Battlefield 3#Setting and characters

File:Battlefield 3 Paris.jpg mode of Battlefield 3. Here the player character "Dima" is armed with a G36C.|alt=|left]]

Battlefield 3 features the combined arms battles across single-player, co-operative and multiplayer modes. It reintroduces several elements absent from the Bad Company games, including fighter jets, the prone position and 64-player battles on PC.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/04/check-out-first-battlefield-3-details-teaser.aspx|title=Check Out The First Battlefield 3 Teaser Trailer!|last=Bertz|first=Matt|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop Corporation|date=4 February 2011|access-date=4 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204184251/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/04/check-out-first-battlefield-3-details-teaser.aspx|archive-date=4 February 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Battlefield 3 PC will handle 40 more players than on consoles. New features revealed.|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/02/08/battlefield-3-pc-will-handle-40-more-players-than-on-consoles-new-features-revealed/|last=Senior|first=Tom|work=PC Gamer|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|date=8 February 2011|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312050522/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/02/08/battlefield-3-pc-will-handle-40-more-players-than-on-consoles-new-features-revealed/|archive-date=12 March 2011|url-status=live}} To accommodate the lower player count on consoles, the ground area is limited for Xbox 360 and PS3, though fly space remains the same.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-03-24-battlefield-3-mp-maps-shrunk-for-consoles |title=Battlefield 3 MP maps shrunk for consoles |last=Dutton |first=Fred |website=Eurogamer |access-date=26 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326173608/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-03-24-battlefield-3-mp-maps-shrunk-for-consoles |archive-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=live|date=24 March 2011 }}

The game features maps set in Paris, Tehran (as well as other locations in Iran), Sulaymaniyah in Iraq, New York City, Wake Island, Oman, Kuwait City, and other parts of the Persian Gulf. The maps cover urban streets, metropolitan downtown areas, and open landscapes suited to vehicle combat.{{cite news|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287196/news/battlefield-3-takes-you-to-paris-tehran-and-new-york/|title=Battlefield 3 takes you to Paris, South Pole and New York|last=Ivan|first=Tom|work=Computer and Video Games|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|date=24 February 2011|access-date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410072901/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287196/news/battlefield-3-takes-you-to-paris-tehran-and-new-york/|archive-date=10 April 2011|url-status=live}} Battlefield 3 introduces the "Battlelog"; a free cross-platform social service with built-in text messaging, voice communications, game statistics, and the ability to join games that friends are already playing (though both players need to be on the same platform).{{cite web|title=DICE offers more detail on Battlefield 3 Battlelog|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/battlefield_3/news/dice_offers_more_detail_on_battlefield_3_battlelog.html|publisher=Pro-G Media|access-date=16 August 2011|date=21 July 2011|work=VideoGamer.com|first=James|last=Orry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710140349/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/battlefield_3/news/dice_offers_more_detail_on_battlefield_3_battlelog.html|archive-date=10 July 2012|url-status=live}}

A demo featuring the new co-op mode was featured at Gamescom 2011. Split screen is not available.{{cite web|last=Magnus|first=Karl|title=Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/L_Twin/status/103581585219133440|publisher=DICE General Manager|access-date=19 August 2011|archive-date=13 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213190537/https://twitter.com/L_Twin/status/103581585219133440|url-status=live}} Battlefield 3{{'}}s new Battlelog social network, DICE noted, would be tied to all co-op matches, allowing players to try to beat friends' scores and to track their performance.{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-3/1188087p1.html|title=Gamescom 2011: DICE Shows Co-Op Mode, Air Combat in Battlefield 3|publisher=IGN Entertainment|work=GameSpy|date=16 August 2011|access-date=16 August 2011|first=Mike|last=Sharkey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119141947/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-3/1188087p1.html|archive-date=19 November 2011|url-status=live}} Participating in co-op mode allows the player to collect points that unlock additional content that can be used in multiplayer.{{cite web|title=Weapons earned in co-op|last=Thylander|first=Fredrik|url=https://twitter.com/Thylander/status/126986861129379840|access-date=23 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127134513/https://twitter.com/Thylander/status/126986861129379840|archive-date=27 November 2015|url-status=live}}

File:Battlefield 3 Jet HUD.jpg as shown in the fighter jet in multiplayer mode]]

Battlefield 3{{'}}s multiplayer matches see players take on one of four roles: Assault, Support, Engineer and Recon. The Assault class focuses on assault rifles and healing teammates. The Support class focuses on light machine guns and supplying ammunition. The Engineer class focuses on supporting and destroying vehicles. The Recon class focuses on sniping and spotting enemies. The mechanics of the weapons have been changed to utilize the new engine: compatible weapons may have bipods attached which can then be deployed when in the prone position or near suitable scenery, and provide a significant boost to accuracy and recoil reduction. Suppressive fire from weapons blurs the vision and reduces the accuracy of those under fire, as well as health regeneration.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/06/08/battlefield-3-at-e3-roundup.aspx |title=Battlefield 3 at E3 roundup! |publisher=Battlefield Blog |author=zh1nt0 |date=8 June 2011 |access-date=11 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611065852/http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/06/08/battlefield-3-at-e3-roundup.aspx |archive-date=11 June 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/07/07/battleblog-2-with-a-bit-of-class.aspx |title=Battleblog #2: With A Bit Of Class |publisher=Battlefield Blog |date=7 July 2011 |access-date=9 July 2011 |author=Highwind55 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710162639/http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/07/07/battleblog-2-with-a-bit-of-class.aspx |archive-date=10 July 2011 }} The Recon class can put a radio beacon anywhere on the map and all squad members will be able to spawn on the location of the beacon.{{cite web|title=Recon Class Can Set Spawn Points In Battlefield 3 |url=http://www.xboxdailynews.com/2011/08/26/recon-class-can-set-spawn-points-in-battlefield-3 |access-date=28 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121085315/http://www.xboxdailynews.com/2011/08/26/recon-class-can-set-spawn-points-in-battlefield-3/ |archive-date=21 January 2012 }}

Several game modes are present, including Conquest, Rush, Squad Deathmatch, Squad Rush and for the first time since Battlefield 1942, Team Deathmatch. However, more game modes are available through the purchase of extra downloadable content packs.{{cite web|title=Battleblog #11: Every Battlefield 3 multiplayer game mode explained |url=http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/09/15/battleblog-11-every-battlefield-3-multiplayer-game-mode-explained.aspx |publisher=Electronic Arts |date=15 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923112049/http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/09/15/battleblog-11-every-battlefield-3-multiplayer-game-mode-explained.aspx |archive-date=23 September 2011 }} The PC version of Battlefield 3 is by default launched via a web browser from the Battlelog web site.{{cite web|last=Kertz|first=Alan|title=Twitter post|url=https://twitter.com/Demize99/status/104449637829705728|date=19 August 2011|quote=Battlelog IS the PC main menu. You go straight from Battlelog to playing. No splash screens, no menus. Just straight to the playing.|access-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128082238/https://twitter.com/Demize99/status/104449637829705728|archive-date=28 January 2016|url-status=live}} A server browser is present in console versions of the game.{{cite web|last=Magnus|first=Karl|title=Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/Battlefield/status/103862131119767552|date=17 August 2011|quote=Great news for our console BF fans! In today's #Gamescom interviews DICE GM Karl Magnus (@L_Twin) confirms console server browser in #BF3.|access-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128082238/https://twitter.com/Battlefield/status/103862131119767552|archive-date=28 January 2016|url-status=live}}

The servers for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, along with Battlefield 4 and Battlefield Hardline were shut down on November 7, 2024.{{cite web|title=Today is the End of an Era for Battlefield Fans |url=https://gamerant.com/battlefield-3-4-hardline-shutting-down-when-why |website=gamerant.com}}

{{Clear}}

Battlefield 3{{'}}s Campaign story is set during the fictional "War of 2014" and covers events that occur over nine months. Most of the story takes place in the Iran–Iraq region. Other locations include the Iranian-Azerbaijani border, Paris, and New York City. Most missions occur as flashbacks on part of the interrogation of Sergeant Henry Blackburn, and do not occur in order of events.Battlefield 3

