Battlefield 1 is widely praised as an immersive and atmospheric first-person shooter set in World War I, delivering a gripping blend of emotional storytelling and large-scale multiplayer warfare. The campaign, structured as several short "War Stories," offers diverse perspectives on the war, though some players find these narratives brief and disconnected. Graphically, the game is considered a masterpiece, with detailed environments and world-class sound design that enhance the brutal and chaotic atmosphere of the battlefield.
Multiplayer remains the game's strongest aspect, featuring 64-player battles with destructible environments, period-authentic weapons and vehicles, and dynamic weather. The "Operations" mode is highlighted as a standout, providing multi-stage, strategic gameplay that captures the scale of WWI combat. However, players report technical issues such as launcher and anti-cheat software problems, crashes, and difficulty connecting to servers, which detract from the experience. Despite these flaws, Battlefield 1 retains a loyal player base and is regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise.
Players consistently praise Battlefield 1 for its stunning graphics and sound design, which vividly depict WWI's harsh environments. The campaign's emotional storytelling through multiple perspectives is also commended for humanizing the war.
Multiplayer gameplay shines with large-scale 64-player battles, authentic WWI weapons, vehicles, and dynamic weather effects. The "Operations" mode is especially celebrated for its strategic depth and immersive experience, making each match feel cinematic and intense.
The game's atmosphere, gunplay mechanics, and attention to historical detail stand out as major strengths, contributing to its lasting appeal even years after release.
Common criticisms focus on technical issues such as game crashes, anti-cheat conflicts, and launcher problems, which prevent some players from launching or enjoying multiplayer modes. The reliance on EA's launcher and anti-cheat software is a frequent source of frustration.
The single-player campaign is sometimes described as disjointed and too brief, with limited character development. Multiplayer balance issues, vehicle dominance, and occasional matchmaking difficulties also detract from gameplay.
Additionally, lack of support for platforms like Steam Deck and missing localizations (e.g., Ukrainian) are noted as areas needing improvement.
Battlefield™ 1 takes you back to The Great War, WW1, where new technology and worldwide conflict changed the face of warfare forever.