Just days ago, the gaming community witnessed a milestone as millions joined the first Battlefield 6 Open Beta. EA and Battlefield Studios reported a staggering player turnout, creating an electric atmosphere across the community. Now, they’re wasting no time—announcing that the second beta phase will kick off tomorrow with major updates designed to broaden and deepen the gameplay experience.
The biggest highlight this time is the debut of the Empire State map—an infantry-only combat zone recreating the streets, alleys, and rooftops of Brooklyn, New York. Every corner and narrow passage could become a firefight hotspot. Battles in this dense urban environment will push players to master agile movement, quick reflexes, and tight squad coordination to secure the upper hand.
Alongside the new map, the fan-favorite Rush mode is making its return. This mode pits attackers and defenders against each other in sector-based objectives, demanding precise teamwork. Teams will work to plant or disarm explosives across multiple map segments, creating a tense, high-pressure flow from start to finish.
The beta also introduces Squad Deathmatch, a mode built for intense, close-quarters firefights between small squads. It’s a perfect fit for players who enjoy fast-paced, high-adrenaline combat and constant pressure until the last second.
Another noteworthy update is the revamped playlist system. Developers have added All-Out Warfare, which cycles through Breakthrough, Conquest, and Rush in a single matchmaking queue. This lets players enjoy multiple modes in one session and keeps popular game types well-populated.
According to the dev team, rotating multiple modes in playlists not only helps them gather feedback on player preferences to fine-tune the launch experience, but also ensures that beloved modes remain active and accessible.
Playlist schedule for the second Open Beta:
- August 14 (Thursday): Conquest, Rush, Attack & Defend (Breakthrough + Rush), Close Quarters (Domination & King of the Hill), Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare (Conquest & Breakthrough).
- August 15 (Friday): Conquest, Squad Deathmatch, Close Quarters (Domination, King of the Hill, Squad Deathmatch), All-Out Warfare (Conquest, Breakthrough, Rush), Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare.
- August 16–17 (Weekend): Conquest, Close Quarters (Domination, King of the Hill, Squad Deathmatch), All-Out Warfare (Conquest, Breakthrough, Rush), Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare.
A major quality-of-life addition this time is Custom Search, allowing players to set exact preferences for modes and maps. The matchmaking system will prioritize finding matches that fit these settings. However, it’s worth noting that this is not the traditional Server Browser, and it won’t be tested this week.
Developers also recommend that new players double-check their system requirements to ensure smooth performance during the beta.
Battlefield 6 is slated for full release on October 10 for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The PC version will be available on Steam, EA App, and Epic Games Store. With its new features and game modes, this second Open Beta serves as the perfect warm-up before launch—giving the community a chance to adapt to changes and prepare for the massive battles to come.