Battlefield 6: Gameplay leak sparks heated debate over Battle Royale mode

The first clip features around twelve minutes of gameplay with a strong focus on vehicles. A tank and a boat are shown in action, but it was the water physics that really caught Reddit’s attention. The dynamic, physically simulated waves reminded many players of the naval mechanics in Battlefield 4, sparking speculation about naval combat on future Battlefield 6 maps.

The second video, much shorter at around three minutes, shows the start of a match, beginning with the genre-typical drop – this time from a Chinook helicopter. The squad automatically follows the leader during the descent, though players can break away and land on their own. One detail that stood out was the colored smoke trails left behind by each character during the jump.

Community reactions divided

Reactions to the first video have been mostly positive, particularly regarding the inclusion of vehicles, which many see as a refreshing change from the typically infantry-focused battle royale formula. The return of realistic wave physics also struck a nostalgic chord with longtime Battlefield 4 fans. Not all feedback was glowing, though – some players criticized the auto-spotting system, already known from the Battlefield 6 beta, which automatically marks enemies. Many are now calling for a return to the classic manual spotting system, at least for the Battle Royale mode.

The second video drew a more critical response from the community. While some players appreciated the squad cohesion during the drop, many took issue with the colorful smoke trails, interpreting them as a sign of potential microtransactions. The parachute mechanics also came under fire, with some describing them as clunky and unrealistic. Growing concern among fans suggests the mode may be leaning too heavily into Call of Duty: Warzone territory, raising fears that Battlefield could struggle to carve out its own identity within the battle royale space.

The leaked videos come from the first player-accessible test phase of the new Battle Royale mode, and it remains unclear how closely this early footage will match the final release. Still, the mode has already sparked intense debate within the community. Some see it as an opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the genre and attract players from rival titles, while others fear it could divide the player base and blur Battlefield’s identity. The Battle Royale mode is scheduled to launch as a free expansion shortly after the release of Battlefield 6 on October 10, 2025.