During EA Play 2021, publisher Electronics finally revealed the secret mode for Battlefield 2042. It is called Portal and, in addition to allowing players to create their own modes, also brings back 6 map classics from earlier Battlefield installments. MeinMMO summarizes for you what the mode entails.
What is the Portal mode? The mode was not developed by Battlefield developer DICE, but by Ripple Effect Studios. However, the studio was previously known as DICE LA.
In the announcement, EA describes the mode as a “community-driven platform” that provides players with extensive tools to “set their own rules” and thereby create their own game modes. This aligns with the leaks that existed before the official reveal of Battlefield 2042.
In addition to the innovations that Battlefield 2042 brings, Portal also draws on three of the most popular Battlefield installments from the last 19 years:
- Battlefield 1942
- Battlefield: Bad Company 2
- Battlefield 3
From these games, not only will 6 of the most popular map classics return, but also all vehicles, weapons, and other elements will be included.
We will show you which maps these are and what other content the Portal mode offers. First, you can watch the trailer here:
6 of the most popular maps from the last 19 years of Battlefield
In addition to all the innovations such as maps, weapons, and vehicles that will be included in Battlefield 2042, the mode also brings back numerous elements from previous classics.
Which maps can we expect? For each installment, you can expect two maps. Veterans of the respective games will surely be familiar with these:
Battlefield 1942
- El Alamein
- Battle Of The Bulge
El Alamein 
Battle Of The Bulge
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
- Arica Harbor
- Valparaiso
Varaparaiso 
Arica Harbor
Battlefield 3
- Caspian Border
- Noshahr Canals
Caspian Border 
Noshahr Canals
All maps will be updated to the latest technical standards and adapted for Battlefield 2042. Especially the 19-year-old maps from Battlefield 1942 will likely undergo the most significant changes.
Why are these maps so popular? The maps from Battlefield 1942 still evoke nostalgic feelings in numerous players. Back then, the series relied more on sandbox elements and open spaces. Whether this will be retained in the new versions remains to be seen.
The maps from BF: Bad Company 2 are also community favorites. Especially Valparaiso holds a special place in the hearts of fans and has already been heavily speculated as a returnee in Battlefield 2042 after a teaser (via charlieintel.com).
Battlefield 3 is one of the more contemporary community favorites and remains popular today alongside the fairly similar Battlefield 4. Here, two of the most popular maps return with Caspian Border and Noshahr Canals.
While the canals offer more convoluted battles between containers, Caspian Border is more expansive and offers numerous opportunities for both vehicles and infantry soldiers.
You can also watch some gameplay scenes showcasing the possibilities of Portal here:
Battlefield Portal lets you create your own content
How is the mode supposed to work? According to EA, players in the Portal mode will be able to use extensive tools to create custom game modes and make further adjustments.
These contents can then be shared with the community and are available in the game for everyone. Justin Wiebe, Senior Design Director at Ripple Effect, says:
Battlefield Portal is truly a love letter to our passionate and long-time fans. […] We have developed a range of tools that give the community the opportunity to create their own unique Battlefield experiences. At the same time, we bring back these iconic Battlefield classics, so that our veteran players can indulge in them and our new players can experience them for the first time.
According to the announcement, players will have all the freedom to create matches where they can fight each other with knives and defibrillators, or compete with the factions from 1942 against those from 2042.
To do this, there are apparently even tools available that were previously only used by developers. However, you will not be able to change the maps.
Weapons, tools, vehicles from Battlefield classics
What else is in Battlefield Portal? In addition to the maps, numerous weapons from the three installments will also be included, in addition to the arsenal from Battlefield 2042. Moreover, many gadgets from the games will also be present.
This means, in numbers:
- Over 40 weapons
- including M1 Garand, Panzerfaust, G3, and M416
- Over 40 vehicles
- including Spitfire, B17 Bomber, Quad Bike, and Little Bird
- Over 30 tools
- Items like the MAV or Radio Beacon return, and Defi and EOD Bots are also back
- Factions
- The various factions from the installments return as well.
- This includes, for example, the fixed roles of Assault, Support, and Recon from Battlefield 3
The Portal mode will apparently also be supplied with new content after the release of Battlefield 2042 and is part of the game’s live service model.
What comes after release? So far, four seasons have been announced, which are supposed to offer new content such as maps, weapons, and other elements. Moreover, there will be a battle pass for each season.
When will Battlefield 2042 be released? The official release is on October 22. Battlefield 2042 will then be released for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC.
Can you play beforehand? Yes. There will be an open beta before release. This is expected to start in September, but EA has not yet announced a specific date.
Moreover, a technical playtest has been announced. This was originally scheduled for the end of July, but has now been postponed due to the planned crossplay feature.
