The next installment in the Battlefield series, Battlefield 6, is shaping up to bring both tradition and innovation to its multiplayer experience. As EA prepares for the game’s full reveal on July 24, 2025, new details from the development team confirm that the upcoming open beta will allow players to choose between two distinct weapon systems: class-locked and open.
Two Playlists to Suit Different Playstyles
David Sirland, Lead Producer at Battlefield Studios, announced on social media that the open beta will feature two dedicated playlists. One will use the traditional class-locked weapons system, while the other will adopt the more flexible open weapons system introduced during testing. This gives players the freedom to try both and provide feedback.
In the class-locked playlist, Signature Weapons will be tied to specific combat roles:
- Assault Rifles: Exclusive to Assault class
- Submachine Guns: Exclusive to Engineer class
- Light Machine Guns: Exclusive to Support class
- Sniper Rifles: Exclusive to Recon class
Some weapons—such as carbines, shotguns, and designated marksman rifles (DMRs)—will remain universal and available to all classes. This setup closely resembles the class mechanics seen in Battlefield 4, a fan-favorite entry in the series.
Meanwhile, the open weapons playlist removes these restrictions entirely, allowing any class to wield any weapon type. This system was introduced in earlier testing phases through the Battlefield Labs program and represents EA’s push for more player agency in loadouts.
A Testing Ground for Feedback
The decision to offer both systems in the open beta suggests that EA is still gauging community preference before finalizing the multiplayer balance for release. While the open system aligns with more modern, role-flexible gameplay, the class-locked setup maintains the tactical depth and identity that longtime fans associate with the franchise.
Whether or not the class-locked option remains after the beta is yet to be determined. EA is expected to use the test data and community sentiment to inform its final design decisions.
A Return to Battlefield Roots
For players who skipped the series’ recent entries—like the World War II-themed Battlefield V or the controversial Battlefield 2042—the class-locked system might feel like a welcome return to form. At the same time, the open weapons system offers a more experimental approach, appealing to those who prefer flexibility over rigidity in combat roles.
The official reveal of Battlefield 6, including its title and theme, will debut with a trailer on July 24, 2025, and fans can expect more details about the open beta around that time. Until then, players eager to test both systems should prepare for an experience that blends classic Battlefield tactics with new possibilities.
