Are maps free in Battlefield 2042? Absolutely.
Keeping the entire player base united through free post-launch maps has been pivotal.
Background on Battlefield 2042’s business model shift
EA DICE shook things up with the latest installment in the Battlefield franchise, moving away from paid expansions to a games as service approach. Rather than deal out map packs as premium DLC like in previous titles, Battlefield 2042 delivers new maps as free updates for all players.
This keeps the community together rather than fracturing it amongst those who pay and those left behind each expansion. It also provides a steady stream of content to keep players engaged long-term. Relying more on ongoing cosmetic sales and battle pass revenues does put pressure on continuous quality updates to drive those channels.
There’s inherent risks catering to live service games – especially maintaining a high volume of players. But the economics made sense to align with industry trends.
New maps released so far add variety
Two fresh maps have deployed since launch – Exposure and Stranded. Both showcase DICE’s knack for dynamic game design and environmental catastrophes.
Exposure takes place across rugged Canadian terrain filled with wildlife and extreme weather conditions. It’s most distinguishable by its massive fuel pipeline explosion triggered mid-match. The large scale design creates opportunities for combined arms warfare yet has pockets ideal for close quarters firefights.
Stranded offers a smaller, more intimate infantry map based around a stranded tanker ship along the Panama Canal. It leans into verticality with combat across multiple floors and heights. The intermittent tornado spinning turbines and containers across the area causes chaos throughout.
Exposure caters more to vehicle warfare while Stranded services diehard FPS fans. Together they enhance Battlefield 2042’s diverse gameplay landscapes.
What maps are still to come?
While details remain guarded, EA DICE revealed intentions to deliver 4 seasons and 4 maps over 2023. Presumably each update will include:
- One new map
- New specialist
- Weapons, vehicles, cosmetics
- 100 battle pass levels
The unnamed Season 3 map likely visits another disaster-laden location or modern metropolis prone to catastrophic events fitting 2042’s near future fiction.
Season 4 promises a reimagining of Battlefield 4’s classic Metro map. Set in the ruins of a postwar Baku, it’s known for tense combat across train platforms and terminal hallways. Adapting such a beloved fan favorite while preserving its essence presents unique design challenges. 2042’s Specialists, plus weather dynamics, and 128 players will drastically alter pacing.
Why they chose free maps
Front and center sits avoiding community fragmentation amongst players who would or wouldn’t buy map packs. EA reported Battlefield 2042 garnered 4.23 million unique players by the end of 2022. Segmenting the audience risks diluting matchmaking pools and player count visibility.
Plus the business models have changed. Service games must maintain momentum through ongoing engagement. That depends on united populations to realize commercial opportunities. Segmentation disrupts the flywheel, reducing engagement and downstream spend.
Comparison to Past Battlefield Games
The premium pass approach split the community not just across DLC access but also across eleven matchmaking buckets – multiplying game modes by expansion ownership.
| Game | Maps |
|---|---|
| Battlefield 4 | 33 (25 launch + 8 DLC) |
| Battlefield 1 | 31 (10 launch + 21 DLC) |
| Battlefield 5 | 20 (8 launch + 12 DLC) |
Live service shifts releases to a slower drip versus 4-5 premium map packs per cycle previously. However it removes barriers and connects all players under common cause.
Maps tie into the live service seasonal model
Maps mark centerpieces that catalyze engagement across Battlefield 2042’s seasonal updates every 3-4 months. New environments refresh gameplay while additional specialists, 100 battle pass levels and cosmetics bolster content volume further.
Exposure anchored Season One, Stranded at the heart of Season Two – and the cycle continues. New maps give lapsed players reason to return while pursuing redesigned fan favorites like Metro fuels intrigue. It all drives towards expanding breadth, variety and reasons to play.
The verdict
Transitioning to ongoing live service poses risks needing to sustain player interest. However Battlefield 2042 has delivered quality maps as inclusive free updates so far. Committing 4 more over 2023 keeps players united and engaged in the world’s unpredictable near future skirmishes.
