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Battlefield 2042 received mixed reviews from critics. The cited scores range from GameSpot’s 7 to PC Gamer’s 80/100, while GameSpot’s game hub displays a Metacritic score of 68. Those figures represent different kinds of scores—not a single consensus rating—and Metacritic’s critic reviews are organized by platform.
What scores did Battlefield 2042 receive from critics?
| Source | Score | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| GameSpot game hub | 7 | GameSpot’s outlet review score as displayed on its Battlefield 2042 hub. |
| Metacritic, as displayed on GameSpot’s hub | 68 | An aggregator figure shown on the hub; it should not be treated as a score for every platform. |
| PC Gamer | 80/100 | Tyler Wilde’s outlet review, published November 20, 2021. |
Do not average these numbers: GameSpot and PC Gamer are individual outlet reviews, while Metacritic aggregates critic reviews. Metacritic maintains platform-specific review listings, and the aggregate can change. Check the Metacritic page and selected platform for its current displayed figure rather than applying one number to every version.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue | $54.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Deep Pink | $54.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Electric Volt | $63.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Heart Breaker Special Edition | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What did critics praise?
Portal and multiplayer variety
Portal stood out as a creative strength. PC Gamer highlighted its tools for creating and hosting custom modes with content from Battlefield 2042 and earlier games in the series. GameSpot also praised the mode editor and the range of multiplayer experiences it made possible.
Different ways to play
GameSpot pointed to Specialists and customization as ways to change how players approached matches, and found Hazard Zone enjoyable as a smaller-scale mode. Its review also praised the use of maps and other elements from older Battlefield games. PC Gamer valued the game’s large-scale multiplayer identity, including battles that could support up to 128 players, as well as the ability to use bots in solo and co-op contexts.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Why were reviews mixed?
Critics weighed Battlefield 2042’s scale and creative options against technical problems and design concerns. GameSpot reported bugs, server issues during its review event and visual glitches. It also questioned how the game’s live-service structure would evolve, and noted that some Specialists were less useful on particular maps.
Launch-era excerpts on Metacritic also include criticism of technical issues and lag, as well as changes or design choices some reviewers felt weakened the Battlefield formula. These are points raised in individual reviews, not complaints shared by every critic. The spread between the cited outlet scores reflects differing evaluations rather than one uniform verdict.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
What kind of game were critics reviewing?
Battlefield 2042 is multiplayer-only and has no single-player campaign. At launch, its three main modes were:
- All-Out Warfare: Large-scale multiplayer, including Conquest and Rush.
- Hazard Zone: A smaller-scale multiplayer mode.
- Portal: A mode editor for building custom experiences from Battlefield 2042 and legacy-series content.
For context, GameSpot reviewer Phil Hornshaw reported playing about 20 hours: approximately 14 hours at an EA review event and another six or so during early access and after official release. That is his reported review period, not a standard amount of play for every critic.
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Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Why do Battlefield 2042 reviews differ by platform?
Metacritic separates critic reviews by platform, and the game appeared on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. A platform-specific aggregate reflects the reviews listed for that version; it should not be presented as universal. Performance and the version being assessed can also matter when comparing reviews. The cited material does not establish a complete, reliably current score breakdown for all platforms, so consult the live platform listing before quoting a platform aggregate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did Battlefield 2042 launch?
The public launch date was November 19, 2021. November 12 refers to early access and is also listed as a first-release date in some records. These dates describe different stages of access, not conflicting public-launch dates. GameSpot’s launch review roundup distinguishes early access from the public launch, while Metacritic labels November 19 as the initial release.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Heart Breaker peacocks the hardest with vibrant pinks, purples, and touches of bright blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
