Best Battlefield Game: 2025’s Ultimate Ranking Guide
Recent update
The list was updated in May 2025 according to all of our latest guidelines, as well as to include the most recent information regarding game availability.
The Battlefield series has been right at the heart of first-person shooters for a long time, ever since the release of Battlefield 1942 in 2002. Iconic large-scale battles, team-focused gameplay, and pure variety of experience have made it a franchise to remember for over two decades, doing anything from dogfighting in jets to leading tank assaults or even simple flag capturing with your squad.
Nonetheless, if you’re here, it means this epic franchise has locked in your attention, and you want to know more. Well, if that’s the case, you’re in the right place, because today, I’ll tell you about all of these games, which of them are worth your time and energy, and everything else that you may need to know.
In this guide, I’ll rank the best Battlefield games based on gameplay, innovation, multiplayer features, and how the player base received them, while you’ll be in the front seat of it all. So buckle up and get ready for the ultimate Battlefield experience!
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Our Top Picks for Battlefield Games
While some Battlefield titles are simply legendary and often find their place among the best FPS games of all time, there were also a few entries that didn’t really stand out or flat-out missed the mark. If you want the very peak Battlefield gaming experience, these games are it:
- Battlefield 3 (2011) – A modern warfare masterpiece that didn’t just set the standard – it is the standard. No other Battlefield delivered chaos, scale, and style this perfectly.
- Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (2010) – A beautifully unhinged masterpiece. No other Battlefield campaign mixed story and destruction this well, before or since.
- Battlefield 1 (2016) – From muddy trenches to burning zeppelins, this game turned the chaos of World War I into pure cinematic brilliance. It’s Battlefield at its boldest.
- Battlefield 4 (2013) – The title introduced levolution, raising the bar for the multiplayer FPS games higher than ever before. Anything could be destroyed, no matter the size.
- Battlefield 2042 (2021) – Once doubted, now dominant, it came back and reshaped Battlefield into the brilliantly massive next-gen war experience it was born to be.
Of course, just because some other games didn’t make this short list, it doesn’t mean that they’re less worthy of your attention. Even the worst Battlefield games are still sufficiently good titles, especially if they’re not being graded by this franchise’s seriously high standards.
I’ve got a total of 16 games waiting for you in the main list, and I’d love to tell you about each and every one of them. So, shall we get down to business?
16 Best Battlefield Games Ranked
Even though the Battlefield franchise is known for its focus on huge multiplayer battles, these games are more than just that. Sure, you can embark on those massive battles, some involving over 100 players at a time (yes, they’re as epic as they sound), or you can also get involved in various different online battles and even some legendary single-player campaigns.
Whatever your drive is, in these games, you’ll find it all. The only thing you should know is that getting to play some of these titles can be a little more complicated than it used to be, due to various reasons, like discontinued server support. However, I’ll be sure to tell you all about it when the moment comes. For now, let’s not wait any longer and dive in!
1. Battlefield 3
| Platforms | Windows, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2011 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 12 Hours (Campaign) |
It’s widely agreed that when it comes to the Battlefield series, no other title did it better than Battlefield 3. Thanks to the Frostbite 2 engine, the game’s breathtaking graphics and dynamics completely changed the series, setting the stage for the franchise we know today.
The story was gripping and full of twists, hooking pretty much all fans immediately and holding them until the very end, even if it was quite short. However, it was the multiplayer that became the true game-changer. Brutal ground and aerial combat, falling skyscrapers, and havoc on all sides made it one of the fondest memories for many fans.
These days, the game is still as epic as it was when it came out over a decade ago. The only catch is that PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions have since been shut down, and even though the game owners can still play the campaign, multiplayer is only available for PC players.
Get your copy of Battlefield 3 >
2. Battlefield: Bad Company 2
| Platforms | Windows, PS3, Xbox 360, Android, iOS |
| Year of release | 2010 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 11 Hours (Campaign) |
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is hands-down one of my favorite entries in the Battlefield franchise. Honestly, I’d say it’s pretty much on par with Battlefield 3, and picking between these two has always been difficult, especially if you add to the equation the Vietnam DLC.
