DICE Can Revisit the Depths of Battlefield 3’s Success

Over the years, the Battlefield series has traditionally been more renowned for its multiplayer battles than its single-player campaigns. Yet, despite this, its 23-year history includes several unforgettable solo missions, with a notable contribution from 2011’s Battlefield 3.

Many enthusiasts, including the recently appointed head of Battlefield, Vince Zampella, hold Battlefield 3 in high regard, often considering it the pinnacle of the franchise. The game was groundbreaking at its release, featuring an extensive multiplayer mode complete with advanced destruction mechanics and some of the series’ most iconic maps, paired with a captivating cinematic campaign and even a full-length cooperative mode. So it’s hardly surprising that with Battlefield 6 on the horizon, the developers are looking back to this golden age for inspiration, particularly drawing from its reservoir of past successes.

With the impending arrival of both Call of Duty and Battlefield’s latest iterations in 2025, it’s intriguing to consider how their multiplayer strategies might diverge. While the specifics remain under wraps, it’s likely one area where fans will see contrasting approaches.

Let’s dive into one specific aspect of Battlefield 3 that left a lasting impression: the mission known as “Going Hunting.” During the late 2000s, as Call of Duty ramped up the stakes with cinematic story modes, Battlefield sought to create its own narrative flair. While the storyline of Battlefield 3 wasn’t its strongest point, the game crafted moments that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of Call of Duty’s finest scenes.

A standout example is the mission “Going Hunting,” where players assume the role of Lieutenant Jennifer Hawkins, a skilled Weapons System Officer navigating the skies alongside a pilot. The mission involves engaging adversary jets and unleashing missiles at radar systems and grounded enemy planes.

Though the mission’s gameplay might resemble a less complex action game turret sequence, its extraordinary presentation and ambiance make it unforgettable. From the outset, when players step onto the aircraft carrier’s deck amidst a fierce storm, they know they’re in for an exceptional experience.

The simple act of checking the F-18 fighter jet’s systems builds incredible tension, underscored by the escalating strains of Battlefield’s famous musical theme as the sun peeks through the ominous storm clouds. This sets the stage for a gripping aerial dogfight, featuring immersive sound design and stunning visuals that, even over a decade later, remain remarkably impressive. The mission stands as a testament to the series’ commitment to realism, which resonates deeply with fans even today.

Reflecting on how future iterations like Battlefield 6 can elevate such experiences, it’s interesting to consider insights shared by David Goldfarb, Battlefield 3’s lead designer. He revealed that the team initially wanted players to freely control the jets during “Going Hunting,” but faced limitations in asset quality.

Battlefield 6 now has an opportunity to realize that initial vision. By giving players full control of jet fighters in a mission as immersive and atmospheric as “Going Hunting,” it might successfully capture the realism and intensity that captivated players in the past. Bringing back such grounded experiences could strike a chord with longtime fans yearning for a return to form reminiscent of Battlefield 3.

Battlefield 1 did manage to evoke some of Battlefield 3’s cinematic spirit in its own distinctive way with the “Friends in High Places” storyline. However, as the next installment approaches, recapturing and evolving those golden moments could be crucial in reigniting that storied player connection.