View source for Battlefield 2

{{short description|2005 video game}}
{{distinguish|Star Wars: Battlefront II (disambiguation){{!}}Battlefront II}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=September 2024}}
{{Tone|date=September 2024}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Battlefield 2
| image = battlefield2Cover.jpg
| developer = [[Digital Illusions CE]]
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]
| designer = Lars Gustavsson<br />Linus Josephson<br />Erik Sjövold
| programmer = Andreas Fredriksson<br />Jonas Kjellström<br />Mats Dal
| artist = Mårten Lundsten<br />Riccard Linde
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Fredrik Englund|David Tallroth|Jonas Ostholm}}
| series = ''[[Battlefield (video game series)|Battlefield]]''
| engine = 
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| released = {{Video game release|NA|June 21, 2005|AUS|June 22, 2005}}{{Video game release|EU|June 24, 2005}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| state = Dormant
}}

'''''Battlefield 2''''' is a 2005 [[first-person shooter]] game developed by [[Digital Illusions CE]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]] for [[Microsoft Windows]]. It was released in June 2005 as the third game in the [[Battlefield (video game series)|''Battlefield'']] franchise.<ref name="IGN: Battlefield 2">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/objects/677/677882.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040612035750/http://pc.ign.com/objects/677/677882.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 12, 2004|title=IGN: Battlefield 2|publisher=IGN|date=June 21, 2005|access-date=July 29, 2009}}</ref>

Players fight in a modern battlefield, using modern [[Weapon|weapon systems]].<ref name="Gamespot technical">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/tech_info.html | title=GameSpot Battlefield 2 Technical Information|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=May 19, 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060406230050/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/tech_info.html| archive-date=April 6, 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref> ''Battlefield 2'' is a first-person shooter with [[Military tactics|strategy]] and [[Tactical Shooter|tactical shooter]] elements.<ref name="Gamespy review pg1">{{cite web|last=Kosak|first=Dave|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/626911p1.html |title=GameSpy Review – Page 1|publisher=GameSpy|date=June 17, 2005|access-date=May 19, 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060424084629/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/626911p1.html| archive-date=April 24, 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The single-player aspect features missions that involve clashes between [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marines]], [[People's Liberation Army|China]] and the fictional Middle Eastern Coalition. The multiplayer aspect of the game allows players to organize into squads that come under the leadership of a single commander to promote teamwork.<ref name="gspot">{{cite web|last=Ocampo|first=Jason|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/review.html?tag=tabs;reviews|title=Battlefield 2 Review for the PC|publisher=GameSpot|date=June 21, 2005|access-date=August 5, 2009|archive-date=October 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011132109/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/review.html?tag=tabs%3Breviews|url-status=live}}</ref> The story takes place in the early 21st century during a fictional world war between various power blocs: [[China]], the [[European Union]], the fictional Middle Eastern Coalition (MEC), [[Russia]] and the [[United States]]. The game takes place in different fronts, as the Middle East and China are being invaded by US and EU forces, and the United States is being invaded by Chinese and MEC forces.

On June 30, 2014, the multiplayer master server was shut down alongside other [[GameSpy Technology|GameSpy-powered]] titles,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ea.com/1/service-updates|title=Online Service Updates|date=February 14, 2017|access-date=September 14, 2014|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118162916/https://www.ea.com/service-updates|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://help.ea.com/en/article/information-on-ea-titles-hosted-by-gamespy/|title=Official EA Endorsement|access-date=September 12, 2015|archive-date=September 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909203929/http://help.ea.com/en/article/information-on-ea-titles-hosted-by-gamespy/|url-status=live}}</ref> although it can still be played online throughout fan-created [[Game mod|mods]] with alternative servers. In 2017, Electronic Arts demanded the takedown of the modified versions of ''Battlefield 2'' on alternate servers, distributed by a group known as "Revive Network", as infringement of their copyrights.<ref name=wired-stranded>{{cite news |title=Gamers Unite to Bring Back Titles Stranded by GameSpy Shutdown |url=https://www.wired.com/2014/06/gamespy-server-shutdown/ |access-date=2 October 2014 |work=[[Wired.com]] |first=Bo |last=Moore |date=23 June 2014 |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029111958/https://www.wired.com/2014/06/gamespy-server-shutdown/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/ea-shuts-down-fan-run-servers-for-older-battlefield-games/ |title=EA shuts down fan-run servers for older Battlefield games |work=[[Ars Technica]] |access-date=29 October 2017 |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=27 October 2017 |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033442/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/ea-shuts-down-fan-run-servers-for-older-battlefield-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/star-wars-battlefront-2-multiplayer-restored-now-with-steamgog-crossplay/ |title=Star Wars: Battlefront 2 multiplayer restored, now with Steam/GOG crossplay |magazine=[[pcgamer.com]] |access-date=29 October 2017 |first=Andy |last=Chalk |date=2 October 2017 |publisher=[[Future US, Inc.]] |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503163634/https://www.pcgamer.com/star-wars-battlefront-2-multiplayer-restored-now-with-steamgog-crossplay/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A follow-up, ''[[Battlefield 3]]'', was released on October 25, 2011.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Bf2 ingame screen.jpg|left|thumb|''Battlefield 2'' screenshot showing a [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]] [[Special operations|Spec Ops]] player capturing an MEC control point]]
''Battlefield 2'' is a sequel to ''[[Battlefield Vietnam]]'' and introduces several modifications to the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor. Several new gameplay features emphasize teamwork and collaboration. The new game engine includes improved physics, dynamic lighting, and more realistic material penetration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butts |first=Steve |date=2004-04-21 |title=Battlefield 2 Interview |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/04/21/battlefield-2-interview |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

