DICE Confirms Major Battlefield 6 Movement Changes

Following the open beta for Battlefield 6, DICE has shared key takeaways and planned improvements based on player feedback.

The studio reported remarkable engagement during the beta, with "tens of thousands gathering on Discord, over 600,000 hours of streams, and more than 30 million viewing hours." This data informed adjustments to weapons, movement systems, map designs, game modes, player counts, and playlist options.

Movement mechanics emerged as a primary concern among testers, specifically regarding sprint speeds and slide-to-jump transitions. DICE confirmed tweaks to "deliver a more balanced, authentic Battlefield feel," stating: "We've reduced momentum transfer from slides to jumps, introduced jump height penalties for spamming, and decreased accuracy when firing mid-movement. These changes position sliding and jumping as tactical options rather than combat staples."

The update also refined parachute physics: "We've softened initial deployment acceleration for better aerial control."

Addressing map size requests, developers clarified that while beta maps prioritized faster gameplay, "larger-scale battlegrounds are already in rotation." Two upcoming maps were revealed: Mirak Valley (details of which surfaced earlier this week) and a Battlefield 3 favorite remake, Operation Firestorm, both featuring expansive vehicle combat.

Game modes also received attention, with DICE restructuring Rush after community pushback. The studio explained: "Historical tests with 64-128 players created chaotic matches where defenses collapsed too quickly. Rush thrives on tactical pacing—having 20+ defenders against a single M-COM planter disrupts that balance." Default Rush matches will now feature smaller teams, though Portal mode will allow custom larger-scale experiments.

"We're continuously evaluating ideal player counts," developers noted, adding that 8v8 appears optimal for modes like Domination and King of the Hill.

The team concluded: "Open Beta insights will shape upcoming Battlefield Labs tests. Expect updates soon—and thank you for making this beta truly special."

Early impressions remain strong, with our Battlefield 6 review-in-progress praising "sublime, cinematic multiplayer where environmental destruction creates legitimate strategic depth. Even in beta, this might be 2023's most exhilarating shooter."

Leading to October 7's launch, EA will release legacy content including a free Battlefield tribute pass, new hardware, and a reworked Iwo Jima map via the 'Road to Battlefield 6' program, offering 50 cross-game rewards—20 immediately usable in Battlefield 2042 at release.