The Campaign puts the player in control of four different player characters. For most of the story, the player controls Sergeant Henry "Black" Blackburn (portrayed by Gideon Emery), a member of the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Recon Battalion and main protagonist.{{cite book|author=Knight, David|author2=Greg Off|author3=Sam Bishop|name-list-style=amp|title=Battlefield 3|series=Prima Official Game Guides|year=2011|publisher=Prima Games|isbn=9780307890481|pages=[https://archive.org/details/battlefield30000knig/page/n2 1]–349|url=https://archive.org/details/battlefield30000knig|url-access=registration}} The player also controls Sgt. Jonathan "Jono" Miller, a M1 Abrams tank operator deployed in Tehran;{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UwOrl036_A|title=Battlefield 3: Thunder Run Tank Gameplay Trailer (E3)|publisher=DICE|date=6 June 2011|access-date=11 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616153232/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UwOrl036_A|archive-date=16 June 2011|url-status=live}} Lt. Jennifer "Wedge" Colby Hawkins, an F/A-18F Super Hornet weapon systems officer; and Dimitri "Dima" Mayakovsky, a Russian GRU operative.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|scene=Cinematic|level=Comrades|quote=Agent Gordon: He used to be Russian Spetsnaz. Vympel unit. Dimitri "Dima" Mayakovsky. / Agent Whistler: […] We know you know him. / SSgt. Blackburn: We've met. If you're gonna make a point, make it.}} The main antagonist, Solomon, is an overseas asset for the Central Intelligence Agency. Non-player characters include: Misfit 1, Blackburn's squad (David Montes, Steve Campo, Christian Matkovic, Jack Chaffin, and Cpt. Quinton Cole); Dima's GRU squadmates Vladimir and Kiril; and CIA Agents Gordon and Whistler, who interrogate Blackburn for much of the Campaign.

On March 15, 2014, Blackburn's squad, Misfit 1, attempts to locate a U.S. squad investigating an improvised explosive device in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, whose last known position was in territory controlled by the People's Liberation & Resistance (PLR), an Iranian paramilitary insurgent group.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|scene=Cinematic|level=Operation Swordbreaker|quote=Agent G.: Eighteen hours ago, I get a call from Homeland Security saying there is a Marine in detention that I need to talk to. Some story about a terror plot in New York and the Marine claims he has information to stop it. Now the best part is: he says it's gonna happen today. So here we are. You look jetlagged. And by that I mean you look like shit. […] What you're going to do is clarify the attack scenario. Your cooperation might even get you out of the world of crap you currently inhabit. All you have to do, Sergeant Blackburn, is fill in the blanks. Are we clear? [Blackburn nods. Agent G. sits down.] When did you first [learn] about Solomon and the PLR? / SSgt. Blackburn: It was nine months ago. Operation Swordbreaker, Iraqi Kurdistan.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.trueachievements.com/n3003/battlefield-3-information-roundup.htm|title=Battlefield 3 Information Roundup|publisher=True Achievements|author=PunkyLiar|access-date=24 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216082820/http://www.trueachievements.com/n3003/battlefield-3-information-roundup.htm|archive-date=16 February 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=Operation Swordbreaker|quote=Cole: Gentlemen, welcome. As you know, we're dealing with the PLR insurgents crossing over from Iran. A lot of sectarian tension. I counsel you to remember, gentlemen, the people in this country are not your enemy – the PLR is. At 0930, we lost contact with the Viper squad. They were investigating a possible IED near Spinza Meat Market, and that's a pretty fuckin' bad part of town. We believe the PLR are involved. I'm sending you in to find our marines, provide support and calling CASEVAC if necessary.}} They are eventually ambushed by the PLR, who critically wound Chaffin, and is required to be extracted. They find the missing squad, which the PLR had ambushed, but a massive earthquake wrecks the city before they can escape. Blackburn, fellow squadmate Montes, and other survivors fight their way out of the ruins of the city.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=Uprising|quote=Montes: Freeze, motherfucker—hands! [realizes that it's Blackburn] Holy shit! Black, am I glad to see you. [motions him over] In about half an hour, this place is gonna be every-fuckin'-man-to-himself. C'mon, let's get the fuck outta here. […] Milnet was saying there's riots all over the fucking city, and get this—a coup in Iran. Sponsored by your friendly neighborhood PRL.}} On the same day, the PLR stage a coup d'état in Iran, turning it into a military dictatorship, and the U.S. subsequently invades.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|scene=Cinematic|level=Go Hunting|quote=Agent W.: Stop me if this is incorrect. Faruk Al-Bashir and the PLR seize power in Iran almost the same day as the earthquake—they become a threat. A few weeks later, we send in 50,000 marines to take him out—we go to war in Iran. / SSgt. Blackburn: [impatient] Is this a history lesson? / Agent G.: What part did you play in the [capture of] Al-Bashir? / SSgt. Blackburn: That's a broad question. / Agent G.: Then I will narrow it down. Your first mission. […] / Agent G.: Tell me about your interaction with Lieutenant Colby Hawkins. She was an F-18 pilot. / SSgt. Blackburn: She? Don't know her. / Agent G.: As you went in, she took part in an airstike on Al-Bashir.}} Lt. Hawkins takes part in a raid on enemy fighters over Iran and an air strike over Mehrabad Airport. In the aftermath of the air strikes, Misfit 1 is sent into Tehran to perform battle damage assessment and apprehend the leader of the PLR, Faruk Al-Bashir. While investigating an underground bank vault in the target's suspected location, Blackburn and his team learn that the PLR has acquired Russian suitcase nukes, with two of the three devices missing.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=Operation Guillotine|quote=Montes: We've got maps of Paris, New York. […] / Campo: Holy shit... You know what that is? / Montes: Russian. Portable nukes. / Campo: There's only one there. / Montes: Wait, there's room for two more. Where the hell are the other two?! / Matcovich: Hey, you need to see this! [...] / Montes: [seeing the security feed] That's Al-Bashir. Who's the other guy? [Solomon] / Campo: I don't know. They're comin' down! We need to secure the nuke and get the hell out of here! / Montes: What about the intel? / Campo': No. No, there's no time. We need to secure the nuke and move.}} Being overrun, Misfit requests backup from an M1 Abrams column "Anvil 3", including Sergeant Miller. Miller facilitates Misfit 1's helicopter extraction, but his Abrams tank is disabled and overrun while the crew awaits the arrival of the Quick Reaction Force. Knocked out and taken prisoner, Miller is promptly executed by Solomon and Al-Bashir, with the event being filmed and posted on the Internet.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS}}

Later, Misfit 1 manages to capture Al-Bashir, who is fatally wounded when they cause his escape vehicle to crash. Realizing that he had been betrayed and used, Al-Bashir reveals some of Solomon's plan—to detonate the nukes in Paris and New York City—before succumbing to his wounds.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=Night Shift|quote=Al-Bashir: [dying] How did you find me? The execution video...video. ...Solomon. Solomon! It must have been him. He said get the bombs—use them for leverage. Then he stole them. He used me—he uses everyone. The dog betrayed me—with his plans. Trains—and for that I will get him for this. Listen! The 14th of this month—when the sun is set—Solomon will strike!}}{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=Night Shift}} Misfit 1 gets a lead on arms dealer Amir Kaffarov, who was working with Solomon and Al-Bashir.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=A Rock And A Hard Place|quote=Montes: So who is this guy, exactly? / Campo: The guy from Al-Bashir's phone, an arms dealer. / Montes: That's all they know? / Campo: That's all we know. He could be connected to those nukes.}} They attempt to capture Kaffarov from his villa on the Caspian Sea coast, near the Azerbaijani border. However, they run into a Russian paratrooper battalion, also after Kaffarov, and are forced to engage them. In the ensuing chaos, Blackburn's squadmates, Campo and Matkovic, are killed in an enemy strafing run.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=A Rock And A Hard Place}} Meanwhile, a Spetsnaz team led by Dima assaults Kaffarov's villa. Kaffarov tries to bribe the team but is promptly beaten by Dima.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=Kaffarov}} Blackburn arrives at the villa and finds Dima with a deceased Kaffarov. Dima reveals Solomon's plot to Blackburn and requests his cooperation to prevent "a war between [their] nations." Meanwhile, Misfit 1's commanding officer Cole arrives, and Blackburn is forced to shoot him before he can kill Dima.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|level=Kaffarov|quote=Dima: [to Blackburn] Do not do anything stupid. This piece of shit right there stole three nuclear devices from Russia, and sold it to a man called Solomon. Solomon's using the PLR. He has at least two targets: New York and Paris. He's using public transit to move the weapons. He's going to detonate the New York device in Times Square very soon. [shakes head] …This cannot happen. We can avert war between our nations. Just two of us. No politicians, no money changing hands. Just two soldiers speaking the truth. Help me. Help me to do this. [Blackburn hears someone kick a door open close by.] That's it, I have to leave now. You don't shoot him, millions will die. / Cole: [coming in, aiming at Dima] Get down on the ground!}} Blackburn's shooting of his CO results in his eight-hour interrogation by the C.I.A. at Hunters Point, Queens.

