Beginning life as a first-person shooter for the PC and Mac, Battlefield has evolved into one of the most enjoyable long-running online multiplayer games of the past two decades. The series began with excellent games set during World War II and the Vietnam War before Swedish developers EA DICE got a little too ambitious. They lost their way a little bit with the over-the-top and futuristic Battlefield  2142. Many gamers encountered problems when playing online and preferred the historic setting of previous incarnations. Realising the error of their way, DICE went back to the basics with their critically acclaimed Battlefield: Bad Company. Steering the focus away from the multiplayer aspect, Bad Company featured a single-player campaign with a greater emphasis on gameplay. From there the series went on to follow the path of Call Of Duty, setting games in modern times before returning to a World War I setting for 2016's Battlefield 1.

Two years on from Battlefield 1 and fans are speculating when the next game will be released. The rumored Battlefield 5 is set to be officially confirmed next year, after DICE has finished releasing all the expansion packs for the previous game, but what can fans expect? Will the online multiplayer world continue to be expanded or will there be a greater emphasis on solo campaigns? Will the game follow Battlefield 1 and be set in WWI or will players be involved in another fictional futuristic war? These questions and more are being posted by fans eagerly awaiting official confirmation about what the game will entail. To help narrow things down we've gathered 15 of the biggest Battlefield 5 rumors for you to digest.

15  Give Us Naval Battles!

If there's one nit to pick with Battlefield 1, it was the absence of epic naval battles. Ok, it did feature an exploding zeppelin and a speeding train through the desert, but the lack of water-based missions was quite disappointing.

This can be rectified with numerous possibilities put forward for Battlefield 5 depending on the location. The Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of the Philippine's could feature in any WWII related universe, while both the Vietnam and Korean wars involved sea battles. The introduction of water vehicles enables players to take control of a wide variety of military ships and attack vessels. The idea of piloting a submarine on a do or die mission in enemy waters sounds like something I need in my life.

14 War Of The Living Dead

COD has long been the leader when it comes to zombie expansion packs for first-person shooters, but 2018 might be Battlefield's best chance to take the mantle. Given the game's penchant for massive interactive maps and the attention to detail of its online world, DICE has the perfect opportunity to add zombies as an expansion campaign or multiplayer bonus.

Whether it's evil Nazi zombies storming the Eiffel Tower in Paris during WWII or legions of the undead stalking the jungles of Vietnam, the ability to take on the living dead in a historical location is an option DICE must implement in the next Battlefield game. Imagine fighting hordes of zombies on a conquest-sized map with dozens of online players from across the globe? Please make this come true DICE.

13 A Return To World War II?

After taking a disappointing detour into the modern age with the heist focused Battlefield Hardline, the series returned to its roots with the World War I set Battlefield 1. Widely praised by both critics and fans, many are speculating Battlefield 5 could follow on from this with a campaign set during World War II. Considering how well Battlefield 1942 was received, it's something that's got hardcore fans foaming at the mouth.

WWII gives developers a large amount of room to explore battles across both Europe and the Pacific, as well as the ability to introduce a solo campaign where players can control a soldier from either the Axis or the Allies. The only thing that might deter DICE is rival franchise COD releasing a WWII based game this year, although the huge fan base Battlefield has should make this a non-issue.

12 The Pains Of Short Campaigns

Battlefield has always prided itself on its online multiplayer world, but Battlefield 1 surprised long-term fans with a terrific solo campaign that turned out better than most expected. Unfortunately, it was short in length, but it did give players the opportunity to take on the role of different soldiers across a variety of locations, giving a greater overview of what different nations went through during WWI.

No matter where it is set, if Battlefield 5 expands on the campaign mode and offers players a number of different episodes and missions, it will make for a longer and more enjoyable game while simultaneously offering players a more immersive experience. Imagine using guerrilla warfare tactics as a member of the Viet Cong or liberating France as part of an English infantry unit during WWII? The possibilities are endless.

11 Battlefield Vietnam II

While most fans are clamoring for Battlefield 5 to be set during WWII, others would be just as happy if the game took place during the Vietnam War. DICE has a good track record with this setting, having released Battlefield Vietnam and a Vietnam expansion pack for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 to high acclaim.

The Vietnam War would be an ideal setting, with campaigns and multiplayer mission set in the dense jungles of Vietnam. It allows the use of well-known modern weapons and close quarters combat echoing famous films such as Platoon and Apocalypse Now. The opportunity for players to take control of either American or Viet Cong forces as they battle for territory would offer different perspectives of the war and make another awesome addition to the franchise.

10 They'll Pass On The Premium Pass

Battlefield's premium pass didn't go down well with fans. For $50, players received all four digital expansion packs (normally $15 each) and had two-weeks early access to each expansion. If you were a die-hard fan and wanted all the new maps, mods, and extra content, as soon as possible, the premium pass was a good deal. For the majority of gamers, it was too much money to stump up for a company with a history of releasing average expansions.

DICE may have listened to players this time. Rumors circulating Battlefield 5 will allow all players to purchase the expansion packs at the same time, so there will be a greater number of players involved from the get-go. While the price is yet to be determined, hopefully, DICE will keep it low to encourage casual gamers to get involved and play online.

9 Battlefield 1985

This list has already addressed a WWII and Vietnam War setting, but another time period circling the internet is 1985. Setting a Battlefield game during the Cold War would be a first and offer an entirely new environment for players. Not only would there be new locations, mission types, and weapons available, but it gives DICE the chance to introduce undercover stealth-based missions. Much of the intrigue surrounding the Cold War was due to it never playing out as an actual battle, meaning a Battlefield game set during this period could include covert operations, such as the infiltration of opposition strongholds. Being able to play as an American spy or member of the KGB adds another element of intrigue to what could be one of the best entries in the franchise.

