The highly anticipated Battlefield 6 open beta is drawing significant attention, with 10,000 concurrent players already recorded on one platform even before servers went live. Despite this enthusiasm, questions persist regarding the extent of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in online play. EA has clarified that while player skill will be a contributing factor in determining matchups, it will not be the primary or sole determinant.
An EA representative informed that Battlefield 6`s matchmaking system will prioritize player location, ping, server availability, and `some skill factor.` It was also noted that these matchmaking criteria will vary depending on the specific game mode and player count.
Battlefield 6 producer Alexia Christofi previously highlighted key player feedback regarding server browsers, which included desires for persistent servers, a stronger sense of community, the ability to play together, specific map/mode selection, filtering by ping and server fullness, and support for low-population regions. Christofi also confirmed that cross-play would be an optional toggle, largely separating console and PC players unless necessary to fill lobbies.
Based on the available details, it is speculated that Conquest mode might prioritize matchmaking based on server fullness. However, it`s anticipated that ranked or competitive matches would primarily rely on skill rather than geographical location. If this holds true, Battlefield 6`s matchmaking approach would closely resemble that of previous titles in the series. Nevertheless, this remains speculative until EA provides further specifics.
The initial open beta for Battlefield 6 is set to begin on August 7 for early access, becoming publicly available on August 9. The game`s full launch is slated for October 10 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Amusingly, Battlefield 6`s sole competition on its release day is `Barbie Horse Trails,` leading some to jokingly coin the shared launch date as `Barbiefield.`