With Battlefield 2042 now one year on from its original release, DICE has detailed Season 3: Escalation, kicking off on 22nd November and bringing new maps, futuristic new weapons and promising changes through the following weeks and months. Battlefield 2042 will also be coming to EA Play and Xbox Game Pass on that date, with free play periods in December.
The new map is Spearhead, set in Sweden with two high tech facilities that construct futuristic weapons and weather control tech. It’s roughly the size of Stranded from the original game’s release, contrasting the large internal areas with rocky terrain outside.
There’s a cohesive futuristic feel that runs through the new weapons as well. The Rorsch MK 4 Railgun has multiple fire modes, the NVK-S22 Smart Shotgun is compact and nimble, while the NVK-P125 Bullpup Pistol has a longer barrel that extends backward for long distance accuracy. Throwing Knives are also making a comeback, while the XM8 and A-91 are new Vault Weapons that can be unlocked through assignments.
Much like the Railgun, the new EMKV90-TOR Tank also has multiple modes. With a railgun mounted on top, you can roam in Mobility Mode that emphasises speed and agility, before slowing down, dropping suspension and switching to Siege Mode for a higher rate of fire.
Lastly we have Rasheed Zain, the egyptian-born new Specialist. He’s an assault character that will be great for the frontlines thanks to the XM370A Airburst Rifle, and the ability to immediately trigger health recharge after taking out an enemy.
Two map reworks will release through the season. Manifest will arrive in update 3.1 with control points that have been brought closer together, reworked cover across the map, a lowered number of cranes in the docks and the radar station having been destroyed on top of the hill. In general, the lighting has also been improved.
Later in Season 3, Breakaway is being overhauled with the second season update. The oilrig is now at the foot of the glacier and there’s new ways to assault this location. Capture points have been rearranged, destroyed vehicles helping to provide new cover, and the glacier itself has been simplified with new paths to fight through and two new flags, including a downed Condor. DICE have also added new ice and snow shaders.
The real headline change coming in Season 3, though, will also be in that second update: the return of classes as the primary differentiator instead of specialists. This won’t happen until deeper into the season, but will detach equipment and gadgets away from the distinct characters and split them back into the more traditional class-based roles of previous games. New weapon proficiencies will enhance particular combos, so Recon class can immediately hold breath when aiming down scopes, for example.
Battlefield 2042’s trials will be held after the launch of Season 3 and after the game has joined EA Play and Xbox Game Pass. You’ll be able to play Battlefield 2042 for free on these occasions, depending on the platform.
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