Unconfirmed video footage of what is believed to be Battlefield`s upcoming battle royale mode has emerged online, showcasing potential features that might set it apart from other games in the genre.
Approximately nine minutes of this leaked video, marked with the Bilibili user `Misaka_Mikoto_01,` appears to display an early version of the Battlefield battle royale experience. This build might originate from the recent Battlefield Labs testing phase, which commenced at the end of last week. The footage begins with the loading sequence and loadout customization, followed by the player deploying from the air onto the expansive battle royale map.
Within the video, environmental assets like buildings and other structural components are seen loading into view. The player is observed swimming and later utilizing a sledgehammer to dismantle bathroom walls, a signature destructive element of the Battlefield series. Each wall appeared to require roughly two strikes with the sledgehammer before collapsing. The leaked content also features the use of grenades, ziplines, and a specialized ladder gadget.
Electronic Arts (EA), the game`s publisher, had previously announced last summer that a new battle royale mode would be introduced to the franchise. Development of this mode is being handled by Ripple Effect, one of the four studios forming Battlefield Studios, known for their work on Battlefield 2042`s Portal mode.
This isn`t Battlefield`s initial foray into the battle royale genre; Battlefield V, released in 2018, included a mode called Firestorm, accommodating up to 64 participants. Distinctively, Firestorm`s shrinking play area was, as its name suggests, a colossal ring of fire, differing from the poisonous gas found in Call of Duty: Warzone or the climatic storm in Fortnite.
Launched during the peak popularity of battle royale titles, Firestorm did not achieve the same level of success as competitors like Warzone, Fortnite, or Apex Legends. A significant factor was its requirement for players to own Battlefield V, unlike Warzone, which was offered as a free-to-play standalone title separate from its core Call of Duty games.
A promotional clip for Battlefield 6`s unconfirmed battle royale mode showcases a massive inferno, suggesting a possible revival of the Firestorm concept. Battlefield 6 concluded a successful open beta in August, with its full release planned for October 10 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. As of now, Battlefield Studios has not confirmed whether this new battle royale will be integrated into Battlefield 6 or released as a separate game.