''Battlefield 2'' is a [[multiplayer video game]] played via the [[Internet]] or on a [[local area network]]. A [[single-player]] mode with three difficulty levels is included. Both player modes use the same maps and use ''Battlefield''{{'}}s conquest game mode. Single-player mode allows 16 [[computer game bot|computer-controlled players]]<ref name="Gamespy review page 4">{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Kosak|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/626911p4.html |title=GameSpy: Battlefield 2 – Page 4|publisher=GameSpy|date=June 17, 2005|access-date=May 19, 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060613130520/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/626911p4.html| archive-date=June 13, 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref> while Internet mode allows up to 64 players. Players can choose to play as the [[United States Marine Corps]], the [[People's Liberation Army]], or the "Middle Eastern Coalition". Additional factions are playable through the [[Battlefield 2#Official Expansion Pack|expansion packs]], such as the [[European Union]]. Progress in the game is made via promotions which allow additional weapons to be unlocked. By playing the game on ranked servers, players are able to add to their [[Battlefield 2#Global ranking|global player statistics]]. These statistics are used to award promotions and other achievements.

In ''Battlefield 2'', players are divided into two opposing teams, with the factions determined by the selected map. The primary objective is to reduce the opposing team's tickets, which represent the army's capacity to reinforce their position on the battlefield. Each team has a limited number of tickets, and each casualty decreases the available total. Control points, represented by flags, serve as [[Spawnpoints|spawn points]] and are strategically important on the map. If one team controls a significant majority of the control points, the opposing team's tickets gradually decrease regardless of casualties. A round ends when one team's tickets are depleted, the round timer expires, or if a team holds no control points and has no remaining soldiers on the battlefield.

''Battlefield 2''{{'}}s two game modes are Conquest and Cooperative. Cooperative games emphasize teamwork, prioritizing group achievement over individual victory.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Seif El-Nasr |first=Magy |last2=Aghabeigi |first2=Bardia |last3=Milam |first3=David |last4=Erfani |first4=Mona |last5=Lameman |first5=Beth |last6=Maygoli |first6=Hamid |last7=Mah |first7=Sang |date=2010-04-10 |title=Understanding and evaluating cooperative games |url=https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/1753326.1753363 |language=en |publisher=ACM |pages=253–262 |doi=10.1145/1753326.1753363 |isbn=978-1-60558-929-9}}</ref> The only difference between the two modes is that Cooperative includes [[computer game bot|computer-controlled players]], whilst Conquest allows only human players. Results from Cooperative mode do not count toward [[Battlefield 2#Global ranking|global player statistics]].

=== Infantry classes ===
In ''Battlefield 2'', as with previous ''Battlefield'' titles, players are able to select from a variety of infantry classes. Each class of soldier is equipped with different weaponry appropriate to their role in the battle. Assault soldiers, for example, are general-purpose [[infantry]] with [[Grenade launcher|grenade-launcher]] equipped assault-rifles and extra armor, Medics carry [[First aid kit|first-aid equipment]] such as a field [[Defibrillation|defibrillator]], and [[Anti-tank warfare|Anti-Tank]] troopers are equipped with missiles which are effective against heavy armor.

Players are able to choose a class at the start of a match, or between dying and [[respawning|respawn]]. Players can change their class by picking up a 'kit' from the body of an incapacitated soldier, regardless of whether the soldier is friendly or enemy. For example, an Assault soldier can become a Medic by acquiring a fallen Medic's kit. Player classes are categorized into 'Heavy' and 'Light' types: Heavy classes have reduced damage to the torso but lower stamina, while Light classes have standard damage multipliers and higher stamina, allowing for longer sprinting.

