The highly anticipated second and concluding weekend of the Battlefield 2042 beta is now live, presenting gamers with another chance to dive into its action-packed multiplayer experience. While we anticipated fresh content for this final stretch – including a new map and game modes – the developers at DICE have also introduced some additional refinements.
Some of these additions are quite standard, almost expected, while others offer insights into the development team’s current focus.
With the incorporation of the “Empire State” map, as well as the “Rush” and “Squad Deathmatch” game variants, the number of available choices has increased. To accommodate this expanded selection, the Battlefield 2042 beta’s main menu will showcase a regularly updated series of playlists, combining different maps and modes.
These playlists will be refreshed daily throughout the beta period. However, not every possible combination will be available on each day. More significant than the playlists themselves is the “Custom Search” feature.
While it’s not a traditional server browser – though DICE has hinted that one might be in development – this feature allows players to specify preferred maps and modes while excluding those they dislike. You could even limit it to a single map and mode if you’re looking for a dedicated, non-stop experience on your favorite battleground.
However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind regarding the Custom Search. Firstly, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be placed in matches that perfectly align with your preferences. The system prioritizes your choices, but if a suitable match isn’t found within a reasonable timeframe, you’ll be placed in a match that may not completely fulfill your criteria.
Additionally, for an unspecified reason, the feature only supports “Open Weapon” modes, preventing you from selecting “Closed Weapon” modes when using Custom Search.
Reviewing the schedule of daily playlist rotations, detailed below, is highly recommended. It not only outlines what to expect each day of the beta but also reveals some odd inconsistencies regarding mode assignments to different banners.
Battlefield 2042 Beta Weekend Two Playlists
Day One – Thursday, August 14
- Conquest.
- Rush.
- Attack & Defend (Breakthrough, Rush).
- Close Quarters – Fast-paced playlist on smaller maps (Domination, King of the Hill).
- Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare (Conquest, Breakthrough).
Day Two – Friday, August 15
- Conquest.
- Squad Deathmatch.
- Close Quarters – Fast-paced playlist on smaller maps (Domination, King of the Hill, Squad Deathmatch).
- All-Out Warfare; Epic battles across expansive maps (Conquest, Breakthrough, Rush).
- Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare (Conquest, Breakthrough).
Days Three & Four – Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17
- Conquest.
- Close Quarters – Fast-paced playlist on smaller maps (Domination, King of the Hill, Squad Deathmatch).
- All-Out Warfare; Epic battles across expansive maps (Conquest, Breakthrough, Rush).
- Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare (Conquest, Breakthrough).