In a surprising turn for FPS fans, Battlefield 2042 player count has overtaken Call of Duty HQ’s on Steam. Following promises from DICE and EA to reward players in the upcoming Battlefield 6, the once‑derided title has seen a massive resurgence.
Table of contents
PlayStation Network Gift Card
Customer Satisfaction at Item4Gamer
1. The “Worst” Battlefield Makes a Comeback
For many diehard Battlefield fans, Battlefield 2042 is considered the weakest entry in the franchise, earning a Metacritic score of just 68—the lowest in the series’ history. However, DICE’s latest massive content update, coupled with incentives tied to Battlefield 6, has drawn players back in droves.
2. The Surge in Battlefield 2042 Player Numbers
This marketing strategy worked wonders. On Steam alone, more than 60,000 players are currently active in Battlefield 2042, with a 24‑hour peak hitting 74,000 players.
These numbers don’t even account for players on the EA App, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Estimates suggest that including all platforms could easily triple these figures.
3. How It Stacks Up Against Call of Duty HQ
On the other side, the Call of Duty HQ app on Steam—which includes Warzone and other franchise titles—currently hosts about 66,000 concurrent players. This tally excludes Battle.net and console player bases, both of which are strong, especially for Warzone, a known console favorite.
Factoring in console numbers likely tips the balance back in Call of Duty’s favor. Still, on Steam alone, Battlefield 2042 has pulled ahead for now.
4. The Role of Battlefield 6 Hype
The open beta for Battlefield 6 has breathed new life into Battlefield 2042, even driving more pre‑orders than Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in some regions. While it’s doubtful that overall sales will surpass Call of Duty’s juggernaut, the momentum is undeniable.
Conclusion
The Battlefield 2042 player count surge shows just how powerful smart marketing—and franchise loyalty—can be. While Call of Duty will likely remain ahead in total global players thanks to its massive console audience, Battlefield 2042 has proven that even a game once labeled the “worst” in its series can stage an impressive comeback.
