Every Battlefield game ranked from worst to best, including Battlefield 6

The latest Battlefield game is now available! Don’t be misled by the name ‘Battlefield 6’ – it’s not the sixth installment in the series. A new Battlefield game has come out nearly every year since 2002, but they all offer different experiences.

We’ve evaluated every Battlefield game, from the original classics to recent successes like Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3, and even less popular titles like Play4Free and 2042, to create a definitive ranking from worst to best – including the upcoming Battlefield 6 expected in 2025.

17. Battlefield Play4Free

Release Date: April 4, 2011
Developer: Easy Studios
Platforms: PC

This was a free version of Battlefield 2 designed for computers with less powerful hardware. However, it remained in open beta and was never officially released.

Battlefield Play4Free delivered on its promise of being a free-to-play Battlefield game, but it had a major drawback. While the game itself was free, it heavily relied on microtransactions that gave players who spent money a significant advantage.

The game was basically a simplified version of Battlefield 2, heavily focused on letting players spend real money to unlock better weapons, upgrades, and even different character classes. The only good thing was that it let people with less powerful computers experience some of the Battlefield gameplay, but beyond that, it wasn’t much.

16. Battlefield Heroes

Release Date: June 25, 2009
Developer: DICE & Easy Studios
Platforms: PC

This free game is a lighter, more cartoonish take on Battlefield, offering gameplay that feels a lot like Team Fortress 2.

Battlefield Heroes was surprisingly innovative for its time, offering a similar experience to Fortnite years before that game became popular. It stood out from other Battlefield titles with its free-to-play model, vibrant graphics, and cartoonish style, though it relied heavily on in-game purchases. If it had launched a bit later, it likely would have been much more successful.

The biggest problem with the game was that it turned into a ‘pay-to-win’ system, meaning players could spend real money to temporarily get better weapons. However, it was still enjoyable, and could run on almost any computer at the time.

15. Battlefield 2042

Release Date: November 19, 2021
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Okay, so this game is strictly multiplayer, and the story drops you into a world that’s really messed up. Think near-future, but after things have gone wrong with the climate and global politics. It’s a pretty bleak setting, honestly.

Battlefield 2042 had a difficult start, like some other games in the series, but its issues were more significant. The maps felt empty and uninteresting, and were overcrowded with players. The shooting didn’t feel solid, the traditional class system was removed in favor of individual Specialists, and there wasn’t much environmental destruction. Surprisingly, the game even launched without a scoreboard! While expectations were high, it simply wasn’t enjoyable, and it stands out as the most disappointing entry in the Battlefield franchise.

After four years and a lot of major improvements, the game isn’t terrible, but it’s not great either. If it had been released in this condition back in 2021, it likely wouldn’t have received as much criticism. However, it still wouldn’t be considered one of the top Battlefield titles.

14. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

Release Date: October 24, 2005
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360

This is the first Battlefield game designed specifically for consoles. It takes a lot of inspiration from Battlefield 2, but it’s a smaller experience overall and includes a dedicated single-player story mode.

Battlefield started as a series exclusive to computers. While the console version, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, was enjoyed by players, it was a simplified experience and didn’t achieve widespread popularity on PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

This game was a good starting point for players new to the series on consoles, but it didn’t look as good or offer matches as large as previous installments. Still, the ability to instantly switch between different soldiers during the campaign was a neat feature.

13. Battlefield 1943

Release Date: July 8, 2009
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360

This is a multiplayer-only World War II game for consoles, focusing on Pacific battles. It was released as a lower-priced title with a limited number of maps and doesn’t include a single-player campaign.

Battlefield 1943 is an enjoyable game, but it came out right after the superior Bad Company, which offered a more well-rounded experience. Both games were limited by the technology of the time, but Bad Company simply did more with it. 1943 originally launched as a digital download with only three maps and the Conquest game mode, focusing solely on multiplayer.

Honestly, for just fifteen bucks, *Battlefield 1942* on consoles was a total blast! It really captured that classic WWII *Battlefield* feel. It’s got a dedicated fanbase, but let’s be real, it wasn’t as polished or full-featured as the bigger *Battlefield* games.

12. Battlefield Hardline

Release Date: March 17, 2015
Developer: Visceral Games
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC

Unlike previous Battlefield games made by DICE, *Battlefield Hardline* was developed by Visceral Games and shifted the focus from military combat to a cops and robbers scenario.

Battlefield Hardline stands out from the other games. After the popular Battlefield 4, it took a different approach, swapping traditional large-scale war for a cops and robbers setting.

Instead of large vehicles like tanks and jets, the game shifted its focus to soldiers on the ground. While the shooting felt good and some new game types were enjoyable, it didn’t quite capture the classic Battlefield experience.

