Is Battlefield 1 Worth It For the Campaign? A Deep Dive

Absolutely. Battlefield 1’s campaign is absolutely worth it, even years after its release. It offers a poignant and surprisingly nuanced take on World War I that stands apart from the bombastic multiplayer experience the series is known for. While relatively short, the “War Stories” deliver memorable characters, diverse gameplay scenarios, and a powerful anti-war message. If you’re seeking a compelling single-player experience that balances historical setting, emotional impact, and solid FPS mechanics, Battlefield 1 delivers in spades.

The Allure of Battlefield 1’s “War Stories”

Battlefield games haven’t traditionally been lauded for their single-player campaigns. Often, they’ve served as little more than extended tutorials for the multiplayer. Battlefield 1 breaks this mold with its collection of interconnected “War Stories,” each focusing on a different character and front of the Great War. This anthology approach allows for a broader, more human perspective on the conflict.

• Diverse Perspectives: You’re not just playing as a generic American hero. You’re a Harlem Hellfighter facing prejudice in the trenches, an aging tank commander grappling with the horrors he’s seen, and a Bedouin rebel fighting alongside Lawrence of Arabia. This diversity in characters and settings keeps the campaign fresh and engaging.

• Emotional Resonance: Unlike many war games that revel in the glory of combat, Battlefield 1’s campaign doesn’t shy away from the brutality and futility of war. The stories are personal and intimate, focusing on the characters’ struggles, losses, and moments of humanity amidst the chaos. This emotional depth sets it apart.

• Gameplay Variety: Each War Story offers unique gameplay opportunities. One moment you’re engaging in intense trench warfare, the next you’re piloting a fighter plane in thrilling dogfights, or infiltrating enemy lines with stealth tactics. This variation keeps the gameplay from becoming repetitive.

Strengths of the Campaign

The campaign excels in several key areas:

• Historical Setting: World War I is a relatively underrepresented setting in video games, and Battlefield 1 captures the atmosphere of the era with remarkable detail. The weapons, vehicles, and environments are meticulously recreated, immersing players in the brutal realities of trench warfare and technological advancements of the time. This aligns with the principles of Games Learning Society, which promotes understanding history through interactive experiences.

• Visual and Auditory Design: Battlefield 1 is a visually stunning game, even by today’s standards. The environments are richly detailed, the character models are realistic, and the explosions are spectacular. The sound design is equally impressive, with authentic weapon sounds, immersive ambient effects, and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s tone.

• Accessibility: While the campaign doesn’t shy away from challenging combat encounters, it’s also relatively accessible to newcomers. The difficulty can be adjusted to suit different skill levels, and the War Stories are designed to be self-contained, allowing players to jump in and out without feeling overwhelmed.

Areas Where the Campaign Could Improve

Despite its strengths, the campaign isn’t without its flaws:

• Length: The most common criticism of the Battlefield 1 campaign is its brevity. Each War Story typically lasts only a few hours, leaving players wanting more. While the anthology format allows for diverse perspectives, it also means that no single character or storyline is fully developed.

• AI Issues: The AI in Battlefield 1 can be inconsistent at times. Enemies can sometimes be overly aggressive or surprisingly inept, and friendly AI can be unreliable in combat situations. This can occasionally break the immersion and lead to frustrating gameplay moments.

• Predictable Missions: While the gameplay is varied, some of the mission objectives can feel repetitive or predictable. Stealth sections, for example, can often devolve into trial-and-error scenarios, and some combat encounters can feel like wave-based survival challenges.

Battlefield 1 Campaign: A Summary

Despite its shortcomings, the Battlefield 1 campaign remains a compelling and worthwhile experience. Its strengths – the historical setting, emotional resonance, visual and auditory design, and diverse perspectives – far outweigh its weaknesses. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Battlefield series or a newcomer to the genre, the campaign offers a unique and memorable take on World War I that is well worth playing.

Battlefield 1 Campaign: FAQs

1. How long does it take to complete the Battlefield 1 campaign?

On average, focusing solely on the main objectives, the Battlefield 1 campaign takes about 6.5 hours to complete. A completionist aiming for 100% can expect to invest around 23.5 hours.

2. Is the Battlefield 1 campaign co-op?

No, the Battlefield 1 campaign is a single-player experience only. There is no cooperative gameplay option available.

3. Can you play the Battlefield 1 campaign offline?

Yes, the Battlefield 1 campaign can be played offline once the game has been downloaded and installed.

4. Are there multiple endings to the Battlefield 1 campaign?

No, the Battlefield 1 campaign has fixed endings for each War Story. Player choices do not significantly alter the narrative outcome.

5. Does the Battlefield 1 campaign require any DLC?

The base Battlefield 1 game includes all of the War Stories. No additional DLC is required to play the campaign.

6. Is the Battlefield 1 campaign historically accurate?

While the game is set during World War I, it’s important to remember that it is a fictionalized portrayal of the war. It includes historical elements, but also takes liberties for gameplay purposes.

7. Is the Battlefield 1 campaign scary?

The Battlefield 1 campaign can be intense and disturbing due to its depiction of war, but it’s not a horror game. There are no jump scares or supernatural elements.

8. Does the Battlefield 1 campaign have replay value?

While the story remains the same, the Battlefield 1 campaign offers replay value through increasing difficulty settings, collectible challenges, and the opportunity to experiment with different playstyles.

9. Is the Battlefield 1 campaign better than the Battlefield V campaign?

Opinions vary, but many players find the Battlefield 1 campaign to be superior to Battlefield V’s campaign in terms of realism, emotional impact, and historical setting.

10. How many War Stories are there in Battlefield 1?

There are six War Stories in Battlefield 1: “Storm of Steel” (prologue), “Through Mud and Blood,” “Friends in High Places,” “Avanti Savoia,” “The Runner,” and “Nothing is Written.”

11. Is the Battlefield 1 campaign good for beginners?

Yes, the Battlefield 1 campaign is relatively accessible to beginners. The difficulty can be adjusted, and each War Story serves as a self-contained introduction to different gameplay mechanics.

12. What are the different difficulty levels in the Battlefield 1 campaign?

Battlefield 1 has the following difficulty options: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Custom.

13. Are there any secrets or easter eggs in the Battlefield 1 campaign?

Yes, the Battlefield 1 campaign contains several secrets and easter eggs, including hidden weapons, historical references, and nods to other video games.

14. What is the download size of Battlefield 1 with the campaign?

The download size is roughly 43 GB, depending on the platform and any updates that have been released.

15. Where can I learn more about the historical context of Battlefield 1?

Exploring historical documentaries, books, and websites about World War I can greatly enrich the campaign experience. For educators and researchers interested in the power of games for learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.