Battlefield 2042 Update 2.2 patch notes: Release date, Orbital rework, more Vault weapons

Liam Mackay
Battlefield 2042 Orbital overhaul in update 2.2

Battlefield 2042 devs DICE are bringing the long-awaited Orbital rework with Update 2.2, so here’s when the update goes live and everything you can expect in the full patch notes.

Battlefield 2042 Season 2 is in full swing, with the Liquidators mid-season 2.1.1 update going live on October 10. DICE aren’t stopping there though, bringing even more content such as the Orbital map rework, Persistent servers, and a ton of bug fixes with Update 2.2.

Here’s exactly when Battlefield 2042’s Update 2.2 goes live, including all of the new content and full patch notes.

Battlefield 2042 Update 2.2 release date & time

Battlefield 2042’s Update 2.2 goes live on Thursday, October 20, at 1 AM PT / 4 AM ET / 9 AM BST.

These Battlefield 2042 updates usually have zero downtime, so you should be able to jump into the game as soon as you’ve downloaded the update.

Orbital rework in Battlefield 2042 Update 2.2

battlefield 2042 orbital map rework overview

After Battlefield 2042 players were left unimpressed with the launch maps, DICE have been bringing major overhauls, and Orbital is the latest map to receive a rework with Update 2.2

DICE have made a ton of changes to Orbital with Update 2.2, focusing on adding new cover and bringing tightening up the playspace “which will lead to a better combat flow, and reduced traversal time.”

Two of the Conquest flags have now become team spawns, allowing players to get into the fight much quicker. A new flag has been placed on the ridgeline, and areas such as the Crawlerway and Launchpad have been given a wartorn aesthetic that provides much more cover for players looking to cross.

New Vault weapons arrive in Battlefield 2042 Update 2.2

acw-r assault rifle in battlefield 2042

Battlefield players have a ton of nostalgia for the older games, and Update 2.2 brings Portal’s ACW-R, AKS-74u, and MP412 REX to All Out Warfare.

These Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3 weapons will be available to unlock as soon as Update 2.2 is live, and the challenges can be completed in either Portal or All Out Warfare.

Battlefield 2042 Update 2.2 brings Persistent Servers

Persistent Servers finally arrive in Battlefield 2042’s Update 2.2, allowing players to create their own server that will remain on the Server Browser even if with no active players.

DICE tailored 2042’s Persistent Servers for creators and community leaders, so their communities can find and play on the server even if the creator isn’t online. But, players must own the Premium Battle Pass to create one.

Battlefield 2042 Update 2.2 patch notes

General

  • The in-game Blocked Players list now updates in realtime when Blocking or Unblocking a user from the same platform
  • The Squad VOIP UI is no longer visible on the Home Menu when starting the game
  • When joining a Portal Featured Experience, the map location icon is now displayed on the loading screen in the bottom-left corner of the screen
  • Resolved an issue that could display the same Welcome Screen multiple times when booting the game
  • When joining a friend in Conquest in All-Out Warfare, the bottom left corner of the loading screen now correctly states US/RU instead of No-Pat Conquest
  • Some PC menu buttons and screens have been updated to no longer show “(F) Change Settings” if pressing that button would have no effect
  • Red background lights should no longer clip through player models in the Home Screen
  • PS5 – The Activity menu on PlayStation 5 now correctly show the actual in-game activity, instead of always stating Conquest
  • The “5 Kills and Assists as” Assignment to unlock a cosmetic for Crawford and Lis now track Assists correctly
  • The “Hellbent” Player Card Tag now tracks Season 2 missions correctly. This fix should be retroactive
  • The name of Crawfords Mounted Vulcan in the Mastery criteria has been corrected. Turret Assists now also progress it
  • Fixed an issue with the Statistics page not correctly tracking damage dealt with Season 2 weapons
  • Unobtainable Seasonal badges for expired Seasons are no longer present in the Upcoming rewards screen
  • Fixed an issue with Battle Rass rank ups being missed when a player ranks up too quickly
  • Added the ability to equip Player Card Backgrounds from the Battle Pass screens
  • Fixed an issue with the Battle Pass Mastery Badge tracking slowly. The badge should now track correctly when progress is made 
  • Fixed an issue where the XP bar travels backwards in the XP summary screen

