For decades, the identity of theBattlefieldseries has been defined by three things. First, there are massive maps like Caspian Border and Siege of Shanghai that allow for dozens of fights to be taking place at the same time. Secondly, there is destruction, which has ranged from breaking down walls and digging holes with grenades to tearing down entire skyscrapers. Lastly, there are vehicles, though perhapsBattlefieldcan shine by taking a break from this final mechanic.
Battlefield’s large maps and vehicles go hand-in-hand, with the latter allowing for iconic plays likethe rendezookalongside many other “Only in Battlefield” scenarios. However, withBattlefield 2042struggling due to overly large maps and some strange vehicle balance, perhaps it is time to scale things back a bit. A smallerBattlefieldexperience can absolutely work, and if done correctly, the series could return to the glory days ofBattlefield 3andBad Company 2.
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Battlefield Experiences Without Vehicles Have Worked in the Past
While stripping vehicles out ofBattlefieldmay be an immediate red flag for purists and die hard fans, the reality is that the series has already found success by doing this. Two of the very best entries in the series,Battlefield 3andBad Company 2, had a balance of vehicle play and infantry combat unlike most other entries in the franchise, with several games prioritizing the former. As a result, fans of boots-on-the-ground gameplay had a great alternative beyond theCall of Dutyseries, with certain maps not having vehicles at all.
Players need only look to classic locations like Operation Metro to realize how fun a small-scaleBattlefieldmap focused entirely on gunplay can be, though this was hardly the only example to look at.The Close Quarters expansionand maps like Ziba Tower gave fans of infantry gameplay more options, while everyone who playedBattlefield 4likely has a memorable experience with the cramped hallways of Operation Locker. Even the cult classicBattlefield Hardlineemphasized infantry combat, with several maps limiting vehicles to basic options like cop cars.
While an over-emphasis on vehicles and maps that are big enough to house them was not the main factor that led to the most recent entry’s downfall - that can be blamed onBattlefield 2042’s specialistsand several missing mechanics - a rough infantry experience was still part of the issue. The nextBattlefieldgame scaling things down to focus purely on gunplay could be worthwhile, with DICE transitioning back to vehicles once it has nailed infantry combat again.
Leaving vehicles out for an entry would allow DICE to try some new things, too. Though a full-onBattlefieldhero shooterwould likely do more harm than good, gameplay resemblingRainbow Six Siegecould be interesting. DICE or new developer Ripple Effect could leverage the powerful Frostbite engine to let players break through ceilings as well as walls, letting gamers do battle in a giant skyscraper.Battlefield Portal, if it returns, could be full of classic infantry maps like Seine Crossing and Donya Fortress.
Though it would be a risk, a smaller-scaleBattlefieldcould be a refreshing change of pace after2042took things too far in the other direction. Vehicles should obviously never leave theBattlefieldfranchise forever, but dedicating one game to infantry gameplay would be an interesting experiment. This way, DICE could focus all its attention on destruction, gunplay, map details, and balance. The Rush game mode could get more love than it has received in years, andBattlefield Portalcould focus on remakes of highly replayable maps like Operation Locker and Operation Metro, with the game serving as something completely different from its predecessor.
Battlefield 2042is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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