Battlefield 6 has been officially confirmed, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson sharing that the game is on the way for holiday 2021. While details have been kept sparse thus far, several leaks and rumors have come about in recent months. As such, players can expect to see a few noteworthy things when the new Battlefield game is first revealed to the public.
Thus far, players have found unofficial info on the setting for Battlefield 6, the inspirations it is taking from, and the game’s scale. Players have a general idea of when the game will be revealed, too, and past decisions from EA and DICE indicate what could be shown at the event. With an official release window announced, alongside several other features rumored, here is everything that fans should anticipate when more news on Battlefield 6 arrives.
A Reveal Date And An Official Release
First and foremost, having a better idea of when Battlefield 6 will be revealed is necessary. With spring confirmed by EA, players can expect the game to be shown off sometime between mid-March and June. With so many rumors and leaks coming out surrounding the game, it is likely fairly far into its development — meaning that a reveal closer to the start or middle of spring would make sense. As for what will be revealed, players can expect beta multiplayer footage, as well as campaign gameplay if DICE plans to include singleplayer. An announcement of a beta period for Battlefield 6 would make sense also, giving players a chance to test a handful of maps/modes.
As for the game’s release date, thankfully there is less speculation. With EA confirming last year that Battlefield 6 will drop in holiday 2021, players have a far narrower window to look at for a potential release date. The month of December is plausible, given the phrasing used in the announcement, and with Call of Duty usually seizing the month of November this month would make even more sense. While this could change, assuming DICE wants to ensure that Battlefield gets ahead of Call of Duty instead of coming after, for now players should expect Battlefield 6 to drop at the tail end of 2021.
A World War 3 Setting
Leakers have not only claimed that Battlefield 6 has a modern setting, but further rumors have expanded on this idea to claim that the game will cover "World War 3." While the narrative of Russia vs. NATO has become a tired trope in modern first person shooters, a World War 3 setting for Battlefield 6 could include maps based on major landmarks around the world. The White House, Kremlin, Eiffel Tower, and Buckingham Palace are just some of the settings that could be covered in this fictional conflict, giving great visual variety to the next Battlefield title.
Though an argument can be made that Battlefield 6 should skip the campaign, leaks stated that the "War Stories" system introduced in Battlefield 1 will return. Likely showing characters from different countries working together to fight off the invading Russian forces, each short story should see unique gear used, with all of the items likely being available in online play as well. With every modern gun, vehicle, and equipment item available for DICE to make use of, this potential setting is certainly exciting. While it is not yet confirmed and should be taken with a grain of salt, Battlefield 6 fans should be confident in a modern setting’s return for one big reason.
Battlefield 3 Inspirations And An Unprecedented Scale
Several reputable sources have said that Battlefield 6 will be taking heavy inspiration from the beloved Battlefield 3, implying much more than a modern setting. The third Battlefield game placed an equal focus on infantry and vehicular gameplay, while also featuring maps that evolve as players progress. Standout locations like Damavand Peak and Operation Metro were both great examples of this, with the excellent Rush game mode moving players from one area to the next as the map progressed. Allowing for a variety of fun gameplay opportunities, such as leaping off a mountain to reach the next set of objectives, Battlefield 3-like gameplay design is something to anticipate.
Another rumor building off the idea that Battlefield 6 will have several features from Battlefield 3 would see the Battlelog returning. With the account randomly becoming active again after being dormant for half a decade, players believe that the popular forum and stat-tracking website will be making a comeback. Allowing players to look at stats on each map, detailed breakdowns on each weapon, and track progress toward their next unlocks, Battlelog was a useful tool that many made use of in Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. Battlelog's return is not confirmed, though having access to clan tools, leaderboards, and detailed stat-tracking would be exciting for Battlefield 6.
Battlefield 6 has also been confirmed to have a larger player count, with rumors saying that it will double the size of the series’ past lobbies. Increasing the number of users in each match from 64 to 128, this drastic increase in players could revitalize the Battlefield community, as many series veterans have been hoping for an increased player count for some time now. With more action going on in one match than ever before, it will certainly be interesting to see how the traditional Battlefield experience changes in the sequel. With previous matches already being hectic, amplifying this signature gameplay style with larger lobbies could be a huge success factor for Battlefield 6.
A massive player count implies equally large maps, which also suggests the possibility of a new battle royale mode. While Battlefield 5’s Firestorm game mode was not received as well, it is still possible that DICE takes another shot at a battle royale for Battlefield 6. With the subgenre's popularity not slowing down, something similar to the addictive gameplay that battle royale games offer will likely be implemented. Battlefield’s massive maps could put DICE in the position of having several locations ready for the mode on day one.
Regardless of which rumors prove to be true, though, Battlefield 6 players can expect a lot of interesting news to come between the game’s spring reveal and winter release date.
Battlefield 6 is currently in development.