Within the infantry class, there are three support classes with special abilities. Within the infantry, three support classes have unique abilities: the Engineer can repair vehicles using his wrench; the Medic can revive and heal teammates using defibrillator paddles; and the Support can resupply ammunition using ammunition bags. When any of these classes occupies a vehicle, nearby personnel and vehicles can receive repairs, healing, or resupply, provided they are within close proximity.

* '''Assault''' - Primary role is to engage in combat with enemies at medium range.
* '''Medic''' - Primary role is to revive and heal teammates
* '''Anti-Tank''' - Primary role is to undertake [[anti-tank warfare]]
* '''Engineer''' - Primary role is to repair or destroy vehicles
* '''Support''' - Primary role is to provide [[suppressive fire]] against enemies and resupply teammates
* '''Special Forces''' - Primary role is carry out stealth and [[sabotage]] missions
* '''Sniper''' - Primary role is to engage targets at long distances.

=== Vehicles ===
Battlefield 2 continues the series’ signature vehicle-based gameplay, allowing players to enter and control a wide variety of vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Battlefield 2 Profile Preview – The Vehicles of Battlefield 2|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/news.html?sid=6119131&mode=recent&page=1|publisher=GameSpot|date=February 24, 2005|access-date=June 28, 2007|archive-date=September 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929141600/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/news.html?sid=6119131&mode=recent&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> There are many different types of vehicles playable in ''Battlefield 2'', all based on real-life vehicles used by the militaries of different countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Battlefield 2 Developer Interview (video)|url=http://www.gamespot.com/video/920407/6102890/battlefield-2-developer-interview|publisher=GameSpot|date=July 16, 2004|access-date=June 28, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070619073559/http://www.gamespot.com/video/920407/6102890/battlefield-2-developer-interview| archive-date=June 19, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In contrast to ''[[Battlefield 1942]]'', ''Battlefield 2'' has only one purely water-based vehicle, the [[Rigid-hulled inflatable boat|rigid-inflatable boat]]; however, the three [[Armoured personnel carrier|APCs]] can travel in water as well. The game was designed with a counterbalance system in which each vehicle type has specific vulnerabilities, creating a dynamic similar to [[rock, paper, scissors|rock-paper-scissors]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/507635p1.html | title = Battlefield 2 Interview | access-date = December 12, 2007 | last = Accardo | first = Sal | date = April 20, 2007 | publisher = GameSpy| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080105112126/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/507635p1.html| archive-date=January 5, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> For example, mobile anti-air was intended to effectively destroy helicopters, but are vulnerable against opposing tanks. Included within this relationship are stationary defenses such as light machine guns and [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft]]/[[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]] emplacements. The availability and number of certain vehicles are dependent on the map and its size as well as control points captured. Also, more vehicles become available to be used on the maps of expansion/booster packs. (see [[Battlefield 2#Maps|Maps]]). The [[USS Essex (LHD-2)|USS Essex]] is the only naval ship featured in BF2, featuring two spawn points and aircraft spawn points, and is not drivable or destroyable, except for its [[Phalanx CIWS|Phalanx]] turrets.

=== Squads ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Bf2 squad screen.jpg|thumb|right|175px|In-game screen of the squad menu]] -->
Players are able to form squads of up to six soldiers in order to more effectively work as a team. Up to nine squads are permitted per team; each squad has a number (automatically assigned) and name (usually a [[NATO Phonetic Alphabet|phonetic alphabet]] letter) for identification. Members of a squad have the ability to communicate with one another via ''Battlefield 2''{{'}}s integrated [[voice over IP]] (VoIP) system.

Squad leaders may assign their squad a variety of objectives (for example, moving to or attacking a specific location). Orders may also be given by the team's commander. Squad leaders are able to issue requests for commander assets (such as artillery fire) and have a direct [[Voice over IP|VoIP]] channel to the commander.

Members of a squad may [[spawning (computer gaming)|spawn]] near their squad leader, provided that the leader is not dead (or incapacitated), and that the team holds at least one control point. This feature allows squads to more quickly regroup after taking casualties.

{{Clear}}

=== Commander ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:commandermode.png|thumb|left|175px|Screenshot of the commander screen]] -->
The [[commander]] position is an exclusive role played by one member of each team. Any member of a team may apply for the position, but priority is given to players of higher [[United States Marine Corps rank insignia|rank]].

