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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.)
(22 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
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{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 21, 2005}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|June 21, 2005}}
 
|steam appid  = 24860
 
|steam appid  = 24860
|gogcom page  =  
+
|gogcom id    =  
 
|strategywiki = Battlefield 2
 
|strategywiki = Battlefield 2
 +
|mobygames    = battlefield-2
 
|wikipedia    = Battlefield 2
 
|wikipedia    = Battlefield 2
 
|winehq      = 2424
 
|winehq      = 2424
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Series|Battlefield}}
 
{{Series|Battlefield}}
  
 
'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
{{ii}} The [[GameSpy]] online server browser has been shut down. See [[#Online play support|Online play support]].
 
 
{{++}} Official modding tools and a wide selection of [[#Mods|mods]] available, often with bot support for co-op play.
 
{{++}} Official modding tools and a wide selection of [[#Mods|mods]] available, often with bot support for co-op play.
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://battlefield.wikia.com/wiki/Battlefield_Wiki Battlefield Wiki]
+
{{mm}} [http://battlefield.wikia.com/wiki/Battlefield_2 Battlefield 2] on the Battlefield Wiki
{{mm}} [http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/ Planet Battlefield]
+
{{mm}} [http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/battlefield-2/indexa40b.html?game=3 Battlefield 2] hub on Planet Battlefield
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/24860/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
+
{{mm}} [https://forums.battlefield.com/en-us/categories/battlefield-legacy-all-other-bf The Battlefield series on Battlelog] - PC section.
 
{{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/Other-Battlefield-Games/bd-p/battlefield-1942 EA Answers HQ]
 
{{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/Other-Battlefield-Games/bd-p/battlefield-1942 EA Answers HQ]
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/24860/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
Line 39: Line 41:
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
{{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}} Disc-based versions require a CD-key which has to be typed in when installing. Individual CD keys are required for each expansion, except for the Complete Collection as mentioned below.
 
{{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.
 
{{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.
  
Line 57: Line 59:
  
 
===Online play support===
 
===Online play support===
 +
{{ii}} The BF2Hub client allows the game to be played online after the shutdown of the GameSpy online service.
 +
 
{{Fixbox|description=Download and install the [https://www.bf2hub.com/home/downloads.php BF2Hub] client|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Download and install the [https://www.bf2hub.com/home/downloads.php BF2Hub] client|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
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===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles\{{P|userprofile}}\}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Battlefield 2\Profiles\{{P|uid}}\}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|origin               = true
+
|discord                =
|origin notes         =  
+
|discord notes          =
|steam cloud           = false
+
|epic games store      =
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|epic games store notes =
|uplay                 =  
+
|gog galaxy            =
|uplay notes           =  
+
|gog galaxy notes      =
 +
|origin                 = true
 +
|origin notes           =  
 +
|steam cloud           = false
 +
|steam cloud notes     =  
 +
|uplay                 =  
 +
|uplay notes           =
 +
|xbox cloud            =
 +
|xbox cloud notes      =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{Image|Battlefield 2 Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Battlefield 2 Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 
{{Video settings
 
{{Video settings
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/battlefield-2
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/battlefield-2
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = limited
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|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing              = true
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
|vsync                      = false
+
|vsync                      = hackable
|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.
+
|vsync notes                = Add "renderer.vsync 1" to "GameLogicInit.con", otherwise 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              =  
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{{++}} Included in version 1.5 of Battlefield 2.
 
{{++}} Included in version 1.5 of Battlefield 2.
  
{{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=
+
{{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=
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+fullscreen 0</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]].|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use the <code>+fullscreen 0</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line argument]]|ref=<ref name="Wasch" />|fix=
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Use <code>+wx (number)</code> and <code>+wy (number)</code> [[Glossary:Command line arguments|command line arguments]] to position your window|fix=
 
}}
 
}}
  
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# Type <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'''
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{--}} Has to be repeated each time the game is launched.
 
{{--}} Has to be repeated each time the game is launched.
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|steam input api          = unknown
 
|steam input api          = unknown
 
|steam input api notes    =  
 
|steam input api notes    =  
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 
|steam input presets      = unknown
 
|steam input presets      = unknown
 
|steam input presets notes =  
 
|steam input presets notes =  
 
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 
|steam controller prompts notes =  
 
|steam controller prompts notes =  
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
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# Install [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/10-openal/ OpenAL].
 
