CheckMag | 8 years later, this Star Wars game is finally what fans hoped for at launch
Star Wars Battlefront II is experiencing a remarkable comeback, reaching a new all-time player peak just days ago. Back at launch, Battlefront II was widely criticized for its pay-to-win mechanics, forcing players to grind for hours or spend money just to unlock key heroes like Darth Vader. That controversy was so loud it sparked government-level conversations around loot boxes and gambling in games. But since then, EA and DICE have overhauled nearly every major system.
Today, Battlefront II features a streamlined progression system based entirely on gameplay, with star cards and hero upgrades earned through play, not payment. The game’s once-cluttered economy has been flattened, and cosmetics are now tied to achievements or credits earned in-game.
The variety of game modes also helps sustain its revival. From massive 40-player Galactic Assault battles to close-quarters Capital Supremacy, and cooperative PvE Missions to chaotic Heroes vs. Villains matchups, and the surprisingly terrifying Ewok Hunt, there’s something for every type of Star Wars fan.
Fans of the series have held hope for a near future where a Battlefront 3 is on the horizon, and point towards the renewed interest in Battlefront II as proof the market is there. However, the recent closure of Cliffhanger Games and the cancellation of the upcoming Black Panther game have recently set yet another nail in the coffin for Battlefront 3.
Eight years later, Battlefront II is finally the immersive, visually stunning multiplayer Star Wars sandbox players dreamed of. Ironically, most people seem to just now be realizing it — all at once. Even though Battlefront 3 is likely not happening any time soon, there seems to be more than enough content and quality in Battlefront II to keep fans engaged for years to come — as long as the player base holds steady.
