MORGAN PARK, STAFF WRITER
Last week, I found myself reminiscing about the server browser, almost tempted to download Quake. The excitement surrounding the Battlefield 6 beta has captivated my friend group, leading us to fill the 46-day gap before its release by diving back into previous Battlefield titles. Naturally, our first choice was Battlefield 2042, especially with its new event offering unlockable skins for Battlefield 6. However, to our surprise, we gravitated toward a game we had previously overlooked: Battlefield 5.
Upon its release in 2018, Battlefield 5 received a warm reception from PC Gamer, yet it struggled to gain traction within the broader first-person shooter community. The lingering shadow of DICE’s infamous Battlefront 2 loot box debacle, coupled with the meteoric rise of battle royales and the free-to-play phenomenon of Fortnite, rendered full-priced multiplayer games somewhat antiquated. During that time, the genre leaned heavily towards competitive play, overshadowing the casual chaos that once defined it. My most-played shooters then were titles like Rainbow Six Siege and Overwatch.
What I appreciate about Battlefield 5 is its class system, where each role is distinctly defined, yet there’s an element of flexibility that allows for some overlap. For instance, while Medics specialize in submachine guns, they also have access to a few bolt-action carbines for those moments when close-range firepower isn’t sufficient. Conversely, Assault classes wield a formidable combination of assault rifles and anti-armor RPGs, making them feel particularly dominant on the battlefield. The Support class, however, stands out as the odd one out, with its gadget pool of repair tools, mines, and ammo boxes lacking the excitement of its counterparts. Yet, the heavy machine guns exclusive to Support offer a thrilling experience; they are among the most lethal weapons in the game, though their accuracy hinges on being mounted on a surface.
This unique dynamic transforms the Support class into a glass tank, capable of locking down entire zones with a devastating barrage, albeit at the risk of becoming a stationary target. It exemplifies how a class weapon can significantly influence playstyle, making it all the more disappointing that DICE appears to be shifting towards a more chaotic, free-for-all approach in Battlefield 6.
The Pacific maps
In 2019, Battlefield 5’s final major update introduced a new faction, an array of weapons, vehicles, and a selection of Pacific theatre maps inspired by Battlefield 1942. These maps, which still enjoy an active playlist, represent the pinnacle of the Battlefield experience, seamlessly blending infantry combat with vehicles—boats, jeeps, tanks, and planes. Wake Island stands out as a quintessential example, although it notably lacks helicopters.
Battlefield V – Wake Island Overview Trailer (2019) Official 4k – YouTube
The server browser
For those seeking a specific map or game mode, Battlefield 5’s server browser provided an easy solution. It was the last installment in the series to feature a server browser with official matchmaking servers, ensuring players always had options, even if it meant waiting in a queue. As we look forward to Battlefield 6, there’s hope that the upcoming “Portal browser” will offer a similarly curated experience.
