The Battlefield 6 open beta may have broken records, but for some PC players, excitement turned to frustration after discovering they must uninstall Valorant to participate. The issue stems from a conflict between the two games’ anti-cheat software, with both programs requiring kernel-level access to run.
A Record-Breaking Beta Overshadowed by a Frustrating Requirement
The open beta ran from August 9 to 10, attracting over 470,000 concurrent players on Steam — the highest in the franchise’s history. Fans praised the game’s refined gunplay, sound design, and destructible environments. New mechanics, like the ability to drag downed allies while reviving them, added to the sense of immersion. However, some players noted that certain weapons felt unbalanced, a common issue expected to be addressed before the October 10 launch.
Despite this overwhelming success, PC players running Valorant were met with a pop-up requiring its uninstallation before Battlefield 6 would launch. The conflict lies between EA’s Javelin anti-cheat (formerly EA Anticheat) and Riot’s Vanguard, both of which operate at the kernel level.
Community Reactions Split Between Humor and Frustration
A viral post from user Revolutionary Sun highlighted the issue, sparking discussion on Reddit. While some joked that EA was “doing players a favor” by prompting them to remove Valorant, others expressed frustration at being forced to uninstall unrelated games. For some, the decision was simple — they purchased Battlefield 6 on console instead to avoid the conflict entirely.
EA has defended its Javelin system, citing its effectiveness: since early access to the beta began on August 7, it has reportedly blocked over 330,000 cheating or tampering attempts.
Why Kernel-Level Anti-Cheat Systems Cause Concern
Kernel-level anti-cheats like Javelin and Vanguard have deep access to a PC’s operating system, making them highly effective at detecting cheats but also raising privacy and security concerns. Misconfigurations or vulnerabilities could potentially expose sensitive user data or cause system instability, leaving many players uneasy.
Battlefield’s Attempt at Redemption
The stakes are high for Battlefield 6. The previous entry, Battlefield 2042, launched in 2021 to mixed reviews, plagued by technical issues and unpopular gameplay changes. The record-breaking beta turnout suggests a strong interest in the franchise’s return to form — but issues like the Valorant conflict may risk alienating some PC players ahead of launch.
