Editorials
15 Common Battlefield 1 Problems & How to Fix Them
Despite DICE’s best efforts, Battlefield 1 problems continue to emerge on all three platforms and the developer has a lot of work to do as we push toward the release of Battlefield 5.
With Battlefield 5 set for release in November, DICE is starting to shift resources away from Battlefield 1.
The developer will no longer issue monthly updates for the game which means those of you dealing with issues will likely be on your own for extended periods of time.
With that in mind we want to show you how to fix the most common Battlefield 1 problems while we wait for the company’s next patch.
Is Battlefield 1 Down?
If Battlefield 1 suddenly stops working for you you probably aren’t alone. There’s a very good chance EA’s servers are down.
There are three places to check to see if Battlefield 1 is down for everyone or if you’re the only person experiencing problems with the game.
The first place to check is DownDetector. Here you can check and see if EA’s servers are up and running normally.
You can also check the Battlefield 1 support account on Twitter for information on Battlefield 1 server issues. You might also check EA’s support account.
The last place to check is EA’s Battlefield 1 forum. EA will bring Battlefield 1’s servers down to implement new patches so there’s a chance the downtime is being caused by a new update.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Installation Problems
Battlefield 1 is a huge game and it’ll command about 50GB of space on your system’s hard drive. Unsurprisingly, we’re hearing about slow downloads.
We expect download times to ease as we push away from the game’s release date but if you experience long download times, there are a few things you can try.
First, try plugging your ethernet cable directly into your PC, Xbox One or PlayStation 4. This might speed up the download, particularly if your console or PC is far away from your router.
Your other option is to pause the download and then start it again. This has worked for us many times in the past.
For more advice, head on over to Microsoft, Sony or EA.
If you’re having trouble installing Battlefield 1 on your PS4, Xbox One, or PC there are a few workarounds to try.
If you’re trying to install Battlefield 1 on your Windows PC you’ll want to launch the Origin client. From there, Open the My Games tab and right-click on the Battlefield 1 game tile. From there, click Install and it should start installing again.
If you are trying to install Battlefield 1 on the PS4 you’ll want to open your Notifications from the main PlayStation menu. Select Downloads and find the Battlefield 1 file you downloaded. Select Options and then select Install to jumpstart the process.
If you are trying to install the game on an Xbox One, you’ll need to find the game file in your download history. From there select the Battlefield 1 file and select Install.
If this doesn’t work and the installation freezes and/or continues to fail, it could mean that the game file is corrupt. If this is the case, you’ll want to delete all of the files associated with the game and try the download/installation again.
What to Do If Battlefield 1 DLC Won’t Start
If your Battlefield 1 DLC won’t start here’s what you need to do.
If you’re playing They Shall Not Pass, In the Name of the Tsar, Turning Tides, or Apocalypse on the PlayStation 4 and the content won’t launch, you might need to restore your license. You can restore your license by following the steps in this guide.
If you’re playing Battlefield 1 DLC on the Xbox One, try uninstalling the content from your hard drive. Re-install it and it should work normally.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Bonus Content Issues
Some Battlefield 1 gamers are having trouble accessing some of the bonus items that come with the Deluxe version of the game. These issues appear to be affecting Xbox One owners the most.
If you’re having an issue on your Xbox One, EA’s outlined some steps to take to recover your skins and any additional content you’re looking for. (This method worked for us.)
- First, open up the Store and select Use a Code.
- Enter the code for the bonus content.
- Find Battlefield 1 on the home screen and press the Menu button.
- Select Manage Game.
- Choose Ready to Install from the menu on the left.
- Select Install all and confirm the installation. Wait for any downloads to finish up.
- Check for your items in Battlefield 1.
If that doesn’t work, try this:
- If your game is running shut it down.
- Find Battlefield 1 on the home screen and press the Menu Button.
- Select Manage Game.
- Uninstall everything related to Battlefield 1 except for the game itself.
