Here’s something worth clearing up first: there are two different games called “Star Wars Battlefront II” — the classic 2005 game and the 2017 EA/DICE reboot — and both are paid titles on PC with no official free download. This guide covers where to buy each one, so you get the version you’re actually looking for.
How to Get the 2017 Star Wars Battlefront II (Official Steps)
- Open Steam and search for “Star Wars Battlefront II” — check the cover art shows Darth Maul/Iden Versio for the 2017 game.
- Confirm the listing is by EA/DICE.
- Click Add to Cart, complete checkout, and Steam downloads the game — it’s now years old and frequently discounted heavily.
- Launch it, play the single-player campaign, or jump into large multiplayer battles across the saga’s eras.
How to Get the Classic 2005 Star Wars Battlefront II
- Search Steam for “Star Wars Battlefront II (Classic, 2005)”, published by Aspyr.
- Purchase and download — it’s a much smaller, lighter install than the modern version.
- Community mods and mod-enabled multiplayer servers remain active for this version.
Ways to Get Either Version for Less
- Steam sales: Both versions regularly discount heavily during Steam seasonal sale events.
- EA Play/Game Pass: The 2017 version has appeared in EA Play, included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
System Requirements (2017 Version)
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-6600K / AMD FX-8350 | Intel Core i7-6700 / AMD Ryzen 7 1700 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 660 2GB / AMD Radeon HD 7850 2GB | Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB or better |
| Storage | ~48 GB free space | SSD recommended |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- 2017 version offers a full cinematic single-player campaign plus large multiplayer battles
- Classic 2005 version retains a dedicated modding and mod-server community
- Both frequently discounted, making either version affordable
❌ Cons
- The name overlap between the two games causes real confusion for buyers
- 2017 version’s launch loot-box controversy led to significant rework of its progression systems
- Classic 2005 version shows its age visually
Availability by Platform
🖥️ PC
Both versions available on Steam.
🎮 Consoles
The 2017 version is on PlayStation and Xbox; the classic 2005 version was originally on PS2, Xbox, and GameCube.
Who Should — and Shouldn’t — Play Each Version
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Star Wars Battlefront II free to download?
No, both the 2005 classic and 2017 EA/DICE versions are paid games with no official free download.
Which version should I buy?
The 2017 version for modern graphics and a full campaign, or the 2005 classic for its retro large-scale battles and mod scene.
Is it safe to download from third-party “free download” sites?
No, only buy through Steam.
Is the 2017 version’s progression fixed after the loot-box controversy?
Yes, EA/DICE overhauled the game’s progression systems following backlash at launch, moving away from pay-to-win loot boxes.
Does the classic 2005 version still have active servers?
Yes, a dedicated community keeps modded multiplayer servers running for it.
This page is written for informational purposes to help you find the official, safe way to play Star Wars Battlefront II. It does not link to or endorse any unofficial “free download” sources.