Audio

  • Added improvements and fixes to the Audio of C5
  • Removed a faulty Voice Line after capturing E2 on Renewal
  • Added general Audio tweaks and mixing on Orbital
  • Added sound on burning wreck on Orbital
  • Made audio improvements to Ranger’s footstep patterns when they are off screen
  • Fixed an audio issue with Ranger’s footsteps when they come to a standstill

Gadgets

  • Fixed a minor bug where a backslash symbol was present in the World Log while AI resupplies, heals or revives revives
  • Fixed an issue where grenades did not show any indicators unless facing an enemy grenade. Sometimes problems just hit you in the face
  • Fixed an issue where the “No Ammo” prompt is displayed when throwing your last available grenade
  • The wrong name is no longer displayed for the FXM-33 within the Collection screen
  • Fixed a bug where the left arm is not visible while using the Med-Pen while traversal sprint is active
  • Fixed an issue where the Repair Tool was shaking during the repairing or damaging animation
  • The Recoilless M5, SOFLAM, FXM-33 AA Missile and Javelin can now lock onto empty or neutral vehicles

Portal

  • Stranded has been added to the Custom Conquest Game Mode
  • MCOMs added to TDM, FFA, VTDM, and Custom Conquest Game Modes 

Rules Editor

MCOM-related blocks have been added to the Rules Editor. Using these new blocks, you will be able to listen for and manipulate MCOMs to add to your game modes:

  • MCOM Objectives
  • MCOMDefused block 
  • MCOMDestroyed block 
  • MCOMArmed block 
  • AllMCOMs block 
  • SetFuseTime block
  • Added MCOM objective to EnableObjective block 
  • Added MCOM objective to Teleportation block
  • Added MCOM objective to SetTeamOwner block
  • Added MCOM objective to TeamOwner block
  • Added MCOM objective to IsActive block
  • RemainingFuseTime block
  • IsDefusing block
  • IsDefused block
  • IsArming block
  • IsArmed block

Other new blocks have been added to the Rules Editor:

  • GetCapturePointPosition block
  • EnableCapturing block
  • IsType block
  • OnPlayerDamaged block
  • OnPlayerEarnKillAssist block
  • Vehicle Repair block
  • Vehicle Damage block

Mutators

  • FriendlyFireDamageReflection mutator has been added. When using this Mutator, all damage dealt to friendlies will be reflected back at the player after two friendly fire kills.

Soldier

  • Fixed an issue which prevented movement in any direction while using a parachute
  • Soldiers are no longer able to stand on Flying Drones. Drones are not made for surfing and you should know better
  • Soldiers no longer spin for a brief moment after exiting vehicles
  • Fixed an issue where reload animations sometimes wouldn’t play as intended directly after being revived
  • Fixed an issue where moving slowly while prone could prevent the matching animations from being played
  • Soldier physics and animation stances were sometimes out of sync. This allowed movement into spaces where there wasn’t enough room to stand
  • Fixed several instances where input didn’t work while parachuting
  • Soldiers will now stop faster when starting a revive while sliding. This should prevent you from sliding out of range while starting a revive
  • Fixes several instances where the vaulting animation didn’t trigger on stairs or steep slopes
  • You can no longer deploy on a squad mate who is close to an enemy vehicle
  • It’s no longer possible to to revive teammates through glass windows on Renewal and Exposure

Specialists

Angel

  • Fixed a bug where playing Angel and being in the MD540 Nightbird passenger seat prevented you from dropping a Supply Crate

Boris

  • Fixed an issue where going outside the SG-36 Sentry Gun’s range breaks its firing animation while the Sentry Gun is moving

Casper 

  • Fixed a bug where “Enter Drone” prompt is present on screen even when the player does not use Casper’s tablet
  • Fixed an issue with the EMP weapon icon missing while controlling Caspers’ Recon Drone

