When I first heard about the Ph Laro collection, I’ll admit I was skeptical. As someone who’s spent countless hours with the original Star Wars Battlefront games, I’ve seen my fair share of remasters that promised the world but delivered very little. But this time, things feel different. The developers didn’t just slap on a fresh coat of paint—they dug deep into what made these games legendary and amplified it. If you’re looking to master the game and develop winning strategies, understanding what’s new and what’s changed is absolutely essential. Trust me, the battlefield has evolved, and so should your approach.

Let’s start with the content additions, because they’re a game-changer. The collection brings six post-launch maps into the fold—one from the original Battlefront and five from Battlefront 2. For veterans like me, that’s huge. It means more terrain to learn, more choke points to exploit, and more variety to keep matches feeling fresh. But what really caught my eye were the two playable heroes in Battlefront 2: Kit Fisto and Asajj Ventress. These two were previously locked behind Xbox-exclusive DLC, and bringing them into the main roster feels like righting a historical wrong. I’ve always been partial to Ventress—her dual lightsabers and aggressive style suit my playstyle perfectly—but Kit Fisto’s fluid, acrobatic moves are a force to be reckoned with. If you’re serious about climbing the leaderboards, mastering these heroes is non-negotiable. They bring unique abilities that can turn the tide in close-quarters combat, and in a match where every second counts, that’s invaluable.

Now, let’s talk about gameplay tweaks, because this is where the Ph Laro collection truly shines. Hero Assault, one of my favorite modes from Battlefront 2, has received a massive overhaul. In the original, you were stuck playing it on Tatooine—a great map, no doubt, but it got repetitive fast. Now, the mode is available on all ground-based maps, and honestly, it’s a revelation. Imagine pitting Darth Vader against Luke Skywalker on the lush fields of Endor or the claustrophobic corridors of a Star Destroyer. The strategic possibilities are endless. I’ve found that certain heroes perform better on specific maps, and adapting your playstyle to the environment is key. For instance, blaster-wielding heroes like Han Solo excel in open areas, while force users dominate in tight spaces. It’s these nuances that separate casual players from the pros.

Another critical update is the cross-gen multiplayer support. While it’s a shame there’s no cross-play—I was really hoping to squad up with friends on different platforms—the fact that players on older and newer consoles can battle together is a step in the right direction. More importantly, the player count per match has been bumped up to 32v32. That’s 64 players in a single match, creating chaos on a scale we’ve never seen in these games before. I’ve played about 15 matches since the update, and the sheer density of players forces you to rethink your strategies. Lone wolf tactics? Forget about it. Team coordination is everything now. I’ve seen squads that communicate well dominate matches, while disorganized teams get steamrolled within minutes. If you want to win, stick with your squad, control the objectives, and use the environment to your advantage. It’s that simple, and yet, so many players overlook it.

From a strategic standpoint, the expanded map pool and hero roster mean you can’t rely on the same old tricks. I used to have a go-to strategy for Tatooine, but now, with Hero Assault available everywhere, I’ve had to develop new approaches for each location. On larger maps, like the ones from the Battlefront 2 DLC, vehicle control becomes crucial. I’ve found that dedicating two or three players to maintaining air superiority can shut down enemy advances before they even begin. On the flip side, the increased player count means spawn points are more contested than ever. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a match won or lost because one team controlled the spawn area. It’s these subtle shifts in meta that make the Ph Laro collection feel like a brand-new game.

Of course, no update is perfect. The lack of cross-play is a missed opportunity, and I’ve noticed occasional lag in 64-player matches—though it’s nothing game-breaking. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a stellar package. The developers have clearly listened to the community, and the changes they’ve made respect the legacy of the originals while pushing the envelope in all the right ways. If you’re jumping back into Battlefront after all these years, my advice is to take your time. Experiment with the new heroes, learn the maps, and don’t be afraid to fail. Mastery doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategies and a willingness to adapt, you’ll be topping the leaderboards in no time.

In the end, the Ph Laro collection isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a revitalization of two classics that still hold up today. The added content, gameplay refinements, and expanded multiplayer options have created a richer, more dynamic experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, there’s never been a better time to dive in. So grab your blaster, choose your hero, and may the force be with you. The battlefield awaits, and it’s more exciting than ever.