Battlefield 2 is a classic multiplayer game that still features an incredibly large community. You can still find full servers at all hours of the day, because the community is very passionate. Recently, EA announced that GameSpy, the server company that hosted the Battlefield 2 servers, will close its doors on June 30, 2014, effectively preventing users from playing Battlefield 2. Fortunately, the community has already reacted and they are in. development of patches made by fans that will allow players to continue to compete on the internet after the closure of GameSpy. Start from Step 1 to learn how to connect using GameSpy, how to connect when GameSpy closes, and how to play once connected.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Connect to a Server
Using the Browser Within the Game
Note: The in-game server browser will stop working on June 30, 2014. This is because GameSpy, the service that hosted the Battlefield 2 servers, has been shut down. To continue playing on the internet after June 30th, please read the following section
Step 1. Install and update Battlefield 2
In order to play online, you will need to have the latest version of Battlefield 2 installed. You can download patches directly from the EA website.
If you are installing Battlefield 2 from a disc, you will need to download and install patch 1.41, followed by patch 1.50
Step 2. Install PunkBuster
This is the anti-cheat program used by Battlefield2, and you will need to have it in order to connect to the servers. You can download it for free from the official website.
- On the main PunkBuster page, click the "Download PBSetup" button to download the installation file.
- Once PunkBuster is installed, click the "Add Game" button and select Battlefield 2 from the drop-down menu. Click the "Check for Updates" button to make sure you have the latest version of the program.
Step 3. Create an account
Once the game is installed and ready, click the "BFHQ" button and then the "Manage Account" button. Fill in the fields to create an account. You will need to create an account in order to play online.
- Your account name must be unique. If you choose one that is already in use, you will need to find another one.
- You will need a valid email address in order to create an account.
Step 4. Find a server
Click the "Multiplayer" button at the top of the screen. Click the "Access the Internet" button that appears below to load the server list. In the server list you will be able to see the map in use, the number of players connected, the game mode, and the ping, which is a representation of your connection speed to the server. A lower ping indicates a better connection.
You can use the filters at the bottom of the screen to customize the server list
Step 5. Connect to the server
Once you have selected the server you want, click the "Join Server" button in the lower right corner to connect. You will connect to the server and the map will start loading. Once the upload is complete, the game will begin and the Crafting menu will open.
Use Community Patch
Step 1. Update your Battlefield 2 version
In order to connect to the community server list, you will need to make sure your game is at version 1.50. If it is not already up to date, you will need to install version 1.41 first and then 1.50. You can download the patch files from the Battlelog.co website, in the Downloads section.
Note: The Project Reality and Forgotten Hope 2 mods have independently developed custom server lists, which you will be able to play on after GameSpy is closed, if you have the latest version of the mod
Step 2. Register your name
Use the "Register Now" button on the Battlelog.co website to register your soldier on the community server list. This will allow you to continue leveling up.
Make sure you register with the same name you used on the official Battlefield 2 version, or your stats won't import correctly. If you have never played BF2 before, please register with the name of your choice
Step 3. Install the Revive BF2 patch
This is the community-created patch that replaces GameSpy functionality with a community-owned server list. You will need to install this patch in order to connect to the servers after GameSpy is closed. The patch will be available on the Battlelog.co website, in the Downloads section.
The patch is still in development and is currently unavailable. Keep checking Battlelog.co for patch release date information. The patch is expected to be available before GameSpy closes on June 30, 2014
Step 4. Open Battlefield 2 Once the patch is installed, you will be able to open Battlefield 2 and open the server browser
Choose the server you want to join and connect as you normally would.
Method 2 of 2: Play
Step 1. Choose your equipment
When you start a game, you will see the Creation screen. Here you can choose where to appear on the map, and select your equipment or kit. Your kit will have a big impact on your play style, because it will determine the weapons and equipment at your disposal.
- Special Forces - Special Forces are equipped with a good mid-range rifle and the C4, which can inflict severe damage on vehicles and infantry.