Crawford

  • Fixed a bug where you could disappear from the map, and squad mates wouldn’t be able to spawn on you when operating the Mounted Vulcan
  • Fixed an animation issue when picking up the Mounted Vulcan
  • Fixed an issue where the “No Ammo” prompt appears when picking up the Mounted Vulcan
  • Fixed an issue where the Mounted Vulcan shooting sound gets stuck while alt-tabbed
  • The Mounted Vulcan can now be repaired

Dozer 

  • Fixed a bug where bashing a vehicle with Dozer’s SOB-8 Ballistic Shield and entering it at the same time will break 1P animations
  • Friendly players can no longer move through Dozer while his Shield is deployed

Falck

  • Resolved a broken self-heal animation upon using the S21 Syrette Pistol

Irish

  • Fixed an issue where Irish’s “Veteran” Trait prevented picking up ammo from fallen enemies
  • Fixed an issue where the APS-36 Shootdown Sentinel’s in-world icon appears blue instead of green
  • Fixed an issue where the APS-36 Shootdown Sentinel’s icon is not aligned when placing it on uneven terrain
  • Fixes several bugs which allowed the DCS Deployable Cover to be deployed inside players, vehicles or assets

Lis

  • Fixed a bug where Lis dealt 0 damage when shooting herself with the G-84 TGM. We don’t know why you want to do that though.
  • Fixed an art issue with Lis after entering BF3 Portal Collection

Mackay

  • An animation issue for Mackay during End of Round has been fixed

Paik

  • Fixed an issue with Paiks’ Scanner where the “Got one!” Voice Over would trigger while no enemy was visible on the minimap

Rao

  • Fixed an issue with Rao’s Cyber Warfare Suite where a white scanning Indicator was momentarily visible when first equipping it
  • Fixed an issue with Rao not getting XP when Hacking doors

Sundance

  • Fixed an issue where Sundance bounces while opening the Wingsuit close to the ground
  • Fixed an issue where the wrong name isdisplayed for Sundance’s Grenade Belt

Maps

We have made numerous smaller fixes across several maps with a focus on fixing bugs which could detract from a smooth and immersive gameplay experience. You should find less distractions such as becoming stuck, seeing floating, glitched or low quality terrain and assets.

Breakaway

  • Fixed some ice and snow covered mounds spawning with low quality textures when explosives are used nearby

Discarded

  • Fixed reflecting lights on the ship interior floor that didn’t accurately change position during movement

Exposure

  • Fixed an issue where soldiers could clip through the roof texture and see outside a building at A2
  • Fixed extended collision of several pine trees that prevented players from shooting through them
  • Fixed an issue where players could get stuck behind an invisible collision after falling from a cliff at B1
  • Players will no longer clip through metal beams after climbing on crates at D4
  • Fixed an issue in 64 player Breakthrough where the terrain around fences could be destroyed enough to them float
  • Fixed several areas in structures where soldiers could get stuck
  • Fixed an issue on B1 between containers and landslides which allowed players to crawl through them towards the other side 
  • Fixed issue in Breakthrough where soldiers could get stuck between barriers and containers in the tunnel from US HQ to the C1 flag
  • Fixed issue at D3 where soldiers could not traverse the middle of this elevation when running towards the zipline
  • Fixed an issue on several locations where sometimes Soldiers could either go below, or into unintended locations of the map
  • Fixed issue where it was possible to see through mountain textures
  • Fixed issue where the Interaction Key remained visible after having interacted with automatic doors
  • Fixed an issue at where grenades could get glitched in the ceiling of the room with the D1 flag
  • Fixed multiple issues of stretched and corrupted textures across the map
  • Fixed multiple areas on the map where Soldiers could clip through assets or terrain
  • Fixed multiple misplaced or floating assets across the map

Hourglass

  • Fixed an issue with several buildings having collisions outside their visuals. This means they unintentionally could blog bullets
  • Fixed issue on Deploy Screen where the button to select a vehicle was covered by the loadout UI
  • Hourglass – Fixed an issue where light panels near C1 had no animation when being destroyed

