It’s not a particularly controversial statement to say that the tone ofBattlefield 2042is at least somewhat inconsistent with the rest of the series. Just compare the grim and gritty atmosphere ofBattlefield 1to the over-the-top spectacle of theBattlefield 2042trailers.
Fans were more than a little baffled bythe leaked Santa Claus skinearlier this month. However, it seems that wasn’t the end ofBattlefield 2042’sholiday-themed content. Today, the Battlefield Bulletin Twitter account announced that the new Attack of the Elves mode is live now in theBattlefieldPortal.
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Attack of the Elves is a 32-player infection mode available from December 16th, 2021, to January 6th, 2022. According to the in-game description, Santa’s Elves went mad after falling into a vat of special eggnog and are disrupting the seasonal festivities. The mode’s available for allBattlefield 1942,Bad Company 2,Battlefield 3,andBattlefield 2042maps. Elf players go into battle with the grappling hook and a “Christmas Lollypop” with Santa players toting a cherry red LCMG. Note that Santa players are limited to hip fire only, encouraging a more spray and pray gameplay style.
In addition, DICE introduced a new 1942 vs. 2042 Conquest mode. As the name suggests, the 64-player mode uses maps and weapons fromBattlefield 1942andBattlefield 2042. It sounds like pitting 1940s soldiers against an opponent from a century in their future would be a primarily one-sided confrontation. However, it’s presumably much more balanced than it sounds, and even if it isn’t,Battlefield 2042’sPortal allows players to tweak the weapon stats however they like.
DICE’s announcement ofBattlefield 2042’slimited-time Attack of the Elves mode saw a mixed response online. While some fans seem enthusiastic about the campy new content, other players aren’t as thrilled. However, the fact that it’s a temporary mode seems to have offset the negativity. The new game mode at least seemed to be substantially better received thanBattlefield 2042’s controversial “Father Winter” skin, which let players dress up as a tactically equipped Saint Nicholas. Many felt that a Santa-inspired skin conflicted with the game’s aesthetic and tone.
Not thatBattlefield 2042didn’t already have an inconsistent tone. The game’s setting and backstory paint a dystopian picture of ecological collapse, failed states, and global proxy wars. But, on the other hand, it’s packed withwacky and borderline childish voice lineswhile the trailers played up the absurd antics that players can get up to. So, while a temporary game mode might not be the biggest deal, some might see it as part of an ongoing trend with DICE’s divisive multiplayer FPS.
Battlefield 2042is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
