Battlefield 2042

On PC and current consoles, the headline modes support 128 players, with vehicles and infantry fighting over sprawling maps. Conquest is about capturing and holding sectors; Breakthrough is a push-and-defend mode with attackers advancing through stages. Both give you plenty of room to choose how you want to contribute, whether that is flying, sniping, healing teammates or rolling around in a tank.

Later updates grouped them into the familiar Assault, Engineer, Support and Recon classes, so team roles are clearer than they were at release.

It lets players create custom modes, including setups using weapons and maps from older Battlefield games. Some of the community creations are excellent and a good laugh with a group.

The game is demanding, and big battles look and feel best on a strong rig. PS5 is also a good choice. You will need an EA account, and squads of up to four can play together.

As Engineer, carry a launcher; tanks are scary until you have one. As Support, revive and resupply teammates, which earns a lot of points. Do not try flying jets in your first session; practise them in Portal or solo first.

Breakthrough is similar. Plan on two hours if you want several rounds with a full squad.

It suits groups who love big set-piece fights and vehicles, and players who want a shooter that feels like a war movie.