Star Wars Battlefront 2 has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, with a significant surge in its player base. This unexpected revival can be attributed to several recent developments within the broader Star Wars universe, which have reignited interest in the beloved sci-fi franchise. One of the most influential events was the celebration of May 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, which annually unites fans across the world in celebration of the galaxy-spanning saga. This year’s festivities were amplified by the cinematic re-release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, reminding fans of some of the franchise’s most iconic moments.
Another contributing factor to the uptick in players is the release of Fortnite’s Galactic Battle event, which introduced an Imperial-themed takeover within the popular battle royale title. This event appears to have rekindled nostalgia for classic Star Wars battles and brought many fans back to Battlefront 2, eager to experience more authentic Star Wars combat scenarios.
Originally released in 2017, Star Wars Battlefront 2 was developed by DICE in collaboration with Criterion Games and Motive Studios. It features an original narrative centered around Iden Versio, a member of the Imperial special forces who ultimately defects to the New Republic. The game is widely regarded as one of the most immersive Star Wars experiences available, combining thrilling ground combat with large-scale space battles and ship-boarding mechanics. Its blend of action and cinematic storytelling has earned it a place among other acclaimed space-themed games such as Executive Assault 2, Heat Signature, and FTL: Faster Than Light.
A recent spike in player activity was first observed by a TikTok gaming account, noting that the game’s active player count on the PC platform Steam had reached its highest point since 2021. This resurgence coincided with the finale of the critically acclaimed Disney Plus series Andor, which has been praised for its compelling storytelling and deeper exploration of the Star Wars universe. The show’s success seems to have inspired a renewed passion among fans, leading them back to interactive experiences like Battlefront 2.
Interestingly, the game even managed to climb into the top 25 most-played titles on Xbox, surpassing major titles such as Halo and Destiny. This feat is particularly impressive considering the game hasn’t received any new updates in over five years, showing the enduring appeal of its gameplay and Star Wars setting.
The current wave of positive news is a welcome shift from earlier concerns in April, when issues with hackers had disrupted the game’s online functionality. Now, with the player base growing once again and enthusiasm surrounding Star Wars media at a high point, the community is turning its attention to the future.
Many fans are once again voicing their hopes for a third installment in the series. The rise in Battlefront 2’s popularity has reignited discussions about the canceled Star Wars Battlefront 3 project, with the community expressing strong support for its revival. Enthusiasts argue that a new game could deliver the ultimate live-service Star Wars experience, building on the solid foundation laid by the first two titles. With the fanbase showing such clear and passionate interest, perhaps the time is right for the publisher to reconsider and complete what could be an unforgettable trilogy.
