EA DICE’s Battlefield 2042 is far from the ‘COD Killer’ everyone was expecting prior to launch – in fact, it’s regarded as one of the worst games in the series. However, that doesn’t mean Battlefield 2042 is dead yet. With reports from insiders discussing a possible pivot to a free-to-play access model, we’re here with everything you need to know about Battlefield 2042 free-to-play and when we could see the plan implemented.
Battlefield 2042 is one of the most ambitious Battlefield games to date, and the return to near-future warfare after Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V is something a lot of fans were asking for. This game is also pushing the genre to new heights – literally – with some of the largest maps we’ve ever seen and the introduction of 128-player lobbies on next-gen consoles.
Despite all this, Battlefield 2042 has had a tough time since its launch. EA DICE has been working hard to remedy the situation with regular post-launch updates. With a rigorous microtransaction system already in place, could offering players Battlefield 2042 free-to-play access be the answer to declining player numbers? Here’s everything we know about this development.
Battlefield 2042 free to play release date
At the moment, we don’t have a release date for Battlefield 2042 free-to-play access. With a release date for Battlefield 2042 Season One still up in the air, there is still a lot more to come from EA DICE regarding this Battlefield game.
We will update this article when more information is made available from official sources.
With an EA earnings call due to take place on February 1st, we could find out more information soon.
Battlefield 2042 free to play rumours
Rumours that Battlefield 2042 could be going free-to-play have been around as long as the game itself, however, they have all largely been unfounded until now. Journalist Tom Henderson, who has a track record as an EA insider, has claimed that EA could be looking to make “a portion of Portal” free to play – not the whole game.
Offering a portion of Portal seems to be the best bet. 1 map from each game or something.
But first, the fundamental flaws with the game need to be addressed, a roadmap of the future needs laying out, and EA/DICE need to acknowledge the mistakes and be more transparent.
— Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) January 24, 2022
This would be unheard of for a Battlefield game, but not in the game industry as a whole. Offering a different level of access to Battlefield 2042 content for a lower price, or for free, could be an important step towards winning disillusioned fans back after the trouble EA DICE has had with the game since launch.
There’s everything we know so far about Battlefield 2042 going free-to-play. It wouldn’t be an impossibility, but at the moment it doesn’t seem likely to be something we’ll see anytime soon. If you’re looking for a game to scratch that multiplayer itch, though, you can check out the best PS5 multiplayer games here and the best two-player Xbox games here.