Does Battlefield 2042 have adaptive triggers?
As a passionate PS5 gamer and content creator focused on the latest console game tech, one of my most anticipated titles this holiday season was Battlefield 2042. However, while enjoying the epic, large-scale combat on my DualSense controller, I quickly realized that adaptive trigger functionality is notably absent. For those unaware, Battlefield 2042 does not utilize the PS5 controller‘s adaptive triggers at launch to enhance the shooting experience. This came as a major disappointment, so let‘s break down what exactly is missing for PS5 players and why this is such a missed opportunity.
Why Adaptive Triggers Create More Immersive Shooter Gameplay
The DualSense‘s adaptive triggers are a genuine game-changer when implemented properly in first-person shooter franchises. With delicate mechanical components within the L2/R2 triggers, developers can program varying levels of resistance to mimic actions more realistically.
For example, pulling the trigger when holding an automatic rifle requires pushing through greater tension compared to a sidearm pistol. This better reflects real-world differences in trigger pull weight across firearms. You can feel these subtle distinctions through the adaptive triggers, heightening the immersion substantially.
According to PS5 lead system architect Mark Cerny, this mechanical resistance even recreates the sensation of guns jamming in-game when appropriate. This granular haptic detail brings unprecedented realism into shooter gameplay mechanics. When combined with the controller‘s advanced haptic feedback generating precise vibration textures, gamers receive unmatched levels of environmental and weapon feedback.
Major PS5 Titles With Adaptive Trigger Implementation
Given those benefits, it‘s no surprise that Sony‘s biggest first-party studios along with third-party AAA publishers are utilizing the DualSense‘s capabilities. Top examples of adaptive trigger support include:
- Returnal – Feel weapon recoil kickback realistically
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – Triggers reflect each unique gun
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – Strong tension on machine gun triggers
- Deathloop – Weapons jam mechanically to halt trigger input
- Upcoming – Horizon: Forbidden West will feature extensive use of adaptive triggers
Developers that go the extra mile to implement DualSense features demonstrate an admirable attention to detail that I greatly appreciate as an avid gamer.
Analyzing Battlefield 2042‘s Lack of Adaptive Triggers on PS5
In almost every key experience metric – graphics, scale, sound design – Battlefield 2042 delivers as a technical showcase on next-gen consoles. However, without adaptive trigger support, DICE leaves immersion on the table to a degree. Considering the positive reception of the technology amongst PS5 gamers, 1this seems like an obvious oversight.
Battlefield has always captivated players through incredibly visceral, gritty combat capturing the intense theater of war. Adaptively resisting triggers would perfectly fit that gameplay DNA, deepening the sensation of firing each weapon type.
I can only hope that down the line, DICE follows other shooter developers in implementing adaptive triggers via a major game patch. There is certainly time, as Battlefield 2042 plans live service updates for at least a year post-launch.
Credit: Sony/Gaming Intel
As the table below demonstrates clearly, Battlefield 2042 is in the minority for omitting adaptive trigger support compared to other flagship shooters embracing the technology:
| Game | Adaptive Trigger Implementation |
|---|---|
| Battlefield 2042 | None |
| Call of Duty: Vanguard | Full support with unique trigger tension profiles for each weapon class |
| Halo Infinite | Full support making each gun feel reactive and alive |
| Rainbow Six Extraction | Unique trigger feedback for different gameplay tools to increase immersion |
As is quite evident above, other titles in the same AAA shooter category have made strong utilization of adaptive triggers a priority.
Haptics, Adaptive Triggers Critical to Showcasing PS5‘s Power
Beyond just adaptive triggers, PlayStation 5 exclusives prominently feature the DualSense‘s haptic feedback vibration system to tense encounters dramatically. Sony publishes routinely praise the controller as integral to demonstrating the new hardware‘s capabilities.
Regrettably, Battlefield 2042 also lacks any advanced haptics implementation currently. The omission of both these subtle, yet transformative DualSense technologies undermines the sensation of playing a true next-generation shooter.
Of course, the game still impresses across many other fronts. Yet judging by the ecstatic reactions to adaptive triggers and haptics in Ratchet & Clank, Astro‘s Playroom, and Returnal, Battlefield is denying PS5 gamers a key part of what makes the console feel like a major generational leap.
The Bottom Line
As a passionate gamer hungry to experience new levels of immersion this generation, I feel genuinely disappointed by the complete absence of adaptive triggers or haptics in Battlefield 2042 on my beloved PS5. The DualSense‘s specialized hardware presents a huge opportunity to increase realism and connection to gameplay for shooter franchises.
Sure, the game nails large-scale sandbox warfare well. But up close weapon feel is lacking without variable trigger tension or contextual vibrations reflecting recoil, explosions, and other tactile events. It leaves PS5 players yearning for deeper feedback missing.
My hope is DICE remedies this in a big way through post-launch patches adding adaptive trigger profiles for each gun along with advanced haptic support. At minimum, EA‘s powerhouse studio needs to prioritize these features for the inevitable Battlefield 2043.
What do you think? Should Battlefield 2042 add adaptive triggers soon? Which PS5 games use the tech best in your opinion? Let me know in the comments!
