Battlefield 2
Battlefield 2 is the sequel to Battlefield 1942 and the predecessor to Battlefield 3. The game supports a wide range of hardware but there are numerous issues users might encounter.
Version Differences
Best Version
The complete collection sold on Steam is perhaps the easiest way to get the game. This pack contains the main game as well as the expansion, Special Forces, and the two free 'bonus packs' Euro Forces and Armored Fury.
Serial Key
The disc based version requires a CD-key that you type in when installing.
Patches
The latest official patch is 1.50 which resolves a number of issues.
Hotfix for the alt-tab crash.
If you run into problem installing 1.50 you might need 1.41 first.
Issues and Fixes
Patch 1.5 won't install ("Newer version already installed"):
Run the 1.41 patch first, then 1.5.
Game crashes a lot:
Could be a number of things. Try running the game with Disable desktop composition on (right-click bf2.exe click options and then compatibility tab).
Game crashes when alt-tabbing:
Apply this hot-fix: BF2 1.50 hotfix_RendDX9.zip
Vsync won't work:
Some combinations of cards/drivers doesn't seem to want to apply v-sync. You can try forcing it with a third-party program such as D3Doverrider or DXtory instead. In D3DOverrider create a separate profile using Low detection level. If that doesn't work try High instead.
Getting kicked by punkbuster:
Try updating punkbuster manually. Download PBSetup. Run the program and add Battlefield 2. Click check for updates and let it run.
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. Reducing the sound quality to "High" usually solves this issue.
Black patches on textures:
ATI/AMD cards: Try modifying the Catalyst A.I. setting, either turning it on or off in the Catalyst Control Center (CCC). This issue has also occurred in newer display driver versions. Try installing Catalyst version 11.3 or older.
Graphical Tweaks
Field of View Fix (FOV)
Widescreenfixer automatically sets optimal fov or let's you change it to your liking.
Multimonitor Support
Widescreenfixer is your best bet.
Antialiasing
The game supports AA natively. In-game AA only goes up to 8x though so try forcing it through your graphics control panel if you want to go higher.
Anisotropic Filtering
Called Texture filtering in-game. High corresponds to 4x. Force it through graphics control panel if you want higher levels.
Run Without CD/DVD
Latest patch removed the need to have your DVD in the drive while playing.
Save Game Data
Folder Location
- Windows 7:
%user%\Documents\Battlefield 2\Profiles
Improvements
Autologin
Make sure you log in at least once. Then create a shortcut to the game, right-click it and go to options and add +playerName #### +playerPassword #### to the target box (replacing #### with your username and password). It should look like this:
..."\EA GAMES\Battlefield 2\BF2.exe" +playerName #### +playerPassword ####
Next time you click the shortcut you should get logged in automatically.
Skipping intro movies
Add +restart to the target box mentioned above.
Controller Support
The game supports joysticks natively.