Battlefield 6’s second open beta weekend had one job: to build on the momentum of the first beta, with some fresh content and quality-of-life updates that give fans a better idea of what to expect from the full game. Instead, widespread frustration has fueled the community’s sentiments about the game, with some concerns expressed over map design, playlist accessibility, and the general sense of scale that the Battlefield series has always been known for. Even the return of a fan-favorite game mode like Rush has been overshadowed by complaints, as well as a brand-new map that seems to have done more harm than good during Battlefield 6‘s second open beta.
For some players, these issues are mild and can be dealt with or, at the very least, ignored. Others, however, see them as deal-breaking problems that could impact their desire to keep Battlefield 6 pre-ordered. Since the start of the game’s second open beta weekend, its subreddit has been flooded with criticisms targeting Rush’s limitations, the new Empire State map lacking the scale and vehicle play of past entries, and the closed weapons playlist being buried deep in the game’s menus. Even as DICE has confirmed larger maps will be available at launch, things aren’t looking good for Battelfield 6 at the moment, as its reputation is currently at stake — and it’s all because of a beta.
Why Battlefield 6’s Second Beta Weekend Risks Losing Player Confidence
Small Maps and Hidden Playlists Are Sending the Wrong Signal
Among the biggest issues with Battlefield 6‘s second open beta weekend are the new Empire State map, Rush’s map design, and the closed weapons playlist. It’s disappointing, to say the least, that the game is garnering such heavy criticism right now, especially considering how popular its first beta weekend was despite its own challenges. Some might say, “It’s a beta. What do you expect?” But the problem is that these events not only serve as a way for developers to have their games tested by more than their in-house testers, but also as an opportunity for players to gauge their interest in a game ahead of its launch. It’s not a brand-new concept for players to cancel pre-orders or take to social media with their complaints after playing a game’s pre-release version, and Battlefield 6 is no exception to that rule.
Spearheading some of these complaints is the new Empire State map, which offers tighter verticality but simultaneously removes the breathing room and strategic opportunities that Battlefield veterans associate with the series. Stacked on top of that are criticisms about Rush’s 12v12 nature. This isn’t the first time Rush has been 12v12, so it’s not necessarily the number of players allowed into a match that are the problem. Rather, it’s the fact that 12v12 Rush on such constrained maps as Empire State feels exceedingly cramped, which not only leaves little room for flanking but also limits the viability of vehicles. Even Conquest on Empire State has the same overall feel to it.
Finally, Battlefield 6‘s closed weapons playlist being buried deep in the menu is an interesting choice by DICE, and it has certainly got players talking. In the closed weapons playlist, players are limited to class-specific weapons for a more traditional Battlefield experience. However, instead of being easy to find and try, it’s tucked away at the end of the menu, almost as if DICE is nudging the community toward one playstyle over another. That might not be the case, but it’s certainly not a good first impression.
What really makes these concerns worse is that they’re coming at a pivotal moment for Battlefield 6. Again, beta weekends are marketing opportunities just as much as they are stress tests, and they help solidify players’ impressions of the game. When there are multiple issues present, regardless of whether those issues are subjective or not, they can push players who are already on the fence away. DICE has already confirmed that there are changes coming, but without the ability to showcase them now, that promise might feel to some fans more like reassurance than a reason to stay excited. If the developer remains transparent with fans, it could salvage those who are already considering leaving, but time will tell.