The single-player had some of the best story beats in the whole Battlefield series, thanks to the lovable misfit squad from Bad Company. And the multiplayer was quite unreal too, featuring stuff like Rush mode and destruction physics that actually changed how every match played.
The sad part is that since April 28, 2023, EA has decided to “retire” many of its older titles, including Bad Company 2, delisting them from the store. Fortunately, if you own a copy of the game, can get your hands on a disk version, or manage to snatch one of the remaining keys, you can still enjoy the campaign and even jump into multiplayer via Project Rome on PC!
Grab a copy of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 >
3. Battlefield 1
| Platforms | Windows, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 10 Hours (Campaign) |
At first, no one expected a Battlefield game set during the World War I era to hit this hard, but it absolutely did. From the opening scene, you could already tell this wasn’t like the modern warfare stuff we’re used to. It’s brutal, muddy, and raw.
The single-player was split into war stories, and while short, they had some of the best story moments in the entire Battlefield series. The experience of sprinting through no man’s land with gas hissing around you and flamethrowers lighting up the fog is something that lives with me to this day.
Yet, what makes it stand out the most is the atmosphere. The maps are huge and haunting, with rain-soaked ruins, shattered forests, and collapsing windmills. Destruction is back in a big way, and the sound design is terrifying. It’s a perfect starting point for all new players and a great addition for the veterans alike.
Get a great deal on Battlefield 1: Revolution >
4. Battlefield 4
| Platforms | Windows, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2013 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 9 Hours (Campaign) |
Battlefield 4 still feels like the moment the Battlefield franchise hit full stride in the modern era. It hits that perfect sweet spot between modern tech and full-blown chaos. However, it was the levolution system that made it stand out like it did.
I still remember diving off a building seconds before it came crashing down and somehow surviving just long enough to call in support. The thrill was like no other, and it was pretty much the same grand feeling each time around. The game really felt as if it evolved from what the legendary Battlefield 3 started before it.
While the game did have quite a rough start and the campaign was not very impressive, the multiplayer more than made up for it and still does to this day. Whether you’re playing as a squad leader or charging in solo, the freedom of movement, weapon variety, and gameplay depth keep things interesting every time.
Get your copy of Battlefield 4 >
5. Battlefield 2042
| Platforms | Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2021 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 46 Hours |
If Battlefield 4‘s launch was rough, Battlefield 2042 started out almost catastrophically. Missing features, bugs, and strange design choices made it feel like it wasn’t ready. But even though it took some time, after updates and fixes, it evolved into one of the most chaotic, ambitious entries in the entire Battlefield franchise, finally making it what it was always meant to be.
No other Battlefield game has a scale like this one. The maps are enormous, the weapons feel heavy, and multiplayer matches with up to 128 players are just wild. It’s pure modern combat mayhem with wingsuits, robot dogs, and wild weather systems that change the battlefield on the fly.
It ditched the single player, which is a little disappointing, but the improved game modes, including Portal, brought back some of that classic Battlefield magic. For PC players and console players alike, it now feels like a proper next step in the series.
Grab a copy of Battlefield 2042 >
6. Battlefield V
| Platforms | Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 10 Hours (Campaign) |
Following the massive success that was Battlefield 1, Battlefield V didn’t win everyone over at first, but I honestly think it’s one of the most underappreciated entries in the Battlefield franchise. The WW2 setting wasn’t just a repeat of older World War shooters – it felt raw, personal, and surprisingly fast-paced.
The gunplay is fast-paced, the movement system is super smooth, and the maps ar.e some of the best in the series. There’s something truly intense and immersive about crawling through rubble with your squad, barely surviving, then turning the fight around.
There was a lack of content at first, and the communication by DICE was confusing, to say the least. But over time, the game turned into one of the best in the series. For fans of historical shooters and massive multiplayer battles, this one’s absolutely worth your time.
Get a great deal on Battlefield V Definitive Edition >
7. Battlefield 1942
| Platforms | Windows, Mac OS X |
| Year of release | 2002 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 25 Hours |
Battlefield 1942 was where it all started. It was also the game that cemented the franchise as one of the leaders in first-person shooters. There was no campaign, but the multiplayer alone was unreal, and it changed the genre forever.