- Support - the support kit offers heavy machine guns useful for defending positions. Support kits also give you supplies that help your teammates and earn you points.
- Medic - The Medic Kit offers a decent weapon, but its primary purpose is to heal and revive fellow players. Thanks to the number of points you can earn, and the ease of use of the Medic's primary weapon, this is a great class for beginners.
- Sniper - the sniper kit is designed for long-range combat with a powerful anti-infantry rifle. Snipers can also plant Claymore to protect defensive positions or hiding places. Snipers are usually beaten in close quarters, so move often.
- Engineers - Engineers have a shotgun for close combat, but they have no way of engaging enemies from a distance. However, they can repair vehicles and place anti-tank mines.
- Anti-Tank - Anti-tank soldiers are equipped with an anti-tank shoulder rocket. This powerful rocket can disable most vehicles, but you should hit them from behind to deal more damage.
- Assault - Shock Soldiers do not have specific skills they can use in battle, but they are equipped with the best rifles and armor, making them perfect for direct engagements with other infantry soldiers and for capturing control points.
Step 2. Play as a team
Battlefield 2 is a game that is very focused on teamwork, and the team that plays best together will almost always win. Working as a team will allow you to fight much better than if you were acting alone, as you can rely on your teammates for support and care.
- Join a team from the Crafting menu. This will allow you to appear directly in the position of your squad leader, and you can control the movements of your teammates on the map with ease.
- Use the microphone if you have one. You won't have to talk all the time, but having a microphone helps you draw attention to targets and confirm that your teammates have received orders and information.
Step 3. Get to know the maps
The maps in Battlefield 2 are huge. In some cases truly boundless. While you won't be able to learn all the maps right away, and some never, you should try to remember the most important areas and features. Since games require you to capture specific points, it will be very useful for you to know the geography of each Control Point.
- Getting to know the maps takes time. As you play, you will unconsciously learn the maps and become familiar with the flow of the game. Don't be discouraged initially because you can't figure out where the shots are coming from.
- As you learn the maps, you can start using advanced tactics like encirclement to catch the enemy off guard.
Step 4. Lie down and take cover
You won't last long if you run out into the open. If you have to stop to plan your next move, make sure you are well hidden so that a sniper can't take you out on the other side of the map. Crawling will make you move slower, but you will be a much smaller target and can often penetrate enemy lines without being seen.
When you are lying down, your weapons will be much more accurate
Step 5. Shoot in short bursts
If you hold the trigger on your automatic weapon, you will soon find that you cannot hit your target. Accuracy is very important in Battlefield 2, and shooting using short, controlled bursts can help improve yours tremendously.
Many automatic weapons allow you to change the firing mode in single shot, and this will greatly improve your accuracy. You can change the firing mode by pressing that weapon's selection number (for example, to change the firing mode of your primary weapon, press 3 after selecting it)
Step 6. Aim for the head
Headshots with any weapon are much more devastating than body shots. Practice always aiming for the heads of your enemies. You will be much more likely to be able to take them out in one fell swoop this way.
Press the right mouse button to look through the viewfinder and increase your shooting accuracy
Step 7. Reload often
Reload your weapon whenever you are not in combat. You will always need to have as many shots as possible to be ready for battle.
Avoid reloading during a firefight. Switch to your gun instead and keep shooting. It is much quicker to switch to the pistol than to reload the main weapon
Step 8. Use the vehicles
Vehicles are one of the main features of Battlefield, and are essential for winning. Vehicles are complex machines and getting used to them can take time - that's why beginners don't like to use them. This is especially true for airplanes.
Enter an empty server if you want to practice driving planes and tanks. This will allow you to fly around the map without risking killing your teammates or wasting a vehicle
Step 9. Capture the points to win
Battlefield 2's main mode is Conquest. In this mode, each team will try to capture and hold different points on the map. Each team receives a limited number of reinforcements, and if a team controls more than half of the points, the opponents' reinforcements will be consumed more quickly.