Kaleidoscope

  • Culling behavior on windows at the base of buildings has been improved
  • Fixed an issue at C2 where the terrain near the plaza avenue planter could be destroyed enough to see the front of the asset partially float
  • Fixed several terrain and craters issues at B3
  • Fixed issue where anti-air background atmosphere tracers were placed too close to the air OOB area.
  • Fixed an issue at C2 between the electrical box and plaza foundation which prevented traversal
  • Fixed multiple asset clipping issues across the map
  • Fixed an issue on B4 where destroyed terrain could cause assets to float
  • Fixed an issue at C1 with hydrant water VFX inside the building.
  • Fixed an issue with the command post in B1 that had the material physics set to metal resulting in the wrong footsteps SFX

Manifest

  • Removed several invisible walls on Manifest
  • Fixed several light culling issues on floodlights

Orbital

  • Fixed several areas on Orbital where the light was overexposed when looking outdoors from inside a building
  • Fixed several lighting and shadow issues across tunnels in Orbital
  • Fixed several issues at B2 where Soldier encountered traversal issues when passing through two rocks and trying to return
  • Fixed an C5 Explosive issue that disappeared and did not do any damage when placed in the buildings around the D2 flag
  • Fixed an issue where soldier could get stuck under the rocket launching pad
  • Fixed an issue where multiple different impact SFX are audible when throwing any grenade at the ceiling inside D2 storage units
  • Fixed multiple issues where light was bleeding inside/outside buildings and containers
  • Fixed an issue where control panels would remain and float after their surrounding buildings were destroyed
  • Fixed an issue where you could not Hack after being Hacked by an enemy

Renewal

  • Fixed several issues with draw distance and culling of objects across the map
  • Fixed an issue in Hazard Zone where Uplinks were in locations where they couldn’t be interacted with
  • Fixed an issue on Sector D where Soldiers could be flag as out of bounds

Stranded

  • Battlefield Portal layouts are now available for Stranded
  • Fixed issue at B1 where defenders in Rush were able to snipe at the A objective in the first sector from their HQ
  • Fixed an issue at C2 where prone soldiers could clip with the tower platforms and could be damaged by bullets
  • Fixed an issue where the widget for the random deploy point was missing in FFA based Portal modes
  • Fixed an issue at C1 where an occluder was visible when looking inside the middle part of the ship near a container
  • Fixed an issue where soldiers were able to interact with a non usable ladder on the ship deck
  • Fixed an issue at C1 where a corner from the marketplace section in the middle of the ship was turning bright when the player was facing the wall
  • Fixed an issue at C2 where Mackay could camp on top of support beam
  • Fixed an issue in Breakthrough where squad members could be seen walking through boxes during the insertion sequence

Vehicles

  • Bolte – Reduced size of Bolte incendiary mine AOE to match VFX.
  • Characters with items on their backs should no longer clip through the seat of the Tuk-Tuk
  • AMPs on the EBLC-RAM now blocks Sundance’s Scatter Grenades
  • The EBLC-RAM spawn beacon now gets destroyed by storms
  • Fixed an issue that would cause vehicles to jitter while using the 3p cameras of Tanks and Stealth Helicopters
  • Fixed an issue where overlapping icons would be present when AI’s are occupying all the remaining seats in a vehicle
  • Fixed vehicles freezing for a few seconds when switching seats on a moving platform.
  • Fixes an issue which was causing some vehicle cameras to drift upwards while turning.
  • Ground Vehicles – Reduced the impulse of ground vehicles 50mm cannon. This should stop vehicles such as the MD540 Nightbird from being pushed too much by weapon impacts.
  • Improved the collision of tank shells when aiming close to the side of an object.
  • KA-520 Super Hokum and MV-38 Condor – The Miniguns for Ground Vehicles now properly damage the Condor and Hind across various distances
  • Lock on missiles will no longer hit the helicopter pilot but instead deal damage to vehicle as intended
  • RAH-68 Huron – Fixed an issue where rain could be seen inside the cockpit of the RAH-68 Huron
  • Smart rockets now follow the same scatter angles as heavy rockets. They shoot more inwards and are more accurate
  • Stealth Helicopter Bombs will now play the bomb trail visual effects as intended for players other than the pilot dropping them.
  • The 1st person view in the Polaris RZR now displays dynamic values.
  • The audibility of the stealth helicopter bombs for low altitude bombings has been improved
  • The name of the M1A5 and T28 HEAT Shell to HE Shell to better match its functionality as anti-infantry
  • The Polaris RZR is now affected by systemic damage on its wheels.
  • The SFX from Passenger pings would sometimes play twice, so we’ve removed the repeat button
  • Wildcat – Fixed an issue which caused the crosshair for 40 and 57mm Cannons to not work properly on the Wildcat
  • Wildcat – The projectiles from the Wildcat’s 40mm cannon are now aligned with the center of the crosshair when shooting from a 1P perspective.
  • The enemy vehicle type is now shown on the Kill Card when a vehicle blows up due to vehicle collision
  • Fixed a bug where some Specialists still have their backpack gadget on while in the Polaris RZR
  • Fixed a bug where players could lock onto friendly helicopters after locking onto an enemy helicopters

