Users wrote

Battlefield 2042 has mixed reviews. Players cite large scale battles, dynamic weather, and the Portal mode as major positives after fixes. However, many reviews point to a rough launch with bugs, the Secure Boot anti-cheat requirement, and ongoing online population issues. Opinions vary on the specialist system and the lack of a traditional campaign, with some preferring classic Battlefield gameplay. Overall, the game is seen as improved but still divisive among players.

Last updated: 2026-03-01

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Massive 128-player battles on large maps (40 mentions) - Players fight in massive battles on large maps with up to 128 players. The scale creates chaotic, action-filled moments and room for wide tactical play. Big maps require map awareness, coordination, and vehicle use to control objectives. The destructible environments and varied terrain contribute to the Battlefield feel that players hoped for at launch.
• Dynamic weather and environmental hazards (26 mentions) - Dynamic weather events such as tornadoes and dust storms influence visibility and vehicle handling during matches. These effects force players to adapt routes and strategies on the fly. The changing weather adds variety and changes how battles unfold.
• Gunplay and on-the-fly weapon customization (25 mentions) - Gunplay is generally smooth and weapon variety is broad. The Plus system lets you change attachments during combat, helping you adapt to different situations. The game encourages trying different loadouts and strategies.
• Portal mode and cross-title content (24 mentions) - Portal mode provides customizable game modes and allows access to content from older Battlefield titles. It lets players remix maps and weapons with updated rules, increasing replayability. For many, Portal is a key feature that keeps the game interesting.
• Vehicle combat and aerial warfare (18 mentions) - Vehicles and aircraft are a core part of the large-scale battles. Flying and driving vehicles feel rewarding to master and can swing engagements. This adds depth and variety to the gameplay.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Rough launch with bugs and missing features (60 mentions) - The game launched with many bugs and missing core features, making early play frustrating. Players experienced bugs, balance problems, and slow fixes. Later patches improved stability but the launch remains a common reference point.
• Secure Boot anti-cheat gating and boot problems (25 mentions) - Many reviews report that the anti-cheat requires enabling Secure Boot, which prevented some players from launching or caused crashes. Enabling Secure Boot can be risky and may brick systems. The anti-cheat updates have often been seen as problematic.
• Low online population and bot-filled matches (20 mentions) - Several reviews mention low online population in many regions resulting in long waits or matches filled with bots. This reduces the sense of a real battlefield and can make matchmaking difficult.
• EA App launcher issues and DRM (18 mentions) - Reviews frequently complain about the EA App launcher causing startup and login problems. Some players needed VPNs or complex setups to run the game, which is frustrating.
• Specialists replacing classic Battlefield classes (15 mentions) - Reviewers feel the specialist system replaces classic Battlefield classes and reduces team based play and tactical depth. Some prefer the older class system for coordination and differentiation.

Compared Games

• Battlefield 6 (28 mentions) - Many reviews compare Battlefield 2042 to Battlefield 6, with opinions split on which is better. Some feel 2042 improved over time, while others think BF6 is more polished.
• Call of Duty (12 mentions) - Some reviews describe 2042's pace as reminiscent of Call of Duty, citing faster TTK and smaller maps.
• Battlefield 4 (8 mentions) - A few reviews compare 2042 to Battlefield 4, noting that 2042 has a different feel and larger scale but lacks some classic BF elements.
• Battlefield 1 (6 mentions) - Some reviewers compare 2042 to Battlefield 1, noting differences in movement and atmosphere.
• Battlefield 3 (5 mentions) - Portal mode remixes content from Battlefield 3, and some reviewers reference this connection to older titles.