Is the Battlefield 1 Campaign Playable Offline? A Deep Dive

The short answer is yes, the Battlefield 1 campaign can be played offline. This is a significant advantage for players who prefer single-player experiences or those who may experience internet connectivity issues. However, there are a few caveats to consider, especially for PC users. Let’s break down the details.

While the console versions of Battlefield 1 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One) generally offer a seamless offline campaign experience right out of the box, PC players might encounter a slight hurdle. Typically, an initial online authentication is required upon installation. This means you need to be connected to the internet briefly to verify your copy of the game through Origin (now the EA app). Once authenticated, you can then set Origin to Offline mode, allowing you to enjoy the campaign without a constant internet connection.

It’s worth noting that server outages won’t prevent you from playing the campaign. In fact, the game is designed to recognize when you’re offline and proactively direct you to the campaign selection screen, ensuring you always have something to play.

The Battlefield 1 campaign is structured as a series of “War Stories,” each following a different soldier’s perspective during World War I. This episodic format lends itself well to focused, engaging gameplay sessions, making it perfect for offline play.

Understanding the Battlefield 1 Campaign

Immersive War Stories

Battlefield 1 distinguishes itself with its narrative approach. Instead of a continuous, singular storyline, it presents six distinct “War Stories.” These stories explore the conflict through the eyes of diverse characters, including:

• “Storm of Steel”: A brutal prologue set in France with the Harlem Hellfighters.
• Other stories that delve into specific battles and the experiences of soldiers from various nationalities.

This format enables a more varied and emotional experience, showcasing the human cost of war from different angles.

Gameplay and Historical Accuracy

While Battlefield 1 prioritizes entertainment, it does strive for a degree of historical accuracy. The weapons, vehicles, and environments are generally faithful to the World War I era. However, some liberties are taken for gameplay purposes, such as weapon availability and certain combat scenarios.

Many players feel that Battlefield 1 offers a more realistic depiction of WWI compared to some other games in the series, particularly Battlefield V. This is largely due to the atmosphere, weaponry, and overall tone.

Campaign Length and Value

The Battlefield 1 campaign is relatively short, averaging around 6.5 hours for the main objectives. Completionists aiming for 100% can expect to invest around 23.5 hours. While some might consider this brief, the intensity and quality of the experience are generally well-regarded.

Many reviewers suggest the game is worth purchasing for the campaign alone, especially when on sale. However, if you’re solely interested in the single-player mode, paying full price may not be the most economical choice.

FAQs About Battlefield 1 and Offline Play

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the offline capabilities of Battlefield 1 and related aspects of the game:

1. Can I play Battlefield 1 multiplayer offline? No, the multiplayer component of Battlefield 1 requires a constant internet connection and is not playable offline.
2. Do I need an EA Play subscription to play the Battlefield 1 campaign offline? No, an EA Play subscription is not required to play the campaign offline. It’s only needed for accessing the game through the subscription service itself.
3. What happens if I lose my internet connection while playing the Battlefield 1 campaign? The game should seamlessly switch to offline mode without interrupting your progress. You can continue playing from your last checkpoint.
4. Is Battlefield 1 a difficult game, even in the campaign? The difficulty can be uneven. Some sections are quite challenging, and checkpoints can be infrequent. Patience and a strategic approach are key.
5. Which Battlefield game has the best single-player campaign? Many fans consider Battlefield: Bad Company 2 to have the best single-player campaign due to its strong characters and compelling narrative.
6. How large is the Battlefield 1 single-player game file? The game requires at least 50 GB of storage space.
7. Why does my Origin (EA App) keep showing Battlefield 1 as offline? Try logging out and back into Origin (EA App), and ensure you’ve selected the “Go Online” option in the menu. Sometimes, a simple restart can also resolve the issue.
8. Is Battlefield 5 better than Battlefield 1? This is subjective. Battlefield 1 is praised for its immersive WWI atmosphere and historical feel, while Battlefield 5 offers more modern graphics and gameplay features. Your preference depends on your taste.
9. Is Battlefield 1 more realistic than Battlefield 5? Generally, yes. Battlefield 1 is considered more realistic in its portrayal of WWI weaponry and combat compared to Battlefield 5.
10. Is Battlefield 1 better than Call of Duty? Both franchises offer different experiences. Battlefield emphasizes large-scale battles and vehicle combat, while Call of Duty focuses on fast-paced, close-quarters action.
11. Is Battlefield 1 still worth playing in 2024? Absolutely. The campaign remains engaging, and the multiplayer still has an active player base. Plus, the game can often be found at discounted prices.
12. Does Battlefield 2042 have an offline campaign? No, Battlefield 2042 is an online-only game and does not offer an offline campaign, even with bots.
13. Are there bots in the Battlefield 1 campaign? No, the Battlefield 1 campaign does not feature bots. You play through a scripted narrative experience.
14. Where can I find more information about the history represented in Battlefield 1? Consider exploring resources provided by educational institutions or organizations dedicated to historical accuracy in games. For example, you may find insights on the topic of learning and gaming at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
15. Can I earn trophies/achievements in Battlefield 1 while playing the campaign offline? Yes, you can generally earn trophies/achievements while playing offline. However, they may not sync with your online profile until you reconnect to the internet.

Conclusion: Battlefield 1 – A Solid Offline Option

Battlefield 1 offers a compelling and playable offline campaign experience, particularly on consoles. The “War Stories” format provides a diverse and engaging narrative, while the core gameplay remains thrilling. With the exception of the initial authentication process on PC, players can largely enjoy the game without needing a constant internet connection. So, if you’re looking for a visceral and immersive World War I shooter that you can play even when offline, Battlefield 1 is definitely worth considering.