Titanfall 2 finally launches today on PS4, Xbox One and PC. Respawn Entertainment’s sequel to the 2014 original may have the same basic gameplay and concepts, but a lot has changed between the two games. Before you rush out to buy the game, here are a few things you should know.

There’s a single player campaign

Probably the biggest different from its predecessor is the fact that Titanfall 2 actually contains a single player campaign with a pretty good story. This is very different from the original game, which decided to tell its story through multiplayer. This is a change for the better, though the sequel does little to catch players up with the events of the first game.

Titanfall 2 follows the tale of Jack Cooper, a Militia Rifleman 3rd Class with aspirations of becoming a pilot. During the initial assault on the IMC controlled planet of Typhoon, Jack’s mentor is killed and leaves his Titan, BT-7274, with Jack. The unlikely duo must cooperate in order to put an end to the IMC’s sinister plans. In case you were lost, the Militia are the good guys, and the IMC are the oppressive bad guys.

It’s a surprisingly good campaign filled with plenty of action, smart level design, and fantastic performances from Jack and BT. Despite being a robot, BT feels more human than most protagonists in other FPS campaigns.



PS4 players can finally see what Titanfall is all about

Speaking of other big changes from the original game, Titanfall 2 is actually releasing on PS4 this time around. The original game was exclusive to Xbox One, PC, and Xbox 360 due to an exclusivity agreement between publisher EA and Microsoft. Despite heavy demands for a PS4 version, Respawn’s hands were tied and they couldn’t deliver.

However, shortly after launch, and the lackluster sales of Xbox One versus the PS4, EA confirmed that a potential Titanfall sequel would not be console exclusive to Xbox. Here we are at release, and Titanfall 2 is launching on PS4 alongside Xbox One and PC.



All future DLC multiplayer maps and modes will be free

Titanfall 2 is jumping on the up-and-coming free DLC bandwagon. Much like Halo 5: Guardians, all owners of Titanfall 2 will be getting future multiplayer maps and game modes free of charge. This is part of a growing trend of developers abandoning pricey DLC packs and Season Passes in favor of handing out free content. What Respawn hasn’t commented on is whether or not there will be microtransactions.

Remember when buying a game got you everything?

Another reason #Titanfall2 is different, no season pass needed… https://t.co/aOcOtlUuyX pic.twitter.com/JaqyauCrkw — Titanfall (@Titanfallgame) October 26, 2016

At this point, it’s hard to say what Titanfall 2’s microtransactions will be. At this point in time, there’s no indication what Respawn Entertainment may charge for, but other titles in the FPS genre usually charge for skins, calling cards, and other cosmetic items. Time will tell whether a potential microtransaction system will impact the game, but it’s at least cool the player base won’t be split because of paid maps. The first map, Angel City, launches this December.



Titanfall 2 was designed and developed by the original creators of Infinity Ward

Respawn Entertainment was founded after Jason West and Vince Zampella abruptly left Infinity Ward in 2010. The drama between them and Activision has been well documented. The point is, the majority of the original Infinity Ward team left with them for Respawn and these are the same people who made such classics as Call of Duty 2 and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Titanfall 2 serves as their first real test to see if they can surpass their high benchmarks.

Titanfall 2 comes with a campaign and a multiplayer with its own take on the classic customization system. While current Infinity Ward is having a difficult time holding a candle to what West and Zampella’s team were able to accomplish, it will be interesting to see how Respawn’s new title is received by the public compared to the likes of Call of Duty 4.



Once again, the $80 “Deluxe” Edition isn’t worth it

This seems to be an ongoing trend with EA games, but these so called “Deluxe” Editions just aren’t worth it. For $20 extra, players are just getting a selection of skins rather than any actual tangible content. It’s ok to charge an extra $20 if you’re giving the player something worthwhile. For example, the $80 Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Legacy Edition comes with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered. That increase price is getting players a full extra game. What does Titanfall 2’s $80 Deluxe Edition get you?

Honestly, pretty much nothing. All that you get for that extra $20 are skins, art and a callsign. There’s literally nothing else. At least the Battlefield 1 Deluxe Edition gave purchasers three days of early access. With Titanfall 2, you’re getting none of that. These skins could’ve just been a pre-order bonuses or included in the game at no extra charge.

For more on Titanfall 2, be sure to read our review here and our interview with Respawn here.