The big question on everyone’s mind is whether the upcoming Battlefield game will revitalize the series and reclaim its position as a dominant force among shooters. EA certainly hopes so, pulling out all the stops to achieve that goal.
However, there’s always the risk of a disastrous launch that might only appeal to diehard fans who’ve been loyal over the years. As someone who’s been a dedicated fan myself, I’m eager to see the franchise not only succeed but also establish itself as a go-to shooter in my rotation.
At this point, we’re largely in the dark about the next Battlefield installment. EA hasn’t confirmed a 2025 release yet, but considering the timelines and recent activities at their various studios, 2025 seems plausible.
The idea is to emulate the Call of Duty: Warzone model, potentially releasing a main, premium title in late 2025, with a free-to-play battle royale mode arriving shortly after in early 2026. Initial testing is set to begin in early 2025, though it will likely be under stringent NDAs, offering limited insight into the game’s direction. What we do know points to a modern-day setting and a return to the series’ hallmark class system.
Despite this, there’s no assurance of a successful game. Still, it’s clear that EA is focused on key player desires, which gives me hope.
Battlefield’s core elements—combined arms combat, asymmetrical classes, slower-paced gameplay, expansive maps, and occasionally, destructible environments—can be found scattered across various other shooters. Yet, no game fuses these elements quite like Battlefield does. Even the new Delta Force reminds us that this unique formula isn’t easily replicated, despite any initial appearances.
With each misstep, Battlefield’s legacy risks being overshadowed. Many former fans have migrated to different games, yet I’d argue none truly replace Battlefield. They might keep players entertained, but they don’t fully recreate the Battlefield experience.