Star Wars Battlefront 2 is experiencing a surprise renaissance. The online shooter, originally launched in 2017, recently shot up from around 1,500 concurrent players on Steam to a staggering 17,000+ average, even hitting a new peak of 18,635 players. For a game once marred by microtransaction controversy and inconsistent support, this rebound is both exciting and bittersweet for some fans.
Why the Resurgence?
The resurgence appears to be organic, driven by word-of-mouth, nostalgia, and the timeless appeal of Star Wars. Fans across social media platforms and forums have returned to the battlefield, praising the game’s cinematic visuals, large-scale battles, and rich character roster. Even Andor actor Muhanned Ben Amor (Wilmon) has joined the chorus, calling for EA to finish the trilogy with a Battlefront 3.
Former DICE developers have echoed these sentiments. Some have even expressed a willingness to "get the gang back together" if given the opportunity to develop a follow-up title, further fueling fan speculation.
Same Game, Same Problems
However, the return of thousands of new and returning players has also revived an old issue that many gamers are familiar with: PC cheating.
Reddit user Kamikazee786 recently posted a video showing one of the most frustrating exploits players being forced into a “benchmark” mode where they float helplessly around the map for an entire match. Unlike typical cheats that grant overpowered abilities, this exploit serves no gameplay purpose other than to sabotage the experience of others.
Hackers on PC are ruining this game again, just as it started to get popular again :(
byu/kamikazee786 inStarWarsBattlefront
Many community members report that these types of hacks are mostly limited to the Galactic Assault mode, and suggest that others such as Supremacy are quite a bit more stable and less prone to cheating. This unfortunate dynamic means that many players are forced to abandon their favorite game modes simply to avoid harassment.
Why Cheating Is Still A Problem
This isn't the first time Battlefront 2 has suffered from hacks on PC, and unfortunately, it likely won’t be the last. DICE and EA have long since stopped regular support for the game, and it seems improbable they’ll return just to combat a renewed wave of hackers. Even at launch, anti-cheat efforts were inconsistent at best.
Moreover, because these cheats rely on third-party software, console players are immune luckily which makes PC the only platform affected. Unless Battlefront 2 receives a new patch or update (an unlikely scenario given EA’s current focus), players may have to rely on community servers or stick to less targeted modes.
What Comes Next?
While the cheating problem casts a shadow, the game’s resurgence has clearly sparked new life in the Battlefront community. With EA and DICE currently focused on the next Battlefield installment of Battlefield 6 (expected late 2025 or early 2026), there’s no official word on a Battlefront 3. But the fan enthusiasm is hard to ignore and the sudden success of a nearly decade-old game might just be enough to catch corporate attention.
Star Wars Battlefront 2's revival is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted Star Wars gameplay. If EA can seize the moment and hype while finding a way to address the cheating issue, it could pave the way for the trilogy’s long-awaited conclusion of Battlefront 3.
What are your thoughts on the hype of Battlefront 2 and Battlefront 3? Do you think it will be enough to change EA's minds? Let us know your thoughts!
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