The commander alone has access to the "commander screen", an interface similar to that of a [[real-time strategy]] game. This allows the commander an overview of the battlefield as a whole, or zoom in and view parts of the map in real-time. The commander also has control of the various commander assets, which include artillery strikes, vehicle and supply drops, and UAVs. They can deploy them to assist their team. The commander can communicate with squads either by sending orders, or via [[VoIP]] voice communication. These tools allow the commander to strategically coordinate their forces on the battlefield.

A commander may resign at any point, freeing the position for other members of their team; they may also be forcibly removed by a successful [[mutiny]] vote conducted by their team (provided the [[game server|server]] allows mutiny votes). Although the commander does not gain points by normal methods (kills, flag captures, etc.), their score is doubled at the end of the round if their team wins.

The commander position would be seen again in ''[[Battlefield 2142]]'' and ''[[Battlefield 4]]''.

{{Clear}}

=== Awards and unlockable weapons ===
Players can earn awards (ribbons, badges, and medals) for certain in-game accomplishments. [[Badge]]s and [[Ribbon bar|ribbons]] are the easiest to obtain, while [[medal]]s are usually much harder, requiring more extensive play. As players ascend through the ranks they will gain the ability to unlock certain weapons. Each time a player is promoted to an eligible rank, they are given the opportunity to unlock one of seven unlockable weapons, one corresponding to each class, which they may subsequently use in place of the standard weapon for the given class.

=== Battlefield recorder ===
A built-in game recorder records battles for subsequent replay. These files can be downloaded from a server which supports BattleRecorder directly after their respective game. Recorded battle files are around 1 to 8 megabytes in size and are played within the ''Battlefield 2'' engine. Camera angles can be changed (free roaming & selected player), as well as the speed, though there is no rewind capability. Files can be exported to [[Audio Video Interleave|AVI]] format.<ref>{{cite web | title = Community Update (6/10/05) on BattleRecorder | url = http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/battlefield2/us/editorial.jsp?src=communityupdate_061005 | publisher = EA Games | access-date = May 18, 2007 | archive-date = December 17, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071217053319/http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/battlefield2/us/editorial.jsp?src=communityupdate_061005 | url-status = live }}</ref> The Battlefield Recorder has facilitated the creation of various [[machinima]]. Usage of the [[PunkBuster]] service is mandatory for all official ranked ''Battlefield 2'' servers, but optional for unranked servers.<ref name="EA Community Update 06-03-05">{{cite web|url=http://www.evenbalance.com/publications/bf2-pl/index.htm|title=EA Community Update "To Play (Ranked) or Not to Play (Ranked)"|publisher=Electronic Arts|access-date=September 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028054129/http://www.evenbalance.com/publications/bf2-pl/index.htm|archive-date=October 28, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="EA Official Ranked Server Settings">{{cite web|url=http://www.evenbalance.com/publications/bf2-pl/index.htm|title=EA Official Ranked Server Settings|publisher=Electronic Arts|access-date=September 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028054129/http://www.evenbalance.com/publications/bf2-pl/index.htm|archive-date=October 28, 2008|url-status=dead}}
</ref>

=== Maps ===
[[File:MapScaleFeature.jpg|thumb|400px|right|3 variations for the Gulf of Oman map]]
''Battlefield 2'' offers 15 maps for the players to play but shipped with 12.<ref name="Gamespot review page 2">{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Ocampo|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/review.html?page=2|title=Battlefield 2 Review|publisher=GameSpot|date=June 21, 2005|access-date=March 11, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070218125232/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2/review.html?&page=2| archive-date=February 18, 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> These maps are diverse, ranging from swamps such as [[Songhua River|Songhua Stalemate]], to urban areas such as Strike at Karkand, to an unfinished dam known as Kubra Dam. The USMC is present in all maps and faces against either the MEC or the PLA depending on the map. The PLA is present in Far East theaters such as [[Min Mountains|Dragon Valley]] and [[Daqing Field|Daqing Oilfields]]. MEC is present in Middle East theaters such as [[Gulf of Oman]] and Zatar Wetlands. Including the expansion and booster packs, the total number of maps available in the Battlefield 2 series increases to 29.

