EA DICE held their first session of Battlefield Labs playtesting on March 7, inviting players to get exclusive hands-on access to features that will be in the upcoming Battlefield game. Although players were required to sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) several images and videos began to appear on X (Formerly Twitter). At first it appears that EA was immediately copyright striking and removing the leaks but that seems to have stopped as minutes of video can still be easily viewed, shared and commented on. As a Battlefield fan since 2005, I can quite comfortably say that we have a lot to be excited for!
The most recent entry, Battlefield 2042 released in 2021 to scathing reception. The much-maligned sequel was riddled with bugs and technical issues. The fanbase took immediate issue with changes to the squad and class systems and most bafflingly, missing major features. EA listened to the ire of the crowd and promised to return to what made Battlefield so great just one game prior, Battlefield 5.
So what are we going to get?
A scoreboard!..
Yes, despite 2042’s omission of a scoreboard at launch there will be basic considerations this time. The Victory/Loss screen at the end of the game has a survey question, “How would you rate the last match you played?” The player has the option to vote either: Positive, Negative, or Skip.
But seriously, the environmental destruction has returned! One clip in particular shows the player aim and fire an RPG at a nearby building. The offending side of the building heaves upward before disintegrating into bricks and rubble! A keen eye can spot some of the debris disappearing as it collapses into the alleyway below, but the main take-away from this is that the developers have listened. The building that remains is missing a rooftop and entirely open on one side. This is exactly the kind of battlefield manipulation and degradation that fans have been screaming for! Other clips leaked to X show a player controlled tank driving through walls, further reinforcing that cherished mayhem.
Perhaps just as important as destruction, the class system has returned to form. There will be Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon classes to choose from. Each of these classes appear to have special abilities that you can build towards deploying such as the Engineers’ Thermite Drone. These will surely better reflect the intuitive roles each class represents.
Related to the Support (medic), another change has been brought to modernize the revive mechanic. When a squadmate takes “lethal” damage they will fall to the ground in a stand-by state. Another member of the team will be able to drag their fallen comrade to the safety of cover. This was very well received on X with users stating:
@Soulbound_TV “Finally, I can carry my squad… literally.”
@itsHunterTV “I wish this was in Warzone”
This is sure to rejuvenate the often ignored squad tactics of the series. A tight squad of proficient operators can win the battle and turn the tides of war!
EA DICE has done much to winback the adoration of fans! The changes are many, and these are just a few of the main highlights.
As a long-time fan of the Battlefield series, I am once again excited to put my boots on the ground when that day comes.
What was your first Battlefield?
Did you play 2042?
What changes are you most excited for?
