I first set foot in its bloodied, scarred battlefields six years ago, and yet it still feels like home, not the warm, familiar kind, but one built from the mud and fire of a World War I crucible. Every match unfolds like a grand opera of destruction, camaraderie, and relentless chaos. As a guy with a deep love for history, I can confidently say that Battlefield 1 is not just a first-person shooter, it’s a masterpiece.
The moment you enter a 64-player battle, the sheer scale of Battlefield 1 envelops you. The environments are breathtaking, expansive landscapes that perfectly capture the most infamous battlefields of the Great War. Whether it’s the endless dunes of Sinai Desert, the mud-clogged trenches of Verdun Heights, or the snowy expanse of Brusilov Keep, every map has a story to tell.
And then there’s the sound design. Flawless . The distant echoes of artillery fire, the shriek of incoming shells, the panicked shouts of soldiers diving for cover, this game doesn’t just simulate World War I, it sounds like it. DICE has long been the gold standard for immersive sound design, and Battlefield 1 is their magnum opus. Every weapon has a distinct, authentic punch, every explosion reverberates through your chest, and every moment is soaked in the tension of a war you’re not meant to survive.
And then there’s the gameplay. Despite its 64-player chaos, the game never feels like an uncontrolled mess, thanks to expertly designed maps that reward flanking, teamwork, and moment-to-moment decision-making. Whether you’re charging a trench with a bayonet or sniping enemies from a ridge with a Martini-Henry, the thrill of combat remains unmatched.
Speaking of the Martini-Henry, what a weapon. More than just a gun, it’s a lesson in ballistics. With its massive .577/450 caliber round, slow velocity, and devastating stopping power, it forces you to consider everything, range, bullet drop, velocity, energy transfer, wind drift. On open ground, you begin to appreciate the skill required to lead shots, compensate for drop, and time your fire perfectly, ensuring your target takes the full, brutal impact.
Few games make you appreciate historical weaponry like Battlefield 1. The Martini-Henry isn’t just a firearm, it’s a key to understanding how combat functioned in the Great War.
And the vehicles? Magnificent . The St. Chamond tank, in particular, is a masterclass in Battlefield’s vehicle design. A rolling fortress with a low profile, it stands as one of the most balanced tanks in the game. Every vehicle -from nimble cavalry horses to behemoth landships- feels painstakingly designed to remain true to the era while ensuring engaging gameplay.
The variety is staggering. Planes, light tanks, heavy tanks, artillery trucks, torpedo boats, it’s all here. Each one alters the flow of battle, reinforcing Battlefield’s signature strength: war isn’t just about shooting; it’s about combined arms combat.
There’s something uniquely compelling about the nationalism in Battlefield 1. Not the toxic kind, but the type that immerses you in the mindset of a soldier fighting for something greater than themselves. The game doesn’t glorify war, it acknowledges its brutality, but it also taps into that deep sense of duty and pride. Charging forward with the Union Jack billowing overhead, storming a trench alongside German infantrymen, making a final stand as the French Republic, these aren’t just moments of gameplay. They’re history brought to life.
Destructibility has always been part of Battlefield’s DNA, and Battlefield 1 executes it flawlessly. Buildings crumble under tank shells, artillery leaves craters in fortifications, entire structures collapse as the battle rages on. Battlefield’s evolution of destruction has been fascinating, from the scripted building collapses of Bad Company 2 to the more dynamic destruction in Battlefield 3 and 4, culminating in Battlefield 1, where the environment itself feels like another casualty of war.
It’s not just a visual flourish, it changes the gameplay. No cover is permanent, forcing constant adaptation. No trench is truly safe. In this way, Battlefield 1 stays true to its World War I roots, war was hell, and nowhere was ever secure.
The Battlefield franchise has always thrived on large-scale warfare, destruction, and teamwork, and Battlefield 1 embodies all of it. EA and DICE have had their missteps (Battlefield V’s rocky launch, Battlefield 2042’s disastrous release), but Battlefield 1 remains a shining example of what they can accomplish when they get everything right.
What do players love about DICE? Their technical expertise, groundbreaking sound design, and ability to craft unforgettable moments of large-scale war. What do they despise? EA’s corporate greed, poor customer support, and a history of disappointing post-launch content.
But let’s not dwell on the negatives, because here’s the truth: despite all of EA’s failings, Battlefield 1 is still thriving.
I used to play on EU servers, but moving to East US changed everything. Suddenly, communication improved. Players weren’t obsessed with grinding for ranks, because Battlefield doesn’t have a ranked system. And that’s a beautiful thing.
This game isn’t about leaderboard supremacy. It’s about 63 other players coming together in an unscripted, cinematic battle. Sure, some players are more skilled than others. Sure, mistakes happen. But in Battlefield 1, everyone can be a teammate, and every match tells a new story.
And cheating? In Battlefield 1? Not in well-administered servers. I used to beg EA for better anti-cheat measures. Now? It’s barely even a concern.
Some claim Battlefield 1 is dead. They’re wrong. If you can’t find full servers, it’s not the game, it’s your filter settings. Adjust them, and you’ll be back in the fight in no time.
Even after six years, Battlefield 1 remains the greatest Battlefield game ever made. Its blend of historical authenticity, breathtaking design, and unparalleled atmosphere make it a game that, by all accounts, shouldn’t have been this exceptional. And yet, it is.
It’s a masterpiece. It’s a lesson in history. It’s a love letter to war gaming at its finest.
Well, some weapons will guarantee you easy kills, but at what cost? Your dignity? Your friendships? The respect of your ancestors? The sheer karmic weight of entering the afterlife to face generations of warriors shaking their heads in disappointment? Some stains on the soul can never be washed away. Think twice before using them.