# 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}}.
 
# 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}}}}.
+
# Download and extract [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/7-openal-soft/ OpenAL Soft] to a temporary folder and copy the file {{file|soft_oal.dll}} from inside {{code|bin\Win32\}} to {{code|{{P|game}}}}.
 
}}
 
}}
  
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
  |fan notes =  
+
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/battlefield-2/141 for base game and 'Euro Forces'], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/battlefield-2-special-forces/battlefield-2-special-forces/531 for 'Special Forces'].
 +
  |fan       = true
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
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  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
|fan notes =
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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|online play players  = 64
 
|online play players  = 64
 
|online play modes    = Versus, Co-op
 
|online play modes    = Versus, Co-op
|online play notes    = See [[#Online play support|Online play support]].
+
|online play notes    = [[GameSpy]] online services have been shut down. Players wanting to play online need to install BF2Hub, see [[#Online play support|Online play support]].
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
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|tcp  = 80,1024-1124,4711,27900,29900,29901
 
|tcp  = 80,1024-1124,4711,27900,29900,29901
 
|udp  = 1024-1124,1500-4999,16567,27900,27901,28910,29900,55123-55125
 
|udp  = 1024-1124,1500-4999,16567,27900,27901,28910,29900,55123-55125
|upnp =  
+
|upnp = unknown
 
}}
 
}}
  
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|iz3d                        = true
 
|iz3d                        = true
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
 
|iz3d notes                  =  
 +
|vorpx                      = hackable
 +
|vorpx modes                = G3D
 +
|vorpx notes                = User created, see [https://www.vorpx.com/forums/search/Battlefield_2_/ profile introdution].
 
|htc vive                    =  
 
|htc vive                    =  
 
|htc vive notes              =  
 
|htc vive notes              =  
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==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
{{ii}} TweakGuides has created a [http://www.tweakguides.com/BF2_1.html comprehensive guide] for fixing issues in this game.
+
{{ii}} TweakGuides has created a [https://tweakguides.pcgamingwiki.com/BF2_1.html comprehensive guide] for fixing issues in this game.
  
 
===Newer version already installed===
 
===Newer version already installed===
{{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>}}
+
{{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===
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{{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.
 
{{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.
 
{{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=
 
{{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=
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} Some maps fail to include the file {{code|Sounds.con}} which leads to broken EAX on X-Fi hardware and the X-Fi MB3 virtual sound card (see {{code|{{P|game}}\mods\bf2\Levels\Dragon_Valley\server.zip\Sounds.con}}). This file contains the line {{code|sound.setReverb "common/sound/levelambients/Openlandscape.eax"}} ("City.eax" for some maps).
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Extract {{code|Sounds.con}} from a maps {{code|server.zip}} file and put in maps that don't have it|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.realitymod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133282|title=Creative X-Fi audio renderer - Project Reality Forums|date=2019-06-26}}</ref>|fix=
 
}}
 
}}
  
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===Black terrain and/or models, objects, black spots on map, other visual graphics issues===
 
===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>.
+
{{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=Set "Terrain" quality to low|ref=<ref name="Visuals" />|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set "Terrain" quality to low|ref=<ref name="Visuals" />|fix=
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# Download a new [http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=16430&st=0&p=177619&#entry177619 "shaders_client.zip"].
 
# 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.
 
# 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.
+
# Delete the cache folder in {{code|{{P|userprofile\Documents}}\Battlefield 2\mods\bf2\}}. This will force Battlefield 2 to recompile the shaders.
 +
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{--}} Applying this fix will not allow you to play on PunkBuster protected servers anymore.
 