It might be the first Battlefield game, yet it still holds up in its own weird, wonderful way. Massive maps, tanks, planes, and full-scale world war chaos made it feel like no other FPS game at the time. Wake Island alone could suck up hours.
Unfortunately, as GameSpy services, which powered the game’s multiplayer, were shut down on June 30th, 2014, the game was taken off the stores and is no longer officially accessible. However, those who already own it or can get their hands on it can still play offline with bots or even find some private servers still going strong.
8. Battlefield: Bad Company
| Platforms | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| Year of release | 2008 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 12 Hours (Campaign) |
Before Bad Company 2 could run, Battlefield: Bad Company had to walk. But boy, was it an absolutely wild ride in its own right.
It felt like the Battlefield game that broke the rules in the best way. This was the first time seeing a Battlefield series entry with a proper single-player campaign that didn’t take itself too seriously, and it was glorious. The story had humor, personality, and some of the most memorable squad banter I’ve seen in the franchise. That, and you could literally blow buildings apart.
Unfortunately, as you might’ve guessed, it had a similar fate as its successor when it became one of the older titles EA “retired.” The main difference is that since this was a console-only release, the only way to play the campaign is by buying a disk second-hand or emulating it on PC, while the multiplayer remains dead.
9. Battlefield 2
| Platforms | PC, Xbox 360 |
| Year of release | 2005 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 31 Hours |
Battlefield 2 was where the Battlefield franchise really took off. The multiplayer had this gritty, grounded feel that captured the chaos of modern combat better than most shooters in the FPS genre.
What made it special was the introduction of the squad leader system, which actually encouraged teamwork, not just lone wolf rushing. That, and the commander mode, added real strategy to every match.
It was smart, fast, and ahead of its time, but ever since the shutdown of GameSpy services, it has been laid to rest and remains a thing of the past. That is, at least if we talk officially, because you could definitely find some privately hosted servers still out in the wild.
10. Battlefield Vietnam
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2004 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 14 Hours (Campaign) |
Battlefield Vietnam was a wild shift in the Battlefield series. It felt very different, but that’s exactly what made it so fun.
This game brought the chaos of the Vietnam War to life with fast choppers, jungle maps, and that iconic ’60s soundtrack blasting while you flew into battle. It didn’t just rehash Battlefield 1942 but actually gave the franchise its own style and voice.
Of course, there were some rough edges here and there, but given how unique the experience was at the time, it still received a lot of love. However, these days – yep, you guessed it – it’s no longer officially available due to the shutdown of GameSpy services.
11. Battlefield Hardline
| Platforms | PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Developer | Visceral Games |
| Average playtime | 11 Hours (Campaign) |
Battlefield Hardline was a curveball in this legendary franchise that most didn’t expect. However, while it received a decent amount of hate, I think it was actually quite misunderstood.
Instead of big military wars, it leaned into cops vs. criminals. But even though it wasn’t the kind of battlefield game that people were used to seeing, it was actually really fun.
The story was quite average, but once I jumped into the multiplayer, I was hooked. Car chases, zip lines, and cash grabs felt fresh and fast. Sure, it’s different, and the series went back to its roots soon after, but I think it deserves a shot. You might just be surprised how exciting it is.
Get your copy of Battlefield Hardline >
12. Battlefield Heroes
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2009 |
| Developers | Easy Studios, DICE |
| Average playtime | 50 Hours |
Battlefield Heroes completely changed the dynamics of the franchise and took it to new casual gaming heights by offering a more approachable, cartoonish twist on the old familiar combat. It was simple, maybe too simple for some, but damn did it have a charm.
The game took place in a fictionalized version of World War II, where players could be in the National Army or the Royal Army and participate in team-based combat. The playful graphics combined with a free-to-play model solidified this experience for a larger audience, but the core multiplayer experience remained the same.
The game was sadly closed on July 14, 2015, when EA chose to no longer support their free-to-play games, instead shifting their focus to other projects. However, if you’d still like to play this hidden gem, the fans are keeping it alive via the Rising Hub Project, so check it out!
