Battlefield 2025 set to feature a free-to-play battle royale

There’s nothing quite like a franchise shake up for reinvigorating the fandom; at least that’s what the Battlefield devs are hoping with its plans to include a free-to-play option.

A month ago was when we learnt that a new Battlefield was in the works, one that promises the “most realistic destruction effects in industry”. As fans will know, the last few offerings from the franchise have failed to hit their stride, with the gameplay feeling somewhat underwhelming.

Seems fitting to enjoy the wins and epic fails from Battlefield 2042

In a bid to address that underwhelming issue, the Electronic Arts upcoming game will feature a battle royale that’s free-to-play. Fans were already thrilled at the prospect of a new game before learning of this feature, and even despite Battlefront 2042 being lacklustre.

Nonetheless, while a new game for 2025 is great news, it’s been met with some criticism from fans for two main reasons. Firstly, fans want the devs to stop trying to “reinvent the wheel” and give them a Battlefield 4 sequel. And, secondly, they’re concerned such a release will clash with GTA VI, with Battlefield overshadowed.

“This game is make or break for the franchise. Battlefield 1, 3 and 4 were the GOATs but everything else has been surprisingly bad,” said Matt Stephens on Twitter. Another, less concerned fan, commented on how the battle royale will “bring the numbers up”.

When you have a franchise where the devs admit that one of its newer games was never going to have a great launch, you know that increasing numbers is a must in order for the franchise to survive. The question is, will it be enough?

We sincerely hope that the upcoming 2025 Battlefield title can capture the peak of the franchise that was Battlefield 3. It’s hailed as great for a reason, and is arguably one of the games everyone will compare all new content to in a bid for the series to recapture its glory.

All we can do now is wait for October 2025 to come around to see if the devs have managed the (seemingly) impossible.