Battlefield 6 Community Update: Open Beta Details and the Road to Launch
Ahead of the launch of Battlefield 6, the development team has released a community update detailing the upcoming Open Beta and significant gameplay changes based on player feedback from the Battlefield Labs program.
The Early Access Beta is scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 7, followed by the Open Beta for all players on August 9. While the Battlefield Labs feedback initiative will be paused during this period, developers confirmed it will resume after the beta concludes to continue refining the game ahead of its official release.
Changes Coming in the Open Beta
Based on feedback from early playtests, several key adjustments will be implemented for the Open Beta:
- Weapon Systems: To accommodate different playstyles, players will have the option to choose between open and closed weapon systems. The beta will feature a “Closed Weapon Conquest” playlist, where weapons are restricted to specific classes, alongside the open system. Progression will be fully enabled in both modes.
- Maps and Modes: Player movement data has been used to refine map flow, objective layouts, and cover on maps like Siege of Cairo. Objective boundaries have been visually updated, and turret positions have been repositioned for better balance. Additionally, the Domination game mode will now feature a revive mechanic to encourage team play.
- Weapons: In response to community feedback, the game’s time-to-kill (TTK) and time-to-death (TTD) have been balanced across all weapons. The weapon customization UI has been enhanced for greater clarity, making it easier to understand weapon synergies with each class. A new “signature weapons” system will also be introduced, granting exclusive advantages to a player who uses a weapon that aligns with their chosen class. For example, only the Recon class will be able to use sniper rifles to their full potential.
The Road to Launch: Post-Beta Class Overhauls
The development team also outlined major class system changes planned for implementation after the Open Beta, which are designed to further define each role on the battlefield.
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Assault: The Assault class is being reworked to emphasize team play over its previous role as a “lone-wolf” frontline medic.
- The Adrenaline Injector will now clear flash and stun effects and boost resistance to explosives and incendiaries.
- A new signature trait, “Commanding Presence,” will speed up objective capture for nearby squadmates.
- The Spawn Beacon is being moved from Recon to Assault, renamed the “Deploy Beacon,” and will serve as a limited-use tool for frontline flanking.
- A new gadget, the “Assault Ladder,” will allow squads to create new paths and gain height advantages.
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Engineer: Developers are generally satisfied with the Engineer’s core anti-vehicle and explosives role but will be monitoring player feedback on the class’s effectiveness in direct combat during the beta.
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Support: While feedback has been positive, the team is evaluating the refresh rate of supply crates and the impact of the Support’s signature weapon buffs to ensure the class feels essential to squad performance.
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Recon: The Recon class is gaining new disinformation and sabotage capabilities with a new “Spec Ops” Training Path, which replaces “Pathfinder.” This path focuses on stealth and operating behind enemy lines.
- Spec Ops abilities include quieter takedowns and movement, automatic spotting of nearby enemy gadgets, and faster removal of being spotted when going prone.
- A new Level 3 Active Ability allows Recon players to call in a UAV for passive spotting.
- This complements the existing “Aim Spotting” trait, which automatically spots enemies while aiming down sights.
The team encourages all players to participate in the Open Beta and provide feedback on the official Battlefield Discord to help shape the final launch version of the game. Further updates on development progress will be shared after the Open Beta concludes.
Game details are subject to change based on community feedback and continued development.
