Battlefield 2042 preorder: Editions, bonuses, and where to buy

Battlefield 2042
Battlefield 2042 (Image credit: Electronic Arts)

Electronic Arts has unveiled Battlefield 2042, the next entry in its hit military shooter franchise, headed to consoles and PC later this year. The upcoming title marks a bold new step for Battlefield, doubling down on a multiplayer-only experience, expanding to ambitious 128-player lobbies, with larger maps than ever. Its near-future setting ushers in a fresh new identity for the franchise, already receiving widespread acclaim following its debut unveiling.

Battlefield 2042 is expected to launch on Oct. 22, according to Electronic Arts, with a cross-generational release, spanning Xbox One and PS4, alongside Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. The game looks to join some 2021's biggest launches, and with preorders now live, we have a breakdown of every edition and included contents.

Three editions of Battlefield 2042 will be up for grabs, with the standard version of Battlefield 2042 providing access to all main game content, followed by Gold and Ultimate editions. All preorders include access to exclusive in-game content and bonuses, the Battlefield 2042 beta shipping before launch, and early access to the game on Oct. 15.

There are also discrepancies in Battlefield 2042 across console generations, with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions firmly separated from PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions. These more advanced copies won't just look prettier, but also have larger player counts and maps for different multiplayer gameplay. That also sees upgraded next-gen console versions start at $70 in the U.S., while older consoles can purchase the game from $60. Gold and Ultimate editions, both including a cross-gen bundle, are $10 dearer on consoles compared to PC.

Battlefield 2042 Standard Edition

Battlefield 2042 Standard Edition

Source: Electronic Arts Inc. (Image credit: Source: Electronic Arts Inc.)

The standard copy of Battlefield 2042 includes the base experience, including access to the full suite of gameplay, including all playable Specialists and multiplayer maps. The game, promising free updates for all through its live service approach, also alleviates the need to purchase map packs post-launch.

Those who preorder Battlefield 2042 gain seven-day early access on Oct. 15, plus early entry to the open beta slated for closer to launch. You also gain the "Pre Order Pack," with exclusive cosmetics available only to those who purchase a copy before the street date.

  • Battlefield 2042 game
  • Early access from Oct. 15
  • Early open beta access
  • Pre Order Pack
    • Baku ACB-90 melee takedown knife
    • "Mr. Chompy" Epic weapon charm
    • "Landfall" player card background
    • "Old Guard" tag

Battlefield 2042 is available for $60 on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, with Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 costing $70 for the standard edition.

Battlefield 2042 'Gold Edition'

Battlefield 2042 Gold Edition

Source: Electronic Arts Inc. (Image credit: Source: Electronic Arts Inc.)

Upgrading to the Battlefield 2042 Gold Edition likely provides the best deal for fans, bundling the same perks as the standard edition, plus access to the "Year 1 Pass." It leaves you set for all future Battlefield 2042 updates in the first year after launch, including four new playable Specialists, four battle passes, plus additional skin bundles. Other benefits, including seven-day early access and open beta priority also apply to this tier.

For console owners, the Gold Edition also includes the cross-gen bundle, unlocking access to both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game, or those for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It ensures your copy is futureproofed for the latest systems once you upgrade, unlocking the expanded multiplayer, visual enhancements, and more. The complete list of Battlefield 2042 Gold Edition contents follows below:

  • Battlefield 2042 game
  • Early access from Oct. 15
  • Early open beta access
  • Pre Order Pack
    • Baku ACB-90 melee takedown knife
    • "Mr. Chompy" Epic weapon charm
    • "Landfall" player card background
    • "Old Guard" tag
  • Year 1 Pass Pack
    • 4 new Specialists (one per season)
    • 4 battle passes (one per season)
    • 3 Epic skin bundles

The Battlefield 2042 Gold Edition costs $90 on PC, while console versions, playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, or PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, cost $100 in the U.S.

Battlefield 2042 'Ultimate Edition'

Battlefield 2042 Ultimate Edition

Source: Electronic Arts Inc. (Image credit: Source: Electronic Arts Inc.)

The top-tier Battlefield 2042 offering can be found with the Ultimate Edition, a bundle packed with all the bonuses seen in previous editions, plus further bonuses. The exclusive items include the "Midnight Ultimate Bundle," a cosmetic skin pack only accessible through this premium copy, plus a digital artbook and soundtrack.

The price disparity is still here between console and PC versions, with Electronic Arts bundling Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions, or PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions, into one all-inclusive package. You also get seven-day early access, priority for the open beta, and the Year 1 Pass, including new Specialists and battle passes into 2022.

  • Battlefield 2042 game
  • Early access from Oct. 15
  • Early open beta access
  • Pre Order Pack
    • Baku ACB-90 melee takedown knife
    • "Mr. Chompy" Epic weapon charm
    • "Landfall" player card background
    • "Old Guard" tag
  • Year 1 Pass Pack
    • 4 new Specialists (one per season)
    • 4 battle passes (one per season)
    • 3 Epic skin bundles
  • Midnight Ultimate Bundle
    • "Shadow Stalker" Legendary outfit
    • "Obsidian" Legendary weapon skin
    • "Onyx" Legendary vehicle skin
  • Official digital artbook
  • Exclusive digital soundtrack

The Battlefield 2042 Gold Edition costs $110 on PC, while console versions, playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, or PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, cost $120 in the U.S.

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.