Out of nowhere, Star Wars Battlefront is making waves again. A series that once seemed to be on its last legs is now enjoying a resurgence, especially on PC through Steam. But how did a game once riddled with controversy suddenly become popular again? Let’s take a closer look.
A Nostalgic Journey: Star Wars Battlefront’s Beginnings
Star Wars Battlefront first captured players’ imaginations back in 2004. Those early titles, launched during the PlayStation 2 and Xbox era, were pure multiplayer chaos. Players battled it out across iconic Star Wars locations, flying starfighters, capturing command posts, and choosing their favorite factions.
For many, those classic Battlefront games were the peak of Star Wars gaming. They offered a mix of large-scale battles and fast-paced action, making them an instant hit.
But things changed in 2015 when Electronic Arts (EA) rebooted the series. The new Star Wars Battlefront was a visual masterpiece, with stunning graphics that perfectly captured the Star Wars universe. But it was also shallow. Limited maps, basic gameplay, and a lack of variety in character classes left many players feeling underwhelmed.
Star Wars Battlefront II: A Rocky Redemption
EA tried to fix its mistakes with Star Wars Battlefront II in 2017. This sequel was bigger and better, featuring more maps, a single-player campaign, and a much richer gameplay experience. Set between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, it even had a story mode that drew in Star Wars fans.
But just when it seemed like Battlefront II was on the right track, disaster struck. The game’s launch was overshadowed by one of the biggest controversies in gaming history. Players discovered that the game was built around a punishing XP grind, pushing them toward in-game purchases. The worst part? Those purchases were linked to random loot boxes, creating a pay-to-win system that sparked a massive backlash.
Angry players flooded social media, and the backlash made headlines around the world. EA was forced to step in, overhauling the progression system and reworking the microtransactions. But the damage was done. Battlefront II’s reputation was in tatters.
A Surprise Revival in 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and something unexpected has happened — Star Wars Battlefront II is making a comeback. The game has seen a surge in players, especially on PC via Steam. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a game that once seemed destined to be forgotten.
This resurgence was highlighted by StayBombastic on Twitter, who shared a graph showing a steady rise in active players. Fans quickly joined the conversation, sharing their excitement. One player commented, “I got my friends to hop on too. It’s so much fun.” Another mentioned finding full lobbies in seconds, a rare experience for a game of this age.
According to SteamDB, Battlefront II recently peaked at 7,816 concurrent players in a single day. That might not seem like a massive number, but for an eight-year-old game, it’s impressive. For comparison, the game’s all-time peak was 10,489 players back in 2021.
Why Are Players Coming Back?
So what’s behind this sudden revival? A few factors seem to be at play:
- Nostalgia: Many players have fond memories of Star Wars Battlefront II and are rediscovering its chaotic fun.
- Improved Experience: The game’s post-launch updates fixed many of its biggest problems, making it a much better experience than it was at launch.
- Community Buzz: Social media and gaming forums are filled with players sharing their excitement, drawing even more players back in.
The Cross-Play Dilemma: A Missed Opportunity
One major downside for Battlefront II is the lack of cross-play. Players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox are still separated, with no way to play together. Given the game’s age, it seems unlikely that EA and DICE will introduce cross-play at this point.
But even without cross-play, the game’s community on Steam is thriving, and players are finding full lobbies without any trouble.
Should You Play Star Wars Battlefront II in 2025?
Absolutely. Star Wars Battlefront II may have started as a disaster, but in 2025, it’s a polished, action-packed Star Wars experience. Whether you’re a veteran player looking to relive epic battles or a newcomer curious about the hype, there’s never been a better time to jump in.
With its growing player base, beautiful visuals, and iconic Star Wars battles, Battlefront II is a reminder that even a troubled game can find new life when given a second chance.
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