: The game now launches through the EA App on PC.

application, to reduce resource consumption on lower-end systems. Modern Multiplayer Alternatives (2025–2026)

Buy Battlefield 3 on Steam or EA App (Origin is gone, replaced by EA App). You still need an EA account, but the player base is small but active. You can find servers in North America and Europe.

Venice Unleashed is the premier modding framework for Battlefield 3. It provides a completely independent launcher and server browser, effectively making Origin/EA App optional after the initial license verification.