''Battlefield 2'' maps have 3 variations, each suited for a certain number of players. Each map has 16, 32, and 64 player-suggested variations in which the area of battlefield or playing field is relatively small, medium, and large, respectively. The only exceptions to this are [[Wake Island]] 2007, which is locked at 64-player size and the ''Euro Force'' maps, Operation Smokescreen, [[Great Wall of China|Great Wall]], and Taraba Quarry, which have no 64-player size. 32 and 64 player maps are unavailable to offline players from retailers, but an option is given to download 64 Single player AI bot mods. Other contrasts between these variations other than the size are the number and position of control points and availability of vehicles. As a result, the gameplay of the map is different depending on the variation.<ref name="Gamespot review page 2"/><ref name = "Battlefield 2 Map Information">{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Kosak|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/625274p6.html|title=The Maps of Battlefield: Part 2|publisher=GameSpy|date=June 14, 2005|access-date=March 11, 2007|archive-date=July 20, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720171234/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-2/625274p6.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Plot ==
The game is set in 2007 during a [[World War III|world war]] between various power blocs: the [[United States]], aided by the [[European Union]], is at war against [[Russia]], [[China]] and the fictional Middle Eastern Coalition (MEC), aided by various insurgents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.technewstoday.com/battlefield-games-in-order/|title=All Battlefield Games in Order of Release Date|publisher=Tech News Today|author=José|language=English|date=22 November 2021|accessdate=6 June 2022|archive-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702190907/https://www.technewstoday.com/battlefield-games-in-order/|url-status=live}}</ref>

There is no given reason as to how or why the war broke out. In-game, the European Union and the United States fight China and the MEC. It is mentioned in-game that the US and EU are allies and the EU has negotiated a truce with Russia, but it is unknown if China and the MEC are allies. The game also takes place in different [[Front (military)|fronts]], as the Middle East and China are being invaded by US and EU forces, and the United States is being invaded by Chinese and MEC forces.

== Additional content ==

=== ''Battlefield 2: Special Forces'' ===
{{Infobox video game
|title = Battlefield 2: Special Forces
|collapsible = yes
|image = Battlefield2SF.jpg
| alt = Battlefield 2 Special Forces box cover
|developer = [[Digital Illusions Canada]]
|publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]
|designer = 
|engine = Refractor 2
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
|released = {{Video game release|NA|November 22, 2005}}{{Video game release|JP|November 24, 2005|PAL|November 25, 2005}}
|genre = [[First-person shooter]]|modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer]]
}}

''Battlefield 2'''s first expansion pack, ''Special Forces'', first began its development sometime during or shortly before the release of the original ''Battlefield 2'', and was worked on by DICE's Canadian division.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-2-special-forces-qanda-initial-details/1100-6130167/ | title=Battlefield 2: Special Forces Q&A - Initial Details }}</ref> ''Battlefield'' producer, Mike Doran, commented in August 2005 that "The truth is that work on ''Battlefield 2: Special Forces'' began several months ago."<ref>{{cite web|title=GameSpot interview on Battlefield 2: Special Forces|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2specialforces/news.html?sid=6130167|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=June 28, 2007|archive-date=February 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212194019/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2specialforces/news.html?sid=6130167|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was officially announced on July 14, 2005 and released on November 21 of the same year.<ref>{{cite web|title=GameSpot article: Special Forces heading to Battlefield 2|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2specialforces/news.html?sid=6129037|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=June 28, 2007|archive-date=February 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212050221/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2specialforces/news.html?sid=6129037|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=GameSpot article: BF2's Special Forces ready for action|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2specialforces/news.html?sid=6140319|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=June 28, 2007|archive-date=February 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212050101/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield2specialforces/news.html?sid=6140319|url-status=live}}</ref> The focus of the development was infantry-based combat as opposed to vehicle-centric combat from the original. As such, most of the additional content in the expansion pack can only be used by or for infantry.

The expansion pack provides eight maps, 6 playable factions, and ten more vehicles such as the [[AH-64D Apache]] and [[Mi-24|Mi-35 Hind]], though all jets have been removed. In addition to these new contents, players have access to new equipment such as [[night vision goggles]], [[tear gas]], [[gas mask]]s, zip lines and grappling hooks which can alter gameplay. There are eight more small arms weapons available such as the [[Heckler & Koch G36|G36K/E]] and [[FN SCAR|FN SCAR L/H]] and several weapons from the original are replaced. The expansion offers more awards in the form of badges, ribbons, and medals that players can earn.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visual interface showcasing Battlefield 2: Special Forces content (Flash Player required)|url=http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/specialforces/us/armies.jsp|publisher=Electronic Arts|access-date=June 28, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071024183712/http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/specialforces/us/armies.jsp| archive-date=October 24, 2007| url-status= live}}</ref> Finally, many of the weapons from the expansion may be used in the original ''Battlefield 2''.

