Although Battlefield 2042, released in 2021, did not initially receive high acclaim within the Battlefield franchise, it has recently experienced a significant surge in its player base. This phenomenon is directly linked to the upcoming release of Battlefield 6.
According to data from SteamDB, Battlefield 2042 recently hit its highest concurrent player count since 2023, attracting approximately 75,000 players on August 24. For context, its all-time peak was 107,376 players in October 2023, while its launch in 2021 saw a peak of around 105,000 concurrent users.
This recent surge in player activity is undoubtedly driven by the `Road to Battlefield 6` update. This update introduced a revamped version of the beloved Iwo Jima map and offers numerous rewards that can be claimed in the forthcoming Battlefield 6. Players have until October 7 to unlock all available items through this promotion.
Battlefield 2042 faced a difficult launch in 2021, plagued by various issues upon release. However, EA progressively refined the game through consistent updates and multiple seasonal content drops. A common point of criticism among players was its exclusive multiplayer focus, as it notably lacked a single-player campaign.
Currently, Battlefield 2042 is available at a significant discount, priced at $3 on Steam and under $5 on Xbox. PlayStation users can access the game via PlayStation Plus Extra, and it is also bundled with EA Play, which is a component of Game Pass Ultimate.
Battlefield 6 is set to launch on October 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Early indications are positive, with feedback from the recent open beta largely favorable. The upcoming title will include a campaign drawing inspiration from the film `Civil War` and the TV series `Lioness,` with a battle royale mode planned for a later release.
