How to play Battlefield 2042 early: EA Play Trial & Early Access

Liam Mackay
Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone gameplay

Battlefield 2042 is here, and players can get their hands on the game first through either an EA Play Trial and Early Access, so here’s how to play the blockbuster shooter a week early.

After months since its June reveal, and a delay, Battlefield 2042 is here. Following a three-year gap, DICE has brought classic Battlefield action to its All Out Warfare, Portal, and Hazard Zone modes.

Although officially releasing on November 19, players can play the game right now, a week early, thanks to EA Play and Early Access.

Here’s how to play Battlefield 2042 a week early through EA Play and its special editions.

How to play Battlefield 2042 before November 19

Battlefield 2042 editions

To play Battlefield 2042 right now, players need to either be an Xbox Game Pass or EA Play member, or pre-order the Gold ($90/£80) or Ultimate Edition ($110/£100).

While Battlefield 2042 officially launches on November 19, players can now take advantage of a full week’s worth of Early Access. And EA Play members, which includes Xbox Game Pass, can get a 10-hour trial during the Early Access period.

If you had Battlefield’s Gold or Ultimate Editions pre-ordered, you’ll be able to dive into the game right now and experience all that Portal, Hazard Zone, and All-Out Warfare have to offer. Plus, if you buy these special editions at any point this week, you’ll get to play immediately.

When does the Battlefield 2042 EA Play Trial go live?

Battlefield 2042 player with tank

Battlefield 2042’s EA Play Trial went live today, November 12, along with the Early Access.

From here, players can install and play 10 hours of Battlefield 2042 before deciding if they wish to purchase the game. But be careful, sitting idle in the menus will run down the clock, so make sure you’re getting the most out of your trial.

How to sign up to EA Play

Player gliding beside jet in battlefield 2042

You can either sign up to EA Play directly or get it through the Xbox Game Pass Subscription. And if you haven’t signed up for Game Pass before, your first month will only cost a dollar. But bear in mind, Battlefield 2042 won’t be part of the Game Pass subscription.

Here are both ways to sign up to EA Play and get your hands on Battlefield 2042 early.

EA Play

  1. Head to the EA Play website
  2. Select the red ‘Join Now’ in the top right corner
  3. Choose your platform (the membership will only apply to one platform)
  4. Select to pay monthly or annually ($4.99 a month or $29.99 for a full year)
  5. Follow the on-screen directions to complete the purchase

Xbox Game Pass

  1. Head to the Xbox Game Pass website
  2. Select ‘Join Now’ in the top right corner
  3. Select your desired plan (Ultimate, Console, or PC)
  4. Press the ‘Join’ button
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to register to Xbox Game Pass

And those are all of the ways that you can play Battlefield 2042 right now, a whole week before it officially launches!

For more Battlefield 2042, check out the major changes made between the Beta and launch.

Image Credit: EA / DICE

About The Author

Liam is CharlieIntel's Editor. After graduating in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University, Liam made use of his passion for FPS games, including Call of Duty, by writing for sites such as The Nerd Stash, Red Bull Gaming, and GAMINGbible before joining CharlieIntel in November 2020. You can contact Liam at [email protected].