Battlefield 2042 is set to make some major changes to the series’ formula. Much like earlier Battlefield games such as Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield 2142, there will be no campaign on offer. Instead, the entire focus is being placed on multiplayer, with at least three distinct experiences being delivered. All-Out Warfare delivers classic Battlefield gameplay, while Hazard Zone is taking a “modern,” squad-based approach to multiplayer. DICE LA’s unrevealed experience is also coming, showing just how expansive this new project is.
Throughout all these multiplayer modes in Battlefield 2042, gamers can expect to see the Specialists system used in place of the usual classes. A bold new step for Battlefield, the system introduces named characters with their own personalities, stories, and skillsets. With special weapons and unique abilities, these characters should each feel different and fun. In turn, the experience should feel new and possibly even better, as players can find the perfect Specialist for their playstyle. With four Specialists revealed already, fans have an even better idea of what to expect from Battlefield 2042.
RELATED: Former Call of Duty Executive Now Working on Battlefield Franchise
Since Battlefield’s inception, classes have been integral to the way the game is played. While games like Battlefield 2 features seven classes, the modern class system was introduced in Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Since then, it has been a facet of every Battlefield entry, following every release for the past ten years. In the second Bad Company game and beyond, there have been four classes that gamers can choose from. Each features their own weapons, equipment, and visual style.
While some titles have varied, and there have been slight adjustments to the roles, there are some common themes across Battlefield’s classes. The Recon role, for example, is the Sniper Class. Gamers could use tools like spawn beacons to respawn in certain areas, while a recon drone spots enemies. For Engineers, repairing and destroying vehicles is the name of the game. The Assault class has taken over the vehicle destruction role in recent entries, though it used to be aimed at healing. The Support class has usually been aimed at giving out ammo boxes to keep a team’s ammo topped up.
One of the biggest strengths and downsides to these classes is their exclusive weaponry. Each class only has a certain selection of weapons to use, limiting gamers on what they can pick. In the fan-favorite Battlefield 3, for example, the Assault Class only used Assault Rifles as primary weapons. SMGs were tied to Engineers, Support players used LMGs, and Recon fans were always equipped with a Sniper Rifle. While this gave every class a distinct feel and personality of its own, it also stopped gamers from mixing and matching their setups. If someone loved repairing vehicles but also wanted to use an LMG, they were out of luck, kept within the confines of their class’s assigned weapon category.
In Battlefield 2042, classes are becoming a thing of the past. Specialists are the new focus, and the system essentially works like the Specialist setup from 2015’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. Sharing more than a name, each Specialist in Battlefield 2042 features a unique look, personality, ability, and weapon. Offering the exact same benefits as the Specialists from the third Black Ops, fans can look to that game for an example of how the system will work.
Each Specialist is a No-Pat (or Non-Patriated), tying them directly to Battlefield 2042’s story. Non-Patriated are men and women that have lost their countries, with their homes falling apart due to a lack of food, energy, and water. Drawn into a fight for these resources, the Non-Patriated fight for either Russia or the United States — buying into each sides’ promises that their countries will be brought back from the brink. An interesting take on a World War 3 story, all the Specialists have a valid reason to fight. Further, with neither Russia or the United States positioned as a clear “good guy,” this look at near future warfare is instantly more intriguing.
Aside from serving as an end to faction-based multiplayer in Battlefield, Specialists will be doing away with the concept of class-exclusive weaponry. Gamers can pair any weapons they want with a Specialist’s abilities, ensuring that they have “fully customizable loadouts.” This setup gives fans the best of both worlds, as they can keep character-specific abilities without being forced to use certain guns. An Engineer-like Specialist can be equipped with a Sniper Rifle, for example, instantly giving players access to a unique combination that fits perfectly with their particular skillset.
RELATED: The Pros and Cons of Battlefield 6 Having No Single-Player Campaign
Thus far, series developer DICE has revealed the appearances, names, and abilities of four different Specialists. When Battlefield 2042 launches, there will be ten Specialists to choose from, providing even more diversity in the cast. The revealed Specialists are as follows.
Wikus “Casper” Van Daele: Casper is the first Recon character revealed, and he hails from South Africa. He also sports a ghillie suit and a mask, giving him a secretive design that is in line with past Recon kits. His Specialty item is an OV-P Recon Drone. If it is anything like past Battlefield games, it will see gamers able to tag enemies and even get some sneaky kills if they build up enough speed. Casper’s character Trait is “Movement Sensor,” which could be anything from a heartbeat sensor on his gun to the ability to track footsteps. Consistent radar pings are also a possibility.
Webster Mackay: Despite being an Assault character, Webster sports the traditional Engineer class design by donning a baseball cap with his vest and fatigues. The Canadian-born character also wields what is arguably the most unique Specialty items revealed thus far, as he can make use of a Grappling Hook. Likely allowing him to climb up buildings with ease, the tool could be a lot of fun in the right situations. Depending on its speed, it could be a great way to flank foes. His Trait is called Nimble, and it could see him doing things like sprinting and vaulting faster.
Maria Falck: The first female Specialist revealed for Battlefield 2042, Maria Falck is a Support character from Germany. Sporting a buzz-cut and a black and green uniform, she boasts a noticeably different design from her fellow Non-Patriated. Instead of the usual ammo box that is associated with Battlefield’s Support class, though, she is entirely focused on healing her allies. Her Specialty item is the S21 Syrette Pistol, a gun that likely sees Falck healing teammates from a distance. As for her Trait, she is described as a Combat Surgeon, which could see her reviving downed teammates at a quicker pace than other Specialists.
Pyotr “Boris” Guskovsky: The final Specialist revealed has the most interesting background, as he was born in Russia — one of the two countries behind Battlefield 2042’s war. An Engineer, Boris is the oldest-looking character, donning a grey beard and hair under his headset. Boris’ Specialty item is the SG-36 Sentry Gun, with his Trait being Sentry Operator. As for the Sentry Gun itself, it looks far deadlier than the one that has featured as a Call of Duty scorestreak for years. The Sentry Operator trait is interesting too, as it may suggest that Boris can take control of the Sentry. It could also see him being able to repair or move it once placed.
Specialists are part of DICE’s plan for Battlefield 2042’s post-launch support as well, with four Specialists set to join the roster in Year One. One will be added in each of the four Seasons, accompanying a battle pass and new maps to keep gamers invested for the long haul. Clearly, DICE is putting a lot into making each Specialist feel unique, and it could pay dividends once the game releases. While Battlefield 2042 is doing a lot of exciting things, the introduction of Specialists is one of the most promising additions of all, as it could change the game in a major way.
Battlefield 2042 launches on October 22 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE: Battlefield 6 vs. Call of Duty 2021: A History of Competition