasing large-scale warfare and stunning visuals.”
- “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.”
- “The graphics are stunning, with beautiful and highly detailed environments that truly bring the game's world to life.”
- “The graphics are terrible for a 2021 AAA game.”
- “The graphics look outdated and the sound effects often do not match what is happening on the screen.”
- “The graphics are a step backwards and the performance is crap.”
story
1,089 mentions
10 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
The consensus among players is overwhelmingly negative regarding the story aspect of "Battlefield 2042." Many reviews highlight the complete absence of a single-player campaign or meaningful narrative, which has disappointed long-time fans of the franchise who expected a rich storyline akin to previous titles. While some players note that there are hints of lore and environmental storytelling, they feel these elements are insufficient to create an engaging experience, leaving the game feeling hollow and disconnected from its potential narrative depth.
- “The absence of a story mode, which I’ve always enjoyed in Battlefield games, is disappointing.”
- “The game is actually fun, but I miss story mode because in this futuristic setting it could have been fun.”
- “There's no campaign or story.”
- “The absence of a story mode and the regression in game quality altogether make it a disappointing experience overall.”
- “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.”
monetization
855 mentions
2 % positive mentions
27 % neutral mentions
71 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn widespread criticism, with many players labeling it a blatant cash grab. Reviewers express frustration over the prevalence of microtransactions, including a battle pass and cosmetic purchases, which detract from the overall experience and feel exploitative, especially in a full-priced title. Additionally, the introduction of a specialist system is seen as a tactic to facilitate further monetization, leading to disappointment among long-time fans of the franchise.
- “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 cash grab, a scam!”
- “The game's monetization practices also deserve criticism.”
grinding
475 mentions
1 % positive mentions
23 % neutral mentions
76 % negative 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 to unlock weapons and attachments. Users frequently mention needing "a second life" to manage the grind, with some expressing frustration over the lack of satisfying rewards for their efforts. While a few players find enjoyment in the grinding process, the general consensus is that it detracts significantly from the overall gaming experience.
- “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.”
- “The grind for 100% achievement completion can be satisfying, but it often feels more tedious than rewarding due to the game's current state.”
- “Paid for this game, spent almost 100 hours grinding all the weapons, get accused of cheating and permanently banned for no reason.”
- “The leveling system is grindy and unrewarding.”
humor
472 mentions
97 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the chaotic and often absurd moments that arise from glitches and bugs. Many reviews describe the gameplay as "hilariously fun," with instances of vehicles scaling buildings and comical death animations contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere. While some players express frustration over the game's issues, they often find themselves laughing at the ridiculousness of the situations, making it a memorable experience, especially when played with friends.
- “Very funny and interesting game with lots of funny moments I created.”
- “Funny enough, the only redeeming quality of the game is the portal where you can play older style battlefield games.”
- “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.”
- “And levolution is an unfunny joke; I didn't even notice it while playing and had to search on YouTube to see if it exists at all.”
- “Not funny, didn't laugh.”
- “This is the worst beta—oh wait, it's the full game. I couldn't tell; it's so unfinished, not funny.”
music
459 mentions
16 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The music in Battlefield 2042 has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as dull, forgettable, and lacking the impactful themes that characterized previous titles in the series. Critics have noted that the soundtrack feels soulless and poorly executed, often failing to enhance the gameplay experience, with some even suggesting it detracts from the overall atmosphere. While a few players found some aspects of the music acceptable or even enjoyable, the consensus is that it represents a significant downgrade from the iconic soundtracks of earlier Battlefield games.
- “The music and overall gameplay is good, but I wish they had the same movement systems as in BFV.”
- “The game's music is also fantastic, with a sweeping, epic score that perfectly captures the intensity of the game's battles.”
- “I appreciate the overall intention of the 'glitchy' gameplay music indicating a world on the brink of collapse, but I really think the execution on the soundtrack missed the mark.”
- “The music in this game is horrendous and listening to it just about gave me a headache.”
- “The soundtrack is terrible and sounds like someone trying to make something like BF4's soundtrack but even worse.”
- “The music is so bad I turned it off.”
atmosphere
213 mentions
30 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
14 % negative 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. While some appreciate the chaotic and immersive elements, such as dynamic weather effects, others criticize the game for lacking the gritty, realistic feel and detailed environments that characterized earlier installments. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game struggles to deliver a compelling atmosphere, often feeling hollow and disconnected from the franchise's roots.
- “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 atmosphere, even in the portal, does not feel like Battlefield.”
- “The guns have no oomph, the sounds of war are deafened, the atmosphere is just weak.”
- “The atmosphere is terrible because of the absolutely terrible specialists nobody asked for.”
- “The atmosphere in this game is trash, the gunplay is boring and doesn't work properly.”
replayability
160 mentions
19 % positive mentions
75 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
Overall, "Battlefield 2042" has seen significant improvements in replayability since its troubled launch, with many players noting that recent updates have enhanced gameplay and performance. While some users appreciate the multiplayer experience and the potential for replay value through achievements and various modes, others express concerns about the limited content and lack of a single-player campaign, which detracts from long-term engagement. The introduction of the Battlefield Portal feature has been highlighted as a positive aspect, offering additional replay opportunities, though some players still feel the game lacks sufficient variety to maintain interest over time.
- “Completing all the achievements in Battlefield 2042 was a rewarding experience, highlighting the depth and replayability of the game.”
- “Despite the awful launch, this game has proven to be one of the most replayable, mechanically fluid, and fun games to run.”
- “From its gorgeous graphics and engaging gameplay to the high replayability and the developers' dedication to making a comeback, the game has truly reinvigorated my love for the franchise.”
- “Can see this game going dead in a few years if they don't add some sort of replayability, maybe a few more guns, more attachments, maybe 128-128 solo matches?”
- “Thought I would give it another go and try the new content, much to my disappointment the *new* is old content and only one new multiplayer map since I last played despite it now being on season six of their COD copied pass stuff, and they still struggle to deal with cheaters. The replay value comes down to how long can you run around the same handful of maps.”
- “I feel like the game offers nothing in reward for the player; the game is fun but has no replay value.”
emotional
141 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are overwhelmingly negative, with many players expressing feelings of heartbreak and disappointment over its perceived decline from previous titles in the franchise. Users lament the lack of emotional connection to characters and gameplay, citing bugs, poor design choices, and a sense of betrayal from the developers as key factors contributing to their dissatisfaction. Nostalgia for earlier games amplifies the emotional impact, as players reflect on their past experiences and the stark contrast to the current state of the game.
- “I usually don't write reviews, but my experience with this game made me feel like I had to.”
- “It's a heartbreaking time to be a Battlefield fan.”
- “This game is honestly heartbreaking to play.”
character development
20 mentions
15 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
30 % negative 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 not resonated well, leading to a lack of memorable characters and meaningful development, with some players expressing disappointment over the portrayal of role models and the overall tone. Despite some positive remarks about graphics, the consensus is that character design and voice acting detract significantly from the game's experience.
- “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.”
- “Amidst the challenges, Battlefield 2042 shines in its improved graphics and character design, providing players with a visually appealing futuristic battlefield.”
- “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 a mush of nonsensical mechanics and random character design, with no cohesion, whatever the specialisation 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.”