In a series of Xbox exclusives, EA released released its bold first look at Battlefield 2042 gameplay during the Microsoft E3 2021 conference. Stating that the footage was taken from in-game matches with up to 128 players, this felt like the true return to form for Battlefield.
The big focus of the gameplay reveal was the importance of vehicular combat, which for years has been an integral part of Battlefield DNA. In the gameplay trailer, we see helicopters, jets, tanks, quads, and even tripodal bikes peppered around its frankly ridiculously massive-looking maps. While the moniker is often slapped onto various military shooters, this truly feels like all-out warfare. At least so far.
Making a return from Battlefield Hardline, players are able to mount skyscrapers and zip across to other rooftops. And it seems that many elements from different games have made their way into 2042, such as Battlefield 4’s levolution. However, it isn’t just an amped-up version of what has come before. We got a glimpse at some of the new gameplay features making their way into this latest entry.
We also got our first look at dynamic events in action – something unveiled in its reveal trailer earlier this week. The desert-based city is approached by a sandstorm and eventually a tornado, which begins to suck players and vehicles up in the air, who can then steer their way through the skies with the help of a wingsuit.
This isn’t the only addition to traversal (if you want to call it that), as players will now be able to use a grappling hook to access unreachable areas – we see a player use theirs to reach an adjacent crane.
And the final big addition shown in action is 2042’s new weapons customization system, which allows players to customize on the fly. This is likely to cater to the constantly changing environmental circumstances of a game this size. Players familiar with the customization system found in the Crysis games will recognize this new streamlined approach.
Battlefield 2042 intends to make a statement as the true next-gen multiplayer experience. While the game will be available on previous-gen consoles, it is clear to see that next-gen will be the best place to play with its intimidatingly large maps and massive player count. Battlefield 2042 will arrive on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC on October 22.
