As the launch of Battlefield 6 draws near, discussions within the gaming community have intensified around the title`s new features and anticipated changes. Following initial tests that indicated the game would adopt `open` classes, allowing weapon arsenals to be shared freely, a significant portion of the player base expressed a desire to revert to the `locked` class system, a hallmark of earlier entries in the series. In a recent interview, the developers provided clarity on their approach, confirming that game modes accommodating both open and locked class structures would be available to players.
Historically, many Battlefield games have distinguished classes through unique weapon sets, alongside specific abilities and items. This distinct categorization of weaponry was particularly cherished by fans of titles such as Bad Company, Battlefield 3, and Battlefield 4, as it fostered a unique identity for the series amidst the broader landscape of first-person shooters. However, recent installments have seen a departure from this traditional system, with Battlefield 6 set to integrate fully open classes, at least within certain game modes.
Matthew Nickerson, a console combat designer at Ripple Effect, revealed to IGN that the development team`s primary objective is to maintain maximum flexibility when it comes to player choice between open and locked classes. Essentially, their strategy involves offering a variety of options within Battlefield 6`s Portal mode and other gameplay experiences, thereby establishing a framework where players can freely select their preferred style of engagement.
“We don`t really want to make a decision or really pigeonhole how you want to experience Battlefield,” Nickerson explained. “We are supporting both open and closed weapon sets in Portal and across different game modes… Our goal is to continue supporting both [open and locked classes] moving forward, aligning with a core tenet for Battlefield 6: `Play Battlefield how you want to.` We`re ensuring both systems are supported because we don`t want to make that choice for the player.”
It is important to note that during the open beta phase, only a single mode featured locked classes, and its accessibility was somewhat understated. Players will likely need to await the full release of the game to gain a complete understanding of how these systems are implemented and the extent to which both gameplay styles are supported. In related news, further details concerning the game`s single-player campaign mode may be unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show later this month. Battlefield 6 is slated for an October 10 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.