Battlefield 2042 is going to be available in almost a month, but how far things could improve until launch after the open beta?
Earlier this month, Battlefield 2042 Open Beta officially went live and players finally got the chance to get back to modern warfare over six years after Battlefield Hardline.
As it was announced earlier, the content for the open beta was limited to one mode and one map, featuring only four specialists and a limited number of weapons. However, we could get an understanding of the new Battlefield even with this small beta experience.
- CHECK THIS OUT: Elden Ring Leaked Gameplay Reveals Part of the Open World
The build that we got for Open Beta was apparently for earlier September or later August in 2021 as per some sources. So, the best-case scenario is that the developers correctly predict the player feedback of the open beta and implement them in the final build, but how big these changes could be?
If you didn't like the gunplay of Battlefield 2042 or the new Specialists, there is almost no chance for a change in those areas until launch, as they are part of the game's core.
However, if you did enjoy your time with Battlefield 2042 Open Beta, there are chances to make it even better at launch.
Short-Term Changes (Until Launch)
So, we divided our list into long-term and short-term changes. The short-term changes include things that could be done until the game's launch, but the long-term one obviously requires more time and cannot be finished until launch unless EA delays the game.
Weapon Recoil
So, this was a very big problem in Battlefield 2042. Overall, the weapons in the game didn't feel balanced at all, especially when you zoom on recoil.
It seemed like the only weapon that really features recoil in the game was AK24. Of course, in real life, this is a weapon that cannot be handled easily by the shooter, but what about the other guns?
The problem is not the high vertical recoil of AK24, but the almost no-recoil for other weapons. The SMGs and even the M5A3, which is the direct competitor of AK24 seem to have a very low recoil which could get even lower by picking the right attachments.
The K30 SMG with its high rate of fire is expected to have a recoil close to AK24, but it turns out to be one of the easiest-to-handle guns in the game.
Overall Vehicle Capacity of the Maps
With the maps becoming even bigger, players expect to see more ground warfare between iron giants. While the overall capacity of the map for airborne forces seemed balanced, ground warfare was lacking in the number of offensive and defensive vehicles.
There is no doubt that the Orbital map, at least, could host more tanks than three for each side. Also, the variety of vehicles could be increased as well.
The game could host vehicles that are rather defensive than offensive. Something like stationary or moving machines for airborne offense denials.
It seems like the series has not grown enough in ground vehicles after all these, compared to Battlefield 4. Though, the easier control of the vehicles is a considerable improvement.
Specialist Buff
This might sound like an unpopular opinion, but I did like the concept of specialists as it provides more flexibility for players. So, you can now be a Medic and also a Sniper. Or you can be a Recon and carry an LMG. I liked this flexibility, but some specialists need to become more powerful.
Mackay and Falck might be the two specialists in need of a buff. Mackay's grappling range could be increased a little bit. On the other hand, Falck's Medic gun could be buffed by having the ability to revive down players as well. It could even give the Specialist the ability to revive herself for once after being down.
Team Labels/Logos
This was something that almost confused all beta players. With all the specialists wearing the same outfits, it was confusing to know who is your ally and who is not. Although the blue dot above your ally players makes it a little bit less confusing, still using unique uniforms or colors for each side would be much better.
Even unique labels or distinguishable logos on the uniforms could still be helpful in this case.
Aside from being confusing, this also makes the game feel dull. If it's a war between the US and Russia, then why on earth do they all put on the same outfits?
Long Term Changes (Post-Launch)
While I believe all the changes above could be implemented until the game's launch, the improvements below seem impossible to finish until November 19, when Battlefield 2042 launches.
Better Destructions
There is no doubt that Battlefield 2042 was disappointing when it comes to the level of destruction. Seven years after Battlefield 4, the game even struggles the same level of destruction.
Many players expected the big tower (Sector B) in the Orbital map to be fully destructible like Battlefield 4's Shanghai tower, but it wasn't.
Even the smaller buildings like the storerooms in sectors C, F, and A were not fully destructible.
With a quick look at Battlefield 4, 1, and 5, you would realize that Battlefield 2042 is an absolute downgrade in the series when it comes to the level of destruction.
Close-Quarter Modes (Team Deathmatch or Domination)
Thus far, it seems like the game will feature three modes: All-out Warfare, Portal, and Hazard Zone. While Hazard Zone and Portal have their own rules and are determined to bring unique experiences, the need for close-quarter combats in the small sections of huge maps remains unanswered.
As far as players would enjoy the bigger 128-player battles, the smaller maps with 32 or 24 players in Team Deathmatch or Domination modes of the previous Battlefield entries were extremely popular. So, the developers would definitely need to consider adding close-quarter modes to the game and diversify the available choice of modes for players.
Battlefield 2042 will be available on November 19 this year for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.