Battlefield 2042 has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in its player base on Steam, largely attributed to a surprise content update that has brought a wealth of free additions for returning players. This surge coincides with the conclusion of Battlefield 6's second open beta weekend, with developer DICE cleverly incentivizing players to revisit Battlefield 2042 during the wait for the new title's release.

The promotional image above showcases Battlefield 2042's intense combat scenarios, with operators strategically positioned during firefights. While the game has received consistent monthly updates since its controversial launch, many have focused on refining existing content rather than introducing substantial new features.

Exclusive Rewards Drive Player Engagement

The recently launched Update 9.2 on August 18 has significantly impacted player numbers, pushing Battlefield 2042's peak concurrent Steam users beyond 20,000 for the first time in nearly a year. This update introduces:

• New weapons and vehicles
• A 60-tier free battle pass
• Exclusive cosmetics from previous Battlefield titles
• Rewards redeemable in Battlefield 6 upon its release

The player count spike, while currently only measurable on Steam, likely reflects similar trends across all platforms. Many players transitioning from the Battlefield 6 beta are finding Battlefield 2042 to be an engaging stopgap until the new title's October 10 launch.

The free battle pass remains available until October 7, giving players a limited window to progress through its tiers and secure exclusive Battlefield 6 rewards. DICE has confirmed these rewards will be unobtainable through any other means, though the exact redemption process between games remains unspecified.

Since its launch, DICE has worked diligently to enhance Battlefield 2042 through various collaborations and content updates, including notable crossovers with franchises like Mass Effect. Players who haven't engaged with the game since its initial release may find significant improvements in gameplay and content offerings.