- Power off your Xbox One completely and wait a few minutes before powering it back on.
- Head on back to Manage Game for Battlefield 1.
- Select Install all and confirm. Wait for downloads to finish up.
- Power off the Xbox One, turn it back on and launch Battlefield 1.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Update Problems
DICE releases monthly Battlefield 1 updates and sometimes these updates can get stuck during the download process. If this happens find your download and pause it. Wait for 15 seconds or so and then select resume.
If you’re playing the game on PC, exit Origin and open it as an Administrator. If that doesn’t work, try Origin’s Safe Mode Downloading option. It’s located in Settings under Troubleshooting.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Connection Issues
Tons of Battlefield 1 gamers are complaining about connection issues. Connection issues are extremely common, particularly right after launch, and they can be difficult to fix. That said, here are a few things to try.
If you suddenly get disconnected from a server and you’re playing Battlefield 1 on a PC, make sure you’re still signed into EA Origin. If you aren’t, sign in to continue to playing online.
If you’re playing Battlefield 1 on an Xbox One, a PlayStation 4 or on a PC logged into Origin, take a look at EA’s exhaustive guide to repairing connection issues. You’ll likely need to use some trial and error to find a fix that works for you and your system.
If none of that works, you can try opening or forwarding ports. This step is more demanding but it could have a positive impact on your problems.
The first thing you’ll want to do is look at this guide. It will walk you through the basics on how to open TCP and UDP ports. Once you get a handle on the process, input these ports:
PC
- UDP: 3659, 14000-14016, 22990-23006, 25200-25300
- TCP: 80, 443, 5222, 9988, 17502, 20000-20100, 22990, 42127
Xbox One
- UDP: 53, 88, 500, 3074, 3544, 4500
- TCP: 53, 80, 3074
PS4
- UDP: 3659, 14000-14016
- TCP: 80, 443, 9988, 10000-10100, 17502, 42127
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Networking Problems
We’re also seeing complaints about various Battlefield 1 networking problems. These, like connection problems, are extremely common in massive multiplayer games like Battlefield 1.
Some Battlefield 1 players are having problems joining games/servers. Others are unable to party up with friends or hear their friends in the game’s chat. Like connection problems these can be tricky to solve but here are a few potential fixes.
One of the first things to try is a simple reset of your router. Unplug your router and leave it off for a good minute before plugging back in.
If a reset doesn’t work you’ll want to check your system’s NAT settings. If you’re using a strict NAT type, you might encounter networking issues including problems partying up with friends. Using an Open NAT type on system might remedy these issues.
If you’re playing Battlefield 1 on a PC there’s a chance your local security software might be blocking Origin, or Battlefield 1 itself, from connecting properly. If you’re using security software on your PC, make sure both have the proper permissions.
If you’re unable to find a server/game when your console is coming right out of a resting state, reset your console and try again.
If you’re continually getting disconnected from Operations, try another set of maps or continue trying to connect. Sometimes it takes a few tries for it to work.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Graphics Problems
If you are playing on PC and you’re noticing issues with Battlefield 1’s graphics know that you aren’t alone. Plenty of people are running into graphical issues with the game. Here are a few things to try if this happens to you on your PC.
First, you’ll want to download the latest drivers for your graphics card. If you’re using a GeForce graphics card, head over to NVIDIA’s site and check for the latest updates. If you’re using a Radeon processor, head to AMD’s site.
The latest drivers should also fix most DirectX issues.
If you happen to be using a dual graphics card setup on your PC, try disabling one of them. You can do that using Windows Device Manager.
If none of those fixes help, you should lowering the graphics settings in your game. This obviously isn’t ideal but it could help smooth out your performance.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 FPS Problems
If you are encountering Battlefield 1 FPS issues, try this fix.
Go into the game’s Video settings, go into Advanced and Disable GPU Memory restriction. This is enabled by default. Disabling it could improve your frame rate. If this doesn’t help, there are a number of other potential fixes to try.