13. Battlefield 1943
| Platforms | PS3, Xbox 360 |
| Year of release | 2009 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 25 Hours |
Battlefield 1943 was a small, downloadable Battlefield game, but man, it hit hard for what it was. It was actually surprising how much of a blast I had each time I booted it up.
It was a blast, literally and figuratively, taking us back into World War II in the Pacific Theater, offering three iconic maps: Wake Island, Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima. The game was big on coordination in the team, but still managed to involve dynamic dogfights with planes, vehicles, and even some infantry combat.
Since it was a multiplayer-only game released solely for consoles, the GameSpy services shutdown meant its funeral, but it will forever remain in its players’ hearts.
14. Battlefield 2142
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2006 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 52 Hours |
Battlefield 2142 is the only truly futuristic game in the franchise, and while it was quite a bit different than the rest, it was still a very thrilling ride. As the name suggests, it’s set in the year 2142, and the situation is quite grim: The ice caps have melted, the world is dying, and the nations are in a full-scale, all-out war for survival and viable pieces of land available.
In this game, players were hurled into epic battles, using futuristic heavy weaponry and vehicles. One of the novelties that was a massive hit and made this game stand out was the Titan Mode, in which strategy and teamwork decided the fate of a massive airship.
Even though some were disappointed by the limited number of maps, Battlefield 2142 became a benchmark for sci-fi shooters. Of course, just like a fair amount of other titles on this list, it was a multiplayer game, so if you wanted to play it, your only shot these days is private servers.
15. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat
| Platforms | PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360 |
| Year of release | 2005 |
| Developer | DICE |
| Average playtime | 9 Hours (Campaign) |
Battlefield’s journey on consoles started with the release of Battlefield 2: Modern Combat in 2005, finally bringing this legendary experience to wider audiences.
Its main innovation was the hot-swap mechanic, which allowed one player to switch to another squad member mid-battle, giving a new flavor to the tactical experience. While it was a single-player game initially, its release on the Xbox 360 brought a 24-player multiplayer mode filled with havoc and action, competing in objective-based battles.
It was praised as accessible and fun, even though it wasn’t as polished as its PC counterpart. Yet, only 6 years later, on August 11, 2011, the game’s online servers were shut down by EA, and the game has since been delisted completely.
16. Battlefield Play4Free
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2010 |
| Developers | Easy Studios, DICE |
| Average playtime | 30 Hours |
Battlefield Play4Free lived up to its name and provided a free-to-play multiplayer experience to all PC players who wanted to get a piece of the action without requiring them to spend a dime on it.
With elements from Battlefield 2 and Bad Company 2, it offered a large-scale, all-out war scenario. There was no backstory, but the elements of online combat with vehicles and infantry were enough to grab players’ attention.
Like other free-to-play games, it had microtransactions for customizing your weapons and player, and some features were locked without spending money. But nowadays, just like Battlefield Heroes, the game was put to rest, and is no longer available, at least officially.
FAQs
Which Battlefield game is best for newcomers to the series?
Battlefield 3 is the perfect stepping stone if you want a compact experience of the entire franchise. If you’re more about the multiplayer and want to jump straight into action, go for Battlefield 1, Battlefield V, or Battlefield 2042.
Which Battlefield game offers the best single-player campaign?
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is widely considered to have the best campaign out of the whole series. It perfectly blends humor, action, drama, and chaos, showing that his franchise is not only about huge multiplayer battles.
Do I need to play Battlefield games in order?
No, you don’t have to play Battlefield games in order. While some games have the same characters and take place in the same eras, all titles are mostly stand-alone and can easily be played however you desire.
Which Battlefield game has the largest multiplayer maps?
Battlefield 2042 has some of the biggest multiplayer maps in the series. While the maps vary in size, some have been estimated to be over 1 square kilometer in size, with modes accommodating up to 128 players at once.
Is there cross-play functionality in Battlefield games?
Battlefield 2042 is the only current game in the series that supports cross-play functionality. However, while PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S users can play together freely, last-gen players are separated due to system limitations.