During Blackburn's captivity, Dima's Spetsnaz squad attempts to stop the attack in Paris. However, Vladimir is killed, and the nuke detonates, killing 80,000 people. Meanwhile, the C.I.A. agents do not believe Blackburn's story since Solomon is a C.I.A. informant, and there is no concrete proof of his involvement in the terrorist attacks. They instead believe that Russia is responsible for the attacks and that Dima has tricked Blackburn.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|scene=Cinematic|level=The Great Destroyer|quote=Agent G.: […] You've been played. It's the Russians. / SSgt. Blackburn: No, it's Solomon. Haven't you been listening to anything I've been saying? […] Solomon has the nuke. / Agent G.: Solomon is one of ours. He is an overseas asset and has been for years. We put him next to Al-Bashir for information. / SSgt. Blackburn: You are shitting me! He's a murderer! You saw the video!}}

With no other options, Blackburn and Montes break out of captivity to stop the attack in New York. Evading police, Blackburn manages to sneak into the hijacked Long Island Rail Road commuter train full of Solomon's men and explosive charges. He fights his way to the front car, where Solomon ambushes him. In the melee, Blackburn gains the upper hand by obtaining and activating the detonator to the charges, causing the train to crash. Blackburn pursues Solomon through the sewers and up to street level. Having obtained a vehicle, Montes picks up Blackburn and engages Solomon and the PLR in a brief vehicular chase, ending with both cars crashing in Times Square. As a bewildered crowd watches on, Solomon shoots Montes. Still, Blackburn manages to kill Solomon by bludgeoning him to death with a brick in the ensuing brawl and prevents the nuclear bomb from detonating.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|scene=Cinematic|level=The Great Destroyer|quote=SSgt. Blackburn: The train map inside the bank vault – what was the time written on it? / Montes: Um...6.02. Why? / SSgt. Blackburn: Dave. You trust me? / Montes: [nods] Oh, yeah. / SSgt. Blackburn: Alright. Follow my lead.}}

The epilogue reveals that Dima had survived the Paris detonation, albeit suffering from radiation poisoning. He writes about the efforts of both himself and Blackburn to stop Solomon's plan "to set fire to the world." As he finishes, he examines a pistol. A knock comes from his door, the screen cuts to black, and the last sound is that of the pistol being loaded as Dima presumably prepares to defend himself.{{cite video game|title=Battlefield 3|developer=EA Digital Illusions CE|publisher=Electronic Arts, Sega|date=25 October – 2 November 2011|platform=Microsoft Windows/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/iOS|quote=Dima: Radiation is like life, a uniquely damaging event. Perhaps I will live another 30 years. Perhaps I will die tomorrow. ... I am telling my story here. The story of how Solomon used power-hungry men like Al-Bashir and Kaffarov to set fire to the world. And the American marine who, like me, chose the hardest path of all. But I have no regrets. I have always served Russia, trying to make a difference. Sometimes, I was forced to make difficult choices. Many lives have been saved—many have been lost. [picks up his pistol] I am certain Moscow does not view this in the same light as I do. But enough is enough. As Vladimir would say, you can only die once. Make sure it is worth it.}}

Battlefield 3{{'}}s lead platform was originally the PC until it was switched to consoles midway through development.{{cite magazine|last=Robinson|first=Andy|title=Battlefield 3 lead platform 'switched to consoles' mid-development|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/324517/battlefield-3-lead-platform-switched-to-consoles-mid-development/|magazine=Computer and Video Games|date=1 November 2011|access-date=28 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116093859/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/324517/battlefield-3-lead-platform-switched-to-consoles-mid-development/|archive-date=16 January 2013|url-status=live}} The Xbox 360 version of Battlefield 3 is shipped on two discs due to the disc size limit;{{cite news|last=Usher|first=William|title=Battlefield 3 Will Be On Two DVDs For Xbox 360|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Battlefield-3-Two-DVDs-Xbox-360-34800.html|access-date=5 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030014853/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Battlefield-3-Two-DVDs-Xbox-360-34800.html|archive-date=30 October 2011|url-status=live}} however, the PS3 version ships on one Blu-ray Disc. It is the first game in the series that does not support versions of Windows prior to Windows Vista as the game only supports DirectX 10 and 11.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/01/04/battlefield-3-pc-receiving-special-effort-wont-run-on-windows-xp/|title=Battlefield 3 PC receiving "special effort", won't run on Windows XP|date=4 January 2011|magazine=PC Gamer|access-date=6 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005135752/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/01/04/battlefield-3-pc-receiving-special-effort-wont-run-on-windows-xp|archive-date=5 October 2011|url-status=live}} The PC version was exclusive to EA's Origin platform,{{cite news|url=http://www.1up.com/news/even-retail-copies-battlefield-3-require-origin|title=Even Retail Copies of Battlefield 3 Require Origin|last=Pereira|first=Chris|date=12 August 2011|access-date=4 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108083115/http://www.1up.com/news/even-retail-copies-battlefield-3-require-origin|archive-date=8 November 2011|url-status=dead}} through which PC users also authenticate when connecting to the game; however the game eventually arrived on Steam in June 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/battlefield-5-star-wars-battlefront-and-more-are-now-on-steam-and-on-sale/|title=Battlefield 5, Star Wars Battlefront, and more are now on Steam, and on sale|last=Chalk|first=Andy|work=PC Gamer|date=11 June 2020|access-date=11 June 2020|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173500/https://www.pcgamer.com/battlefield-5-star-wars-battlefront-and-more-are-now-on-steam-and-on-sale/|url-status=live}}

Battlefield 3 debuts the new Frostbite 2 engine. This updated Frostbite engine can realistically portray the destruction of buildings and scenery to a greater extent than previous versions.{{cite news |url=http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/fullstory.php?id=164388 |title=Clearer Battlefield 3 HUD Images & More |last=Dupler |first=Scott |work=Planet Battlefield |publisher=IGN Entertainment |date=23 February 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228145743/http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/fullstory.php?id=164388 |archive-date=28 February 2011 }} Unlike previous iterations, the new version can also support dense urban areas.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pNOxynC1Dc | title=Battlefield 3: E3 Frostbite 2 Features Trailer | publisher=Battlefield | date=6 June 2011 | access-date=21 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110611055539/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pNOxynC1Dc| archive-date=11 June 2011| url-status= live}} Battlefield 3 used a new type of character animation technology called ANT that has been used in EA Sports games such as FIFA, but for Battlefield 3 is adapted to create a more realistic soldier, with the ability to transition into cover and turn the head before the body, as well as "drag fallen comrades into safety and mount weapons on almost any part of the terrain".{{cite news |url=http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/fullstory.php?id=164286 |title=Battlefield 3 Game Informer Scans Surface |last=Dupler |first=Scott |work=Planet Battlefield |publisher=IGN Entertainment |access-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309111731/http://planetbattlefield.gamespy.com/fullstory.php?id=164286 |archive-date=9 March 2011 }} EA stated that Commander Mode was unlikely to be included,{{cite web|url=http://bf3blog.com/2011/02/battlefield-3-wont-include-commander-feature/|title=Battlefield 3 won't include Commander feature|publisher=Battlefield 3 Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211222253/http://bf3blog.com/2011/02/battlefield-3-wont-include-commander-feature/|archive-date=11 February 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=12 April 2011}} which was met with some criticism on the EA forum.{{cite web|url=http://forums.electronicarts.co.uk/battlefield-3-pc/1390040-commander-yes-no.html|title=Commander for BF3 YES or NO V2.0|publisher=Various|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215105745/http://forums.electronicarts.co.uk/battlefield-3-pc/1390040-commander-yes-no.html|archive-date=15 February 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=12 April 2011}}

