What to do before EA removes Battlefield Hardline on May 22nd

Battlefield Hardline is one of the most unique entries in the franchise, as it is not about a war. Instead, it features cops going on drug busts around Miami and LA. It was released about a decade ago at this point, and it's never been remastered or ported to modern consoles like the PS5. Since it's backwards compatible, there was seemingly no need for EA to do anything.

However, EA announced it recently Battlefield Hardline would be delisted on PSN and the Xbox Store on May 22nd, making it impossible to purchase on PS4 or Xbox One. Then, the online services will cease to function on June 22making it another victim in a long line of delisted games. Time is ticking for new fans to buy the game or for old fans to play the multiplayer modes. Let's go over why this is important and what beginners and fans should do going forward.

Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)

Start

Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.

Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)Start

Buy the game

Or get it through Game Pass ASAP

right now, Battlefield Hardline is not that expensive on any of the major digital platforms. It sells out regularly, which makes sense considering it's over a decade old, having been released in 2015. The normal cost on most platforms where it's available is around $20. The great thing about the Xbox Store is that if players have Xbox Game Pass, they automatically have EA+, giving them access to a ton of games to download for free. Battlefield Hardline is one of those games, so if gamers are looking for the best platform to check it out on without costing a penny, Xbox Game Pass is it.

Xbox Game Pass is a great way to play a lot of shooters, so this isn't too surprising. This version doesn't come with any of the DLC for multiplayer, but since it's being discontinued on consoles anyway, it would be a waste to invest in it. It even seems silly to buy the DLC with the PC version, because while EA hasn't said it's shutting it down, that could change at any time. Now, getting it via EA+ won't secure a digital copy forever, as access to the license may disappear. Fans will have to decide if they want to own it digitally or just play it as a curiosity.

Invest in a hard copy before prices skyrocket

Never know when it will come in handy

If fans played the game in 2015, loved it, but just never bought it in any way, there's a better way to keep loving it forever. They should buy a physical copy of the game for PS4 or Xbox One. As part of one of EA's premier franchises, many copies of Battlefield Hardline was printed, so finding one in the wild shouldn't be too difficult. Online on platforms like Amazon, the game floats around $20, like the digital versions. Regardless, it shouldn't be that difficult or expensive to buy a physical copy, and there are reasons why this is better than digital. Also, since the hard copies will be the only way players can purchase the game on PS4 and Xbox One, physical copies could skyrocket in value.

While the online multiplayer will be shut down in June, servers cannot prevent players from enjoying the single player game. This is true digitally as well, but stores have removed the ability to re-download the game if, in some rare cases, it is removed from the list. For example, it's not a game specifically, but those who downloaded the demo by PT can play it if they currently have a digital download on their PS4. However, they cannot download it from the store again. The point is, there's a reason why many video game fans still cling to physical releases and why they get upset when the cassette or disc isn't actually kept completely in the box. thankfully, Battlefield Hardline is already done, not including patches, but that's a whole other story.

Play through the campaign with Stealth

Try to be non-lethal

Buying aside, let's get to the meat of this topic: the game itself. As detective Nicholas Mendoza, players will go on missions with their partner to stop various drug busts or militant gangs in areas of Miami and LA instead of most Battlefield game, Battlefield Hardline isn't just a first-person shooter that tells players to shoot enemies to “win” the day. They can approach most missions with an open mind, at least when it comes to taking criminals. Players can get involved Battlefield Hardline like a stealth game, that non-lethally takes down criminals by sneaking up and knocking them out, flashing their badge and then handcuffing them or tasing them to knock them out.

By incapacitating enemies, players will earn points that accumulate and unlock new gear to equip. In each mission, certain high-profile criminals will unlock even more bonuses if players at least take them down non-lethally, and there's a scanner so players can recognize faces from their draft list. Players can even use bullet casings to lure enemies away from each other to pick them off one by one, and there's a radar system on the map to indicate aiming cones. Battlefield Hardline maybe it isn't Splinter cell or Metal Gearbut it's a decent stealth game, and the non-lethal options, especially in a game about cops, are much appreciated, and players should try playing it this way first.

Experience the campaign as an action cop in the 80s

Become a Renegade Cop

With all the non-lethal options Battlefield Hardlineit is clear that the developer, Visceral Games, wanted to encourage players not to be a cop who shot first and asked questions later, like in classic cop movies from Bad Boys to Lethal weapon. That being said, once players master the entire game without fatality, then they should replay missions as if they were a renegade cop in an action movie. If players were successful in their takedowns, that means they probably got a lot of cool weapons that they ignored because they were deadly, like rifles and shotguns.

The Battlefield game has good shooting mechanics on par with Call of Dutyso it would be a shame not to put Battlefield Hardlines weapons through their paces.

The game will also go much faster this way as players won't have to worry about getting the perfect takedown. That doesn't mean the game will be easier, because taking care of dozens of angry criminals all blasting bullets will create a more hectic environment. It honestly feels like two games in one, which stealth game fans are used to. Playing Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater as an action game and not a stealth game is a completely different experience, just to throw out another example. So, if players like their time with Battlefield Hardlinethen they should play the campaign from every angle they can.

Play through some multiplayer modes with friends

Celebrate before things go offline

The one thing that will be gone forever, no matter what pre-planning gamers do, is multiplayer access on consoles. Battlefield Hardlines PC servers will remain live until EA announces a change. While the number of players has probably evaporated on consoles at this point over a decade later, a surge could occur due to the delisting announcement any day now. Gamers basically have a month to enjoy the game on consoles, so if they rally, they can really give it a send off.

Without purchasing any DLC, there are a variety of modes to explore, such as the ever-popular Team Deathmatch. Heist is a unique match where thieves try to steal loot while cops try to stop them, while Hotwire has to drive and steal cars, and Rescue involves cops trying to rescue hostages from criminals, and the list goes on. While getting a good online match going without dedicated friends can seem difficult to anyone trying to start something, those who bought Battlefield Hardline should at least check the game daily until the console servers close in June. The campaign is the real reason to play Battlefield Hardlinebut there are some fun modes to check out online as well.