EBAA Wildcat, MAV, M1A5, T28

We have increased the health for the Track / Wheel Damage Zone on Heavy Armor vehicles to ensure players have to be accurate at disabling specific vehicle parts. It now takes 2 shots to disable.

  • Tank Track / Wheels – Health Increased from 200 -> 300

EBAA Wildcat, M1A5, T28

The Turret Damage Zone also had its health increased to reward accuracy versus vehicles. It now also takes 2 shots to be taken down. To compensate, the health regenerates slower.

  • Tank / Wildcat Turret – Health increased from 250 -> 350
  • Health Regeneration Duration increased from 10 -> 14

Weapons

  • The Target 8T Iron Sight is no longer blocked when using the Skeletonized skin.
  • Added suppressor sounds to the GVT 45-70
  • DM7 – The DM7 magazine would sometimes disappear for a second after reloading when viewed from a 3rd person perspective. The mags have been given a confidence boost and no longer hide
  • Added a missing animation for the DXR-1 casing ejection
  • The AM40’s standard issue / Drum Mag now displays the correct ammo count.
  • Toggling an underbarrel will no longer appear in the HUD of nearby players
  • Fixed an issue where bipods appeared closed from another players perspective
  • Removed muzzle flash that was incorrectly visible across a number of weapons when using a suppressor
  • The M16A3 was missing pros and cons for some of its underbarrels. These have been located
  • Resolved an issue with missing SFX while reloading
  • The barrel is no longer visible while Aiming Down Sight while using the Avancys with certain scopes
  • The GAR45 silencer now properly hides you from the minimap like all light silencers.
  • Fixed an issue that was causing an invisible mesh to appear on the standard magazine of the PF51
  • Laser sight is no longer misaligned on weapons when using traversal sprint and a FOV above 55
  • In-game hints now display correctly for the Canted Sight Sig Tango 4
  • Improved spin-up weapon behavior when firing soon after entering vehicle weapon stations
  • Fixed an issue where the ADS animation would look odd from another player’s perspective
  • Fixed an issue that was causing the animated bolt to clip through the gun on an empty magazine reload

Laser Sights

Laser Sight behavior on weaponry has received multiple fixes and visual improvements

  • Fixed an issue where the laser was floating around the weapon attachment in 1p view when using a high FOV setting
  • Fixed an issue where the laser was pointing forward too much in 1p while sprinting and using a high FOV setting
  • Fixed issue where the glare from green and blue lasers was red when looking at other players
  • Green and blue lasers are now slightly more intense than the red one 
  • Lasers are now accurately blocked by geometry
  • Laser dots are now visible as intended when ADS through most sights/scopes
  • Added further visual polish and fixes to lasers 

October 20 also brings Modern Warfare 2’s campaign in early access, and you can check out everything we know about Battlefield 2042’s Season 3 update so far.

Image Credit: DICE / EA