Anonymous edits have been disabled on the wiki. If you want to contribute please login or create an account.

Warning for game developers: PCGamingWiki staff members will only ever reach out to you using the official press@pcgamingwiki.com mail address.
Be aware of scammers claiming to be representatives or affiliates of PCGamingWiki who promise a PCGW page for a game key.

Difference between revisions of "Battlefield 2"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Major cleanup, adding refs to every fix I couldn't test. Added missing info and a small selection of mods. Some reformatting and rewording.)
Line 18: Line 18:
  
 
'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
−
{{--}} No longer playable online after GameSpy and Project Revive shutdowns.
+
{{ii}} The [[GameSpy]] online server browser has been shut down. See [[#Online play support|Online play support]].
−
{{ii}} To play the game online, [https://www.bf2hub.com/home/downloads.php a server emulator like BF2hub] is required.
+
{{++}} Official modding tools and a wide selection of [[#Mods|mods]] available, often with bot support for co-op play.
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
Line 25: Line 25:
 
{{mm}} [http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/ Planet Battlefield]
 
{{mm}} [http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/ Planet Battlefield]
 
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/24860/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/24860/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
{{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/Other-Battlefield-Games/bd-p/battlefield-1942 EA Answers HQ]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
Line 38: Line 39:
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
−
====Battlefield 2: Complete Collection====
 
−
{{ii}} Includes Battlefield 2 and the expansion pack Special Forces, along with two content add-ons, Armored Fury and Euro Forces, included for free in the latest patch. Only one CD key is available for all the expansions.
 
−
 
−
====Serial Key====
 
 
{{ii}} The disc based version requires a CD-key which has to be typed in when installing. Individual CD keys are required for each expansion.
 
{{ii}} The disc based version requires a CD-key which has to be typed in when installing. Individual CD keys are required for each expansion.
 +
{{ii}} Battlefield 2: Complete Collection includes the expansion pack Special Forces, along with two content add-ons, Armored Fury and Euro Forces, included for free in the latest patch. Only one CD key is available for all the expansions.
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
−
===Skip intro videos===
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+restart</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
 
−
 
 
===Patches===
 
===Patches===
 
{{ii}} The Origin and Steam versions are already patched.
 
{{ii}} The Origin and Steam versions are already patched.
Line 54: Line 49:
 
{{++}} Removes the disc check DRM and adds widescreen support.
 
{{++}} Removes the disc check DRM and adds widescreen support.
 
{{++}} Includes the Armored Fury and Euro Forces expansions for free.
 
{{++}} Includes the Armored Fury and Euro Forces expansions for free.
 +
 +
====[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1031-battlefield-2-patch-150-alttab-hotfix/ Patch 1.50 Hotfix]====
 +
{{ii}} Fixes a crash issue when using {{key|Alt|Tab}} to switch to desktop.
  
 
====[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/73-battlefield-2-patch/ Patch 1.41]====
 
====[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/73-battlefield-2-patch/ Patch 1.41]====
−
{{ii}} A very important patch.
+
{{ii}} Includes a new map, fixes bugs and exploits.
 +
 
 +
===Online play support===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Download and install the [https://www.bf2hub.com/home/downloads.php BF2Hub] client|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Changes done by the client can be reverted at any time.
 +
{{++}} Includes fixes for crashes on startup.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===PunkBuster updates===
 +
{{ii}} Support for the anti-cheat software PunkBuster in BF2 has been discontinued by [http://www.evenbalance.com/ Evenbalance].
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Update PunkBuster manually|ref=<ref name=Wasch />|fix=
 +
{{ii}} Make sure the PunkBuster service is installed and working properly by using the [http://evenbalance.com/downloads.php PunkBuster Service Installer (pbsvc)]. A reboot is required if it is installed for the first time.
 +
# Download the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1036-battlefield-2-punkbuster-files/ PunkBuster files for Battlefield 2].
 +
# Extract the contents to {{code|{{P|game}}/pb/}}, overwriting any older files.
 +
# Enable PunkBuster in-game in the lower right corner of the server browser.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Skip intro videos===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+restart</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref name="Wasch">{{Refcheck|user=Waschbär|date=2018-05-06}}</ref>}}
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
Line 63: Line 81:
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
−
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\*.con}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\{{P|userprofile}}\}}
−
}}
 
