The Evolution of War: A Comprehensive Guide to All Battlefield Games in Order of Release Date

Battlefield is a storied franchise that has captivated gamers for decades with its over-the-top multiplayer mayhem and intense single-player campaigns. From its humble beginnings on the PC to its current status as one of gaming's most recognizable IP, EA DICE's behemoth series continues to push boundaries in terms of scale, scope, and sheer chaos.

This article will take you through every mainline entry in the Battlefield franchise - from 2002's groundbreaking original all the way up until 2021's polarizing (to say the least) Battlefield 2042. Buckle up folks because we're about to dive headfirst into a war zone like no other!

Battlefield 1943

Released exclusively for consoles back in '09, BF1943 marked something of an interesting shift for EA DICE at the time. Rather than attempting another massive WWII shooter à la Call of Duty: WWII or even its own predecessor (more on that later), they instead opted to scale things down significantly - literally speaking.

Set during World War II but with a distinct cartoonish visual flair reminiscent more of Mario Kart 64's tracks than actual warzones, BF1943 saw players drop into smaller maps across three different regions: Wake Island in the Pacific; Midway Atoll in the North Atlantic; and finally, the titular Tarawa Atolls in Micronesia.

While some were initially turned off by its more arcade-like feel compared to later entries (and let's be real - who didn't want another chance at running around Normandy while being blown up repeatedly?), there was no denying that BF1943 delivered on one key front: pure, unadulbed fun!

Battlefield 2

Fast forward two years and EA DDice returned with Battlefield 2. Set during the Second World War (yes, again), this entry saw significant improvements across-the-board - including a new 'Operation' mode which allowed players to team up in co-op play against AI forces.

The addition of several new playable factions also added some much-needed variety: Americans replaced Brits as one option; while the Soviets made their long-awaited return alongside the Germans, naturally. But perhaps most importantly for fans was that BF2 finally felt like 'real' Battlefield again - bigger maps, more vehicles, and plenty more ways to get your frag on.

Battlefield 3

Fast forward another three years (sensing a pattern here?) and EA DICE dropped us into the midst of World War III. Or rather, what could have been if that conflict ever actually happened...

BF3 marked something of an interesting shift for the series as a whole - Gone were the more traditional WW2-era settings in favor of modern-day warfare set across various global hotspots including Tehran; Caspian Border (because one Middle Eastern desert isn't enough); and finally, Operation: Metro beneath the streets of Moscow.

Graphically speaking, BF3 was easily the prettiest entry yet - but beyond that subtle visual polish lay some pretty major gameplay changes too. Gone were the large-scale vehicle battles in favor of more intimate close-quarters combat; gone were massive 64-player maps replaced by smaller squads vying it out across tightly-packed city streets.

While not everyone was convinced by these bold new directions (personally, I loved 'em), there's no denying that BF3 still delivered plenty of bang for your buck - literally speaking, in some cases...

Battlefield 4

Released just over a year later and set four years after the events of its predecessor, Battlefield 4 promised to take things up another notch once again. And boy did it deliver.

BF4 saw EA DICE expand upon many of the more experimental gameplay elements introduced in BF3 - think even smaller maps; more emphasis on close-quarters action rather than large-scale vehicular mayhem etc., you get the idea...

But while some might have felt that these changes came at a cost (personally, I'm still salty about losing those sweet-ass tank battles), there was no denying that BF4 looked absolutely stunning - especially in 1080p on next-gen hardware.

And speaking of graphical fidelity... well, let's just say that EA DICE really pulled out all the stops here. From the gorgeous Pacific island setting of Banya Bay to the snow-covered streets of Shanghai (which itself was easily one of my personal favorite maps from any BF game ever), BF4 looked simply breathtaking at times.

Battlefield 1

Released in October 2016, EA DICE's latest offering at the time promised a return to form for the long-running series. And boy did it deliver...

Set during World War I (yes, you heard me right - WWI!), Battlefield 1 took players back in time to an era of trench warfare; gas attacks; and good ol' fashioned bayonet charge action galore.

Graphically speaking? BF1 looked simply stunning once again - especially on high-end hardware. And gameplay-wise? Well... let's just say that DICE seemed hell-bent on embracing every single World War I cliché under the sun (think horseback charges; trench warfare etc.).

While some might have felt a bit disappointed by these relatively safe bets compared to previous entries, there was no denying that BF1 still delivered plenty of action - even if it did feel slightly more linear at times.

Battlefield V

And finally, we arrive at EA DICE's latest offering in the long-running series: Battlefield V. Released earlier this year (2018) and set during World War II once again (!), BFV promised to take things back to basics with a focus on large-scale multiplayer battles across various global hotspots.

Graphically speaking? Well... let's just say that DICE seemed content enough simply porting over the engine assets from its predecessor - but hey, who needs graphical fidelity when you can have more tanks and planes am I right?

Gameplay-wise, BFV felt somewhat similar to previous entries too - think large-scale maps; plenty of vehicles/planes etc. But while some might have lamented the lack of innovation here (personally, if it ain't broke...), there's no denying that DICE still knows how to put on a show.

And so concludes our comprehensive guide through every mainline entry in EA DICE's beloved Battlefield franchise - from its humble beginnings back in 2002 all the way up until now. So grab your rifle folks, because it's time for some good old-fashioned war!

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