Battlefield 6's free-to-play RedSec battle royale is live; here's how to get started

The latest update from the Battlefield series sees the long-rumored Battle Royale mode, RedSec, finally drop. Set free-to-play across PC (Steam, EA Play), PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 28, 2025, the mode arrives alongside Season 1 of Battlefield 6. Times vary by region: 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. ET in the US, 3 p.m. GMT in the UK, and 4 p.m. CET in mainland Europe.

RedSec lets players download the mode directly or access it via the Battlefield 6 launcher if they already own the base game. According to reports, no standalone download is required for the PC version beyond the update. Console users should search for "RedSec" in their store or wait for the Season 1 update launcher prompt.

DICE described the mode as supporting squads of up to 4, large-scale engagement zones, and vehicles that are consistent with the Battlefield franchise's feel. While the core maps and systems resemble the main game, RedSec introduces a standalone experience: the shrinking zone kills instantly on contact, not gradual damage, and vehicle usage is balanced to avoid domination by heavy armour alone.

The rollout suggests EA is backing RedSec with a full launch rather than a stealth test. Season 1's patch notes include improved movement, refined vaulting, weapon-dispersion changes, and lighting fixes, which players flagged during pre-launch sessions. These changes apply to both multiplayer and RedSec. The game's free-to-play model gives the studio the potential to attract new players without cost barriers; a standard copy of Battlefield 6 currently costs $70 on the US store.

PC users can update Battlefield 6 and check the menu for RedSec; console players can find RedSec as a free add-on or in the game's main menu. With launch day traffic high, EA recommends pre-loading where possible and expects wait times on matchmaking servers to be longer than usual during the first wave. 

If RedSec succeeds, it may not only supercharge the player base of what is already a successful title at launch but turn the game into a platform rather than a singular release, much like how Call of Duty Warzone is currently positioned as a cross-title offering. Its success, however, will depend on matchmaking stability, season-content cadence, and how well RedSec differentiates itself from competitors in a hotly contested space.

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