{{--}} Applying this fix will not allow you to play on PunkBuster protected servers anymore.
Line 523: Line 545:
 
|shader model versions  = 2
 
|shader model versions  = 2
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
|64-bit executable     = false
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|64-bit executable notes=  
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|macos 32-bit app      =
 +
|macos 64-bit app      =
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=  
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
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|cutscenes        = Bink Video, Swiff Player
 
|cutscenes        = Bink Video, Swiff Player
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
 
|cutscenes notes  =  
|multiplayer      = GameSpy, PunkBuster
+
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
 
|multiplayer notes=  
 
|multiplayer notes=  
 +
|anticheat        = PunkBuster
 +
|anticheat notes  =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Automatic login===
 
===Automatic login===
{{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=Use the [[Glossary:Command line arguments|Command line argument]] <code>+playerName '''YourName''' +playerPassword '''YourPassword'''</code>|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://tweakguides.pcgamingwiki.com/BF2_9.html|title=TweakGuides.com - Battlefield 2 Tweak Guide|date=2018-05-06}}</ref>|fix=
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
Line 552: Line 583:
  
 
===Mods===
 
===Mods===
* [https://www.moddb.com/games/battlefield-2/ ModDB landing page for Battlefield 2]
+
* [https://www.moddb.com/games/battlefield-2/ Mod DB landing page for Battlefield 2]
 
* [http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showforum=23 Battlefield Singleplayer Forum]
 
* [http://www.battlefieldsingleplayer.com/forum/index.php?showforum=23 Battlefield Singleplayer Forum]
  

Revision as of 18:19, 8 August 2020

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

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).
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

Official modding tools and a wide selection of mods available, often with bot support for co-op play.

General information

Battlefield 2 on the Battlefield Wiki
Battlefield 2 hub on Planet Battlefield
The Battlefield series on Battlelog - PC section.
EA Answers HQ
Steam Community Discussions

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

Disc-based versions require a CD-key which has to be typed in when installing. Individual CD keys are required for each expansion, except for the Complete Collection as mentioned below.
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

The BF2Hub client allows the game to be played online after the shutdown of the GameSpy online service.
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\<user-id>\
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-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]
Use +wx (number) and +wy (number) command line arguments to position your window

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 folder 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
Hungarian
Fan translation, for base game and 'Euro Forces', for 'Special Forces'.
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
GameSpy online services have been shut down. Players wanting to play online need to install BF2Hub, 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
vorpX
G3D
User created, see profile introdution.
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]
Some maps fail to include the file Sounds.con which leads to broken EAX on X-Fi hardware and the X-Fi MB3 virtual sound card (see <path-to-game>\mods\bf2\Levels\Dragon_Valley\server.zip\Sounds.con). This file contains the line sound.setReverb "common/sound/levelambients/Openlandscape.eax" ("City.eax" for some maps).
Extract Sounds.con from a maps server.zip file and put in maps that don't have it[12]

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.[13][14]
Set "Terrain" quality to low[15]
Download updated shader ".fx" files[15]
  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
Anti-cheat PunkBuster

Automatic login

Use the Command line argument +playerName YourName +playerPassword YourPassword[16]

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
System memory (RAM) 512 MB
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

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. File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/24860/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (24860) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References

  1. Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
  2. Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Verified by User:Waschbär on 2018-05-06
  4. PR:BF2 Guide to Best Possible Graphics with nVidia GPU - Project Reality Forums - last accessed on 2018-06-05
  5. How to enable BF2 true surround sound for Vista/Win7 - Battlefield SinglePlayer Forum - last accessed on 2018-05-12
  6. Battlefield 2 - GeForce - last accessed on 2018-05-06
  7. Patch 1.5 can't be installed / can't play PR - Project Reality Forums - last accessed on 2018-05-06
  8. Can't find Battlefield 2 install folder - IGN Boards - last accessed on 2018-05-06
  9. BF 2 1.5 September 1st - last accessed on 2018-05-21
  10. BF2 random closing :: Battlefield 2 General Discussions - last accessed on 2018-05-06
  11. XP BF2 CTD when selecting X-fi in sound options - Project Reality Forums - last accessed on 2018-05-19
  12. Creative X-Fi audio renderer - Project Reality Forums - last accessed on 2019-06-26
  13. SOLVED Black terrain spots - Page 2 - Project Reality Forums - last accessed on 2018-05-20
  14. 334.89 issue in Battlefield 2 - GeForce Forums - last accessed on 2018-05-20
  15. 15.0 15.1 Black Spots in map - Battlefield SinglePlayer Forum - last accessed on 2018-05-20
  16. TweakGuides.com - Battlefield 2 Tweak Guide - last accessed on 2018-05-06