−
 
 
−
===Save game data location===
 
−
{{Game data|
 
−
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 93: Line 106:
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor              = hackable
 
|multimonitor notes        = Use [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer].
 
|multimonitor notes        = Use [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer].
−
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
+
|ultrawidescreen            = true
−
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
+
|ultrawidescreen notes      = HUD stretched but playable. Use [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer] for FOV adjustment.
−
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
+
|4k ultra hd                = true
−
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov                        = hackable
 
|fov notes                  = Use [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer].
 
|fov notes                  = Use [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer].
Line 106: Line 119:
 
|anisotropic notes          = High is 4x.
 
|anisotropic notes          = High is 4x.
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
−
|antialiasing notes        = Can be forced through the [[NVIDIA Control Panel]]/[[AMD VISION Engine Control Center|AMD Control Center]].
+
|antialiasing notes        =  
−
|vsync                      = hackable
+
|vsync                      = false
−
|vsync notes                = Can be [[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)#Force Vsync|forced]] through driver control panel.
+
|vsync notes                = If [[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)#Force Vsync|forcing]] through driver control panel does not work, use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/84-d3doverrider/ D3DOverrider] instead.
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps                    = true
 
|60 fps notes              =  
 
|60 fps notes              =  
Line 120: Line 133:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
−
{{++}} Included on Version 1.5 of Battlefield 2.
+
{{++}} Included in version 1.5 of Battlefield 2.
−
 
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
−
# See [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]].
 
−
# Use <code>+szx '''YourWidth''' +szy '''YourHeight''' +menu 1 +widescreen 1</code>
 
  
−
'''Notes'''
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+szx 1920 +szy 1080 +menu 1 +widescreen 1</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]].|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
−
{{ii}} Change the bold text beginning with '''Your''' with the desired values.  
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+fullscreen 0</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]].|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
−
# See [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]].
 
−
# Use <code>+fullscreen 0</code>
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use console command|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
 
# Press {{key|~}} and the in-game console will appear.
 
# Press {{key|~}} and the in-game console will appear.
−
# In console, type in <code>Game.LockFps XX</code> where XX is your desired Frame rate (e.g. <code>Game.LockFps 0</code>).
+
# Type <code>Game.LockFps XX</code> where XX is your desired frame rate (e.g. <code>Game.LockFps 0</code>).
 
# Press {{key|Enter}} to activate the console command and press {{key|~}} again to close the console.
 
# Press {{key|Enter}} to activate the console command and press {{key|~}} again to close the console.
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{--}} Has to be repeated each time the game is launched.
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Ambient occlusion (HBAO)===
 +
{{Image|Ambient Occlusion NVIDIA Inspector.png|The inspector tool.}}
 +
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use Nvidia Inspector tool|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.realitymod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124625|title=PR:BF2 Guide to Best Possible Graphics with nVidia GPU - Project Reality Forums|date=2018-06-05}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Download the [http://download.orbmu2k.de/files/nvidiaInspector.zip NVIDIA Inspector Tool].
 +
# Extract the files to any new folder.
 +
# Open <code>nvidiaprofileinspector.exe</code>.
 +
# From the drop down list next to '''Profiles''' select <code>Battlefield 2</code>.
 +
# Select the <code>Ambient Occlusion compatibility</code> line.
 +
# Set <code>SettingValue</code> to <code>0x00000003 (Fallout 3)</code> from the drop down menu.
 +
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} This tweak might not work with the previous 1.4 patch.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 159: Line 182:
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|controller support        = true
 
|controller support        = true
−
|controller support notes  =  
+
|controller support notes  = Mouse look can't be mapped to analog stick.
 
|full controller          = false
 
|full controller          = false
 
|full controller notes    =  
 
|full controller notes    =  
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap          = true
 
|controller remap notes    =  
 
|controller remap notes    =  
−
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
+
|controller sensitivity    = false
 
|controller sensitivity notes=  
 
|controller sensitivity notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis  = false
 
|invert controller y-axis  = false
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
−
|xinput controllers        = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = true
 
|xinput controllers notes  =  
 
|xinput controllers notes  =  
−
|xbox prompts              = unknown
+
|xbox prompts              = false
 
|xbox prompts notes        =  
 
|xbox prompts notes        =  
−
|impulse triggers          = unknown
+
|impulse triggers          = false
 
|impulse triggers notes    =  
 
|impulse triggers notes    =  
−
|dualshock 4              = unknown
+
|dualshock 4              = false
 
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
 
|dualshock 4 notes        =  
 
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
Line 182: Line 205:
 
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =  
 
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =  
−
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
+
|tracked motion controllers= false
 
|tracked motion controllers notes =  
 
|tracked motion controllers notes =  
 
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
Line 190: Line 213:
 
|other button prompts      = unknown
 
|other button prompts      = unknown
 
|other button prompts notes=  
 
|other button prompts notes=  
−
|controller hotplug        = unknown
+
|controller hotplug        = true
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
−
|haptic feedback          = unknown
+
|haptic feedback          = false
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
−
|simultaneous input        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = true
 
|simultaneous input notes  =  
 
|simultaneous input notes  =  
 
|steam input api          = unknown
 
|steam input api          = unknown
Line 210: Line 233:
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
−
|surround sound notes    = Missing from Windows Vista and onward. See [https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/windows-7-x64-realtek-no-eax-wtf.110403/#post-2616911 here].
+
|surround sound notes    = Missing from Windows Vista and onward. See [[#Surround sound|Surround sound]].
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
Line 218: Line 241:
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
−
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, EAX 5<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20051211080841/http://www.soundblaster.com/products/x-fi/technology/battlefield2/ Xtreme Fidelity Audio in Battlefield 2 - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref> (via OpenAL)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070815112710/http://www.soundblaster.com/products/gaming/article.asp?articleid=56068&categoryid=13&page=2 Creating the High-Tech Audio of Battlefield 2 - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref>
+
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, EAX 5<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20051211080841/http://www.soundblaster.com/products/x-fi/technology/battlefield2/ Xtreme Fidelity Audio in Battlefield 2 - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref> (via OpenAL)<ref>[https://archive.li/sAxcF Creating the High-Tech Audio of Battlefield 2 - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref>
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Surround sound===
 +
{{ii}} Creative X-Fi cards support surround sound by selecting '''Creative X-Fi''' as audio renderer in the in-game audio settings. This may lead to game crashes however.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Replace OpenAL files|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=16768|title=How to enable BF2 true surround sound for Vista/Win7 - Battlefield SinglePlayer Forum|date=2018-05-12}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Launch the game and set the audio renderer to '''Hardware'''.
 +
# Go to {{code|{{P|game}}}} and create a backup of the file {{file|BF2OpenAL.dll}}.
 +
# Install [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/10-openal/ OpenAL].
 +
# Copy the file {{file|OpenAL32.dll}} from {{code|{{P|windir}}\SysWOW64\}} (when using a 64-bit OS) '''or''' {{code|{{P|windir}}\System32\}} (32-bit OS) to {{code|{{P|game}}}} and rename it to {{file|BF2OpenAL.dll}}.
 +
# Download and extract [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/7-openal-soft/ OpenAL Soft] to a temporary directory and copy the file {{file|soft_oal.dll}} from inside {{code|bin\Win32\}} to {{code|{{P|game}}}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 341: Line 374:
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play players    = 64
 
|lan play players    = 64
−
|lan play modes      =  
+
|lan play modes      = Versus, Co-op
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
−
|online play          = false
+
|online play          = true
 
|online play players  = 64
 
|online play players  = 64
−
|online play modes    =  
+
|online play modes    = Versus, Co-op
−
|online play notes    = No longer playable after GameSpy shutdown and EA's warning letter to community-run Project Revive.<ref name="ProjectReviveShutdown">[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/27/old-battlefied-games-killed-after-ea-legal-warning/ Old Battlefield games re-killed after EA’s legal warning || Rock Paper Shotgun]</ref>
+
|online play notes    = See [[#Online play support|Online play support]].
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
Line 359: Line 392:
 
|dedicated notes    =  
 
|dedicated notes    =  
 
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting      = true
−
|self-hosting notes = [http://largedownloads.ea.com/pub/patches/BF2/ Dedicated server software] available for Windows and Linux.
+
|self-hosting notes = Dedicated server software available for [https://www.moddb.com/games/battlefield-2/downloads/battlefield-2-v15-windows-server-unranked Windows] and [https://www.fileplanet.com/154653/150000/fileinfo/Battlefield-2-Server-%5BLinux%5D Linux].
 
|direct ip          = true
 
|direct ip          = true
−
|direct ip notes    = Enter in-game or use <code>bf2://</code> URL.
+
|direct ip notes    = In-game via '''Connect to IP''' or through the {{code|+joinServer}} [[Glossary:Command line arguments|parameter]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{Network/Ports
 
{{Network/Ports
−
|tcp  = 80,1024-1124,4711,29900,29901
+
|tcp  = 80,1024-1124,4711,27900,29900,29901
−
|udp  = 1024-1124,1500-4999,16567,27900,28910,29900,55123-55125
+
|udp  = 1024-1124,1500-4999,16567,27900,27901,28910,29900,55123-55125
 
|upnp =  
 
|upnp =  
 
}}
 
}}
Line 380: Line 413:
 
|native 3d                  = false
 
|native 3d                  = false
 
|native 3d notes            =  
 
|native 3d notes            =  
−
|nvidia 3d vision            = false
+
|nvidia 3d vision            = true
−
|nvidia 3d vision notes      =  
+
|nvidia 3d vision notes      = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.geforce.co.uk/games-applications/pc-games/battlefield-2|title=Battlefield 2 - GeForce|date=2018-05-06}}</ref>
 
|tridef 3d                  = true
 
|tridef 3d                  = true
 
|tridef 3d notes            =  
 
|tridef 3d notes            =  
Line 414: Line 447:
  
 
===Newer version already installed===
 
===Newer version already installed===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Download and install the 1.41 patch|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Download and install [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/73-battlefield-2-patch/ Patch 1.41] before 1.5.|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.realitymod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119276|title=Patch 1.5 can't be installed / can't play PR - Project Reality Forums|date=2018-05-06}}</ref>}}
  
 
===Can't find install folder===
 
===Can't find install folder===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Patch 1.41 won't install ("Can't find install folder")|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Patch 1.41 won't install ("Can't find install folder")|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/cant-find-battlefield-2-install-folder.102095973/|title=Can't find Battlefield 2 install folder - IGN Boards|date=2018-05-06}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Go to <code>{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Battlefield 2</code>
+
# Go to <code>{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\{{p|wow64}}\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Battlefield 2\</code>.
−
# Create a 'New String' by right clicking in the folder and select New > String Value, label this string "InstallDir"
+
# Create a new string by right clicking in the folder and select '''New > String Value''', label this string {{code|InstallDir}}.
−
# Right-Click, 'Modify' the string, and in the Data Value field, input the installation folder.
+
# Right-Click, '''Modify''' the string, and in the Data Value field, input the installation folder (e.g. {{code|G:\Battlefield 2}}).
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Game crashes often===
 
===Game crashes often===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Option #1 - Running game with disable desktop composition|ref={{cn|date=August 2015}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Disable desktop composition|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://hardforum.com/threads/bf-2-1-5-september-1st.1447073/page-7#post-1034585387|title=BF 2 1.5 September 1st | Page 7 | [H]ard|Forum|date=2018-05-21}}</ref>|fix=
 
# Right-click <code>bf2.exe</code>.
 
# Right-click <code>bf2.exe</code>.
 
# Click options > compatibility tab.
 
# Click options > compatibility tab.
Line 430: Line 463:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Option #2 - For multi-core CPUs|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set CPU affinity|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/24860/discussions/0/846956740688192455/|title=BF2 random closing :: Battlefield 2 General Discussions|date=2018-05-06}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{ii}} If you are using a multi-core CPU, try running the game on a single CPU core.
 
{{ii}} If you are using a multi-core CPU, try running the game on a single CPU core.
 
# Go into the process list in Task Manager.
 
# Go into the process list in Task Manager.
Line 437: Line 470:
 
{{ii}} This shortcut will also do it for you.
 
{{ii}} This shortcut will also do it for you.
 
  [Target: {{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe /C start /affinity 1 C:\Program" "Files\EA" "GAMES\Battlefield" "2\BF2.exe +restart] [Start In: "C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2"].
 
  [Target: {{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe /C start /affinity 1 C:\Program" "Files\EA" "GAMES\Battlefield" "2\BF2.exe +restart] [Start In: "C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2"].
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Vsync doesn't work===
 
−
{{--}} Some combinations of cards/drivers seem to not apply Vsync.
 
−
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Forcing VSync|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
 
−
# Force Vsync with a third-party program such as [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/84-d3doverrider/ D3DOverrider].
 
−
# In D3DOverrider create a separate profile using Low detection level. If that doesn't work try High instead.
 
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===Getting kicked by PunkBuster===
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Update PunkBuster manually|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
−
# Download [http://websec.evenbalance.com/downloader/download.php?file=1 PBSetup].
 
−
# Run the program and add Battlefield 2. Click "check for updates" and let it run.
 
−
# If you still have errors, start the game by right clicking the shortcut and choosing "Run as Administrator".
 
−
{{ii}} You should only need to do this once but if it continues, you can set the shortcut to always run as administrator by right clicking the shortcut, select "Properties", choose the "Computability" tab, and select the "Run as Administrator" box.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===X-Fi related sound issues===
 
===X-Fi related sound issues===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Reduce sound quality|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix=
+
{{ii}} On Windows 7 x64 systems with a Creative X-Fi sound card, severe audio corruption or crashes may occur when running under X-Fi Audio Mode and Ultra sound quality.
−
{{--}} On Windows 7 x64 systems with a Creative X-Fi sound card, severe audio corruption may occur when running under X-Fi Audio Mode and Ultra sound quality.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Reduce sound quality to high or change it to hardware mode|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.realitymod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76171|title=XP BF2 CTD when selecting X-fi in sound options - Project Reality Forums|date=2018-05-19}}</ref>|fix=
−
* Reducing the sound quality to "High" usually solves this issue.
 
−
* You can also try out adding the game into Creative Alchemy software.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Invalid CDKey===
 
===Invalid CDKey===
−
{{--}} Some people get kicked from every game with an "Invalid CDKey" message. This also happens with the Steam version, where your key is bound to be correct anyway.
+
{{ii}} Some people get kicked from every game with an "Invalid CDKey" message. This also happens with the Steam version, where your key is bound to be correct anyway.
−
{{ii}} There's a [https://web.archive.org/web/20141205181325/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1680864 thread on the Steam forums] containing some fixes for this.
+
{{ii}} There's a [https://web.archive.org/web/20141205181325/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1680864 thread on the Steam forums] containing some fixes for this. To manually resolve this issue, see [https://web.archive.org/web/20141205181247/http://help.ea.com/en/article/error-cdkeycheck-exe-or-invalid-cd-key/ this guide] from EA.
 +
 
 +
===Black terrain and/or models, objects, black spots on map, other visual graphics issues===
 +
{{ii}} Certain graphics card drivers cause visual issues with the game. <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.realitymod.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1740040#post1740040|title=SOLVED Black terrain spots - Page 2 - Project Reality Forums|date=2018-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/692127/geforce-drivers/334-89-issue-in-battlefield-2/1/|title=334.89 issue in Battlefield 2 - GeForce Forums|date=2018-05-20}}</ref>.
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Manual method|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set "Terrain" quality to low|ref=<ref name="Visuals" />|fix=
−
# Backing up the registry before doing this is heavily recommended.
 
−
# [https://help.ea.com/article/error-cdkeycheck-exe-or-invalid-cd-key Follow these instructions from the EA help section].
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Black terrain and/or models, objects, black spots on map, other visual graphics issues===
+
{{Fixbox|description=Download updated shader ".fx" files|ref=<ref name="Visuals">{{Refurl|url=http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=16430&st=0&p=177619&#entry177619|title=Black Spots in map - Battlefield SinglePlayer Forum|date=2018-05-20}}</ref>|fix=
−
{{ii}} With some player created modifications on some systems a shader bug may become activated. This can happen even with mods that should have their content entirely separate from the main BF2 install in a "mod" subfolder. It does not have anything to do with graphics driver issues or anti-aliasing settings. It is in fact caused by buggy shader ".fx" files in the BF2 "shaders_client.zip". These can be replaced by fixed ".fx" files.
+
# Download a new [http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=16430&st=0&p=177619&#entry177619 "shaders_client.zip"].
 +
# Go to {{code|{{p|game}}\mods\bf2\}}, make a backup of {{code|shaders_client.zip}} and replace it with the downloaded file.
 +
# Delete the cache folder in {{code|{{P|userprofile}}\Documents\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2\}}. This will force Battlefield 2 to recompile the shaders.
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{--}} Applying this fix will not allow you to play on PunkBuster protected servers anymore.
 +
}}
  
−
{{Fixbox|description=Download updated shader ".fx" files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
===Connecting to account server takes a long time===
−
# Download a new [http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=16430&st=0&p=177619&#entry177619 "shaders_client.zip"].
+
{{Fixbox|description=Delete server history|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
−
# After backing up the file, replace {{code|shaders_client.zip}} in {{code|{{p|game}}\mods}}.
+
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
−
# Delete the Battlefield 2 cache folder in {{code|{{P|userprofile}}\Documents\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2}}. This will force Battlefield 2 to recompile the shaders.
+
# Open {{file|General.con}} with an editor like Notepad.
 +
# Delete all lines starting with {{code|GeneralSettings.addServerHistory}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 518: Line 540:
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy, PunkBuster
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy, PunkBuster
−
|multiplayer notes= Use [http://www.battlelog.co BF2 Battlelog] to replace the deprecated [[GameSpy]] master server.
+
|multiplayer notes=  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Ambient occlusion (HBAO)===
+
===Automatic login===
−
{{Image|Ambient Occlusion NVIDIA Inspector.png|The inspector tool.}}
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use the [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line argument]] <code>+playerName '''YourName''' +playerPassword '''YourPassword'''</code>|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.tweakguides.com/BF2_9.html|title=TweakGuides.com - Battlefield 2 Tweak Guide|date=2018-05-06}}</ref>|fix=
−
 
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
−
# Download the [http://download.orbmu2k.de/files/nvidiaInspector.zip NVIDIA Inspector Tool].
 
−
# Extract the files to any new folder.
 
−
# Open <code>nvidiaprofileinspector.exe</code>.
 
−
# From the drop down list next to '''Profiles''' select <code>Battlefield 2</code>.
 
−
# Select the <code>Ambient Occlusion compatibility</code> line.  
 
−
# Set <code>SettingValue</code> to <code>0x00000003 (Fallout 3)</code> from the drop down menu.
 
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
−
{{ii}} This tweak might not work with the previous 1.4 patch.
+
{{ii}} It might be necessary to log-in at least once.
 +
{{ii}} The command and login data is case-sensitive.  
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Automatic login===
+
===Mods===
−
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
+
* [https://www.moddb.com/games/battlefield-2/ ModDB landing page for Battlefield 2]
−
# See [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line arguments]].
+
* [http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showforum=23 Battlefield Singleplayer Forum]
−
# Use <code>+playerName '''YourName''' +playerPassword '''YourPassword'''</code> 
+
 
 +
====[http://forgottenhope.warumdarum.de/ Forgotten Hope 2]====
 +
Forgotten Hope 2 is an award-winning World War II mod for Battlefield 2, covering all aspects of land, air and sea combat, with a focus on realism and historic accuracy.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.realitymod.com/ Project Reality]====
 +
Project Reality reworks Battlefield 2 to create the most realistic and demanding virtual combat environment for PC gamers possible. Does not require BF2 to be installed.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/allied-intent-xtended Allied Intent Xtended]====
 +
AIX aims to deliver an amazing array of content which is 100% bot compatible for use in single player and coop game modes.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/bf2sandbox BF2:Sandbox]====
 +
Sandbox is a mod that lets you use the BF2 engine to build structures, set up racetracks, ramps, and much much more. This is all done from an easy Command Rose interface in-game.
  
−
'''Notes'''
+
====[http://www.eodmod.org/ Eve of Destruction 2]====
−
{{ii}} It might be necessary to log-in at least once.
+
Based on the Vietnam war, it features a variety of weapons, over 40 brand new vehicles and diverse maps ranging from dense jungles to overgrown rice paddies.
−
}}
 
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==

Revision as of 10:27, 2 June 2018

Battlefield 2
Battlefield 2 cover
Developers
DICE
Publishers
Electronic Arts
Engines
Refractor 2
Release dates
Windows June 21, 2005
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Battlefield 2 guide on StrategyWiki
Battlefield 2 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).
⤏ Go to series page
Battlefield 1942 2002
Battlefield Vietnam 2004
Battlefield 2 2005
Battlefield 2142 2006
Battlefield Heroes 2009
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 2010
Battlefield Online 2010
Battlefield Play4Free 2011
Battlefield 3 2011
Battlefield 4 2013
Battlefield Hardline 2015
Battlefield 1 2016
Battlefield V 2018
Battlefield 2042 2021

Key points

The GameSpy online server browser has been shut down. See Online play support.
Official modding tools and a wide selection of mods available, often with bot support for co-op play.

General information

Battlefield Wiki
Planet Battlefield
Steam Community Discussions
EA Answers HQ

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
 SafeDisc v3 DRM[Note 1].
Can be redeemed on Origin through the EA Support.
Icon overlay.png
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Armored Fury Included in the latest patch and the Battlefield 2: Complete Collection.
Windows
Euro Force Included in the latest patch and the Battlefield 2: Complete Collection.
Windows
Special Forces Included in the Battlefield 2: Complete Collection.
Windows

Version differences

The disc based version requires a CD-key which has to be typed in when installing. Individual CD keys are required for each expansion.
Battlefield 2: Complete Collection includes the expansion pack Special Forces, along with two content add-ons, Armored Fury and Euro Forces, included for free in the latest patch. Only one CD key is available for all the expansions.

Essential improvements

Patches

The Origin and Steam versions are already patched.

Patch 1.50

Version 1.41 has to be installed beforehand.
Removes the disc check DRM and adds widescreen support.
Includes the Armored Fury and Euro Forces expansions for free.

Patch 1.50 Hotfix

Fixes a crash issue when using Alt+Tab ↹ to switch to desktop.

Patch 1.41

Includes a new map, fixes bugs and exploits.

Online play support

Download and install the BF2Hub client[3]

Notes

Changes done by the client can be reverted at any time.
Includes fixes for crashes on startup.

PunkBuster updates

Support for the anti-cheat software PunkBuster in BF2 has been discontinued by Evenbalance.
Update PunkBuster manually[3]
Make sure the PunkBuster service is installed and working properly by using the PunkBuster Service Installer (pbsvc). A reboot is required if it is installed for the first time.
  1. Download the PunkBuster files for Battlefield 2.
  2. Extract the contents to <path-to-game>/pb/, overwriting any older files.
  3. Enable PunkBuster in-game in the lower right corner of the server browser.

Skip intro videos

Use the +restart command line argument[3]

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\%USERPROFILE%\
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/24860/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Origin
Steam Cloud

Video settings

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Template:Video settings

Widescreen resolution

Included in version 1.5 of Battlefield 2.
Use the +szx 1920 +szy 1080 +menu 1 +widescreen 1 command line arguments.[3]

Windowed

Use the +fullscreen 0 command line argument.[3]

High frame rate

Use console command[3]
  1. Press ~ and the in-game console will appear.
  2. Type Game.LockFps XX where XX is your desired frame rate (e.g. Game.LockFps 0).
  3. Press ↵ Enter to activate the console command and press ~ again to close the console.

Notes

Has to be repeated each time the game is launched.

Ambient occlusion (HBAO)

The inspector tool.
The inspector tool.
Use Nvidia Inspector tool[4]
  1. Download the NVIDIA Inspector Tool.
  2. Extract the files to any new folder.
  3. Open nvidiaprofileinspector.exe.
  4. From the drop down list next to Profiles select Battlefield 2.
  5. Select the Ambient Occlusion compatibility line.
  6. Set SettingValue to 0x00000003 (Fallout 3) from the drop down menu.

Notes

This tweak might not work with the previous 1.4 patch.

Input settings

In-game general control settings.
In-game general control settings.

Template:Input settings

Audio settings

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Template:Audio settings

Surround sound

Creative X-Fi cards support surround sound by selecting Creative X-Fi as audio renderer in the in-game audio settings. This may lead to game crashes however.
Replace OpenAL files[5]
  1. Launch the game and set the audio renderer to Hardware.
  2. Go to <path-to-game> and create a backup of the file BF2OpenAL.dll.
  3. Install OpenAL.
  4. Copy the file OpenAL32.dll from %WINDIR%\SysWOW64\ (when using a 64-bit OS) or %WINDIR%\System32\ (32-bit OS) to <path-to-game> and rename it to BF2OpenAL.dll.
  5. Download and extract OpenAL Soft to a temporary directory and copy the file soft_oal.dll from inside bin\Win32\ to <path-to-game>.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Traditional Chinese
Korean
Polish
Spanish
Swedish
Thai

Network

Servers can optionally use PunkBuster anti-cheat protection.

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
64 Versus, Co-op
Online play
64 Versus, Co-op
See Online play support.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Dedicated server software available for Windows and Linux.
Direct IP
In-game via Connect to IP or through the +joinServer parameter.

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 80,1024-1124,4711,27900,29900,29901
UDP 1024-1124,1500-4999,16567,27900,27901,28910,29900,55123-55125
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

In-game Novint Falcon settings.
In-game Novint Falcon settings.
3D modes State Notes
Native 3D
Nvidia 3D Vision
[6]
TriDef 3D
iZ3D
Devices
Novint Falcon
Requires Patch 1.50.

Issues fixed

TweakGuides has created a comprehensive guide for fixing issues in this game.

Newer version already installed

Download and install Patch 1.41 before 1.5.[7]

Can't find install folder

Patch 1.41 won't install ("Can't find install folder")[8]
  1. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Electronic Arts\EA Games\Battlefield 2\.
  2. Create a new string by right clicking in the folder and select New > String Value, label this string InstallDir.
  3. Right-Click, Modify the string, and in the Data Value field, input the installation folder (e.g. G:\Battlefield 2).

Game crashes often

Disable desktop composition[9]
  1. Right-click bf2.exe.
  2. Click options > compatibility tab.
  3. Run the game with Disable Desktop Composition.
Set CPU affinity[10]
If you are using a multi-core CPU, try running the game on a single CPU core.
  1. Go into the process list in Task Manager.
  2. Find bf2.exe.
  3. Right click, select "set affinity," and choose one of the cores.
This shortcut will also do it for you.
[Target: %WINDIR%\System32\cmd.exe /C start /affinity 1 C:\Program" "Files\EA" "GAMES\Battlefield" "2\BF2.exe +restart] [Start In: "C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2"].

X-Fi related sound issues

On Windows 7 x64 systems with a Creative X-Fi sound card, severe audio corruption or crashes may occur when running under X-Fi Audio Mode and Ultra sound quality.
Reduce sound quality to high or change it to hardware mode[11]

Invalid CDKey

Some people get kicked from every game with an "Invalid CDKey" message. This also happens with the Steam version, where your key is bound to be correct anyway.
There's a thread on the Steam forums containing some fixes for this. To manually resolve this issue, see this guide from EA.

Black terrain and/or models, objects, black spots on map, other visual graphics issues

Certain graphics card drivers cause visual issues with the game. [12][13].
Set "Terrain" quality to low[14]
Download updated shader ".fx" files[14]
  1. Download a new "shaders_client.zip".
  2. Go to <path-to-game>\mods\bf2\, make a backup of shaders_client.zip and replace it with the downloaded file.
  3. Delete the cache folder in %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2\. This will force Battlefield 2 to recompile the shaders.

Notes

Applying this fix will not allow you to play on PunkBuster protected servers anymore.

Connecting to account server takes a long time

Delete server history[3]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open General.con with an editor like Notepad.
  3. Delete all lines starting with GeneralSettings.addServerHistory.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
Shader Model support 2
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio OpenAL, Speex
Cutscenes Bink Video, Swiff Player
Multiplayer GameSpy, PunkBuster

Automatic login

Use the Command line argument +playerName YourName +playerPassword YourPassword[15]

Notes

It might be necessary to log-in at least once.
The command and login data is case-sensitive.

Mods

Forgotten Hope 2

Forgotten Hope 2 is an award-winning World War II mod for Battlefield 2, covering all aspects of land, air and sea combat, with a focus on realism and historic accuracy.

Project Reality

Project Reality reworks Battlefield 2 to create the most realistic and demanding virtual combat environment for PC gamers possible. Does not require BF2 to be installed.

Allied Intent Xtended

AIX aims to deliver an amazing array of content which is 100% bot compatible for use in single player and coop game modes.

BF2:Sandbox

Sandbox is a mod that lets you use the BF2 engine to build structures, set up racetracks, ramps, and much much more. This is all done from an easy Command Rose interface in-game.

Eve of Destruction 2

Based on the Vietnam war, it features a variety of weapons, over 40 brand new vehicles and diverse maps ranging from dense jungles to overgrown rice paddies.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) XP
Processor (CPU) AMD Athlon XP equivalent
Intel Pentium 4 1.7 GHz		 AMD Athlon XP equivalent
Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 2.3 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce FX 5700
ATI Radeon 9500
128 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0b compatible 		Nvidia GeForce FX 5700
ATI Radeon 9500
256 MB of VRAM

Notes

  1. ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. ↑ Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References