Aug
Ranking DICE’s massive multiplayer masterpieces
Since Battlefield 1942 stormed onto PCs in the summer of 2002, EA and DICE’s large-scale war series has cemented itself as one of the most celebrated and enduring first-person shooter franchises in gaming history. Known for reinventing itself with each new entry, Battlefield has transported players through different time periods and locations, expanded battles to over 100 players, and paired its multiplayer focus with memorable single-player stories that explore some of the harshest realities of war. Two decades later, the series remains a staple, despite a few stumbles along the way.
From the classic WWII fronts to modern combat zones and even the neon streets of Miami, there’s a Battlefield for every taste. With the upcoming Battlefield 6 on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to revisit the series and determine which titles truly stand above the rest.
10. Battlefield 2142
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platform: PC | Release Date: Oct 17, 2006
This cult favorite was the franchise’s bold leap into a futuristic sci-fi setting — the only time Battlefield has left real-world wars behind. While its gameplay felt like a close cousin to Battlefield 2, it introduced unique twists such as an improved progression system, streamlined classes, and the iconic Titan Mode, where teams fought to disable an enemy ship’s shields before boarding to destroy its core. Today, it’s only playable via unofficial servers, but its experimental spirit still stands out.
9. Battlefield Hardline
Developer: Visceral Games | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | Release Date: Mar 17, 2015
Hardline swapped tanks and fighter jets for police cruisers and drug busts, trading global conflicts for the streets of Miami in a cops-and-robbers twist. Fans were skeptical, and while the large-scale chaos didn’t always mesh with the urban setting, it delivered inventive new multiplayer modes like Hotwire, Blood Money, and Heist. Surprisingly, the single-player campaign — presented as a crime drama TV show — became its highlight, offering players moral choices as either a “good cop” or “bad cop.”
8. Battlefield 1943
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3 | Release Date: Jul 8, 2009
An early digital-only console release, Battlefield 1943 was essentially a compact remake of the original Battlefield 1942. It offered classic Pacific theater maps rebuilt in the Frostbite engine, complete with destructible environments and fast-paced 24-player matches. Despite its smaller scope, it captured the franchise’s essence and introduced the WWII Battlefield experience to a new generation of console players.
7. Battlefield 1942
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platform: PC | Release Date: Sep 10, 2002
The game that started it all. Battlefield 1942 revolutionized online shooters with 64-player battles, objective-based Conquest mode, and a robust class system. Seamlessly blending infantry, vehicles, and aircraft in the same match, it set the blueprint for everything that followed — and still feels recognizably “Battlefield” today.
6. Battlefield: Bad Company
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360 | Release Date: Jun 23, 2008
The first Battlefield built on the Frostbite engine, Bad Company introduced destructible buildings and terrain, changing the way matches played out. A console-exclusive at launch, it also delivered the franchise’s first narrative-driven campaign, swapping grim realism for a humorous, action-comedy tone. Its ragtag squad and over-the-top antics made it one of the most memorable entries in the series.
5. Battlefield 4
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | Release Date: Oct 29, 2013
Considered by many a “greatest hits” version of the series, Battlefield 4 refined the class system, expanded vehicle combat, and introduced “Levolution” — large-scale map changes like collapsing skyscrapers. However, its launch was plagued by technical issues across all platforms, damaging trust in the franchise despite eventual fixes that made it one of Battlefield’s most complete experiences.
4. Battlefield 2
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platform: PC | Release Date: Jun 21, 2005
This was Battlefield’s jump to modern warfare, adding helicopters, guided missiles, UAVs, and a Commander role to direct squads. The introduction of in-game voice chat revolutionized teamwork, and smaller tactical squads gave matches a new layer of depth while retaining the series’ large-scale battles.
3. Battlefield 1
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One | Release Date: Oct 21, 2016
Ditching modern weapons for WWI-era rifles, SMGs, and artillery, Battlefield 1 brought a fresh historical setting to the franchise. Its campaign told multiple war stories inspired by real events, while its multiplayer featured dynamic weather, massive destruction, and the cinematic Operations mode. Even years later, it remains one of the series’ most visually striking and atmospheric entries.
2. Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Release Date: Mar 2, 2010
A beloved sequel that expanded destruction, improved gunplay, and introduced the series-defining Rush mode. The return of B-Company kept the humor alive in the campaign, while multiplayer became a benchmark for the franchise with its mix of chaos, strategy, and environmental tactics.
1. Battlefield 3
Developer: DICE | Publisher: Electronic Arts | Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Release Date: Oct 25, 2011
The definitive Battlefield experience. Battlefield 3 delivered jaw-dropping visuals for its time, rock-solid gunplay, and massive multiplayer battles that remain legendary. With its deep progression system, balanced classes, and memorable “Battlefield moments” — from vehicle stunts to perfectly timed demolitions — it’s no surprise that fans still play it nearly 15 years later. Simply put, this is Battlefield at its peak
Article referenced from https://www.ign.com/articles/the-10-best-battlefield-games
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