Battlefield 2042 has had a rough launch week thus far, whether it's server issues, UI problems, or more creative frustrations like features or modes that 2042 has opted not to include. One Reddit user by the name of Jellyswim has even gone so far as to create a list of features "removed or downgraded" from Battlefield 2042, and it's a surprisingly long (if subjective) read.
Some notable complaints include:
- No persistent lobbies, requiring players to matchmake after every game.
- No global leader boards
- No standard server browser
- Fewer standard game modes, like team deathmatch
- Fewer vehicle types
- No small transport-type vehicles, such as ATVs or bikes
- Fewer gun choices
- Various mobility mechanics, like manual leaning, high wall vaulting, backwards prone, no diving while swimming
- Technical issues, like less control and UI optimization options, less ultrawide monitor support, and issues with aim assist on console.
- A less obvious method of communicating a medic is on the way to revive a downed teammate.
- And easily a few dozen more complaints.
It's worth noting that none of these features are necessarily "missing." Sequels omit features from previous games all the times, whether it's for budgetary reasons, the realities of a game's development timeline, or just a creative decision to lean into a less-is-more approach, all of which doesn't necessarily mean a game is better or worse for it. That said, the list is a pretty stark reminder of how different Battlefield 2042 is in the details from its predecessors.
The list is just a short taste, but the post has become one of the Battlefield 2042 subreddit's highest-upvoted posts in recent history, with plenty of users joining in on the complaints.
"I'll admit I had fun for 10ish hours, but these things became more and more obvious, and the fun just dwindled rapidly," wrote a user named MultimediaCarl.
“'Assist counts as Kill' is literally one of my favorite features of BF4," wrote user KaineZilla. "It was the first game I noticed it in, and it just feels GOOD. Especially to someone like me that struggles with clean up.
"Portal really is the saving grace but it's a shame we have to rely so heavily on user-created servers to fill in so many of the gaps missing from the base game, and portal isn't going going hold that status forever," wrote user Jellyswim.
IGN's own Battlefield 2042 review echoed some of these complaints, noting how classes seem to matter less when all specialist characters can utilize most of each class' tools, and even an issue with dead teammates' bodies remaining visible on the ground, acting as false bait for a medic.
DICE responded early Thursday with its first update for Battlefield 2042, targeting server issues like rubberbanding, and instances of stuttering on the Breakaway map, among other issues. DICE has also updated with a fix for Battlefield 2042's prox sensor item.
DICE is also planning to release two additional updates in the next 30 days, aimed at fixes, balance changes, and quality of life issues.
Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN.