Battlefield 2042 vs. Call of Duty Vanguard: Which Shooter Should You Buy?

Ultimately, whether you should get Battlefield 2042 or Call of Duty Vanguard depends entirely on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a first-person shooter. If you crave large-scale battles, vehicular combat, and a focus on tactical team play, Battlefield 2042, even with its initial shortcomings, might be the better choice. However, if you prefer fast-paced, arcade-style action, historical settings, and a more traditional Call of Duty experience, Vanguard will likely be more appealing. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, so weigh your priorities carefully before making a decision.

Battlefield 2042: A Futuristic, Ambitious, but Flawed Experience

Gameplay and Mechanics

Battlefield 2042 aimed high, presenting players with massive maps designed for 128-player battles (on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S). The core gameplay revolves around Conquest and Breakthrough modes, emphasizing capturing and holding objectives across vast landscapes. The introduction of Specialists, unique characters with specific gadgets and traits, was intended to add depth to team compositions.

However, the game was plagued by issues at launch. Many players found the maps to be too large and empty, leading to long stretches of running between engagements. The Specialist system received criticism for blurring class lines and diminishing the importance of traditional roles. Bugs and performance problems were also widespread, further damaging the initial reception.

Despite these setbacks, Battlefield 2042 has received considerable post-launch support and updates. DICE has worked to address many of the initial criticisms, improving map design, reintroducing class systems (to some extent), and squashing bugs. The game still faces challenges, but it’s in a significantly better state than it was at launch.

Setting and Atmosphere

Battlefield 2042 takes place in a near-future world ravaged by climate change. The setting allows for futuristic weapons, gadgets, and vehicles, adding a distinct flavor to the combat. The game features dynamic weather events, such as tornadoes and sandstorms, which can dramatically alter the battlefield.

Visuals and Audio

The game’s graphics are a mixed bag. While the game has areas of graphical fidelity, the maps felt empty. The audio design, however, is impressive, with immersive soundscapes that enhance the sense of scale and intensity.

Call of Duty Vanguard: A Return to WWII Roots

Gameplay and Mechanics

Call of Duty Vanguard opts for a more familiar Call of Duty experience. It features a fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay loop with smaller maps and a focus on close-quarters combat. The game includes a variety of modes, including Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy, as well as the popular Zombies mode.

Vanguard retains many of the core mechanics that Call of Duty players have come to expect, such as killstreaks, weapon customization, and a progression system. The game also introduces new features, such as Destructible Environments, that affect the strategic aspects of battle.

Setting and Atmosphere

Vanguard takes players back to the battlefields of World War II, offering a diverse range of locations and battles. The game’s campaign tells the stories of several soldiers from different Allied nations, providing a multifaceted perspective on the war.

Visuals and Audio

Vanguard delivers a visually impressive WWII experience, with detailed character models, authentic weapons, and realistic environments. The game’s audio design is equally strong, with impactful weapon sounds and immersive battlefield ambiance.

Key Differences and Considerations

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide:

• Scale: Battlefield 2042 emphasizes large-scale battles with 128 players, while Vanguard focuses on smaller, more intimate engagements.
• Setting: Battlefield 2042 is set in a near-future world, while Vanguard takes place during World War II.
• Gameplay Style: Battlefield 2042 favors tactical team play and vehicular combat, while Vanguard prioritizes fast-paced, arcade-style action.
• Specialists vs. Classes: Battlefield 2042 features Specialists with unique gadgets and traits, while Vanguard has a more traditional class system.
• Longevity: Consider the long-term support and content updates for each game. Call of Duty titles generally receive consistent updates and new content throughout their lifecycle, while Battlefield 2042‘s future roadmap is less certain.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences. If you prefer large-scale battles, futuristic settings, and tactical gameplay, Battlefield 2042 might be the better option. If you prefer fast-paced action, historical settings, and a more traditional Call of Duty experience, Vanguard is likely to be more appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Battlefield 2042 still worth buying in 2024?

It depends. Battlefield 2042 has improved significantly since its launch, but it still has its issues. If you enjoy large-scale battles and are willing to overlook some flaws, it might be worth considering, especially if you can find it on sale.

2. Is Call of Duty Vanguard better than Modern Warfare (2019)?

That’s subjective. Many players prefer Modern Warfare (2019)’s more grounded gameplay and realistic setting. Vanguard offers a different experience with its WWII setting and faster pace.

3. Which game has better graphics, Battlefield 2042 or Call of Duty Vanguard?

Both games are visually impressive, but Battlefield 2042 often boasts more detailed environments and larger-scale battles, which can showcase its graphical capabilities. However, Vanguard’s detailed character models are impressive.

4. Which game has a better single-player campaign, Battlefield 2042 or Call of Duty Vanguard?

Call of Duty Vanguard has a dedicated single-player campaign, while Battlefield 2042 focuses primarily on multiplayer.

5. Which game is more beginner-friendly?

Call of Duty Vanguard is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its faster pace and simpler mechanics.

6. Which game has a more active player base?

Call of Duty games typically have a larger and more active player base than Battlefield games, although it can fluctuate.

7. Which game is more realistic?

Battlefield 2042 and Vanguard both have their own sense of realism. Battlefield 2042 is more realistic with its weapons, while Vanguard is more realistic with its character models.

8. Which game has better vehicle combat?

Battlefield 2042 is the clear winner in this category, with a wide range of vehicles and maps designed for vehicular warfare.

9. Which game has a better progression system?

Both games feature progression systems, but the preferred system is subjective.

10. Which game is more likely to receive long-term support?

Call of Duty titles typically receive consistent post-launch support and content updates throughout their lifecycle.

11. Which game has better sound design?

Both games have impressive sound design, but Battlefield 2042 often excels in creating a sense of scale and immersion.

12. Is Battlefield 2042 dead?

No, Battlefield 2042 is not dead. While it had a rocky launch, DICE has continued to support the game with updates and new content. The player base is smaller than some other shooters, but it is still active.

13. Is Vanguard historically accurate?

While Vanguard is set during World War II, it takes liberties with historical accuracy for the sake of gameplay.

14. Does Battlefield 2042 have a Zombies mode?

No, Battlefield 2042 does not have a Zombies mode.

15. Where can I learn more about the science of video games?

For insights into the educational aspects of gaming, and the ways in which video games can be used as a tool for learning and development, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Choosing between Battlefield 2042 and Call of Duty Vanguard requires careful consideration of your preferences. Consider which setting and gameplay style best suit your taste, and choose based on those preferences.