First-person shooters (FPS) have long been one of the most popular video game genres since gamers first picked up their controllers. It has grown substantially with its most popular franchises housing huge player numbers from around the world, which can be intimidating for new gamers attempting to test the waters of the genre.
Among the plethora of FPS titles on the market today, developers DICE released another installment to their critically-acclaimed series in 2021, Battlefield 2042, which quickly established itself as an ideal introduction to the FPS genre without being overwhelmed by the experience of online virtual warfare. But given the abundance of FPS titles on the market, what makes this game stand out for beginners?
10 Less Emphasis On Kill/Death Ratios
An unpopular decision was overturned not long after Battlefield 2042 was released when scoreboards were introduced, as the game initially did not allow players to check their overall performance each game. What this information would also reveal is the player standings within their team, and how well they contributed to the team's success.
While this has been overturned, DICE have still made the scoreboard a little less accessible than other FPS titles, which has continued to be a source of criticism from seasoned gamers. While this is a highly-criticized feature of the game, it has taken the pressure off new players. For some other titles that allow instant viewing of the score, it can be intimidating for new gamers if they are not performing as well as their comrades.
9 Large Map Sizes
There are benefits and downfalls to the various map sizes that are available in the FPS genre, however the broad size of the available maps in Battlefield 2042 allow new players some breathing room. While this would normally leave players vulnerable to being gunned down at long range, the strategic layout of the environment often provides adequate cover to prevent this being a common occurrence.
While it may take a few rounds on a map to become familiar with the environment, the large map sizes in the game give players a chance to move around without the expectation of being gunned-down at every corner. By offering extra space to become acquainted with the game, players have a smoother transition into the genre and can more readily immersed themselves in the experience.
8 Large Teams
With large maps, comes large teams. The default matchmaking options in Battlefield 2042 task teams with capturing or defending objectives. In order to do so such a large map, a large squadron is needed. The game modes on offer allow for up to 128 players in a single map, which means there are plenty of targets for beginners to take aim at.
The combination of large maps and big teams means that players will not be wandering the battlefield in search of someone to shoot, nor will they be a frequent victim from over-crowding. The ratio of map size to player quantity offers an excellent balance and, in turn, a better flow of gameplay.
7 Absence Of Kill-Streak Rewards
Many popular FPS games reward players for their ability to accomplish consecutive kills without meeting their own demise, offer the player an in-game advantage. This is a great incentive for players who have built momentum during a match, however it can broaden the gap between the seasoned players and beginners.
Battlefield 2042 narrows this gap by not including kill-streak. This offers the less-experienced an opportunity to find their feet within the game without being bombarded with perks that often leave them without a reasonable opportunity to launch their own offense.
6 Availability Of Vehicles
Many players with minimal FPS experience will have to hone their skills until they earn access to a game's vehicles. While many titles offer the likes of bomber runs and helicopter guns as a reward to accumulating a kill-streak, Battlefield 2042 makes available light, heavy and aerial vehicles for players of all skill levels.
While limiting their availability to a strict number at a time, the vehicles on offer for use in the game can be operated by multiple players at once, with each fulfilling a different role. For heavy vehicles like tanks, one player will control the vehicle's movement while others operate the weaponry. Not only does this provide a more open and inclusive gaming experience, it also encourages cooperative play within teams.
5 Squads
As the old adage goes, "teamwork makes the dream work", a philosophy that holds true in Battlefield 2042. In matches with larger field sizes, players are split into squads of 4 within each team. While there isn't pressure to cooperate, players have the option of providing support to the other members of their squad.
Unlike other popular FPS franchises, squads are ranked and the performances of the players are showcased in place of full-team scorecards. By presenting the accolades of the individual's squad instead of comparing the stats of a whole team, new players will avoid any adverse responses to efforts that yield a lower score.
4 Expansive Classes
Classes are common place in FPS games, however many of these are restricted to one character per class. In Battlefield 2042, players are offered 3 or more options per class for a more personalized loadout. For those new to the genre, this is an opportunity to explore the perks of each class and fine-tune selections as the individual style of play is uncovered.
Classes are split into 4 different disciplines; Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon, each with unique weapons, skills, perks and equipment. While players may favor a particular class, new gamers should become somewhat familiar with each as some perform better according to the map being used. The ability to switch classes is also a benefit, as particular sections of a map may be better-suited to a particular class.
3 Availability Of Scopes
As is the natural progression of any game of any genre, players are rewarded for their persistence and performance with better weapons and attachments. In Battlefield 2042, this is no different, however their generosity for new players give them a slight advantage compared to other games.
With the exception of sniper rifles, which are largely ineffective without some form of scope, most games do not have attachments for weapons until players meet a certain kill threshold. This can prove a challenge as players are using new weapons without scopes against more experienced players with advancements that greatly out-muscle them. In Battlefield 2042, guns like assault rifles and light machine guns have the option to attach basic scopes, giving newbies a chance to get a truer aim from the start.
2 Multiple Respawn Locations
The most popular game mode in Battlefield 2042 tasks players to either defend or conquer objectives across large maps. And with large maps comes a need for multiple areas from which a player can respawn after they die. In this game, players not only have a number of respawn locations to re-enter the game from, they also have the choice of where to do so.
The availability of spawn points will differ according to the progress of the offensive team, however players will never be without at least 2 spots to reemerge from. This is useful for new players as it allows them to remove themselves from particularly difficult positions and reset themselves in a new location. Alternatively, there is the option to respawn behind a squad member, which can give beginners some support while learning the ropes.
1 Solo/Co-Op Game Modes
One point of difference in Battlefield 2042 is that there is no campaign mode, which is generally a good place to start for new gamers to learn the controls and features of a game at their own pace. Without a campaign mode, beginners may find themselves in the deep end when only being able to play online.
To combat this, each game mode has a tutorial and a solo/co-op option, allowing players to learn the rules of each game type in a customizable setting. Each game mode's solo/co-op mode offers players the chance to select the difficulty of AI players and the map, which is great practice before stepping foot on the virtual battlefield with real players.
Battlefield 2042 is available to play on PC, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, PS4, and PS5.