Battlefield has always been known for its all-out warfare style of gameplay, and Battlefield 2042 has plenty of it in the form of modes like Conquest that feature up to 128 players on massive maps with plenty of destructible structures and objects. However, EA and DICE are also looking to offer players a fresh experience in Battlefield 2042 with "Hazard Zone," which will be much different than the usual open warfare modes. With satisfying open warfare-style modes and an enjoyable new experience with Hazard Zone, Battlefield 2042 could end up being one of the best Xbox shooters.
So far, the developers have been fairly tight-lipped about Hazard Zone, and because of that not many details about it are currently known. However, we do have some details about the mode thanks to a few developer comments, official descriptions, and a short trailer. Here's everything we know about Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone.
Battlefield goes back to the future
Battlefield 2042 debuts Electronic Arts' next-generation vision for the military shooter, supporting up to 128 players, the largest-ever maps, devastatingly destructive weather systems, and more.
What is Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone?
According to official descriptions from EA and DICE, Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone is "an all-new, high-stakes, squad-based game type that is a modern take on the multiplayer experience." The game mode has been described as "distinctly Battlefield," but it will offer an experience that's much different than all-out warfare modes like Conquest.
In the August 2021 issue of PLAY Magazine (opens in new tab), DICE General Manager Oskar Gabrielson provided some additional details about what to expect from Hazard Zone. "Hazard Zone is really something that's taken the superpowers at DICE to a new level. It's a high-stakes squad-based experience. It's not your battle royale you might be expecting; it's something more new and a bit more contemporary I would say," Gabrielson said.
DICE Senior Design Director Daniel Berlin also commented on Hazard Zone. "The important thing to remember is that this is not a battle royale mode. It's something we're building for Battlefield, it's something that is ours, but it's really built on those mechanics, those high-stakes mechanics that build tension as you play — those sweaty palm moments," Berlin said. "We are a squad-based team play shooter, and there's no other space within 2042 where the choices you make in terms of specialists, weapons, and gadgets — there's such an incredibly high importance in this mode. There's really really tight squadplay, tight communication is important, and (it) is built around the tension-filled gameplay."
Based on the recent trailer that released on Oct. 14, it looks as if players will have to retrieve data drives from fallen satellites in Hazard Zone and then extract from the map, while other teams of players need to try to stop them and take the drives for themselves. Notably, Battlefield 2042's Specialists appear to be the main playable characters in Hazard Zone. It also looks like Hazard Zone will be playable on the same maps as Conquest and other all-out warfare modes.
Is Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone a battle royale?
Many fans have been wondering whether Battlefield 2042's Hazard Zone is a battle royale, and the answer is complicated. In the August 2021 issue of PLAY Magazine, DICE stated that Hazard Zone will "move the battle royale concept on in a way only Battlefield can." However, both Oskar Gabrielson and Daniel Berlin stressed that Hazard Zone shouldn't be thought of as a battle royale mode.
Based on this, it sounds like Hazard Zone will incorporate elements of battle royale games like a shrinking map and randomized weapon drops, but will be distinctly different because of unique squad mechanics. Ultimately, we'll have to wait until EA and DICE show more of Hazard Zone before we can confidently say how similar it will be to battle royale games.
When will DICE show more of Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone?
EA and DICE showed off Battlefield 2042's Hazard Zone in a brand-new trailer that dropped shortly after the conclusion of the Battlefield 2042 beta on Oct. 14, 2021, at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT. The link to the trailer is embedded above, so you can watch it here.
Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone release date
In the recent Hazard Zone trailer, EA and DICE confirmed that Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone will release alongside the full Battlefield 2042 experience, including all-out warfare modes and Battlefield Portal, on Nov. 19, 2021. Notably, purchasing a Battlefield 2042 preorder will give you early access to the full suite of Battlefield 2042's content on Nov. 12.