During Sony's E3 2011 press conference, Jack Tretton of Sony Computer Entertainment of America announced that the PlayStation 3 version of the game would be bundled with a free copy of Battlefield 1943, however, at launch, the game was not included.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/304972/sony-e3-2011-press-conference-live-now|title=SONY E3 Press Conference Live Now|work=Computer and Video Games|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224071704/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/304972/sony-e3-2011-press-conference-live-now/|archive-date=24 December 2011|url-status=dead}} EA then said that Battlefield 3 PlayStation 3 owners would receive timed-exclusive DLC for the game instead.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/319884/ps3-gets-timed-exclusive-battlefield-3-dlc|title=S3 Gets Timed Exclusive BF3 DLC|work=Computer and Video Games|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231054801/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/319884/ps3-gets-timed-exclusive-battlefield-3-dlc/|archive-date=31 December 2011|url-status=dead}} On 20 November 2011, Law firm Edelson McGuire took EA to court on behalf of disappointed gamers. The complaint focuses on EA's communication of the change of plan, second proposal with early DLC that had already been announced.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/326707/ea-sued-over-battlefield-3s-missing-bf-1943-on-ps3|title=EA Sued Over BF3's Missing BF 1943 On PS3|work=Computer and Video Games|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223150917/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/326707/ea-sued-over-battlefield-3s-missing-bf-1943-on-ps3/|archive-date=23 December 2011|url-status=dead}} Shortly after EA was threatened with being taken to court over its failure to deliver the free game as announced at E3, EA announced they will offer owners of the PlayStation 3 version of Battlefield 3 a free downloadable copy of Battlefield 1943.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/327248/ea-backtracks-offers-battlefield-1943-to-ps3-bf3-owners|title=EA Backtracks And Offers BF 1943 To PS3 BF3 Owners|work=Computer and Video Games|access-date=21 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228015822/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/327248/ea-backtracks-offers-battlefield-1943-to-ps3-bf3-owners/|archive-date=28 December 2011|url-status=dead}}

On 7 June 2011, during Nintendo's E3 2011 press conference, John Riccitiello of EA games expressed interest in Nintendo's upcoming system, the Wii U.{{cite news|url=http://www.qj.net/wii/news/ea-discusses-battlefield-3-on-wii-u-controller-ideas.html|title=EA discusses Battlefield 3 on Wii U, controller ideas|date=9 June 2011|author=Carl B|publisher=Caputo Media|work=QuickJump|access-date=23 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110619092855/http://www.qj.net/wii/news/ea-discusses-battlefield-3-on-wii-u-controller-ideas.html|archive-date=19 June 2011|url-status=live}} Patrick Liu, the executive producer of Battlefield 3, stated that DICE currently have no games in development for the Wii U and a port for the console "probably won't happen".{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/no-dice-game-planned-for-wii-u-yet/|title=No DICE game planned for Wii U yet|access-date=23 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118060525/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/no-dice-game-planned-for-wii-u-yet/|archive-date=18 January 2012|url-status=dead}}

The open beta commenced on 29 September 2011, for all platforms,{{cite web |url=http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3/1/beta |title=Battlefield 3 Beta |access-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929132113/http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3/1/beta |archive-date=29 September 2011 }} and ended on 10 October 2011. 48 hour early access was granted to players who bought the Tier 1 edition of Medal of Honor or pre-ordered the digital version of Battlefield 3: Limited Edition through Origin.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/08/04/presenting-all-pre-order-offers-for-battlefield-3-limited-edition.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage |title=Detailing pre-order items for Battlefield 3 |publisher=Battlefield Blog |date=4 August 2011 |access-date=5 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008195923/http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/battlefield_bad_company/archive/2011/08/04/presenting-all-pre-order-offers-for-battlefield-3-limited-edition.aspx?CommentPosted=true |archive-date=8 October 2011 }}

{{Infobox album

| name = Battlefield 3 (Original Video Game Soundtrack)

| type = Soundtrack

| artist = Johan Skugge & Jukka Rintamäki

| cover =

| alt =

| released = {{Start date|df=yes|2011|10|24}} {{Small|(digital)}}

| recorded =

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Video game soundtrack

| length = 35:59

| label =

| producer =

| prev_title =

| prev_year =

| next_title =

| next_year =

}}

A soundtrack album was released on 24 October 2011, one day before the game was released. It is available on iTunes and Amazon. The music was composed by Johan Skugge and Jukka Rintamäki.

Battlefield 3 and its five DLC packs contain numerous Easter eggs. Hiding in obscure areas of the game are references to other Electronic Arts games and franchises including Mirror's Edge{{cite web| last = Makuch| first = Eddie| title = Mirror's Edge easter egg found in Battlefield 3 DLC| work = GameSpot| publisher = CBS Interactive| date = 30 November 2012| url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/mirrors-edge-easter-egg-found-in-battlefield-3-dlc-6400835| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130313195706/http://www.gamespot.com/news/mirrors-edge-easter-egg-found-in-battlefield-3-dlc-6400835| archive-date = 13 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}} and Mass Effect.{{cite web| last = Veselka| first = David| title = Battlefield 3: Close Quarters Easter Eggs| work = MP1ST| publisher = OPNetwork| date = 14 June 2012| url = http://mp1st.com/2012/06/14/battlefield-3-close-quarters-easter-eggs/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130330183303/http://mp1st.com/2012/06/14/battlefield-3-close-quarters-easter-eggs/| archive-date = 30 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}} Some sources suggested other Easter eggs pointed to future Battlefield games or DLC packs. During the firefight in the mall trying to protect Al-Bashir, the store in which they are defending Al-Bashir has copies of games on the shelf and one game being titled "Frostbite" which references the engine used by Battlefield 3.{{Cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/vMnO0S5.png|title=Frostbite Engine Easter Egg|date=16 November 2016|publisher=EA, DICE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118035606/https://i.imgur.com/vMnO0S5.png|archive-date=18 November 2016|url-status=live}} A wall on the multiplayer map "Wake Island" featuring the number 2143 and a futuristic hovercraft on a different map in the End Game DLC have been said to suggest a follow-up to 2006's Battlefield 2142 is in the works.{{cite web| last = Winchester| first = Henry| title = DICE hint at Battlefield 2143 with another Wake Island Easter egg| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| date = 19 December 2011| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/12/19/dice-hint-at-battlefield-2143-with-another-wake-island-easter-egg/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130314202851/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/12/19/dice-hint-at-battlefield-2143-with-another-wake-island-easter-egg/| archive-date = 14 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite web| last = MacManus| first = Christopher| title = Battlefield 3 Easter Egg hints at Battlefield 2143| work = CNET| publisher = CBS Interactive| date = 20 December 2011| url = http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57345807-1/battlefield-3-easter-egg-hints-at-battlefield-2143/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120129122051/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57345807-1/battlefield-3-easter-egg-hints-at-battlefield-2143/| archive-date = 29 January 2012| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite web| last = Petitte| first = Omri| title = Battlefield 3: End Game features serenely floating Battlefield 2142 Easter egg| work = PC Gamer| publisher = Future plc| date = 7 March 2013| url = http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/03/07/battlefield-3-end-game-2142-easter-egg/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130310064522/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/03/07/battlefield-3-end-game-2142-easter-egg/| archive-date = 10 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite web| last = Cook| first = Dave| title = Battlefield 2142 easter egg found in Battlefield 3: End Game| work = VG247| date = 6 March 2013| url = http://www.vg247.com/2013/03/06/battlefield-2142-easter-egg-found-in-battlefield-3-end-game/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130309013723/http://www.vg247.com/2013/03/06/battlefield-2142-easter-egg-found-in-battlefield-3-end-game/| archive-date = 9 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}

