Battlefield 6’s open beta delivers smaller, fast-paced maps for an intense “full-octane” experience, with larger, strategic maps confirmed for the full release on October 10.
Following the first open beta of Battlefield 6, DICE, alongside Ripple Effect and Criterion, has shared new insights into its map design and gameplay pacing. Lead producer David Sirland addressed player feedback regarding the smaller-than-expected maps in the beta, explaining the reasoning behind the choice and reassuring fans about the variety of environments in the final release.
Responding to comments that the beta maps felt cramped compared to the franchise’s traditional large-scale battlefields, Sirland revealed that the team deliberately selected maps designed for high-intensity, close-quarters action. “We picked these maps to make sure we hit the full-octane version of Battlefield on the head – and made everyone see we can handle that too,” he explained. Sirland confirmed that larger maps are also part of the game and will offer a different tempo, promising that players will “see soon enough” how the experience scales.
The first beta featured three maps – Siege of Cairo, Liberation Peak, and Iberian Offensive – all tuned for faster gameplay. The second beta, launching today, adds a fourth map, Empire State, set in the streets and alleys of Brooklyn for a more urban combat focus.
In addition to the new map, the beta included a variety of game modes. Alongside the classic Conquest and its “Closed Weapons” variant, players could enjoy Breakthrough, Domination, and two additional modes: Rush, which tasks one team with planting explosives to destroy M-COMs while the other defends, and Squad Deathmatch, where four squads compete for the highest kill count.
Sirland also clarified the matchmaking philosophy used during the beta and planned for launch. While player skill is factored in, it ranks low on the priority list. Instead, matchmaking focuses on minimizing ping and reducing time to match, ensuring smooth gameplay experiences. “All our large modes need a spread of skill to work well,” he said, adding that the matchmaker also balances teams to create fair competition.
The open beta proved a major success, peaking at over 500,000 concurrent players on PC alone. This surge in engagement not only demonstrated stable server performance but also contributed to a rise in EA’s share price, fueled by positive sentiment from the community.
With Battlefield 6 launching on October 10 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, players can look forward to experiencing both the high-octane, close-quarters battles showcased in the beta and the expansive, tactical warfare that the series is known for. The variety of maps and modes, combined with refined matchmaking and balanced pacing, suggest that the full release aims to deliver something for every type of Battlefield player.
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