=== Booster packs ===
{{Infobox video game
|title       = Battlefield 2: Booster Pack Collection
|collapsible = yes
|image       = Battlefield2BP.jpg
| alt = Battlefield 2 Booster Packs box cover
|developer   = [[Digital Illusions Canada]]
|publisher   = [[Electronic Arts]]
|designer    = 
|engine      = Refractor 2
|platforms   = [[Microsoft Windows]]
|released    = November 20, 2006{{Citation needed|date=August 2014}}
|genre       = [[First-person shooter]]|modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer]]
}}

Booster packs are additional content released for ''Battlefield 2'' that are currently available for free download, and as with ''Special Forces'', they were developed by DICE Canada.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/games/battlefield-2-armored-fury-booster-pack | title=Battlefield 2: Armored Fury }}</ref> The booster packs were later available in retail form as the ''Booster Pack Collection'', containing a [[DVD]] which features these packs, as well as being included in "The Complete Collection", containing a [[DVD]] with both the original game and all of the expansions/booster packs.

Booster packs substantially expand the content to the game, but are different from expansion packs because they are intended to add to the original gameplay and not stand on their own (such as ''Special Forces'' does). The booster packs include new maps, vehicles, and a new [[European Union]] faction.

The two booster packs were included free of charge in the 1.50 update released on September 1, 2009.

==== ''Euro Force'' ====
''Battlefield 2: Euro Force'' is the first booster pack, and was released on March 14, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/battlefield-2-euro-force/pc-794310|title=Battlefield 2: Euro Force|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=September 24, 2015|archive-date=October 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010090749/http://www.ign.com/games/battlefield-2-euro-force/pc-794310|url-status=live}}</ref> The booster pack allows players to play as a new [[European Union]] army, armed with new weapons and vehicles from the various countries of the EU. It is available for purchase online at the [[Electronic Arts]] download service, or as part of the retail ''Booster Pack Collection''. It was scheduled for release in February, but was delayed due to a substantial number of new bugs caused by the release of [[Patch (computing)|patch]] 1.2. It features a whole new army, 4 new vehicles, 3 new maps, and 7 new weapons such as the [[L85A2]] with [[AG36]] GL, the [[FAMAS]], the [[Heckler & Koch HK53|HK53]], the [[Heckler & Koch HK21|HK21]], and the [[Benelli M4]]. Some of the vehicles for the EU military include the [[Challenger 2]], [[Eurocopter Tiger]], [[Leopard 2A6]] and the [[Eurofighter]]. The maps include 'The Great Wall of China', against the [[People's Liberation Army]] of China, where the EU army is trying to gain a strong foothold in northern China, to reinforce their American allies in the south later on. 'Operation Smoke Screen' features the EU army fighting the MEC in the Middle East for precious oil fields, and the third map, 'Taraba Quarry', where the EU army is trying to reinforce American positions in the south. Mindful of the European plans, the MEC tries to stall the EU, where the Europeans must confront their enemies because that route is the only possible path along that side of the [[Caspian Sea]].

It was made free with patch 1.5.<ref name="help.ea.com">{{cite web |url=http://help.ea.com/en/article/obtaining-the-latest-updates-for-battlefield-2/ |title=Battlefield 2 - Obtaining the Latest Updates for Battlefield 2 |access-date=2015-08-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923070737/http://help.ea.com/en/article/obtaining-the-latest-updates-for-battlefield-2/ |archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref>

==== ''Armored Fury'' ====
''Battlefield 2: Armored Fury'' is the second booster pack released for ''Battlefield 2'' and was released on June 6, 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battlefield 2: Booster Pack - Armored Fury (2006) |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/22855/battlefield-2-booster-pack-armored-fury/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=MobyGames |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Butts |first=Steve |date=2006-06-05 |title=Battlefield 2: Armored Fury |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/06/05/battlefield-2-armored-fury |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> It added three new maps, as well as two new vehicle classes: attack jets for close air support and [[reconnaissance]] helicopters that operate as a mobile UAV. The booster pack has the USMC defending U.S. soil from invasions from the PLA and MEC. Operation Midnight Sun features the Chinese landing at the Alaskan port [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]] where they are trying to secure much needed fuel from the pipeline. Operation Road Rage is a MEC vs. USMC map, where the MEC are using US Highways to transport units to industrial areas. Operation Harvest sees the United States trying to stall the MEC en route to the capital of [[Washington, D.C.|Washington D.C]]. from the northwest, being blocked in a [[Pennsylvania Dutch Country|Pennsylvania Dutch]] farm, while waiting for reinforcements. New vehicles include Attack or Close Air Support aircraft such as the [[A-10 Thunderbolt II]], [[Su-39]] and the [[Nanchang Q-5]] as well as new light utility helicopters such as [[MD Helicopters MH-6 Little Bird|MH-6 Little Bird]], [[EC-635]] and the [[Changhe Z-11|Z-11]]. As well as the addition of new helicopters and planes, DICE also added the [[Muscle Car]] and [[Semi-trailer truck|Semi Truck]]. However, the proposed [[AV-8 Harrier II|AV-8B Harrier]] was cut from the add-on due to balancing issues.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official EA Armored Fury website|url=http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/battlefield2/us/armoredfury.jsp|access-date=May 26, 2006|archive-date=October 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011013732/http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/battlefield2/us/armoredfury.jsp|url-status=live}}</ref>