This guide to Battlefield 1 FPS fixes outlines some potential solutions including some options to change and a few useful tweaks to Windows.
We also recommend downloading the latest drivers from AMD and NVIDIA. They could help improve your performance.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Black Screen Problems
If you are running into Battlefield 1 black screen problems, here are a few potential remedies to try.
The first thing to do is check your PC’s specs against EA’s minimum and recommended specifications. If you’re below the threshold, this might explain your problem.
To check, head on over here to Can You Run It to compare the minimum Battlefield 1 PC specs versus your own.
If you’re confident your PC meets the requirements, try updating your graphics card. If you’re running an AMD graphics card, head here. If you’re using an NVIDIA graphics card, go here.
If that doesn’t help fix your black screen problems, try updating EA Origin. You can download the latest version right here.
If you recently updated your operating system, try reinstalling Origin before installing, or re-installing, Battlefield 1 on your system.
Here’s another quick fix to try, courtesy of a Battlefield 1 owner. We’ve tested this method and its worked for us 100% of the time.
- Press Start.
- Go to your Options.
- In Options select Video.
- In Video, turn “Weapon DOF” from On to Off.
- Redeploy.
- Turn “Weapon DOF” from Off to On.
Another Battlefield 1 user has discovered another potential fix for black screen issues.
If you’re noticing a black screen, press the Start button while hovering over the Battlefield 1 icon, go to Manage Game > Saved data and Delete the file called “Reserved Space.” Restart the game.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Freezes
Some PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC users are complaining about random hang ups and freezes. Some users are getting stuck at loading screens.
If Battlefield 1 freezes or locks up, you’ll need to restart your game or your system. We recommend unplugging your console to clear the cache.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Sound Problems
If you start noticing issues with Battlefield 1’s sound on the PS4, PC, or Xbox One, try minimizing to the dashboard/desktop on your system and then re-entering the game. This solution has worked for us many times in the past.
If you’re running into sound issues on your PC you’ll also want to make sure your rig’s audio drivers are up to date.
How to Fix Battlefield 1 Flickering Problems
If your game starts to flicker, and you’re playing the game on the PC, you’ll want to download the latest drivers for your graphics card. If you’re using an AMD graphics card, go here. If you’re using an NVIDIA graphics card, go here.
How to Fix Missing Battlefield 1 Warbonds
By level 70 you should acquire enough war bonds to unlock all of the items in Battlefield 1. If for some reason you don’t have enough, you’ll need to contact EA.
If you’re positive you’re missing war bonds, you’ll need to get in touch with an EA Advisor and explain the situation to them. You won’t get awarded the war bonds right off the bat, but your problem will be passed along to the proper department and the situation should (eventually) get resolved.
How to Fix Missing Battlepacks, Scraps, and Squad Boosts
If you’re suddenly missing Battlepacks, Scraps, and Squad Boosts you’ve earned, you’ll want to log out of Battlefield 1 and log back in.
Buy If You Want a Game to Play for the Next Year | |||||||||
If you're looking to get a huge bang for your buck, think about investing in Battlefield 5. Unlike Call of Duty and other first person shooters, Battlefield 5 comes with a single player campaign dubbed War Stories. Each War Story takes about an hour or so to complete, but they're actually quite fun. Of course, there's also the game's extensive multiplayer component which puts you on the ground with up to 63 other players on the battlegrounds of World War 2. As time goes on, EA DICE will deliver new maps, new weapons, new skins, and brand new game modes. And unlike some games (Battlefield 1 and COD Black Ops 4, for instance) you won't have to pay for any of the DLC content. Battlefield 5's DLC is dubbed Tides of War and players can expect four expansions during the game's first year out on shelves. You can expect lots of changes to both the single player and multiplayer modes as support for Battlefield 5 will go on for several years. So if you're looking to buy a game that doesn't immediately end up in your drawer or CD case, Battlefield 5 is worth a look. It's a solid investment at $60 and it will provide you with hundreds of hours of entertainment in the months, and perhaps years, to come. | |||||||||
colby
10/21/2016 at 1:16 pm
I bought the early enlister delux pack for xbox one and both of my codes did not work. They were excepted and downloaded but when i go into the game there is none of the items or crates i should have. They keep sayin this issue is only on ps4 but ive ran into a few people having the same issue on xbox. Any ideas. And i cant seem to reach anyone at ea about the problem. Hope i didnt get ripped of.