8 Tactical Multiplayer Shooter

One of the strengths of the Battlefield franchise has always been the multiplayer mode. DICE has continued to improve the online world with each release, presenting sprawling maps where players can take part in various games types (Conquest, Domination, Team Deathmatch etc...). A major game mode change that failed to appear in Battlefield 1 is now rumored to be included in next years Battlefield 5.

Battlefield has always been known for it's fast and thrilling online game mode, but this could all be about to change. The internet is abuzz with talk that the multiplayer mode could become more focused on tactical play. A tactical shooter-style game could mean players relying on their covert abilities and long-range weapon skills instead of going all-in guns blazing during online tournaments. This would certainly add a new degree of difficulty to the multiplayer realm and give players a new way to play.

7 It's Coming Sooner Than You Think

Electronic Arts and DICE finally confirmed a new Battlefield game was on its way earlier this year but have failed to divulge any more information. Fans, hoping the game would arrive in time for Christmas 2017, were disappointed when EA CEO Andrew Wilson revealed they were aiming for a 2018 release. Speaking with investors Wilson said, "We will continue delivering for our Battlefield fans, including the next great game in the franchise."

Wilson didn't give much away but fans are expecting something special from the next release. He went on to say, "our ongoing focus will be on advancing the state of the art in games for players on every platform." Does this mean Battlefield 5 will feature new gameplay, improved graphics, or an entirely new online multiplayer system? Only time will tell. Battlefield 5 is expected to drop around September/October next year.

6 DICE Is Frostbitten

First making its debut with the 2008 fan favorite Battlefield: Bad Company, the highly capable Frostbite game engine is set to return for the new installment of Battlefield. Frostbite 3 is the latest version of the software used for first-person games Battlefield 1 and Star Wars Battlefront, as well as heralded football title FIFA 18.

Exclusive to video games published by EA, Frostbite is one of the leading game engines on the market. Responsible for everything from rendering graphics to controlling the artificial intelligence found in games, Frostbite not only makes games look amazing but provides the mechanisms for the interactive online environment Battlefield is known for. No word yet about what enhancements will be made for Battlefield 5, but gamers are already speculating the engine will allow players access to more life-like maps and multiplayer options. It should also feature the most detailed graphics of any game in the series.

5 A Lack Of Identity

While it was heavily speculated Battlefield 1 would allow players to customize their character to the finest detail, this turned out to be slightly off the mark. While you can change certain aspects when playing the single-player mode, you alternate between six main characters who are predetermined. If Battlefield 5 gives players the opportunity to create their own character from scratch, it's a new option fans would be ecstatic about.

Creating your own character allows you to have a closer affiliation with the game and gives your soldier their own identity. Additionally, there could be the opportunity to choose not only the facial features and general body type of your player, but what type of soldier they are (infantry, calvary, paratrooper etc...). This would award them special attributes that help give them an edge when performing certain missions. This type of customization only adds to the longevity of the game and immerses the player in the game world.

4 Four Seasons In One Day

One of the biggest differences between Battlefield and other first-person shooters is the revolutionary ‘levolution’ system. An important and unique part of the Frostbite game engine, the innovation allows players to interact with their environment during gameplay. This will be noticeable in Battlefield 5 as it's set to introduce new terrain and weather conditions that will affect gameplay. Floods, earthquakes, tornados, blizzards, and lightning storms, are rumored to be included in the game, meaning players will have to take weather conditions into consideration when completing campaigns. Sniping from long distances will be affected by wind and rain, while flooding and earthquakes could block access to areas of the map. A rolling day and night cycle is also being discussed, giving missions even more of a real-life connection.

3 E3 Holds The Key

Battlefield games have traditionally been announced in May before being fully revealed at E3 a month later. Things are expected to follow suit with the latest entry into the blockbuster franchise. The official statement released during May should detail the setting and plot of the game, as well as confirm its official release date for the PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Gamers will have less than four weeks to comb through the information before Battlefield 5 will be unveiled at E3 in Los Angeles, June 12-14, 2018. EA and DICE will most likely go into greater detail about the game mechanics and capabilities while showcasing footage of what fans can expect. If previous launches are anything to go by then Battlefield 5 is shaping up to be the biggest and best in the series yet.

2 Big Names, Big Voices

Celebrity voice over actors and actress are becoming more and more regular in video game franchises, yet Battlefield is one of the few successful series that hasn't fully embraced the trend. The last few installments have featured the likes of Australian treasure Peter O'Brien, True Detective's Alexandra Daddario, and The Wire's Micheal Kenneth Williams, but Battlefield still hasn't secured a big fish like rival COD.

Battlefield 5 gives DICE the opportunity to make a splash with a couple of Hollywood favorites adding their voices to the game. No names have been mentioned but I'd personally like to see Kurt Russell voicing a weary war veteran or Ray Winstone as a cockney Sergeant, with the impeccable Tom Hardy voicing the main character of the solo campaign.

1 Through The Eyes Of The Enemy

The majority of Battlefield games see you playing as the hero, defeating the various hostile factions to help bring peace to the world. But what if you got the chance to play as the bad guy?

Battlefield 5 could feature solo campaigns told from the point of view of the opposing enemy. Battlefield 1 contained six separate stories following different characters for the Allies. Battlefield 5 may do something similar but from the point of view of the Axis. This would enable a wide range of missions and stories, with players being able to take part in major conflicts such as the Germans invading Poland and the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour. DICE has the opportunity to show the human side of war. We could see how many soldiers were not evil people, but young men just doing what they believed was the right thing for their nation.