The start of 2026 has been a bumpy ride for Battlefield 6. Week over week, the average number of players on Steam on its usual peak day (Sunday) dropped by 10,000. With constant updates for Arc Raiders, Overwatch dropping '2' with a rebrand, Deadlock quietly gathering players, and the release of Marathon on the horizon, the shooter market looks even more competitive as we get deeper into the year. A lot is riding on Season 2 of Battlefield 6, and I'm not sure two new maps are going to cut it.
When we look at previous Battlefield titles, the content rollout for Battlefield 6 hasn't been too bad in comparison. We got through our first season and maps a little faster than in 2042 and Battlefield 5, so that's an improvement. But it still pales in comparison to the thematic Battlefield 1 expansion The Shall Not Pass, which was released at once with several new maps, as well as new vehicles and a French faction. The transition to a fully modern live-service model as opposed to significant DLC updates has, in my opinion, sucked a lot of soul out of the series.
In older Battlefield games, DLC updates split the playerbase because those who didn't buy the expansion couldn't play on the map with it. But, you know, DICE couldn't do that. A content rollout that matches the hype of big DLC updates but the trappings of a live-service model is the perfect middle-ground for Battlefield 6. It seems obvious, but DICE hasn't done that.
Battlefield 6 Season 2 introduces only two new maps
The pace of new maps is now established: we'll see two new maps per season, a third map a remake of a previous title or a seasonal variation of an existing map, such as the Empire State Ice Lock from the first season. The first season has been particularly long since the delayed release of the second season (about four months), but usually a season goes forward by about three months.
DICE recently highlighted a remake of Operation Metro built into the game's Portal mode (which allows players to modify a toolkit of building pieces to rebuild and design maps). It's obviously been popular – but the Portal remake feels a bit off, lacking the polish of a fully ported map. Portal can be used to great effect, but just like in 2042, it feels underappreciated and underutilized by the team. This current map spotlight is a step in the right direction. Speaking of alternative game modes, there's the RedSec problem.
I don't want to jump in and hastily declare RedSec a total failure, as I've enjoyed my time with Battlefield Battle Royale. The standalone Gauntlet game mode is also fun. But there is no doubt that the format is dated. RedSec was launched with the aim of supporting the ecosystem of two competitive esports arenas: the Open Series and the Elite Series. Both of these have been postponed (probably canceled entirely, since we haven't heard anything about either in 2026) due to construction and technical issues that would have affected the competitive integrity of the Games.
RedSec is developed by Ripple Effect Studios, a team that is part of the wider Battlefield Studios. The development time for the standard multiplayer mode is separate to the ongoing development of RedSec. I understand why DICE and EA wanted to include a battle royale in Battlefield 6. The casual game mode is great for drawing in free-to-play players and selling cosmetics, but I can't help but think the Ripple Effect could have been better used to help speed up the development of new maps and provide quality assurance for the standard multiplayer experience. Regardless of what shareholders want from Battlefield 6, it's the basic multiplayer mode that attracts many players.
I have over 400 hours on Battlefield 6. I think it's a great game and the perfect antidote to the extraction shooters that dominate right now. You don't have to worry about loot or crafting or withdrawal. Just jump in, play a couple of low-stakes games, and then jump out. best Battlefield cultivates this type of player. Those types of players aren't so keen on FOMO battle passes and drip-fed content. I'm going to play the new maps in Battlefield 6 because the new stuff is shiny, but will a new map in four months keep me occupied for more than a few hours? Not at all. There are many other games to play.
Battlefield 6
4.0/5
- issued
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October 10, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and gore, intense violence, strong language, in-app purchases, user interaction
- developer(s)
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Battlefield Studio
