Following the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042 in 2021, developers at DICE have confirmed they`ve incorporated player feedback for the upcoming title, unofficially known as Battlefield 6. The official unveiling is scheduled for July 24.
Crucially, the new Battlefield will depart from Battlefield 2042`s criticized 128-player matches and Specialist system, returning to the fan-favorite four-standard-class structure. The game will embrace a modern-day setting, a welcome shift from previous titles set in futuristic or historical eras. Development is a collaborative effort by at least four studios under the Battlefield Studios umbrella, and an open beta is confirmed.
We`re summarizing all key information regarding the next Battlefield game below.
Table of Contents
- When will the new Battlefield be released?
- Preorder the new Battlefield
- New Battlefield trailer information
- New Battlefield platforms
- Battlefield 6 open beta
- Battlefield Labs
- New Battlefield story, setting, and characters
- What will it be called?
- Battle royale?
- Who`s developing the new Battlefield
- Weapons, destruction, and gameplay
- Taking on Call of Duty?
When will the new Battlefield be released?
While EA hasn`t set a firm release date, reports suggest an October 2025 launch is possible, aligning with the typical three-year development cycle. EA has, however, committed to a release before March 2026, acknowledging potential adjustments based on GTA 6`s release. Daily playtesting is underway, with the Battlefield Labs public testing program commencing in March 2025, though the game remains in pre-alpha.
Preorder the new Battlefield
Pre-orders for the new Battlefield game are not yet available; exercise caution regarding any premature offerings.
New Battlefield trailer information
An official reveal trailer for the next Battlefield game is imminent, announced by Battlefield Studios for July 24.
New Battlefield platforms
Anticipated platforms include PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, implicitly confirmed by the Battlefield Labs testing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Its availability on Nintendo`s rumored Switch 2 or future mobile initiatives remains uncertain, especially after EA`s cancellation of a previous mobile Battlefield project.
Battlefield 6 open beta
While Battlefield Labs has hosted limited alpha tests, an open beta for Battlefield 6 is planned for the future. This beta will offer playlists with both class-locked and unlocked weapon options, with further details expected soon.
Battlefield Labs
Battlefield Labs, an invite-only NDA program launched in February 2025, allows select players to test early game versions and provide feedback. Initial tests in March led to leaks revealing enhanced destruction, sniper rifle recoil effects, and a new feature allowing players to drag downed teammates. It`s crucial to remember that Labs content is pre-alpha and subject to change.
Anyone can register for Battlefield Labs, though initial access is limited to a few thousand players in North America and Europe, expanding globally over time. This program, requiring an EA account, aims to integrate community feedback into development. Sessions lack a rigid schedule but will occur regularly, testing early concepts with expected bugs and crashes. EA plans to test `almost everything,` from core combat and destruction to weapon balance, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes (including Conquest and Breakthrough), and the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, Recon). Participants can provide feedback via a private Discord channel, directly influencing the game`s evolution towards an `authentic Battlefield experience.`
New Battlefield story, setting, and characters
Details on the game`s story and characters are scarce, but a modern-day setting (reportedly between 2027-2030) is confirmed and welcomed by fans. Insider Gaming suggests the campaign will feature a large private military group battling NATO across global locations like the USA and Gibraltar. Vince Zampella, the franchise head, highlighted the return to a modern setting, reminiscent of the acclaimed Battlefield 3 and 4 era, which he considers the series` peak.
What will it be called?
The official title is still undecided, with EA reportedly considering `Battlefield 6` or a simplified `Battlefield` based on survey feedback.
Battle royale?
Despite EA`s existing battle royale, Apex Legends, the new Battlefield is rumored to feature its own free-to-play, standalone battle royale mode, potentially developed by Ripple Effect. This could mirror Call of Duty`s model of a premium title alongside a free-to-play battle royale.
Who`s developing the new Battlefield
Development is a multi-studio effort under Battlefield Studios: DICE leads multiplayer, Motive handles the single-player campaign, Criterion manages `content and experiences,` and Ripple Effect is developing a `new Battlefield experience,` possibly a battle royale. This collaborative structure aligns with Vince Zampella`s vision of a connected `Battlefield universe,` despite the recent closure of Marcus Lehto`s Ridgeline Games studio.
Weapons, destruction, and gameplay
DICE aims for 45 weapons and 10 multiplayer maps at launch, a significant increase from Battlefield 2042. The game will retain its signature destruction, possibly with `caliber-based destruction` similar to Rainbow Six Siege, and introduce a new feature allowing players to drag downed teammates. Critically, the controversial 128-player matches are being dropped in favor of smaller, denser, and better-designed maps, echoing classic Battlefield experiences. The Specialist system, widely disliked in Battlefield 2042, will also be removed, with a return to the traditional class-based system (Assault, Engineer, Support, Recon) confirmed.
Taking on Call of Duty?
While acknowledging Battlefield and Call of Duty as rivals, Vince Zampella believes the new Battlefield has the potential to outsell Call of Duty. He emphasizes that the goal is not to directly `take down` Call of Duty, but to create a distinct and authentic Battlefield experience.
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X
Battlefield Labs Project