Battlefield 6 delivers the series’ strongest return in years, combining spectacular large-scale warfare with refined gunplay and the chaotic moments fans have been craving.
There’s been loads of anticipation surrounding Battlefield 6. The series reached its peak with Battlefield 3 and 4, which managed to strike a balance between tactical, realistic gameplay and an absolutely massive scale – huge maps, vehicles, infantry, and all-out warfare. After years of the franchise getting increasingly convoluted, it reached its low point with Battlefield 2042. That game launched as an overstuffed, glitchy mess that put off both new players and die-hard fans. Thankfully, Battlefield 6 strips things back to basics and actually delivers the comeback the series desperately needed.
I’ll get the biggest disappointment out of the way first, as everything else is very positive. The campaign is short and unmemorable. It follows a fairly basic plot set in 2027-2028, where NATO confronts a private military company after a failed peacekeeping operation in Georgia spirals into a global conflict. It was decently fun whilst playing, and I appreciate its effort in introducing players to the four multiplayer classes. However, as soon as it was over, there wasn’t much to remember – no standout set pieces or plot moments. But for 99% of players, this isn’t a deal-breaker. Most people picking up this game are simply here for the multiplayer.
And the multiplayer is fantastic, no doubt about it. It’s stripped back and pays homage to Battlefield 3 and 4‘s approach, focusing on allowing for dynamic and cinematic multiplayer experiences. The sandbox nature of Battlefield returns, letting you wreak havoc on expansive terrains using destructible environments. This is what makes the game genuinely fun – matches start with buildings and structures intact, and ends as a collection of rubble.
There are four classes – Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon – fans of the series will know these well. Each class has specific gadgets and passive effects that can uniquely help win the fight. This formula has always worked well for the series and continues to here, with some small tweaks that I personally found balanced things really well. It rewards players for choosing loadouts and classes tactically, giving infantry units real sway over the tide of battle through thoughtful gameplay. Squads of four can spawn on each other and communicate, allowing for collaborative gameplay that’s often rewarding.
Classes and weapons have plenty of customisation, but keep things trim enough where you’re not overwhelmed by choice. FPS games have really suffered from being overstuffed with skins, weapons, and loot crates for years now, leading to fatigue within the genre. I’m genuinely pleased to report that very little of that is found here. Players unlock new gear by completing simple challenges, giving some direction and thought into gameplay, which is always appreciated. That said, the unlocks have taken an absurd amount of time. A certain amount of grinding is required to access some of the more interesting gadgets, which may be a little tiresome for some players.
The vehicle combat is challenging but very gratifying. Like the weapons, vehicles feature customisation that’s gradually unlocked. They can be devastating if utilised well, but with a high enough skill ceiling so they don’t entirely dominate. I will say a practise mode for the larger maps, where you could work on vehicle combat and controls, would be a big help. The game sort of throws you in the deep end with figuring out the controls and utilities of the plethora of vehicles – hopefully something that could be added.
For large-scale classic Battlefield gameplay, there’s Conquest and Breakthrough, revolving around capturing and holding objectives in massive maps. For high-octane shorter sessions, there’s Team Deathmatch, Domination, and King of the Hill. As much as the large-scale battles are what Battlefield does best, I’ve found a lot of fun in the smaller modes too. The combat is snappy enough without being too chaotic, with a lot of freedom of movement. This helps the smaller modes feel appropriately frenetic whilst maintaining the objective-based nature that scratches that tactician itch.
The impressive visual quality that the series is known for remains a staple here. Maps are visually gritty yet vivid, with a more realistic feel that does wonders for immersion. Considering the depth and sophistication of the maps, particularly when things start getting destroyed, the game handles it very well. I’ve experienced very few visual blemishes and glitches, which is an absolute relief given 2042‘s often unplayable launch state.
The current selection of maps is very enjoyable. They’re rich in detail and chock full of longer-range moments that test your accuracy, as well as tight corridors and alleys requiring quick reflexes. Empire State is a personal favourite – an amazing recreation of New York’s alleys, rooftops, and streets that features so much variety.
The sound design in this game is genuinely second to none. There’s an absurd level of detail that you’d expect from a Battlefield title, but I was still genuinely impressed experiencing it in action. Bullets crack and whizz past with real weight, giving hints about enemy whereabouts through directional sound. Each weapon has its own distinct sonic character. Environments reverberate differently depending on the depth of space, adding claustrophobia to tight gunfights or conveying the sheer scale of larger maps. I’d seriously consider a headphone upgrade for this title – it genuinely enhances the whole experience. Contact your local Richer Sounds for a great deal on a gaming setup upgrade.
My main complaint is that Battlefield 6 doesn’t feel like it is treading any new ground. It’s essentially a tweaked and modernised version of Battlefield 3 and 4 in both style and quality. However, considering the last title went for a very different approach and completely bombed, I’m very happy returning to a well-polished version of what works well for the series.
Overall, this game has genuinely met expectations. Through better attention to detail with overall performance and quality, and a more back-to-basics approach, the series returns to what it does best. Game modes feature Battlefield‘s signature cinematic qualities – the kind of moments you simply can’t get anywhere else in the current FPS landscape. Yeah, there’s a grind, and yeah, it’s familiar. But it’s well executed, dynamic, and genuinely fun.
Author: Elliot, Holborn Store
