These data drives are guarded by enemy combatants controlled by AI-controlled players. In this mode, players are divided into teams, and they must compete with each other to retrieve and extract data drives from the debris of fallen satellites. The third mode is a cooperative multiplayer mode called Hazard Zone. In addition, players can modify core gameplay elements such as health, weapon loadouts, and movement through a web-based scripting application. Portal allows players to create customized multiplayer modes and features select maps from past Battlefield games. The second main mode included in the game is a community-driven platform called Battlefield Portal. While the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions also support the feature, it is restricted to only players on the two aforementioned platforms. For the first time in the series, Battlefield 2042 features support for cross-platform play with the Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S versions. The Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S versions support matches with up to 128 players, whereas the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions support up to 64 players. Both modes can be played with and against AI-controlled players. In Breakthrough, one team must try to capture another team's control points, while another team must defend them. In Conquest, two teams combat against each other to capture control points once all control points in a sector are captured, the team controls said sector. "All-Out Warfare" encompasses "Breakthrough" and "Conquest", two staple modes of the series. The game featured seven maps at launch, including 'Breakaway', the largest map in the history of the Battlefield franchise. Unlike previous entries in the franchise which featured large-scale levolution and destructive environments, Battlefield 2042 features extreme weather effects such as tornadoes and sandstorms which may affect gameplay. For instance, one of the specialists, Emma "Sundance" Rosier, is equipped with a wingsuit, while another, Maria Falck, is equipped with a healing pistol.
Each operator has their own unique skills and gadgets. Players can assume control of a specialist who can wield any of the weapons and gadgets that a player has unlocked.
The classic Battlefield gameplay class system (such as Assault, Engineer, Medic, and Recon) was removed and replaced by the new 'Specialist' system. The game introduced a "Plus" system which allows players to customize their weapons on the spot. Players can request a vehicle air-drop to any location. As the game is set in the near future, it features futuristic weapons and gadgets like deployable turrets and drones, as well as vehicles that players can control. Similar to its predecessors, Battlefield 2042 is a multiplayer-focused first-person shooter.