In the clip shared by Reddit user u/5GhostKW, both an assault rifle and a sniper rifle equipped with thermal sights are shown in action. The scopes highlight enemies as glowing silhouettes against a grey background, making them much easier to spot at range and largely negating the effects of camouflage. This gives Recon players in particular a clear advantage, allowing them to mark and eliminate targets with minimal interference and provide a strong tactical edge to their team.
Thermal sights have always been a double-edged sword in shooters. On one hand, they’re a staple of modern military-style games, offering players greater situational awareness. On the other, they can easily become overpowered if not properly balanced. That’s why the leaked video has sparked lively debate on Reddit, with players discussing how DICE should implement thermal optics in Battlefield 6 to keep gameplay fair.
Community makes clear suggestions
Possible balancing options mentioned in the discussion include a significantly slower aim-down-sight speed and reduced effectiveness through smoke or explosions. Another likely approach is loadout-based balancing: in Battlefield 6, players can spend up to 100 points on weapon attachments, with powerful upgrades like suppressors costing more. Thermal sights will almost certainly follow the same logic, meaning players would need to sacrifice other perks to equip them, making the optic a tactical choice rather than a universal advantage. Some users also pointed to Battlefield 4, where thermal scopes could be countered with flashlights or lasers, suggesting that similar countermeasures could return to keep gameplay fair.
Overall, the mood in the Reddit thread is mixed. Many fans praise the smooth gameplay and visual design shown in the leak, but concerns remain that thermal sights could become too dominant. Whether DICE manages to strike the right balance will be revealed soon enough – Battlefield 6 is officially set to launch on October 10.
Source(s)
GhostKW via Reddit
Image source: PlayStation Blog