Battlefield 6 marks a welcome return to the franchise`s classic character class system, following the controversial changes introduced in Battlefield 2042. This decision comes as a direct response to player feedback.
During the Battlefield 6 multiplayer reveal, developers emphasized, “We heard you loud and clear: You want the class system back,” thereby confirming the reintroduction of Battlefield`s four traditional archetypes: Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon.
Each class will receive a unique weapon set, along with exclusive gadgets and traits. Evidently, the developers have re-engineered some familiar tools within Battlefield 6`s revamped system:
- The Assault class will utilize flashbangs and grenade launchers to breach defenses, and an adrenaline shot to boost stun resistance, sprint speed, and various combat enhancements. Additionally, they will be able to wield a second primary weapon in battle.
- The Engineer, as usual, will deploy rockets and mines to target vehicles and will be the only class capable of repairing friendly armor. This class appears the most familiar and seems to have shed some of the bloat that accumulated over time.
- The Support class retains many of its familiar abilities, including the returning capacity to heal, revive, and supply ammunition to their squad and teammates. However, in a new addition, players will now be able to deploy cover.
- The Recon class remains ideal for lone-wolf players who prefer to stealthily engage enemies with sniper rifle headshots. However, they now offer enhanced squad utility by being able to deploy drones for enemy spotting and use a laser designator to guide friendly missiles. Furthermore, they are now the exclusive holders of C4, making them crucial for neutralizing ground vehicles like tanks.
These changes, which in some instances revert classes to their fundamental essence, come after Battlefield 2042, released in 2021. Battlefield 2042 radically altered the class system by introducing specialists — hero-like characters with unique abilities — which made many previously strict class design principles more lenient and flexible. This allowed classes to use weapons and gadgets they previously couldn`t, subtly undermining the series` squad-based gameplay, which the traditional class system fostered.
Battlefield 6 will maintain an open-ended approach to loadouts and weapon sharing among classes. However, each class will now possess a distinct proficiency with their signature weapon types, which, when utilized effectively, will unlock unique, game-changing traits.
Players won`t have to wait long to experience Battlefield 6 and evaluate the revamped class system for themselves. An open beta is scheduled across multiple weekends in August, with the game itself launching on October 10 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.