Star Wars Battlefront II’s Progression Update Turns 7 – The Patch That Changed Everything

On this day 7 years ago, March 21, 2018, the galaxy far, far away experienced a much-needed course correction. Star Wars Battlefront II’s Progression Update was released, and with it came a new hope… or at the very least, an overhauled progression system that didn’t feel like it belonged to the dark side of monetization.

Yes, this was that patch—the one that scrapped pay-to-win mechanics, introduced linear class progression, and dropped players into the dusty elegance of the Administrator’s Palace on Bespin. It wasn’t just a patch. It was a redemption arc.

---

The Patch That Made the Force a Bit More Fair

When Battlefront II launched in late 2017, let’s just say things were… tense. The original progression system was heavily tied to loot boxes, creating a frustrating experience where Darth Vader felt more locked behind a credit wall than behind his iconic breathing mask. The backlash? Galactic.

So, seven years ago today, DICE and EA dropped the Progression Update, which introduced:

• 🎯 Linear progression for classes, heroes, and ships
• 🧩 Star Cards earned through gameplay, not crates
• 💥 No more randomized power boosts—what you see is what you earn
• 🌟 Cosmetics-only crates and microtransactions, because nobody needs to pay real money to be overpowered

In short, the update aimed to restore balance—not just to the Force, but to matchmaking and player morale.

---

Welcome to the Administrator’s Palace

Alongside the updated progression system, players were treated to a brand-new map: the Administrator’s Palace on Bespin. And no, Lando didn’t charge rent.

Set within the sleek, pastel halls of Cloud City’s executive quarters, this map was a nostalgic callback to the Battlefront (2005) and Battlefront II (2005) era, with just enough modern polish to make it shine. It quickly became a fan-favorite for its tight corridors, flanking opportunities, and the occasional chaotic showdown in a very expensive-looking hallway.

Nothing says “Star Wars” quite like blasting a stormtrooper into a wall sculpture that probably cost more than a Star Destroyer.

---

Why the Progression Update Mattered

This wasn’t just about mechanics. The Progression Update represented a major shift in how modern multiplayer games approach monetization, balance, and community trust.

The patch:

• Rebuilt player goodwill after a rocky launch
• Set a new standard for how progression should work in large-scale shooters
• Helped extend the life of Battlefront II, keeping it relevant and playable for years after

And yes, it also made grinding for that purple-tier Star Card feel slightly less like trying to outrun a Death Star blast on foot.

---

Looking Back, 7 Years Later

It’s easy to forget how bumpy the hyperspace lane was in the early days of Battlefront II. But this update showed that course corrections were possible—even in AAA titles backed by massive publishers. It didn’t fix everything, but it made the game infinitely more playable, more rewarding, and (importantly) more fair.

Seven years later, the Progression Update is still remembered as one of the most significant turning points in the game’s life cycle. Without it, Battlefront II might’ve become just another cautionary tale. Instead, it became a comeback story.

---

Conclusion: A Galactic Patch Worth Celebrating

The 2018 Progression Update for Star Wars Battlefront II didn’t just tweak a few numbers—it transformed the entire experience. From controversial beginnings to a much more polished and balanced shooter, this patch proved that developers can listen, adjust, and actually pull a franchise back from the brink.

And if that’s not worth celebrating, then clearly someone’s been spending too much time in carbonite.

---

Stay connected with all our latest updates by following us on Google News! It only takes a click, and it would mean a lot to us. You’ll get the freshest news, exclusive content, and much more, right at your fingertips. Thanks for your support! 🙌