Like two grizzled veterans, the leading war-game franchises, Call of Duty: Vanguard and Battlefield 2042, are ready to resume battle once again. Today, we'll compare these two titans of the genre, as they prepare to unleash their latest editions on their fans.
If you're wavering about which one might suit you better, this article will help to clarify some of the key differences between the two games. So if you're ready, we can get going.
Call of Duty Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042 Gameplay
Interestingly, to two games have decided to go in different directions in gameplay terms. Vanguard is set in World War II, while Battlefield takes us into a near-future world at war. This means that in gameplay terms, Vanguard will be using a narrative that's built around historical events. Battlefield 2042 meanwhile, will be using a story all of their own design. But there's much more to gameplay than just the setting, and there are some really significant differences.
Vanguard has a single-player campaign, where you control one of 4 characters in an interweaving story that spans 4 different theatres of war. These four characters will be the forebears of the modern special forces operative. In addition to the single-player mode, there is a zombie-crossover, and several multiplayer modes, including Champion Hill, a new, last team standing contest. The game will launch with 20 multiplayer maps. It will also be integrated into Warzone, meaning it will have a Battle Royale mode.
Battlefield 2042 meanwhile, does not have a single player campaign to play. Nor will it have a Battle Royale mode. The focus has shifted entirely onto multiplayer, with several different modes: All-Out Warfare, the Battlefield Portal, and the Hazard Zone. All-Out Warfare will support up to 128 players on enormous maps. This will include modes such as Conquest and Breakthrough. Portal will allow you to revisit previous Battlefield games, such as 1942 and Bad Company. Hazard Zone is described a "high-stakes multiplayer experience".
Read More: Battlefield 2042 Xbox vs PS5: Differences, Graphics, Price, Crossplay and More!
Call of Duty: Vanguard vs Battlefield 2042 Graphics
Graphically, both of these games really do look impressive. Battlefield 2042 will support HDR10, 4K Ultra HD and 60 fps on the newest generation of consoles. You can see how good it looks in the official gameplay trailer.
Vanguard meanwhile, also looks pretty stunning. While they have yet to provide definitive technical specs, they have stated on callofduty.com that Vanguard will be using the same engine as was used in Modern Warfare. Some leakers are claiming that this is the best looking next gen game they've seen so far. It has apparently been:
Optimised to deliver breathtaking visual fidelity, a photo realistic world, lifelike characters and impressive graphical performance
In summary, neither game is going to be an ugly sister.
Release Dates
Battlefield 2042 has the slight edge on this, with a release date scheduled for October 22nd. If you pre-order the Gold or Ultimate Edition of the game, you can start playing a week earlier. Vanguard is expected to be released on November 5th.
Both games have confirmed that there will be an Open Beta period, in which players will have the opportunity to experience the game for themselves. In both cases, if you pre-order the game, then you can enjoy early access.
Read More: Will Battlefield 2042 be on Xbox Game Pass: Is Battlefield 2042 on EA Play?
Anything else worth knowing?
Battlefield will have four seasons during the first year of release. There will also be four battle passes, four new specialist character types, and other additional content. Pre-orders come in three editions - Standard, Gold and Ultimate.
All pre-orders get a special melee knife, a "Mr Chompy" dinosaur weapon charm, a background and a tag. The Gold Edition comes with a cross-gun bundle, a year 1 pass, giving access to the 4 specialists, the 4 battle passes, and 3 skin bundles. The Ultimate Edition also gets the "Midnight Ultimate Bundle" an official digital art book, and an official digital soundtrack. Prices are £69.99, £89.99, and £109.99, respectively.
Vanguard also offers three editions - Standard, Cross-Gen, and Ultimate. Standard Edition gets you a Mastercraft weapon blueprint, access to Open Beta, and the Frontline Weapons Pack. Cross-Gen gives you 5 hours of Weapon 2XP, in addition. And the Ultimate Edition gives you 5 hours of Player XP, 3 operator skins, 3 weapon blueprints with tracer rounds, and a Battle Pass Bundle. Prices are £59.99, £69.99, and £99.99.
There's a lot to compare with these two games. If you are still struggling to decide, then the Open Beta period is going to be invaluable for you.
Read More: Call of Duty: Vanguard PS4 vs PS5: Differences, Graphics, Gameplay, Price and More
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!