Jordan Nickel
10/22/2016 at 1:56 am
im having the same problem. this is why i dont preorder shit -_- $100 for What? a few days of early play and a bunch of content i dont get? thanks EA for wasting money that could have gonetowards a nice tastey pizza.
gtg697t
10/22/2016 at 3:48 pm
This is the worst set of troubleshooting suggestions I have ever seen in my entire life.
Griffn1
10/22/2016 at 5:37 pm
LOL, I was literally just going to right the exact same thing gtg697t did. These troubleshooting steps look like they were written by a 10 year old… who doesn’t play games. I mean seriously, these are completely useless.
Mukul Shende
11/19/2016 at 11:11 am
This might be a pretty noob question but buying the game on PC would allow someone to play it on ps4 too?
Sorry if it’s obvious , I am new to these things.
Rick
11/22/2016 at 11:19 pm
unbelievably long load times between matches,missing bonus content I paid extra for,most of the time I cant back out of the game because it just goes blank and lets you stare at that %$#$&% down load symbol until I have t reset console …….. love the whole WW1 idea and the grapics are stunning but I’m wondering if I should have bought the latest COD offering. Hope it gets fixed
Jeff
03/19/2017 at 3:38 pm
Any luck with fixes for the rank progress glitch my new dlc guns are unlocked normally but say I haven’t done the side quests and are locked happened 2 day can’t find help anywhere
Connor
04/13/2017 at 2:37 pm
Can anyone help me with a problem where when I click join game it keeps loading and dosent load.
Byron
04/29/2017 at 10:40 pm
Signed into PS network. Started BF1, went to online play. Screen says I’m not online and updates are needed for online play. What gives? Kind of a noon so I’m lost. Help please!
Dirk
05/04/2017 at 9:32 pm
I’m getting tired of completing challenges and not getting the rewards. Can’t unlock the guns if the damn challenges are not possible because they reset them even if i complete them. Why is this even an issue? Shouldn’t this be one of the first things you make sure to have right when making challenges. Make sure the game tracks them. Dangle a carrot in front of a buyers face then handing them a cow pie is irritating to the point of want my money back.
Rick H.
05/14/2017 at 1:24 pm
I play BF1 on PC. Generally, I have not had issues. With the exception of the “You have been disconnected from the session” error message. I started seeing this again this past Saturday (May 13, 2017) and now find that I cannot play online due to this error. I have no other issues reaching the internet and have tried resetting my router as well as flushing DNS and resetting my IP stack. Nothing works. Which means, to me, that this is a server side issue. I am located on the East coast. I have also noticed a lack of servers to play on recently as well. As little as 5 or 6 servers at times. EA/Dice must do something to correct this nonsense. Or, I for one am done paying for games that don’t work from them.
Kevin O
06/04/2017 at 1:23 pm
Lately I’ve been getting a glitch on Xbox1 that treats shooting enemy soldiers like shooting an ally. I get no hit markers or am awarded any damage, but they can just turn around and shoot me easily. Grenades still work for some reason.
Marruhk
11/21/2017 at 5:43 am
I just bougt the revolution edition a few days ago, everything is downlaoded and my xbox gold is still working, there are no problems with my connection, but the only thing i can do is the stories. Does anyone have any suggestions how to fix this problem because i realy want to play multiplayer
jcdmichael
06/10/2019 at 10:40 am
Interesting concept.