The open beta for Battlefield 6 dropped this weekend, with another session coming August 14–17 for players to experience the mayhem themselves. When the game was revealed on July 22, it sparked major anticipation with its high-octane trailer and developer breakdown. After spending a few hours with it, I can say Battlefield 6 returns as a worthy competitor to its dominant rival, Call of Duty. It’s a return to form — going back to the roots that once set it apart in the FPS space. In many ways, Battlefield 6 feels familiar, but it also reminds us why it deserves to reclaim its place in a climate where COD has started to feel dull, repetitive, and comical with its overbearing cosmetics.

It’s been four years since Battlefield 2042. That game built hype with massive maps, immersive gameplay, and the promise of dynamic weather — ambitious, to say the least. But what we got was a buggy mess with busted servers and missing staple features, even non-negotiables like in-squad voice chat. The backlash was immediate: negative reviews poured in, and some players demanded refunds. With 2042 widely seen as a failure, EA went back to the drawing board, bringing together four of its most talented teams to create a game that could both redeem and revive the franchise.

First Impressions from the Front Lines

For context, my impressions come from playing on PlayStation 5, so I can’t speak to performance or optimizations on Xbox or PC. After waiting through a queue of about 150,000 players, my first thought was simple; this is solid. Many have compared it to Battlefield 3 and 4, with a touch of Bad Company (my personal favorite). I’d agree with that, but I’d also say it borrows some of COD’s better elements. The maps are still bigger than COD’s but are tighter and more grounded than the typical Battlefield sprawl. Liberation Park, the largest map in the beta, is long rather than wide, offering detailed terrain with plenty of obstacles. Overall, the maps feel more infantry-friendly, getting you into the action faster.

Destruction, one of Battlefield’s signature features, is back. EA promised Bad Company-style destruction, but it’s not quite on that level. Not all structures are destructible, and it’s not always clear which are,  but when a building collapsed under me mid-firefight, it was a genuine surprise.

Performance, Visuals, and Sound

Visually, Battlefield 6 is impressive. With destruction happening all around you, bullets grazing your cheek, tanks rumbling past, and multiple firefights erupting at once, it’s remarkable how the game holds steady without noticeable framerate drops. The color grading leans gritty and realistic, but there’s enough environmental detail to pull you into the battlefield.

Sound design might be the game’s strongest asset. Battlefield has always excelled at this, but here it’s on another level. Playing without headphones would be a mistake, you’d lose half the experience. With headphones on, you’re immersed in chaos: bullets cutting through the air, explosives breaking the sound barrier, and the frantic shouts of squadmates. It’s so vivid it made me grateful I’ll never be drafted.

Game Modes, Classes, and Customization

Classic modes return, including Conquest, King of the Hill, and Domination. The new mode, Breakthrough, is a more focused and intense experience, creating tight clashes as teams push for objectives. Additional modes will be available during the beta’s second weekend, including the classic Rush and Squad Deathmatch.

The class system also returns, offering four options:

• Assault – Rifles and utility gear for frontline combat.
  
  
• Engineer – SMGs, rocket launchers, and anti-vehicle tools.
  
  
• Support – Heavy machine guns and ammo resupply.
  
  
• Recon – Snipers and long-range recon gadgets.

Each class feels distinct, encouraging tactical play. Instead of rushing in like in COD, you’ll find yourself picking a class that complements your squad.

Weapon customization has also evolved. Borrowing from COD’s Gunsmith, Battlefield 6 lets you fine-tune weapons with more flexibility but balances it with an “attachment points” system, 100 points for primary weapons, 60 for sidearms. Attachments vary in cost, with most between 5–20 points, while heavy upgrades, like an extended LMG mag, can run 55.

Overall, Battlefield 6 feels like the shake-up FPS players have been waiting for. The maps are well-designed, the gameplay blends chaos with strategy, and the pacing offers a refreshing break from COD’s twitchy, arcade-style shooting. That difference matters. With Halo quiet, Splitgate on pause, and most shooters chasing COD’s formula, Battlefield 6 manages to be both a return to form and something fresh.

After just a few hours, I’m convinced Battlefield 6 can satisfy longtime fans and push COD to rethink its formula. It’s cinematic without being scripted, immersive without unnecessary complexity, and packed with those unforgettable “only in Battlefield” moments. If this beta is any indication, the full release could be a major win for the franchise, and for FPS players craving variety