Battlefield 6’s multiplayer reveal was just shown off, and it’s looking like a real return to form, bringing a level of chaos and grit that onlyBattlefieldseems to know how to do. In August, players will be able to experience everything in theBattlefield 6Open Beta, finally getting to test out whatBattlefield Labshas been playtesting for six months.
As usual, the trailer was packed with information and hints about the direction of the next game. It’s returning to a modern setting, featuring an emphasis on conflict in Europe with the mysterious Pax Armata forces. DICE has beenreleasing various details alongside the numerous leaks, detailing class changes, upgrades to destruction, and emphasizing thatBattlefield 6will bea fast-paced game. It’s all shaping up to be very exciting, and players can expect a lot of things fromBattlefield 6’s multiplayer component.
Everything to Expect From Battlefield 6’s Multiplayer Modes
Destruction Is Bigger and More Interactive Than Before
Battlefieldgames have been defined by their immersive mechanics, and the world falling apart over the course of a game is just part and parcel with the experience. DICE has been keen to show off improvements toBattlefield 6’s destruction—which, compared to older titles, is set to be even more granular and dynamic—placing more of an emphasis on obstacles reacting to players.
Even without explosives, players gain access to sledgehammers to smash through walls and floors. Given some of the set-pieces shown in the trailer,BF6looks to be channeling some ofBF4’s Levolution energy and destruction on a scale unseen for over a decade.
Rush Is Making a Big Comeback
The “all-out trifecta of modes” Conquest, Breakthrough and, importantly, Rush, are all making a return. For the last few iterations ofBattlefield, DICE has supplanted the iconic Rush mode with its larger-scale cousin, Breakthrough. While a decent mode in itself, Breakthrough’s heyday was mostly seen inBattlefield 1’s Operations, which the following titles couldn’t hold a candle to.Battlefield 6leaks have confirmed Rush will return, and this marks a significant turn back toward an old franchise favorite. Rush was known for its speed and down-to-the-wire moments in pastBFgames, and the lack of focus that recent games have put on it has made it sorely missed.
Operation Firestorm is returning as a remastered map alongside the new ones, as revealed in someBattlefield 6map leaks. It is unclear exactly how many will be available from launch.
Open vs Closed Weapon Playlists
DICE announced its vision forweapon loadouts inBattlefield 6recently, and it sparked a bit of a community outcry. Seemingly, DICE intends for every class to be able to use every weapon, much like how it works inBattlefield 2042, but a lot of fans were upset, preferring the more restrictive loadouts of older titles. After receiving a lot of feedback, DICE put out a community post that assured players of the upcoming beta that there will be playlist options for open and closed weapon loadouts.
In closed playlists, signature weapons will be locked to certain classes, such as assault rifles for the assault class, while non-signature weapons are available to all. It remains to be seen which is more popular, and if DICE’s compromise satisfies players.
A Make-Or-Break Battle Royale Mode
Somehow, Firestorm has returned. In its pursuit of another killer live service, EA is betting big on aBattlefield 6Battle Royale.Apex Legendshas shown EA just how profitable a popular always-online title can be, and its success came out of nowhere, making the lack of a spin-off mode in a big IP likeBFall the more puzzling. But that hasn’t been for lack of trying: DICE has tried a BR and an Extraction Shooter, both of which failed quickly.
The solution is apparently reviving Firestorm,BF5’s attempt at a BR that flopped, but there will surely be some big changes coming for it in the future. EA is pulling out all the stops, investing $400 million intoBF6, and aiming for a massive 100 million total players, andBF6’s BR is probably going to be EA’s biggest bet.
Battlefield 2042’s Portal Is Making a Bold Return
Battlefield 2042was a very divisive game for a lot of reasons, and many of the things it tried did not sit right with the community. This time around,Battlefield 2042’s Portal is coming toBattlefield 6, with a much bigger emphasis on custom modes and even levels. DICE is confident that players are going to be at their most creative in Portal, showing off real level editing that anyone can pick up, and it could be EA’s answer to other creative modes like those found inFortnite.
Some of Battlefield 6’s Multiplayer Changes Are Still up in the Air
Some Controversial Matchmaking Changes
Battlefield’s matchmaking has rarely been a subject of big debate outside of team balancing. But, if some older Labs leaks are to be believed, thenBattlefield 6could have Skill-Based Matchmaking. It’s still unclear whether this feature will make it into the full game, but DICE has shown it is ready to try even very unpopular features, and SBMM could be seen by the developer as a way to even out lobbies that can historically become very skewed by mismatched player skill.
Classic Player Count Servers
For many years now, there has been speculation about futureBFtitles raising the player count above 64, with 128 often being eyed as the golden number. Well,2042tried that, and it didn’t go as planned. One of the unexpected knock-on effects of 128 players was how it affectedBattlefield’s maps.2042’s maps were criticized as being open and barren, and the game soon offered a 64-player playlist that proved to be far more popular, as DICE eventually stopped designing maps made for 128 players.
