Battlefield 6's open beta smashed records with over 520,000 Steam players, but community feedback wasn't all positive. Players hammered the beta's small maps and non-stop firefights, saying it felt more like Call of Duty than classic Battlefield.
Lead Producer David Sirland heard them loud and clear. He confirmed on X that larger maps exist in the full game, explaining the beta's cramped battlefields were intentional.
Beta Breaks Records But Draws Map Size Criticism
The August 7-11 beta weekend set new participation records for the franchise. Beyond the impressive player count, the test served as a stress test for gameplay systems, weapon balancing, and network infrastructure ahead of the October 10 launch.
Veterans praised the weapon handling and sound design, calling it a return to the "classic Battlefield feeling" missing from recent entries. Many drew favorable comparisons to beloved titles like Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 4.
But the praise came with major complaints. Players felt the available maps were too small and infantry-focused, creating constant high-intensity combat that never let up. The cramped environments reminded many of Call of Duty's pace rather than Battlefield's traditional mix of quiet tactical moments and explosive battles.
DICE Explains Beta Map Selection Strategy
Sirland's response addressed the community's biggest concerns head-on. He revealed the small maps were a deliberate choice to showcase the game's ability to handle fast-paced combat.
"We picked these maps to make sure we hit the full-octane version of Battlefield on the head - and made everyone see we can handle that too," Sirland explained. "Large maps exist, and the tempo scales accordingly, you'll be able to see soon enough!"
The explanation suggests DICE wanted to prove they could deliver intense action after Battlefield 2042's troubled launch. But it left many players wondering if the full game would offer the sprawling battlefields that define the series.
Vehicle Problems Get Developer Attention
Helicopters took heavy criticism during the beta. Players found them sluggish to control and too fragile in combat, with some speculating DICE had copied Battlefield 2042's widely disliked flight model.
Sirland shut down that theory quickly. The helicopter physics actually build on Battlefield 4's system with significant updates, not 2042's mechanics. More importantly, he confirmed vehicles will get targeted buffs after the beta ends.
Tank and aircraft balance remains crucial to the Battlefield experience. The developer acknowledgment suggests player feedback is directly influencing ongoing development priorities.
Network Issues and Combat Timing Under Review
Technical problems plagued the beta beyond vehicle complaints. Players reported the "time to death" (TTD) felt too short, with characters dying almost instantly even when taking cover.
Sirland admitted the TTD is likely too quick, especially at close range. He also confirmed that fixing network code issues will be a top development priority moving forward.
Stable netcode is essential for fair multiplayer combat. Hit registration problems and inconsistent death timing can make or break a competitive shooter's reputation.
Server Browser Returns Through Portal Integration
The beta's matchmaking system only supported groups of four players, leaving larger squads without options. Many franchise veterans specifically requested the return of traditional server browsers that give players more control over their experience.
DICE announced a solution coming through the Portal system. Players will access both community-created content and verified official servers directly from the main menu. This hybrid approach combines official oversight with community customization.
The Portal integration should address both reliability concerns and player demand for hosting control.
Second Beta Weekend Adds Empire State Map
The upcoming August 14-18 beta weekend will include the Empire State map and Rush mode. However, Empire State focuses on vertical combat without vehicles, so players seeking those promised larger battlefields will have to wait for the full release.
Rush mode adds gameplay variety beyond Conquest, giving teams different objectives and tactical approaches to evaluate.
Community Cautiously Optimistic About Full Release
Player responses to Sirland's announcements have been largely positive. The community appreciates the direct communication and transparency about development decisions.
But optimism comes with clear expectations. Players view the developer openness as promising, but the real test will be whether identified issues get resolved before launch.
Battlefield veterans particularly want to see how the larger maps function in the complete game. These environments are considered essential to maintaining the franchise's unique identity in the competitive shooter market.
The beta served its purpose as both a technical stress test and feedback collection tool. With over half a million players providing data and input, DICE has substantial information about player preferences and areas needing improvement.
Sirland's responsive communication suggests ongoing commitment to addressing community concerns while maintaining the game's vision. The confirmation of larger maps and planned vehicle improvements directly tackles the two biggest areas of player feedback.
The October 10 release will ultimately determine whether these promises deliver the complete Battlefield experience players expect from the franchise.