Although it was okay, it didn’t quite meet the expectations of serious Battlefield fans. It would have worked better as additional content for an existing game, or even a separate series, instead of a full, standalone title.

11. Battlefield V

Release Date: September 4, 2018
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Battlefield V returns the series to its World War II roots, but instead of focusing on well-known battles, it highlights lesser-known conflicts in places like Norway and Greece.

Battlefield V had a tough act to follow after the success of Battlefield 1, and it ultimately didn’t quite measure up. Despite trying to highlight lesser-known aspects of World War II, it often lacked the immersive and realistic feel of its predecessor, and didn’t fully capture the epic cinematic experience many players were hoping for.

The game had a rough start with technical problems and frustrating issues, which was disappointing for many players. But it steadily got better over time, and the later Pacific DLC was fantastic, ultimately making the game a solid and enjoyable experience.

10. Battlefield 2142

Release Date: October 17, 2006
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PC

The story takes place in 2142, during a new ice age, as Europe and Asia are locked in a global war.

Battlefield 2142 came out shortly after Battlefield 2, so the way it plays feels familiar. However, the game’s setting is drastically different – it’s set in the future and features things like mechs and hovercrafts, giving it a modern sci-fi feel.

Although it has a dedicated fanbase, Battlefield 2142 didn’t quite feel as polished or immersive as Battlefield 2, and its maps weren’t very memorable. The highlight of the game was definitely Titan mode, where players fought to destroy each other’s massive, flying carriers. Even with some technical issues, it was a fantastic mode that kept players coming back to 2142.

9. Battlefield Vietnam

Release Date: March 15, 2004
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PC

This game is a sequel to Battlefield 1942, but instead of World War II, it’s set during the Vietnam War. Players will experience famous battles in environments like jungles, rice paddies, and cities.

Okay, so I played Battlefield Vietnam, and it’s pretty good – a lot like Battlefield 1942, honestly. But it didn’t *quite* hit the same high note. It’s a solid game, don’t get me wrong, and I didn’t really find anything seriously wrong with it. It just didn’t give me that same ‘wow’ factor that the original Battlefield did, or even the Vietnam expansion for Bad Company 2, if I’m being honest.

Despite any flaws, the game was a lot of fun, largely thanks to the incredible sound design. The explosions and gunfire were powerful and realistic, and the music was fantastic. Using classic songs from Vietnam-era films – think ‘Fortunate Son,’ ‘Surfin’ Bird,’ and ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ – was a brilliant touch.

8. Battlefield: Bad Company

Release Date: June 23, 2008
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360

The story follows a chaotic American unit, B-Company, who defy orders during a war with Russia to steal a fortune in gold from mercenaries.

Battlefield: Bad Company wasn’t the first in the series to appear on consoles, but it was the one that really made it popular. Unlike earlier games, this version offered a surprisingly good single-player campaign. It had a more relaxed feel than Call of Duty, combined with impressive, large-scale destruction and expansive environments. Bad Company’s campaign served as a fantastic introduction to the game’s excellent multiplayer mode.

While it didn’t feature the large 64-player battles of previous PC versions, the game’s maps were ideal for 24 players, creating fast-paced, exciting, and enjoyable gameplay. It also debuted ‘Gold Rush,’ later known as ‘Rush,’ a clever attack-and-defend mode that has since become a key part of the series.

7. Battlefield 1942

Release Date: September 10, 2002
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PC

As a huge fan, I’d say this game is all about massive WWII battles! It lets you jump into the action with tons of other players, fighting as infantry and driving vehicles. It’s strictly multiplayer, so you’re always battling it out with real people in these epic historical scenarios.

Battlefield 1942 was the original game in the popular Battlefield series and truly changed the first-person shooter landscape. While it may seem dated now, its impact when it launched was enormous. In the early 2000s, most World War II games focused on real-time strategy, but Battlefield 1942 brought massive battles to life across Europe and the Pacific theater.

Although the game’s single-player mode wasn’t very memorable, its online multiplayer was groundbreaking. Players could battle each other as pilots and tank drivers in a massive 64-player arena, and it truly delivered on its promise – creating a fantastic and innovative online experience.

6. Battlefield 4

Release Date: October 19, 2013
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC

The game is set in the 2020s, six years after the events of Battlefield 3, and depicts a global war involving the United States, China, and Russia.

Battlefield 4 doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors in terms of maps, setting, and single-player campaign, but it’s still a really enjoyable game. The shooting and vehicle handling felt excellent, the dynamic ‘Levolution’ map changes were a standout feature, and it successfully maintained the balance between on-foot and vehicle-based combat that players loved in Battlefield 3. Plus, it was the first console game to support 64-player battles, creating truly massive and exciting warfare experiences.