Like Euro Force, it was made free with patch 1.5.<ref name="help.ea.com"/>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Listen
|filename=Battlefield 2 Armored Fury theme.ogg
|title=Battlefield 2 - Armored Fury theme
|description=41 second sample from the Main theme of ''Armored Fury''.
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
The soundtrack of Battlefield 2 consists of 18 tracks composed and created by Fredrik Englund, David Tallroth, and Jonas Östholm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/battlefield-2/details/?platform=pc|title=Battlefield 2 Details & Credits|work=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=October 4, 2014|archive-date=June 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627002402/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/battlefield-2/details|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/battlefield-2/credits|title=Battlefield 2 Credits|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|access-date=October 4, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006121913/http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/battlefield-2/credits|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 91/100<ref name="mc">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/battlefield-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Battlefield 2 for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=June 8, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115053151/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/battlefield-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| G4 = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Bemis|url=http://g4tv.com/games/pc/24925/battlefield-2/review/|title=Battlefield 2 for PC – Reviews|publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]]|date=August 2, 2005|access-date=July 29, 2009|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306200530/http://www.g4tv.com/games/pc/24925/battlefield-2/review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.3/10<ref name="gspot"/>
| GSpy = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="Gamespy review pg1"/>
| IGN = 8.9/10<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Adams|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/627/627218p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050622051516/http://pc.ign.com/articles/627/627218p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 22, 2005|title=IGN: Battlefield 2 Review|publisher=IGN|date=June 19, 2005|access-date=July 29, 2009}}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[GameSpot]]
| award1 = Best Multiplayer game of 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=2&page=17|title=GameSpot's Best of 2005|access-date=July 29, 2009|archive-date=October 20, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020182908/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=2&page=17|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| award2Pub = [[Maximum PC]]'s
| award2 = 2006 Multiplayer game of the Year Award<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maximumpc.com/article/2006_gaming_awards?page=0%2C1|title=Maximum PC's 2006 Gaming Awards|newspaper=Pcgamer|access-date=July 29, 2009|archive-date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224194727/http://www.maximumpc.com/article/2006_gaming_awards?page=0,1|url-status=live}}</ref>
| award3Pub = [[Game Critics Awards]]
| award3 = Best Online Multiplayer 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html|title=Game Critics Awards – Games|access-date=July 29, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090623153723/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html| archive-date=June 23, 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>
}}

The game received widespread critical acclaim, garnering an aggregate score of 91/100 from 55 reviews on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="mc"/> It received five stars out of five from publications [[Yahoo! Games]], [[GameSpy]], [[X-Play]] and [[Computer Gaming World]]. [[PC Gamer]] awarded it 94%, stating, "Its finely tuned maps and balanced gameplay prove that you ''can'' improve on perfection," and honored it as Game of the Year.<ref>{{cite news|title=PC Gamer|page=56|date=September 2005|title-link=PC Gamer}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] rated the game 9.3 out of 10 claiming that "when you experience ''Battlefield 2'' like it's meant to be played, with everyone working together and using real-time voice chat, the game quickly becomes unlike anything else that you've played before."<ref name="gspot"/>

Some of the lower scores were reactions to the large amount of [[Software bug|bugs]] and [[glitch]]es in the initial release, including crash to desktop bugs and network problems. For example, Gaming Nexus (who awarded the game an 8.7 out of 10) reported, "I’ve had many cool experiences playing it and a lot of 'did I just see that' moments but all of that is crapped on by the bugs and quirks in the game."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&ArticleType=1&OldUID=755|title=Gaming Nexus' Battlefield 2 Review|access-date=May 20, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318203001/http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&ArticleType=1&OldUID=755|archive-date=March 18, 2006}}</ref>