Several dinosaur Easter eggs—such as a flying pterodactyl on the map "Nebandan Flats" and tyrannosaurus skulls or toy statues on various maps—have led others to believe a dinosaur-related game or DLC would be released in the future.{{cite news| last = NG| first = Alan| title = Battlefield 4 Dinosaur mode theories after End Game tease| work = Product Reviews| date = 7 March 2013| url = http://www.product-reviews.net/2013/03/07/battlefield-4-dinosaur-mode-theories-after-end-game-tease/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130312045518/http://www.product-reviews.net/2013/03/07/battlefield-4-dinosaur-mode-theories-after-end-game-tease/| archive-date = 12 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite web| last = Cook| first = Dave| title = Battlefield 3: Aftermath has hidden dinosaur Easter Egg| work = VG247| date = 23 October 2012| url = http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/23/battlefield-3-aftermath-has-hidden-dinosaur-easter-egg/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130426031240/http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/23/battlefield-3-aftermath-has-hidden-dinosaur-easter-egg/| archive-date = 26 April 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite web| last = Zivalich| first = Nikole| title = Battlefield 3 Gamers Want A Dinosaur Mode – Get #BF3Dinos Trending| work = G4| publisher = G4 Media| date = 14 June 2012| url = http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/725019/battlefield-3-gamers-want-a-dinosaur-mode-get-bf3dinos-trending/| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130114000319/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/725019/battlefield-3-gamers-want-a-dinosaur-mode-get-bf3dinos-trending/| archive-date = 14 January 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}} The idea of a dinosaur-related minigame originated from fan feedback through social media outlets prior to Battlefield 3{{'}}s release.{{cite web| last = Gera| first = Emily| title = Battlefield 3: Aftermath features a hidden dinosaur Easter egg| work = Polygon| publisher = Vox Media| date = 23 October 2012| url = http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/23/3542574/battlefield-3-aftermath-features-a-hidden-dinosaur-easter-egg| access-date = 13 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130303101905/http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/23/3542574/battlefield-3-aftermath-features-a-hidden-dinosaur-easter-egg| archive-date = 3 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}} Neither of these possible upcoming games has been confirmed by EA.

File:VAB Battlefield 3, Paris Games Week 2011.jpg 2011]]

File:GamesCom'11 - Flickr - eknutov (13).jpg display during the promotion at Gamescom 2011]]

Battlefield 3 was revealed on 3 February 2011 by Game Informer. The coverage included information on building the game and interviews with the developer DICE, as well as three trailers: a teaser and the first two parts in a series of gameplay from the level "Fault Line".{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/bf3|title=GameInformer Presents BATTLEFIELD 3|access-date=16 August 2011|publisher=GameInformer| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706134507/http://www.gameinformer.com/p/bf3.aspx| archive-date= 6 July 2011 | url-status= live}} Several other trailers were released showing different aspects of the game, including both single and multiplayer, as well as emphasizing the new engine.{{cite web | url=http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3/videos | title=Videos & Trailers | publisher=DICE | access-date=5 August 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707214620/http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3/videos | archive-date=7 July 2011 | url-status=dead}} On 16 August 2011, co-op gameplay and a "Caspian Border Multiplayer Gameplay Trailer" were shown at Gamescom 2011 illustrating the co-op mode and the first footage of air combat, respectively.

Trailer releases gained momentum in the week before the release of the game. EA released a multiplayer trailer which showed the variety of maps available in multiplayer, with short scenes of actual gameplay. It also featured shots of a map that is included in the "Back to Karkand" downloadable content (DLC).{{cite magazine|last=Hilliard|first=Kyle|title=New Battlefield 3 Multiplayer Trailer Shows Many Guns Fired, Many Explosions|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/battlefield_3/b/xbox360/archive/2011/10/19/new-multiplayer-trailer-shows-many-guns-fired-many-explosions.aspx|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=22 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021202643/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/battlefield_3/b/xbox360/archive/2011/10/19/new-multiplayer-trailer-shows-many-guns-fired-many-explosions.aspx|archive-date=21 October 2011|url-status=live}} EA released a launch trailer, showing off the various missions in the single-player campaign.{{cite web|last=Sharkey|first=Mike|title=Battlefield 3 Launch Trailer|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-3/1210388p1.html|publisher=Gamespy|access-date=22 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022125641/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-3/1210388p1.html|archive-date=22 October 2011|url-status=live}}

EA CEO John Riccitiello stated that Battlefield 3 is aimed at competing with the Call of Duty series. EA planned on spending over $100 million on a marketing campaign for Battlefield 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/06/ea-battlefield-3-designed-to-take-down-call-of-duty|title=EA: Battlefield 3 Designed to Take Down Call of Duty|date=6 April 2011|access-date=16 August 2011|publisher=IGN Entertainment| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110703071206/http://pc.ign.com/articles/116/1160082p1.html| archive-date= 3 July 2011 | url-status= live}} Electronic Arts stated that Battlefield 3 is "flat out superior" to Call of Duty.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/300193/news/ea-battlefield-3-flat-out-superior-to-call-of-duty/|title=EA: Battlefield 3 'flat out superior' to Call of Duty|first=Tom|last=Ivan|date=5 May 2011|access-date=16 August 2011|publisher=Future Publishing|work=Computer and Video Games|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711032215/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/300193/news/ea-battlefield-3-flat-out-superior-to-call-of-duty/|archive-date=11 July 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-04-battlefield-3-flat-out-superior-to-cod|title=EA: Battlefield 3 "flat out superior" to COD|first=Fred|last=Dutton|work=Eurogamer|date=4 May 2011|access-date=16 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830105817/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-04-battlefield-3-flat-out-superior-to-cod|archive-date=30 August 2011|url-status=live}} EA has said it is going on the "offense" in regards to its marketing on Battlefield 3, saying that it started its campaign early to establish a "beachhead".{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/05/10/ea-going-on-offensive-with-battlefield-3-marketing/|title=EA going on offensive with Battlefield 3 marketing|date=10 May 2011|access-date=16 August 2011|publisher=videogaming247|first=Johnny|last=Cullen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817015938/http://www.vg247.com/2011/05/10/ea-going-on-offensive-with-battlefield-3-marketing/|archive-date=17 August 2011|url-status=live}} Anyone who had watched a trailer for the upcoming film Act of Valor through the official Battlefield 3 website could receive free downloadable dogtags for use with any version of the game.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5855896/tolerate-a-three+minute-trailer-get-a-set-of-battlefield-dogtags|title=Tolerate a Three-Minute Trailer, Get a Set of Battlefield Dogtags|work=Kotaku|first=Owen|last=Good|date=2 November 2011|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103201455/http://kotaku.com/5855896/tolerate-a-three+minute-trailer-get-a-set-of-battlefield-dogtags|archive-date=3 November 2011|url-status=live}}

For marketing and distribution to Japan, EA worked with Sega's Japanese branch to distribute the game nationwide.{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/sega-distributing-ea-games-in-japan-starting-with-shadows-of-th/ |title=Sega distributing EA games in Japan, starting with Shadows of the Damned |date=15 July 2016 |access-date=27 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127110326/https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/sega-distributing-ea-games-in-japan-starting-with-shadows-of-th/ |archive-date=27 November 2018 |url-status=live}} In January 2017, the game was made backwards compatible with the Xbox One (alongside Battlefield: Bad Company 2) and was subsequently added to the EA Access service.https://www.eurogamer.net/2017-01-10-battlefield-3-and-bad-company-2-are-now-backwards-compatible-on-xbox-one{{Dead link|date=June 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

All pre-orders of the Limited Edition grant free access to the "Back to Karkand" DLC pack, a reference to the "Strike at Karkand" map (a popular Battlefield 2 map), to include four maps brought over from Battlefield 2, ten new weapons, four new vehicles, five new achievements/trophies, and a new addition to the series, "Assignments". The maps from the expansion pack will be: Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman, Wake Island, and Sharqi Peninsula.{{cite web|url=http://bf3blog.com/tag/back-to-karkand|title=Back to Karkand Expansion Pack|last=Nielsen|first=David|date=28 October 2011|access-date=29 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104051848/http://bf3blog.com/tag/back-to-karkand/|archive-date=4 November 2011}}

Pre-ordering at selected retailers and Origin included the "Physical Warfare Pack", granting access to time-based exclusive weapons and items; including a light machine gun, a sniper rifle accessory, and armor-piercing ammunition. Also included is launch day access to the DAO-12 semi-automatic shotgun, which other players can unlock through game play.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/302600/news/battlefield-3-physical-warfare-pack-revealed|title=Battlefield 3 'Physical Warfare Pack' revealed|work=Computer and Video Games|date=23 May 2011|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527233256/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/302600/news/battlefield-3-physical-warfare-pack-revealed/|archive-date=27 May 2011|url-status=dead}} Pre-order at select retailers also provide the "SPECACT Kit Upgrade", the "Dog Tag Pack" and Battlefield 3 gear for the player's console avatar. Pre-ordering at Origin gave players a shotgun and beret for Battlefield Play4Free, and 48 hour early access to the Battlefield 3 beta.

