The Battlefield series is mounting an epic comeback, and it’s not just because of Battlefield 6. Over a decade after its original release, Battlefield 4 has seen a staggering 117.4% increase in peak player count on Steam. The sudden growth has everything to do with the explosive popularity of the ongoing Battlefield 6 open beta.
It’s the kind of nostalgic resurgence that few games manage to pull off. Long hailed as one of the best entries in the series, Battlefield 4’s renewed relevance is a testament to its enduring quality, and the fact that, well, players are hungry for classic Battlefield gameplay again.
Why players are flocking back to the classics
If you’ve been following the franchise, this revival might not come as a surprise. EA and DICE have gone on record stating that Battlefield 6, launching October 10, will lean heavily into the legacy of Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. That nostalgic pull has fans revisiting the old favourites while they eagerly await the new release.
Over the last 30 days, Battlefield 4’s average player count grew by 50.1%, according to research by TheGamer. Battlefield 3 isn’t far behind either, with a 43.5% spike in its peak player count and a 25.7% increase in average players. Given that Battlefield 3 is over a decade old, those are seriously impressive numbers.
But let’s be real: this momentum isn’t just nostalgia-driven. It’s a clear signal that fans are connecting more with the battlefield experiences of old, especially after the rocky road that was Battlefield 2042.
Remembering the fallout of Battlefield 2042
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Battlefield 2042 was a misstep that hurt. When the game launched in 2021, it was met with scathing criticism from both fans and critics alike. Missing key features like a robust multiplayer server browser, riddled with bugs, and stunningly lacking a single-player campaign, it wasn’t the futuristic shooter many had hoped for.
Though DICE attempted to salvage the game post-launch, the damage was done. Even die-hard fans felt betrayed, pushing EA and DICE to reassess the series’ direction. And now? That course correction looks to be paying off.
The Battlefield 6 Beta is fuelling the Fire
Currently, the Battlefield 6 open beta is setting new franchise records, and it’s only the first wave. The second beta weekend is still in full swing, and it’s creating a halo effect, reviving interest in older titles across the board on Steam.
Once the beta wraps up on August 17, players will be left in limbo until Battlefield 6 officially drops on October 10. That leaves nearly two months of eager waiting, and what better way to pass the time than jumping into titles like Battlefield 4 or Battlefield 3?
Could Battlefield 2042 get one last shot at redemption?
Here’s a bit of an unexpected twist: there’s chatter that Battlefield 2042 could be getting a surprise final update. Now, nothing’s confirmed by EA yet, but a leaker claims this update is no small potatoes: it’s said to introduce a new map, three brand new weapons, and, wait for it, two iconic air vehicles from earlier entries: the trusty A-10 Warthog from Battlefield 4 and the legendary SU-25TM Frogfoot from Battlefield 3.
Could this be the redemption arc 2042 needs? Hard to say. Despite the title still holding a “Mixed” review badge on Steam, pulling in beloved legacy content could woo some players back, at least temporarily.
Whether you’re shaking off the rust in Battlefield 3, reliving glory days in Battlefield 4, or cautiously eyeing the future with Battlefield 6, one thing’s clearer than ever: Battlefield is back in the spotlight.
With the open beta reigniting the fan base and historic titles enjoying a second wind, now is the perfect time to get on the front lines again. Will Battlefield 6 be the return to greatness fans have been waiting for? If the beta and player trends are any indication, things are looking up, for the first time in a long time.