For the first time since 2018, the two most popular multiplayer FPS franchises are facing off with Call of Duty Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042.
Call of Duty Vanguard has been met with a notably mixed reception since its announcement. Fans are underwhelmed with Vanguard being yet another World War 2 game. Many were hoping for a sequel to 2019’s Modern Warfare reboot. Or, hell, something actually new. Not only that, but the recent beta has a myriad of issues. I’ve personally sunk several hours into it on PS5 and the sound design, graphical issues and overall “copy-paste” feel are definite downers. That said, there is some fun to be had with it. And I’ve mostly enjoyed it even if it is just another CoD.
Battlefield 2042 has been met with a better reception than Call of Duty Vanguard. The absence of a campaign mode has been the principal complaint, but by and large fans are excited for the revamped large-scale insanity it looks to be offering. Set in (you guessed it) 2042, Battlefield 2042 promises a semi-futuristic shooter that follows on from previous Battlefield games. As yet, there’s no official news about an open beta. But it’s strongly rumoured that one is coming very soon. Perhaps even by the end of the month. Regardless, players are yet to get the same opportunity to play BF2042 as they’ve had with CoD Vanguard.
So, with the war between Call of Duty and Battlefield heating up, which game should you get?
Call of Duty Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042
Call of Duty Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042 comes down to three key differences that should help you decide which is for you.
World War 2 or the near-future?
We’ve all played World War 2 shooters before. Call of Duty literally started out with a succession of three of them. Not only that, but with the release of Vanguard it’s up to six in total. If you love history, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But it’s impossible to argue Vanguard‘s setting is anything new or groundbreaking. Personally, I’d have liked to see Call of Duty tackle World War 1, but alas, it was not to be. That said, if WW2 is a setting you can’t get enough of then Vanguard is a must buy.
If modern-day/near-future shooters are more your cup of tea, Battlefield 2042 is probably for you. Battlefield is a series synonymous with this kind of setting. And thanks to its action orientated mechanics, 2042 should be the perfect game for feeling like a futuristic super soldier. With a futuristic setting, DICE are able to take a lot more creative liberties than Sledgehammer are with Vanguard. And that also means there’ll be no discussion about historical accuracy which (as EA & DICE found out with Battlefield V) can be tough to navigate.
Gameplay
One constant criticism of Call of Duty is that it does very little new with each iteration. Having played the Vanguard beta, I can say the same is true this year. On the one hand, players know what they’re getting. And it’s largely fun. But, on the other, that doesn’t stop it from feeling like you’re paying for the same game you’ve played many, many times before. Vanguard has introduced some new gameplay features this year in semi-destructible environments and blind fire. However, it doesn’t really add up to much in terms of changing the overall feel of the game. The same goes for the new combat pacing options and maps. Ultimately, Vanguard is still just another Call of Duty.
Things are slightly different with Battlefield 2042. Yes, it is likely going to be very similar to Battlefield 3 and 4. However, it isn’t so constrained by the yearly release cycle as Call of Duty. And that means it has more room for innovation. Destructible environments take on a whole different scale in Battlefield 2042 with so-called “levelutions”. These will bring extreme weather events like tornadoes to add further chaos to 2042‘s large-scale multiplayer. On top of Battlefield‘s trademark destruction are its fleet of vehicles that add another dynamic to the game. They aren’t for everyone and can prove to be a dealbreaker for those who prefer soldier vs soldier combat, so bear that in mind.
Warzone Integration
A deciding factor for many in the Call of Duty Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042 question is Warzone. For many, it’s the only aspect of CoD they play. And in order to get the most out of it, you need to purchase the newest Call of Duty game.
Of course, if you buy Battlefield 2042, there’s nothing stopping you from jumping in Warzone. It is free-to-play, after all. However, if you’re a die hard Warzone player, you may find yourself missing out. So, if you can only get one and Warzone is a big deal for you, Vanguard is your best bet.
Call of Duty Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042 – Which is best?
This year, many gamers will be asking “Is CoD or Battlefield better?”. The truth is, they’re different and it comes down to personal preference.
If you like a more arcade-y, fast-paced, intimate shooter, then Call of Duty is for you. And after years of Activision releasing practically the same game, you should know whether you like it or not. Also, if you love the World War 2 setting, there’s no reason not to jump back in with Vanguard.
Conversely, if all-out large scale war with dynamic destruction and vehicles sounds appealing, then you should give Battlefield a shot. But be aware, Battlefield‘s larger scale and slower-pace can be frustrating to those more familiar with the zippiness of CoD.
Which side are you taking in Call of Duty Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042 showdown? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