Originally the "Physical Warfare Pack" was to be exclusive to pre-orders, but fan reaction to this was negative, causing EA to clarify that it would be made available to all players for free later in the year.{{cite news|title=Battlefield 3 pre-order weapon and item bonuses annoy fans|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/06/battlefield-3-preorder-weapon-and-item-bonuses-annoy-fans.ars|last=Kuchera|first=Ben|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|date=13 June 2011|access-date=16 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616052404/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/06/battlefield-3-preorder-weapon-and-item-bonuses-annoy-fans.ars|archive-date=16 June 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Battlefield 3 pre-order bonus to be free to all later this year|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/06/battlefield-3-preorder-bonus-to-be-free-to-all-later-this-year.ars|last=Kuchera|first=Ben|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|date=16 June 2011|access-date=16 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618122003/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/06/battlefield-3-preorder-bonus-to-be-free-to-all-later-this-year.ars|archive-date=18 June 2011|url-status=live}} On 2 September 2011, a trailer for the Physical Warfare Pack was released on YouTube showing all the content included within the pack in action in-game.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-ukxgldpOo&feature=feedu|title=Battlefield 3 Physical Warfare Pack Gameplay Trailer|website=YouTube|date=9 February 2011|access-date=9 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118113407/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-ukxgldpOo&feature=feedu|archive-date=18 November 2015|url-status=live}}

All the content except the "Back to Karkand" pack was available from day one. The pack was released on 6 December 2011 for the PlayStation 3, and a week later for the Xbox 360 and PC.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/12/02/battlefield-3-back-to-karkand-release-date-announced-2|title=Battlefield 3 Back to Karkand Release Date Announced|website=IGN|date=2 December 2011|access-date=31 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617063653/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/12/02/battlefield-3-back-to-karkand-release-date-announced-2|archive-date=17 June 2021|url-status=live}}

To access the game's online multiplayer mode on consoles, players need to activate an online pass. New copies of the game include one online pass for the original owner of the game to access the multiplayer; however, if a player buys a used copy or rents the game, they must purchase an online pass separately, or access a 48-hour trial via the official game site.{{cite news|title=DICE developer confirms Battlefield 3 online pass|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/battlefield_3/news/dice_developer_confirms_battlefield_3_online_pass.html|first=Martin|last=Gaston|date=14 October 2011|work=VideoGamer.com|access-date=14 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124065212/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/battlefield_3/news/dice_developer_confirms_battlefield_3_online_pass.html|archive-date=24 November 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://onlinepass.battlefield.com/index.php|title=Battlefield 3 Online Pass|publisher=Electronic Arts|access-date=27 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208163119/https://onlinepass.battlefield.com/index.php|archive-date=8 December 2012|url-status=dead}} When asked why the developers implemented the pass system, game designer Alan Kertz replied, "because servers cost money, and used games don't make developers any money." Some of the online pass codes were invalid from the time of purchase, which EA responded to by telling affected consumers to ask the retailer for a replacement code.{{cite web|title=Why is my Battlefield 3 Xbox 360 code invalid? |url=http://help.ea.com/article/why-is-my-battlefield-3-xbox-360-code-invalid |work=help.ea.com |publisher=Electronic Arts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231144842/http://help.ea.com/article/why-is-my-battlefield-3-xbox-360-code-invalid |archive-date=31 December 2011 }}

The first DLC pack, "Back to Karkand", was announced before launch and was released on 13 December 2011 for PC and Xbox 360, while PlayStation 3 owners received it a week earlier. It was priced at US$15 but was free for all users who purchased the limited edition. It features four maps remade from Battlefield 2, three new vehicles and ten new weapons.{{cite web|url=http://help.ea.com/en/article/battlefield-3-back-to-karkand-expansion-pack-information/|title=Back to Karkand Expansion Pack Information|website=IGN|access-date=5 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907012321/http://help.ea.com/en/article/battlefield-3-back-to-karkand-expansion-pack-information/|archive-date=7 September 2015|url-status=live}}

At GDC 2012 DICE revealed it would release three more DLCs. The second DLC, "Close Quarters" arrived in June 2012 featuring four new infantry-oriented maps, ten new weapons, HD Destruction, ten new assignments, five unique Dogtags, and a new game mode, Conquest Domination, a Conquest mode adapted for smaller spaces.

[

http://help.ea.com/en/article/battlefield-3-close-quarters-faq/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907042427/http://help.ea.com/en/article/battlefield-3-close-quarters-faq/ |date=7 September 2015 }} "Battlefield 3 Close Quarters expansion pack information"], EA Help, Accessed 5 August 2015

The third DLC, "Armored Kill" arrived on 4 September 2012 for premium PlayStation 3 users and 11 September for Xbox 360 and PC users. The DLC was made available for non-premium PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 users on 25 September 2012. Armored Kill included new vehicles, specifically tanks, ATVs, and mobile artillery, as well as new vehicle-oriented maps and what is called "the biggest map in Battlefield history".{{cite magazine|author=Alex Cocilova|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/262147/battlefield_3_armored_kill_is_released_for_the_pc.html|title=Battlefield 3 Armored Kill is released for the PC|magazine=PC World|date=11 September 2012|access-date=22 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914000418/http://www.pcworld.com/article/262147/battlefield_3_armored_kill_is_released_for_the_pc.html|archive-date=14 September 2012|url-status=live}}

A DLC titled "Aftermath" was revealed in a trailer for Battlefield 3 Premium. It was released to PlayStation 3 Premium subscribers on 27 November 2012 and to PC and Xbox 360 Premium subscribers on 4 December 2012. "Aftermath" was released to non-Premium subscribers on PlayStation 3 on 11 December 2012, and on PC and Xbox 360 on 18 December 2012.{{cite magazine|last=Bennett|first=Matthew|title=Battlefield 3 Aftermath DLC Dated, Debut Trailer Released|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/xbox_360/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-dated-debut-trailer-released/#.UH_w-z7H5go.facebook|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|access-date=22 October 2012|date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022014141/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/xbox_360/battlefield-3-aftermath-dlc-dated-debut-trailer-released/#.UH_w-z7H5go.facebook|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=live}} A video released by DICE games revealed that there would be a crossbow, with customizable scopes and various bolts before its release.{{citation needed|date=May 2013}}

The fifth DLC, "End Game", was released for PlayStation 3 Premium members on 5 March 2013 and to PC and Xbox 360 Premium members on 12 March 2013, then to non-Premium PlayStation 3 players on 19 March 2013 and to PC and Xbox 360 players on 26 March 2013.{{cite web|author=[DICE] H Brun|url=http://blogs.battlefield.com/2013/03/road-to-end-game-persistence/|title=Road to End Game: How to earn all 16 dog tags (and more) in our fifth expansion pack|publisher=DICE|date=31 January 2013|access-date=13 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313211859/http://blogs.battlefield.com/2013/03/road-to-end-game-persistence/|archive-date=13 March 2013|url-status=live}} It was developed in conjunction with Visceral Games.

