According to a message fromBattlefield 6developer, Battlefield Studios, the game will not lock players' weapon choices to their class.Battlefieldseries titles have typically restricted players to a limited set of weapon types based on their chosen class, such as Assault types being able to wield assault rifles.
One of the defining attributes of theBattlefieldseries has been its use of a playable class system. Ever since the original release ofBattlefield 1942, players have chosen from a set of classes that help define their role in a given fight, both through weapon restrictions and specific abilities and gadgets. Different entries have put their own twists on the core system, such asBattlefield 2042adding Specialistswith unique abilities, names, and personalities across the different class archetypes.
At the moment, EA wants to change things up with thecontroversial removal of class weapon restrictions inBattlefield 6.Based on a recentcommunity update for the ongoingBattlefield Labstest program, Battlefield Studios confirmed that it has “seen the suggestions” from players and test participants to revert to the old system of closed weapons (i.e. the traditionalBattlefieldclass-based weapon restrictions). However, it hasn’t committed to rolling back the decision as yet and appears to be moving ahead with the class revamp, allowing players to use any weapon they wish.
As detailed in an earlier community update, theBattlefield 6class system will no longer use weapon restrictions to enforce a sense of class identity, but will instead rely on perks and incentives for using the “Signature Weapon” of a given class. For example, a Recon class player can choose to use an assault rifle, but when using a sniper rifle, will have reduced scope sway, faster rechambering, and aim stabilization. Assault players that opt for their signature assault rifles will have faster weapon-switches and transitions between sprinting and shooting.
The update also detailed a system called Training, where players can improve their classes' abilities as they play, earning new abilities, such as calling UAVs to automatically spot in an area for Recon players. The update didn’t specify how these systems might work with the recently leakedBattlefield 6Class Specialization upgrades, but they may allow for an interesting level of variation and progression over time.
Though the current decision to remove class weapon locks is attracting a lot of negative feedback, it should be emphasized thatBattlefield Labsis a test environment, so things could change in the future. Indeed, players might get to see how the system works in practice, if rumors of an upcomingBattlefield 6open betaare any indication.
