Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone Is Basically Escape From Tarkov
Battlefield 2042 is jumping into action on November 19, as DICE continues to hype the next era of its FPS franchise. With the developer repeatedly saying Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone isn't a battle royale mode, it instead looks like a not-so-subtle Escape from Tarkov clone.
Why is Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone like Escape from Tarkov?
In Hazard Zone, 32 players are split into eight squads of four on current-gen and PC, but 24 (six squads of four) on last-gen. The developer has explained it's not about being the last team standing or who has the most kills - you just have to stay alive and recover the loot.
For those who haven't spotted the similarities, it's a lot like Battlestate Games' Escape from Tarkov that hit closed beta in 2017.
Others spotted the Tarkov comparisons. One gamer wrote, "Is it a Battle Royal/Escape from Tarkov, love child?", while another added, "What's the goal of this? It's pretty obvious they try to copy escape from tarkov hype and success, but tarkov has a goal and rpgs elements and all kinds of progression. What's with bf42? Just a cheap shallow copy?" #
Much like multiplayer, bots will be in Hazard Zone, however, they will be harder and not just used to fill a slot on a team. DICE claims the bots are focused on "self-preservation" and will try to drain your resources or alert enemy squadrons. Basically, stay out of their way.
How will Hazard Zone play?
Hazard Zone's smaller player count should mean you can explore the map(s) a little easier without things getting too sweaty. There will still be hot zones for extraction and satellite drops, but don't expect to be tripping over rival squads every few seconds. Namely, it offers something away from a classic battle royale thanks to the fact you won't constantly be bombarded with bullets.
Speaking of maps, there won't be any new ones for Hazard Zone. According to Bravo Intel, it will take place on the seven All-Out Warfare maps - and that's it.
There are two extraction zones that will spawn at different times or locations on the map. You have to dash there with the data drives you've nabbed. If you don't make it to extraction or are killed on the way, you'll lose your data drives.
Is all of the above enough to appease those notoriously tricky Battlefield 2042 players or will the Escape from Tarkov analogies ground this one before it even releases? Find out on November 19.