Andy McNab penned a tie-in novel titled Battlefield 3: The Russian, which follows the story of GRU Spetsnaz commando Dmitri "Dima" Mayakovsky and his involvement against the PLR, as well as his connection to the antagonist, Solomon.{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/battlefield-3-the-russian-is-a-book-based-on-battlefield-3-h/|title='Battlefield 3: The Russian' is a book based on Battlefield 3, has Russians|access-date=6 November 2011|date=1 August 2011|last=Gilbert |first=Ben|work=Joystiq|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315044306/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/battlefield-3-the-russian-is-a-book-based-on-battlefield-3-h/|archive-date=15 March 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite book |last1=McNab|first1=Andy |title=Battlefield 3: The Russian|year=2011|url=https://archive.org/details/battlefield3nove0000mcna|url-access=registration|chapter=Prologue|publisher=Grand Central |isbn=9781455508921 |quote=Solomon sat cross-legged on his bed, the disassembled pieces of his US-sourced Colt 45 laid out in front of him. […] Once Dima had been his mentor[,] but Solomon didn't need mentors now.}} McNab also served as the game's consultant on military tactics.{{cite web|url=http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3/1/the-russian|title=Official Battlefield 3: The Russian website|access-date=6 November 2011|publisher=DICE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114063436/http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3/1/the-russian|archive-date=14 November 2011}} The novel was released on 25 October 2011.{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/118/1185377p1.html|title=EA Announces Battlefield 3 Novel by Consultant, Former SAS Operator Andy McNab|website=IGN|access-date=6 November 2011|date=1 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114174955/http://pc.ign.com/articles/118/1185377p1.html|archive-date=14 January 2012|url-status=dead}}

{{Video game reviews

| MC = (PC) 89/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/battlefield-3/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Battlefield 3 for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=26 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026204806/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/battlefield-3 |archive-date=26 October 2011 |url-status=live}}
(PS3) 85/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/battlefield-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Battlefield 3 for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=26 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030035637/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/battlefield-3 |archive-date=30 October 2011 |url-status=live}}
(X360) 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/battlefield-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Battlefield 3 for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=26 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023065644/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/battlefield-3 |archive-date=23 October 2011 |url-status=live}}

| 1UP = (PC) A−{{cite web|last=Winterhalter|first=Ryan|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/battlefield-3-PC|title=Battlefield 3 Review for PC from 1UP.com|website=1UP.com|date=24 October 2011|access-date=24 October 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530014619/http://www.1up.com/reviews/battlefield-3-PC|archive-date=30 May 2012|url-status=live}}
(PS3 & X360) B+{{cite web|last=Winterhalter|first=Ryan|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/battlefield-3-xbox-360-ps3|title=Battlefield 3 Review for PS3, 360 from 1UP.com|website=1UP.com|date=25 October 2011|access-date=26 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415011309/http://www.1up.com/reviews/battlefield-3-xbox-360-ps3|archive-date=15 April 2012|url-status=live}}

| EuroG = 8/10{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-25-battlefield-3-review-review|title=Battlefield 3 Review|first=Dan|last=Whitehead|access-date=26 October 2011|date=25 October 2011|work=Eurogamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417145915/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-25-battlefield-3-review-review|archive-date=17 April 2012|url-status=live}}

| GI = (PC) 9.5/10{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/battlefield_3/b/pc/archive/2011/10/24/review.aspx|title=Battlefield 3 Review: The Elite FPS Franchise – Battlefield 3 – PC|publisher=Game Informer|date=24 October 2011|access-date=26 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025074927/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/battlefield_3/b/pc/archive/2011/10/24/review.aspx|archive-date=25 October 2011|url-status=dead}}

| GSpot = 8.5/10{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-3-review/1900-6342248/ |title=Battlefield 3 Gamespot PC Review |access-date=26 October 2011 |date=25 October 2011 |first=Chris |last=Watters |publisher=CBS Interactive |work=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002101107/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-3-review/1900-6342248/ |archive-date=2 October 2022 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-3-review/1900-6342626/ |title=Gamespot Battlefield 3 PS3 Review |access-date=28 October 2011 |last=Watters |first=Chris |work=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629015524/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-3-review/1900-6342626/ |archive-date=29 June 2022 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-3-review/1900-6342635/|title=Gamespot Battlefield 3 Xbox 360 Review|last=Watter|first=Chris|date=9 October 2013|work=GameSpot|access-date=28 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203051907/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/battlefield-3-review/1900-6342635/|archive-date=3 February 2019|url-status=live}}

| GSpy = (PC) {{rating|5|5}}{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-3/1210517p1.html|title=GameSpy: Battlefield 3 PC Review – Page 1|publisher=IGN Entertainment|work=GameSpy|date=23 October 2011|access-date=24 October 2011|first1=B|last1=Ring|first2=M|last2=Sharkey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025081321/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/battlefield-3/1210517p1.html|archive-date=25 October 2011|url-status=live}}

| IGN = 9/10{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Eykemans|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/24/battlefield-3-review|title=Battlefield 3 Review – PC Review at IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=24 October 2011|access-date=24 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126112221/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/24/battlefield-3-review|archive-date=26 January 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Eykemans|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/26/battlefield-3-review-2|title=Battlefield 3 Review – Xbox 360 Review at IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment|work=IGN Xbox 360|date=25 October 2011|access-date=26 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315012839/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/26/battlefield-3-review-2|archive-date=15 March 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Eykemans|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/26/battlefield-3-review-3|title=Battlefield 3 Review – PlayStation 3 Review at IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment|work=IGN PS3|date=25 October 2011|access-date=26 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206000500/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/26/battlefield-3-review-3|archive-date=6 February 2023|url-status=live}}

| Joystiq = {{rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Gies|first=Arthur|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/battlefield-3-review-squad-score-bonus/|title=Battlefield 3 review: Squad score bonus|publisher=AOL|work=Joystiq|date=24 October 2011|access-date=24 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417210901/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/battlefield-3-review-squad-score-bonus/|archive-date=17 April 2012|url-status=dead}}

| OXM = 9/10{{cite magazine|last=Lewis|first=Cameron|title=Battlefield 3 Review|url=http://www.oxmonline.com/battlefield-3-review|magazine=Official Xbox Magazine|access-date=13 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030225800/http://www.oxmonline.com/battlefield-3-review|archive-date=30 October 2011|url-status=live}}

}}

Battlefield 3 received mostly positive reviews. IGN gave it a score of 9.0 out of 10.0 for all platforms, and praised the graphics and multiplayer game, but criticism for the occasional glitches of the game engine, it still gave the game a mostly positive review: "Regardless of the narrative missteps or the occasional glitches, Battlefield 3 offers an unforgettable, world-class multiplayer suite that's sure to excite shooter fans."

Joystiq awarded the game 4.5 out of 5 stars, stating that the campaign was "tactically linear" and that the A.I. within the game were "murderously un-fun to fight". Complaints were also made of the multiplayer aspect, stating that destruction was less than expected: "It's not Bad Company 2, and levels won't start out intact and end looking like the surface of the moon the way they often did in that game." They did, however, praise the multiplayer experience as "unmatched", stating that this should be the sole reason to buy the game.

GameSpot gave Battlefield 3 a score of 8.5 out of 10 across all platforms. They praised the deep multiplayer mode, great variety of vehicles, many well-designed environments, and a great reward system for team play. The cooperative mode was viewed favorably; the only criticism on the cooperative missions was that "there aren't more of them to keep you busy".

Official Xbox Magazine gave the game 9 out of 10, commending the game for its multiplayer mode, but criticizing the solo campaign. Similarly, Official Xbox Magazine (UK) gave the game 8 out of 10, applauding its multiplayer gaming and calling it "The most expansive, refined Battlefield multiplayer yet".{{cite magazine|last=Lewis|first=Cameron|title=Battlefield 3 review|url=http://www.oxmonline.com/battlefield-3-review?page=0,0|magazine=Official Xbox Magazine|access-date=29 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315005011/http://www.oxmonline.com/battlefield-3-review?page=0,0|archive-date=15 March 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Evans-Thirwill|first=Edwin|title=Battlefield 3 Review|url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/35261/reviewsbattlefield-3-review/?page=1|magazine=Official Xbox Magazine (UK)|access-date=29 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031154424/http://www.oxm.co.uk/35261/reviewsbattlefield-3-review/?page=1|archive-date=31 October 2011|url-status=live}}