While it didn’t change gaming like Battlefield 3 and had a bumpy start, the game still looks good and plays smoothly, making it enjoyable even now.

5. Battlefield 2

Release Date: June 21, 2005
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PC

This game was designed for multiple players and focused on a fictional war taking place in the near future, pitting the United States and China against a coalition of Middle Eastern nations.

Battlefield 2 was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a fresh setting and enhanced gameplay. Moving away from the World War II era of the original Battlefield and Vietnam titles, BF2 was set in a near-future conflict. It successfully built upon the strengths of those earlier games, essentially establishing the formula for all future Battlefield titles and influencing the wider genre of large-scale multiplayer shooters.

Honestly, this game already had amazing maps and tons of cool vehicles and weapons, but what *really* set it apart was how they changed the way squads worked. Making squads smaller forced you to play more strategically, and the idea of having a squad leader who could give orders and even act as a mobile respawn point? That became a huge part of what made the series so special and innovative. It totally changed the game!

While it seems a bit old-fashioned by today’s standards, this game was a major advancement for the series and remains the best-reviewed Battlefield title on Metacritic.

4. Battlefield 1

Release Date: October 21, 2016
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

As a long-time fan, I was really excited to see the series finally tackle World War I! It was a fresh direction, moving the action to battlefields across Europe and even Africa. It felt like a huge change of pace and a really interesting setting for the story.

Battlefield 1 delivers the most immersive atmosphere in first-person shooter games. Whether you’re fighting in muddy trenches or scaling the beautiful Italian mountains, the game truly pulls you in. Its incredible graphics, sound, visuals, and music all work together to create a stunning experience – it’s a real masterpiece.

The game immediately put any concerns about its World War 1 setting to rest—a period rarely explored in major games—by delivering intense, over-the-top action. The experience of leading a cavalry charge while a zeppelin falls from the sky is unlike anything else in gaming.

Even though this Battlefield game wasn’t as complex as earlier versions – it had less customization and simpler shooting – it’s still incredibly fun to play, mostly because of its amazing atmosphere.

3. Battlefield 6

Release Date: October 10, 2025
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

The story takes place in 2027 and centers around NATO facing a major crisis. The organization is struggling to stay together while fighting against Pax Armata, a powerful private military company aiming to change the world order.

After the letdown of Battlefield 2042, Battlefield 6 successfully revitalized the series. It recaptures what made Battlefield great – precise shooting, large-scale destruction, a good mix of vehicle and foot combat, and a recognizable class system. With its modern setting, the game offers a diverse range of weapons, vehicles, and ways to customize your experience, reminding players of the series’ peak between Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 4.

Although the game’s story could have been extended and the initial user experience needs some refinement, this relaunch is exactly what the series needed to succeed.

You can check out our full Battlefield 6 review for more.

2. Battlefield 3

Release Date: October 25, 2011
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

The game takes place in 2014, during a war between the U.S., Russia, and a made-up group from Iran. Players will experience battles in the Middle East through both the campaign and multiplayer modes.

Battlefield 3 is often considered the best modern game in the Battlefield series. Its excellent maps, satisfying shooting mechanics, and diverse range of vehicles set a high standard for all subsequent installments.

Many fans consider this game to be the best in the series, thanks to its customizable weapons, distinct classes, and great mix of on-foot and vehicle combat. It also boasts the strongest selection of maps, including fan favorites like Caspian Border (which returned in Battlefield 4) and Operation Firestorm (brought back in Battlefield 6).

If the game’s story had been stronger and its visuals as striking as those in Bad Company 2, it could have been the top-rated game.

1. Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Release Date: March 2, 2010
Developer: DICE
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC

The United States remains in conflict with Russia, and B-Company is determined to destroy a dangerous new weapon.

We believe Bad Company 2 stands out as a Battlefield title with both an exceptional multiplayer experience and a surprisingly strong single-player campaign.

This Battlefield game features amazing settings, exciting action, and characters you’ll actually remember, making it the strongest campaign in the series. But it’s the multiplayer that really stands out – and rightfully so. While designed to work on both consoles and PC, the multiplayer didn’t lose any of its quality. The maps were smaller, but perfectly suited for modes like Rush, creating a fantastic experience.

This game was a pioneer in letting players truly destroy the environment, and many still consider it the peak of the Battlefield series, perfectly embodying the franchise’s signature chaotic energy. Add in satisfying shooting, strong teamwork features, and the fantastic Vietnam expansion, and you have what many consider not just the best Battlefield game, but one of the greatest shooter games of all time.

2025-10-10 22:24