BF2 Standalone VS Steam

[JayMeal]

Hey I'm going to buy the game BF2 for this mod, but, I'm wondering, if I have a friend using the standalone game, with PR, and I buy it off steam and install it, will we able to play together online, even thought they're on different platforms, or is it fine?

[SnipingCoward]

This will not be an issue.
Whether Steam, Stand-alone, with or without addons, Mac (with bootcamp) or PC you will be able to play together on PR servers.

However make sure you follow the installation instructions. (http://realitymod.com/manual/pr_manual.pdf)
You do not need to buy any addons (the free BF2 patch 1.5 will have them included).
If you are buying a steam version you generally won't have to worry about patching BF2 yourself.

[Mad-Mike]

I recommend you buy the stand alone bf2 aswell Jay, It will save you alot of hassle.
People on here have trouble with the steam one.

[JayMeal]

Honestly I'm only thinking of steam because it's direct download, no stores around me are selling straight BF2, and I don't like waiting for shipping in this digital age.

Has anyone used a used copy of Bf2? If someone used the key before I'm afraid if I try it with a used copy online play wont work.. if i can get a used standalone its worth it for me since thats only like five bucks on amazon.

[SnipingCoward]

If you are looking for it because it's a download you can consider this here too: http://steamunpowered.eu/steam-alternatives/ (steam alternatives)

While it is true that additionally to the regular problems you might see with BF2, the steam version adds a few problems more (this can also apply to the mentioned alternatives). Though keep in mind that its still exceptions and usually nothing that you can't solve by searching the forums if you really get problems.

[Viikate]

Can't run PR with Steam version of BF2 at all. I strongly suggest getting BF2 elsewhere.

[Mantooth]

I've never had any problems and I bought BF2 on steam. I can play just fine. Just remember to turn off the in game overlay or punkbuster will kick you from any multiplayer game you join.

[wingman9]

What do you mean, "turn off the ingame overlay"? Sorry to interject on the threat of another, I wasn't aware that steam offered BF2.

[Mantooth]

In steam you can access an in game overlay that allows you to chat with other friends who are using steam as well as other features. (Default key binding is Shift + Tab while in game)
Punkbuster sees this as some kind of 3rd party program, and kicks you from any multiplayer server you join.
To fix this, you have to turn the in game overlay off by going to Steam > Settings > In-Game and unchecking the "Enable Steam Community In-Game" box