Multiplayer has been the primary focus ofBattlefieldsince its very inception in 2002. WhileBattlefield’s campaigns have offered some fun set pieces and skirmishes against AI opponents were a great option for those without an internet connection back in the day, it’s the massive, high player-count online multiplayer matches that have always delivered the most satisfyingBattlefieldexperience, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon.
The key to success for any multiplayer game is having great game modes, and thankfully,Battlefieldhas established plenty of its own staples over the years. Conquest, Rush, and even newer additions like Operations have all delivered the perfect balance of close-quarters intensity and grand, large-scale warfare that separatesBattlefieldfrom its contemporaries. But there’s always room for more, andthe nextBattlefieldmight want to look to a recentCall of Dutygame mode for inspiration.
Battlefield Should Borrow Call of Duty’s Gunfight Mode
Call of Duty’s Gunfight Mode Explained
First introduced in2019’sCall of Duty: Modern Warfare, Gunfight has quickly become one of the most popular game modes in the franchise’s recent history. In its most prevalent iteration, Gunfight is a fast-paced 2v2 deathmatch that tasks players with eliminating the enemy team in just 40 seconds. The map size is much smaller than usual, and players are all given the same loadout, which itself is randomized every few rounds.
Gunfight was an immediate hit upon its 2019 launch, with players finding its breakneck pace and intimate team structure a rewarding change of pace from the usualCall of Dutyobjective-based 6v6 modes.Gunfight returned inCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, where it continued to grow in popularity. Gunfight became so popular that its removal in 2022’sModern Warfare 2sparked an outcry from fans, resulting in the mode being brought back in its Season 3 update.
There have also been a few different variations of Gunfight over the years. These range from simple rule changes like Gunfight 1v1 and 3v3, to more significant alterations like Gunfight: OSP (On-Site Procurement), which sees players starting with fists and picking up weapons from the ground.
How Battlefield Can Adapt and Expand Upon Call of Duty’s Gunfight Mode
TheBattlefieldserieshas always emphasized squad-based tactics, which would make a game mode like Gunfight a natural fit for the series. WhileCall of Dutyhas experimented with 1v1, 3v3, and even 6v6 versions of Gunfight, its 2v2 iteration remains its most enjoyable and popular. The nextBattlefieldcould carve out a niche with its own Gunfight-like mode by delivering a refined 4v4 deathmatch experience.
This 4v4 structure would still lend itself to the intense close-quarters firefights that the mode is known for, but while also paving the way for a bit more strategy. This could result in a game mode that feels like a sort of perfect blend ofCall of Duty’s action andRainbow Six Siege’s tactics.
Creating maps for a hypotheticalBattlefieldGunfight mode should also be fairly simple. WhileBattlefieldis mostly known for its large-scale, high-player-count maps, these arenas often have one or two smaller points of interest contained within, such asCaspian Border’s Gas Station POI. These smaller POIs could be lifted directly and used for Gunfight.
