Hazard Zone to be deprioritised as Battlefield 2042 lays the way for its first season

Battlefield is as famous for its troubled launches as it is its sandbox multiplayer, but even by its own standards 2042 has been something of a disaster – lumpy, incomplete and with some less than popular decisions along the way such as the expansive maps designed to accommodate the newly expanded 128 player count and the introduction of specialists.

DICE at least does have some previous in turning around a shaky ship – Battlefield 4 went from a disastrous launch to become one of the most celebrated in the series – and is making the right noises ahead of the belated launch of Battlefield 2042’s first season next month.

While we’re not yet privy to the full reveal, a discussion between creative director Lars Gustavsson, senior producer Ryan McArthur and community manager Freeman outlined the studio’s commitment to Battlefield 2042 – interesting itself in light of comments made by EA boss Andrew Wilson to investors earlier this month that suggested development on the series is being rethought – as well as what changes to expect.

Battlefield 2042: PS5 vs Xbox Series X/S – The Digital Foundry Tech Review Watch on YouTube

Perhaps the biggest – and the least surprising – is the deprioritisation of Hazard Zone, the Escape from Tarkov inspired mode that was one of the cornerstones of Battlefield 2042 upon its release but one that’s failed to draw an audience. “We had high hopes, we set out on a path but we haven’t gained the traction” said Gustavsson as he reiterated that the mode will still exist within the game but will no longer be a focus for the studio.