[[GamesRadar]] approved of the game, awarding a 90%, but added a disclaimer that the gaming experience is best "if your machine is up to it".<ref name="Battlefield 2 Review performance comment">{{cite web | url=http://gamesradar.com/us/pc/game/reviews/article.jsp?articleId=20060223164229519035&sectionId=1000 | title=Battlefield 2 Review | date=February 26, 2006 | publisher = GamesRadar| access-date=May 20, 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060428215643/http://gamesradar.com/us/pc/game/reviews/article.jsp?articleId=20060223164229519035&sectionId=1000| archive-date=April 28, 2006 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Battlefield 2 system requirements">{{cite web | url=http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/battlefield2/us/features.jsp | title=Battlefield 2 Product Description | publisher=EA Games | access-date=February 4, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130045957/http://www.ea.com/official/battlefield/battlefield2/us/features.jsp | archive-date=January 30, 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref> GameSpot's review agreed with the high system requirements noting that "the load times are one of the biggest gripes that we have, as you will spend quite a bit of time waiting for a game to start up, even on high-end machines...also a bit demanding in the hardware department."<ref name="gspot"/>

''Battlefield 2'' sold 1.2 million copies in its first month after release.<ref name="Battlefield 2 Breaks a Million Sales">{{cite web | url=http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/8911/Battlefield-2-Breaks-a-Million-Sales | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126013439/http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/8911/Battlefield-2-Breaks-a-Million-Sales | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 26, 2013 | title=Battlefield 2 Breaks a Million Sales | publisher = IGN| access-date=June 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afjv.com/press0508/050822_ventes_battlefield.htm |title=&#91;afjv&#93; - Battlefield dépasse le million de copies vendues |website=www.afjv.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051017060532/http://www.afjv.com/press0508/050822_ventes_battlefield.htm |archive-date=17 October 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Total sales by July 2006 were 2,225,000.<ref name="Battlefield 2 Review">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamermall.com/computer-games/reviews/battlefield-2.htm | title=Battlefield 2 Review | publisher=GamerMall | access-date=June 9, 2012 | archive-date=May 31, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531132803/http://www.gamermall.com/computer-games/reviews/battlefield-2.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> It received a "Gold" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name=goldelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319031650/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3943 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3943 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Gold |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=March 19, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 200,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''Battlefield 2'' won ''[[PC Gamer US]]''{{'}}s "Best Multiplayer Game 2005" and "Game of the Year 2005" awards. The magazine's Dan Stapleton wrote, "Few other games in the history of the medium have so effectively captured the visceral feeling of modern military combat in an urban environment".<ref name=pcgamerusawards2005>{{cite journal |date=March 2006 | title=The Twelfth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards | volume=13 | number=3 | pages=33–36, 38, 40–42, 44 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | author=Stapleton, Dan }}</ref>  The editors of ''[[Computer Games Magazine]]'' presented ''Battlefield 2'' with their 2005 awards for "Best Action Game" and "Best Multiplayer", and named it the year's second-best computer game overall. They called it "perhaps the most thrilling example of how far shooters have come in the last few years."<ref name=cgm15th>{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=[[Computer Games Magazine]] | title=The Best (and Worst) of 2005; The 15th Annual ''Computer Games'' Awards |date=March 2006 | issue=184 | pages=42–47 }}</ref>

During the [[9th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] awarded ''Battlefield 2'' with "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|First-Person Action Game of the Year]]" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay]]", along with a nomination for "Computer Game of the Year".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2006&idGame=116 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Battlefield 2 |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|35em}}

== External links ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071010063403/http://battlefield.ea.com/battlefield/bf2/ Official website] via [[Internet Archive]]
*[https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/battlefield-2 ''Battlefield 2''] at [[MobyGames]]

{{Battlefield series|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2005 video games]]
[[Category:Battlefield (video game series)|* 03]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Electronic Arts games]]
[[Category:Esports games]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Inactive multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games with co-operative vehicle control]]
[[Category:Fiction about the People's Liberation Army]]
[[Category:Python (programming language)-scripted video games]]
[[Category:Sequel video games]]
[[Category:Video games about the Special Air Service]]
[[Category:Video games about the United States Marine Corps]]
[[Category:Video games about the United States Navy SEALs]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Sweden]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Canada]]
[[Category:Video games set in 2007]]
[[Category:Video games set in Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Alaska]]
[[Category:Video games set in China]]
[[Category:Video games set in Iraq]]
[[Category:Video games set in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Kuwait]]
[[Category:Video games set in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Video games set in Qatar]]
[[Category:Video games set in the Middle East]]
[[Category:Video games set in Russia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Saudi Arabia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Syria]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:War video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows-only games]]
[[Category:Works about Chinese military personnel]]
[[Category:World War III video games]]