According to EA, Battlefield 3 garnered 3 million pre-orders by the day of its release.{{cite web|url=http://www.ea.com/news/battlefield-3-launches-with-record-breaking-force|title=Battlefield 3 Launches With Record-Breaking Force|publisher=EA Games|date=24 October 2011|access-date=25 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027212302/http://www.ea.com/news/battlefield-3-launches-with-record-breaking-force|archive-date=27 October 2011|url-status=live}} The pre-order total makes it "the biggest first-person shooter launch in EA history", according to the publisher.{{cite web | url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/25/battlefield-3-pre-orders-hit-close-to-3-million/ | title=Battlefield 3 pre-orders hit close to 3 million | date=25 October 2011 | author=Nunneley, Stephany | access-date=2 November 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316225914/http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/25/battlefield-3-pre-orders-hit-close-to-3-million/ | archive-date=16 March 2012 | url-status=live}} Two days after launch, EA CEO John Riccitiello announced via a conference call to investors that Battlefield 3 has already shipped 10 million units within a week of release, with 3 million of those being pre-orders.{{cite web | url=http://bf3blog.com/2011/10/battlefield-3-ships-10-million-copies/ | title=Battlefield 3 ships 10 million copies | date=27 October 2011 | access-date=14 December 2011 | author=Hyde, James | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029030738/http://bf3blog.com/2011/10/battlefield-3-ships-10-million-copies/ | archive-date=29 October 2011}} Electronic Arts stated that the title sold 5 million units within the first week of availability, easily becoming its fastest-selling game.{{cite web | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/battlefield-3-internal-sales-estimates-show-5-million-units-sold/ | title=Battlefield 3 internal sales estimates show 5 million units sold in week one, globally | date=31 October 2011 | access-date=31 October 2011 | author=Gilbert, Ben | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118083700/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/battlefield-3-internal-sales-estimates-show-5-million-units-sold/ | archive-date=18 January 2012 | url-status=dead}} After one month, EA chief financial officer Eric Brown announced Battlefield 3 had sold 8 million copies, and that the publisher has shipped 12 million copies of the game to retailers, 2 million more than it shipped for launch week.{{cite web | url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/327893/battlefield-3-ships-12-million-copies/ | title=Battlefield 3 ships 12 million copies | date=30 November 2011 | access-date=14 December 2011 | author=Denton, Jake | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203063825/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/327893/battlefield-3-ships-12-million-copies/ | archive-date=3 December 2011 | url-status=live}} Peter Moore, the high-profile COO of EA, insisted that Battlefield 3 successfully captured a slice of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's market share.{{cite web | url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ea-battlefield-3-stole-market-share-from-modern-warfare-3/088350 | title=EA: Battlefield 3 stole market share from Modern Warfare 3 | date=8 December 2011 | access-date=14 December 2011 | author=Parfitt, Ben | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202192913/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ea-battlefield-3-stole-market-share-from-modern-warfare-3/088350 | archive-date=2 February 2012 | url-status=dead}} On 29 June 2012 EA revealed that the game has sold 15 million copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-06-29-ea-looking-to-bring-battlefield-premium-type-service-to-more-properties|title=EA looking to bring Battlefield Premium type service to more properties|last=Brightman|first=James|date=29 June 2012|work=GamesIndustry.biz|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=8 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109001619/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-06-29-ea-looking-to-bring-battlefield-premium-type-service-to-more-properties|archive-date=9 November 2013|url-status=live}}

In Japan, Battlefield 3 had sold around 123,379 copies for the PlayStation 3 and 27,723 copies for the Xbox 360 when it was released.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/1111/game111110a.shtml|title=Media Create Hardware and Software Chart, 31 Oct. – 6 Nov. 2011|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=Magicbox|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130020438/http://the-magicbox.com/1111/game111110a.shtml|archive-date=30 November 2011|url-status=live}} In the first week, the game had sold 18,792 copies for the PlayStation 3 for a total of 142,171 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/1111/game111118a.shtml|title=Media Create Hardware and Software Chart, 7 – 13 Nov. 2011|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=Magicbox|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125074802/http://www.the-magicbox.com/1111/game111118a.shtml|archive-date=25 November 2011|url-status=live}} The PlayStation 3 version later sold 8,094 copies for a total of 150,265 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/1111/game111124d.shtml|title=Media Create Hardware and Software Chart, 14–21 Nov. 2011|access-date=26 November 2011|publisher=Magicbox|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129012044/http://the-magicbox.com/1111/game111124d.shtml|archive-date=29 November 2011|url-status=live}}

A scene in which the player is prompted to kill a rat that is attacking their character was criticized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In a press release issued by the organization's German office, it claimed that the game "treats animals in a sadistic manner". The release also went further on to say that the scene can have "a brutalising effect on the young male target audience".{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-07-peta-condemns-brutal-battlefield-3-rat-stabbing|title=PETA condemns brutal Battlefield 3 rat stabbing|website=Eurogamer|first=Fred|last=Dutton|date=7 November 2011|access-date=7 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110014524/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-07-peta-condemns-brutal-battlefield-3-rat-stabbing|archive-date=10 November 2011|url-status=live}}

The reproduction of various scenes in Battlefield 3 are highly accurate of their real-life counterparts such as the Grand Bazaar. Iran has reacted to the scenes set within Iran by banning the sale of the game.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=79852&Cat=1|title=Iran bans US video game|date=29 November 2011|access-date=30 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130031143/http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=79852&Cat=1|archive-date=30 November 2011|url-status=live}} As the game had not been officially released in the country, the authorities were strictly enforcing the prevention of the distribution of pirated copies of the game.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/battlefield-3-banned-in-iran/087823 |title=Battlefield 3 "banned" in Iran | Games industry news | MCV |access-date=22 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826001128/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/battlefield-3-banned-in-iran/087823 |archive-date=26 August 2016 |url-status=dead}} This comes after Iranian gamers had protested the release of the game and called for an apology.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15798017|title=Battlefield 3 nuclear plot angers Iranian gamers|date=21 November 2011|access-date=30 November 2011|work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204045916/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15798017|archive-date=4 December 2011|url-status=live}}

• Best Shooter, 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Shooter |title=Best Shooter – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110090452/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Shooter |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Best Multiplayer Game, 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Multiplayer_Game |title=Best Multiplayer – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110113137/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Multiplayer_Game |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Best Xbox 360 Shooter, Best of 2011 IGN Award & 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Xbox_360_Shooter |title=Best Xbox 360 Shooter – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=17 December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108075503/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Xbox_360_Shooter |archive-date=8 January 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Game, Best of 2011 IGN Award & 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Xbox_360_Multiplayer_Game |title=Best Xbox 360 Multiplayer Game – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=17 December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108075438/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_Xbox_360_Multiplayer_Game |archive-date=8 January 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Best PS3 Shooter, 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PS3_Shooter |title=Best PS3 Shooter Game – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=18 December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110161152/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PS3_Shooter |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Best PS3 Multiplayer Game, Best of 2011 IGN Award & 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PS3_Multiplayer_Game |title=Best PS3 Multiplayer Game – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=18 December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110181059/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PS3_Multiplayer_Game |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Best PC Shooter, Best of 2011 IGN Award & 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PC_Shooter |title=Best PC Shooter – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=18 December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110150719/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PC_Shooter |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Best PC Multiplayer Game, Best of 2011 IGN Award & 2011 IGN People's Choice Award{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PC_Multiplayer_Game |title=Best PC Multiplayer Game – Best of 2011 |website=IGN |date=18 December 2011 |access-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110150520/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/Best_PC_Multiplayer_Game |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=live}}

During the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded Battlefield 3 with "Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design", along with nominations for "Action Game of the Year" and outstanding achievement in "Art Direction", "Connectivity", "Online Gameplay", and "Visual Engineering".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGame=1179 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Battlefield 3 |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=21 November 2023}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{wikiquote}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

• {{Official website|http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3}}
• {{IMDb title|1954263}}

{{Battlefield series}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2011 video games

Category:Fiction about aerial warfare

Category:Asymmetrical multiplayer video games

* 09

Category:Electronic Arts games

Category:Esports games

Category:First-person shooters

Category:Video game interquels

Category:IOS games

Category:Martyrdom in fiction

Category:Mass murder in fiction

Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games

Category:Multiplayer online games

Category:PlayStation 3 games

Category:Trains in fiction

Category:War video games set in the United States

Category:Video games about nuclear war and weapons

Category:Video games about the United States Marine Corps

Category:Video game sequels

Category:Video games developed in Sweden

Category:Video games set in 2014

Category:Video games set in Azerbaijan

Category:Video games set in France

Category:Video games set in Iran

Category:Video games set in Iraq

Category:Video games set in Kuwait

Category:Video games set in New York City

Category:Video games set in Oman

Category:Video games set in Paris

Category:Video games set in Ukraine

Category:Video games set in the United States

Category:Video games featuring female protagonists

Category:Windows games

Category:Xbox 360 games

Category:Frostbite (game engine) games

Category:Video games adapted into novels

Category:Video games using Havok

Category:Fiction about aircraft carriers

Category:British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer winners