Star Wars Battlefront II is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2017, tying directly into this year's theatrical release, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." While the first game received mixed reviews at launch, some noteworthy improvements have been included for the sequel.
Among these is the debut of a story-driven single-player campaign, a more competitive multiplayer mode, and a reworked approach to ship combat. The game has also taken a new approach to various multiplayer systems, including new progression mechanics and the exclusion of a paid season pass.
With the game's launch set for later this year, we've already begun to round up all you need to know before jumping back into the Battlefront universe.
- Everything we know so far about Star Wars Battlefront 2
- Star Wars Battlefront 2 multiplayer improves on the original in 5 big ways
Release date
Star Wars Battlefront II is currently set to release on November 17, 2017. The game will release for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, with two editions currently available to pre-order per platform. For those purchasing the Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition, the game will be available three days early, on November 14, 2017.
Pre-order bonuses
As with many games nowadays, bonuses are being provided to those who secure a copy of Star Wars Battlefront II ahead of launch. Luckily, the available pre-order bonuses aren't too complex, with only a few items on offer to buyers. A few months remain until launch though, and some retailers will have more to offer later down the line. These are the two rewards currently provided beside pre-orders, across most retailers.
Star Wars Battlefront II: The Last Jedi Heroes
At a majority of retailers, pre-orders are accompanied by "The Last Jedi Heroes" – an add-on pack with exclusive in-game multiplayer skins and abilities for iconic characters from the movie. The contents of this package will be made available to those who pre-order the game at participating retailers, as well as all owners of the "Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition". Here's an in-depth breakdown of the exact contents included with the bonus.
- Exclusive Star Wars: The Last Jedi themed looks for Kylo Ren and Rey
- One epic ability modifier that upgrades Millennium Falcon to the Star Wars: The Last Jedi Millennium Falcon
- Two epic ability modifiers for Rey, with enemy mind control
- Two epic ability modifiers for Kylo Ren, to freeze and pull opponents with the Force
- One epic ability modifier for a new First Order hero ship
It's currently unknown whether this content can also be earned traditionally in-game, like the remainder of the Deluxe Edition content.
Beta test early access
An open beta test is also scheduled to occur before launch, allowing the public to get hands-on with the game prior to release. Few details are available, though it has been confirmed pre-orders will get three-day early access to the test. If similar to the first game, we can expect the beta to commence in October and run for less than a week.
Editions
There are four main ways to purchase Star Wars Battlefront II at this point in time. Choosing between these mostly comes down to your personal preferences when purchasing games, and the contents you want at launch.
Star Wars Battlefront II Standard Edition (Physical)
A pre-order for the standard version of Star Wars Battlefront II is being offered for $59.99. This version of the game is stocked by a majority of video game retailers, and releases on November 17, 2017. Provided the retailer is offering codes for "The Last Jedi Heroes" pack and early access to the beta test, both of these are included with the standard variant of the game.
Star Wars Battlefront II Standard Edition (Digital)
A digital version of Star Wars Battlefront II is also priced at $59.99, which includes the base game alongside the available pre-order bonuses. Although purchasing via the Xbox Store will tie the game directly to your Microsoft account, other retailers sell pre-paid codes to be redeemed via Xbox Live. Most stores who stock pre-paid codes will distribute the codes ahead of launch, to give players the chance to pre-load the title. Like digital copies purchased directly from the Xbox Store, these copies of the game will unlock at 12:01 in your time zone.
Star Wars Battlefront II Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition (Physical)
For those looking to get their hands on the complete Battlefront II experience, the game's "Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition" bundles codes for additional in-game multiplayer content. Not only will you be gaining access upgrade packs for each of the game's classes – but you'll also gain guaranteed access to "The Last Jedi Heroes" pack, regardless of whether you pre-order the game. By picking up this version, you'll be securing all content available in the multiplayer. It should be noted that all Deluxe Edition content can be earned for free by playing multiplayer, as confirmed by a designer on Battlefront II. Here's a breakdown of the included content.
- Elite Officer Upgrade Pack: Blurrg-1120 + enhanced grip modification, Battle Command epic ability
- Heavy Metal Upgrade Pack: FWMB-10 "Megablaster" + barrel vent modification, Personal Shield epic ability
- Armored Assault Upgrade Pack: CR-2 + trigger modification, Grenade epic ability
- Master Specialist Upgrade Pack: A280-CFE + scope modification, Laser Trip Mine epic ability
- Up to 3 days early access to Star Wars Battlefront II
- Star Wars Battlefront II: The Last Jedi Heroes pack
On top of bonuses, the Deluxe Edition releases on November 14, a full three days before the release of the regular edition. For this edition of the game, you'll be investing $79.99 - $20 more than a standard copy.
Star Wars Battlefront II Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition (Digital)
The Star Wars Battlefront II Elite Trooper Deluxe Edition can also be purchased in a digital format and offers the same content as the disc release. With no physical-only editions, you'll be getting all the content available at launch. With this version, you'll be securing the Deluxe Edition upgrade packs, three-day early access and "The Last Jedi Heroes" pack. Like a standard digital copy, buying the game directly from Xbox Live ties the game and all related bonuses directly to your Microsoft account. Other retailers provide a pre-paid code, which can be redeemed via your console.
Star Wars: The Black Series - Battlefront II Inferno Squadron Agent Figure
Alongside the release of the game, collectors can also get their hands on a figure of an "Inferno Squadron" pilot – the team at the center of Star Wars Battlefront II's single-player narrative. While information on Inferno Squadron itself is scarce, the six-inch figure is an entry in the "The Black Series" merchandise – a premium line of Star Wars collectibles from Hasbro. We can also expect many more collectibles and accessories to be announced before launch. For now, this figurine will be available exclusively at GameStop for launch, priced at $22.99.
Still undecided?
If you're still undecided on whether to pick up Star Wars Battlefront II, make sure to stay tuned for upcoming news on the game right here. We'll be sure to update this guide with any new editions or merchandise announced running up until launch, with a final review this November. Let us know what version of the game you're planning to pick up in the comments section.
