There are three playable sides in the game, each with their own unique arsenals: The United States forces, the fictional Middle Eastern Coalition forces (or "Mec"), and some equally fictional Chinese ground and air forces. BF2's arsenal will include over 30 modern land, air, and even sea vehicles in all -- these include Abrams tanks, MEC MiGs, American Humvees, F-15 Strike Eagles, Black Hawk helicopters, speedboats, ground effect vehicles, and APCs (featuring multiple 'slots' which can be filled by players).

Each faction supports an impressive seven character classes, and the designers have paid attention to the oft-unsung classes, particularly medics. The lack of per-se "health pickups" means that medics have an important job that needs doing. Further, any player who excels at whatever he does -- providing field care, being an engineer, or just plain killing the enemy -- is offered event-specific awards and promotions, which shape the player's persistent profile/rank. As players increase their rank, they gain access to newer items, weapons, vehicles, decals, and more.