A new Battlefield (potentially called Battlefield 6) is in development at EA Dice and is set to arrive on PS5, Xbox Series X and PC in “Holiday 2021” (then between October and December).
We don’t know much about Battlefield 6 yet, but EA said the new Battlefield will be a “true next generation vision for the franchise” and boasts a “scale never seen before”, with rumors pointing to potential 128-player maps and a scenario modern.
EA said we will learn more about the new Battlefield in the coming months, but what can we expect from the last entry in the veteran FPS series? Read everything we know so far about Battlefield 6.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The next chapter in the Battlefield game series
- When can I play? “2021 holiday” (between October and December)
- What can I play on? PS5, Xbox Series X / S and PC confirmed
Battlefield 6 release date
Battlefield 6 is expected to release “Holiday 2021” for PS5, Xbox Series X and PC. This launch window was confirmed by EA CEO Andrew Wilson in a earnings call in November 2020.
“The next Battlefield is scheduled to launch on the holiday of 2021 and we look forward to sharing much more about the game in the spring,” said Wilson during the conference call. This means that we can expect the game to be released between October and December this year, with more news coming sometime between March and May.
However, with the Covid-19 pandemic still underway, it is possible that this launch date will be delayed.
Battlefield 6 Trailers
Although EA Dice hasn’t released a Battlefield 6 trailer yet, the next Battlefield was featured in a technical trailer during EA Play 2020. We just caught a glimpse of some “work in progress” images, which showed facial animations and a large numbers of soldiers running into battle.
“We are creating epic battles on a scale and fidelity unlike anything you have experienced before,” said Laura Miele, head of EA studios, during the video. It may not be much to go on, but it suggests Dice plans to use the power of the new consoles to the fullest. Check it out yourself below:
Battlefield 6 news and rumors
It can be cross-generation, present maps for 128 players and be set in the modern era
Firm details about Battlefield 6 may be scarce, but a report from TheLongSensation (also known as Tom Henderson) can give us an idea of what to expect from the next Battlefield game.
According to a video by Henderson (via VGC), Battlefield 6 will be a “smooth reboot” of Battlefield 3, set in the modern era. The new Battlefield is also expected to come to PS4 and Xbox One, in addition to the already confirmed launch for Xbox Series X and PS5.
What’s more, Henderson claims that developer Dice designed some maps with 128 players in mind – a volume made possible by the power of next-generation consoles. The leaker claims that while these 128 player maps are available, their sources clarified that Battlefield’s standard 32 x 32 game modes (64 players) will still be available, with players having the option to participate in game modes with one greater number of players.
Unfortunately, according to Henderson, these 128-player maps will not be available on high-end consoles. In addition, PS4 and Xbox One players will also see visual downgrades from the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions and limited destruction.
Despite that, Henderson says his sources said there is a separate part of the studio working on these next-generation versions and players “shouldn’t be concerned”.
The leaker also says that EA Dice had a Battlefield Battle Royale in progress at some point, with the studio looking to create its own version of Activision’s Call of Duty Warzone. However, it is not yet clear whether it is still developing this.
It is always worth dealing with leaks with a pinch of salt, but Henderson was previously needed, with his claim that Battlefield 6 will be set in the modern era corroborated by VentureBeat reporter Jeff Grubb.
Battlefield 3, which apparently is a big influence on Battlefield 6, was set during the fictional war of 2014 – so hopefully, if Dice is aiming for a modern era, we will be looking for something a little more advanced.
We will know more soon
During a earnings call in November 2020, EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that more information about Battlefield 6 will be revealed “in the spring”, meaning that we will likely hear more official information between March and May 2021. Of course, we could hear more rumors before that.
The power of PS5 and Xbox Series X is the key to its development
During the November 2020 earnings conference call, EA CEO Andrew Wilson revealed that the power of the new PS5 and Xbox Series X is allowing the team to make the new Battlefield “on a scale never seen before.
“The technical advances in the new consoles are enabling the team to deliver a true next generation vision for the franchise,” said Wilson.