The Battlefield the series has always been known for its massive battles, destructible buildings and realistic war zones. But beyond the chaos of online matches, the single-player campaigns gave the series a personal side. They showed the human stories behind the weapons and explosions. Some campaigns focused on emotional moments, while others focused on humor or pure action.
Over the years, EA and DICE have experimented with different tones and settings. While some Battlefield promotions were not so good, including Battlefield 6others defined what Battlefield storytelling can be. And for that, they cannot be ignored. During the explosions and chaos, these Battlefield campaigns have offered some of the most narrative and cinematic experiences in first-person shooters.
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Battlefield 4
A visually stunning campaign with big moments but shallow story
Battlefield 4s campaign is packed with action and cinematic moments. It follows Sergeant Daniel Recker and his squad as they deal with global tensions between the United States, China and Russia. The missions take players from collapsing cities to massive naval battles, with explosions and destruction showcasing the game's advanced Frostbite engine.
The story is serviceable but not very deep. It is mostly to tie the missions together. Players spend most of their time fighting through enemy strongholds, controlling tanks or leading attacks while buildings crumble around them.
6
Battlefield 3
A linear modern war story with high stakes
Battlefield 3s campaign focuses on a US Marine, Sergeant Blackburn, caught in a modern global conflict. The missions are cinematic, full of fast camera cuts, explosions and large-scale battles. It plays like a Hollywood war movie, and the pace never slows down.
The campaign includes memorable moments such as crawling through city streets under sniper fire, a tense jet mission and chaotic Paris firefights. The gameplay is sharp and visually impressive, but the story itself feels predictable. It is designed for intensity, not emotional depth.
5
Battlefield 5
Small war stories that highlight different perspectives on the Second World War
Battlefield Vs single-player campaign is divided into short stories called War Stories, just like Battlefield 1. Each story focuses on a different side of World War II, giving players an insight into lesser-known parts of the conflict.
One story follows a young Norwegian resistance fighter; another revolves around a Senegalese soldier serving in France; and the most acclaimed, “The Last Tiger,” puts players in the shoes of a German tank commander near the end of the war. The game also switches between stealth, open combat and vehicle missions.
4
Battlefield 1
Short stories about the First World War
Battlefield 1 tells the story of the First World War through several short chapters called War Stories. Each focuses on a different soldier: a tank driver, a fighter pilot, a messenger or an infantryman trapped behind enemy lines. Instead of a long plot, the game uses small human stories to show the scale and suffering of war.
Each story has a different tone. One mission focuses on friendship and sacrifice within a tank crew, while another captures the freedom and danger of flying biplanes. The variety keeps the campaign emotional and engaging from start to finish. Battlefield 1 did a good job of showing the human side of war without losing the thrill of large-scale battles.
3
Battlefield Hardline
A police drama that mixes crime scenes and explosions
Battlefield Hardline breaks away from military war zones and turns into a police story. The campaign follows Detective Nick Mendoza, a police officer caught in a web of drug dealing, corruption and betrayal. It feels more like a crime show than a war movie, complete with episodes and cliffhangers.
Each mission focuses on urban action. Players raid gang hideouts, chase criminals through the streets and examine evidence. The game lets you arrest suspects instead of killing them, which adds a new tactical layer. But when the bullets start flying, it's pure chaos, with vehicles, explosions and city destruction.
2
Battlefield: Bad Company
A fun, character-focused story about a squad of misfits
Battlefield: Bad Company introduced something new with a story filled with humor and personality. It follows Private Preston Marlowe and his squad of troublemakers known as Bad Company. They are not heroes or villains; they are soldiers who stumble into chaos while chasing rumors of stolen gold.
The campaign mixes comedy with big action moments. Players blow up buildings, steal vehicles and take on entire armies while listening to sarcastic banter between teammates. Each character has a distinct voice, and the writing feels light compared to the usual grim tone of war games. Bad Company's campaign may not be emotionally deep, but it is entertaining. It's the first Battlefield game where players cared as much about the characters as the explosions.
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Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Most balanced campaign
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 builds on what made the first one great. The campaign puts players back with Preston Marlowe and his team, but this time the stakes are higher and the tone a little more serious in places, but the jokes and personality remain central.
The range of missions is expanded, as players can now participate in better urban battles, vehicle-heavy desert battles and stealthy infiltration. The game also introduced more open sections where players could choose how to approach objectives, allowing for emergent tactics that reward creativity.
