EA assures a fair Battlefield 6 gameplay for all players, incorporating the preferred crossplay option
Battlefield 6, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular first-person shooter series, is set to launch on October 10, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5. The game showcases an aggressive return to class-based squad-oriented massive scale combat, environmental destruction and deformation, vehicular chaos, and grounded warfare.
In an effort to combine wide cross-platform play with balanced, enjoyable matchmaking, Battlefield 6 introduces a new "preferred" crossplay system. This system prioritizes players by input, meaning console players (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) will be matched together before including PC players. If crossplay is enabled, the matchmaking will try to find mostly console-only matches before expanding to cross-platform matches to ensure fairer competition, given PC's advantages like mouse-and-keyboard controls and higher cheating risks. Keyboard and mouse support on consoles is acknowledged, and these players are likely grouped with PC players in matchmaking to keep game balance.
Regarding skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), Battlefield 6 applies it more subtly than some other shooters. It primarily focuses on server ping, geographic location, and server availability as the main matchmaking criteria, with skill being only a slight factor to create fairer matches. This approach aims to balance fairness without pushing skilled players into overly difficult matches, allowing better gameplay enjoyment. Official confirmation states "some skill factor" influences matchmaking, but it remains unclear if it's a full SBMM system or primarily an automatic team-balancing mechanism after players join a match.
Smaller-scale close-quarters combat modes in Battlefield 6 may prioritize skill more than chaotic modes, as good strategies and teamwork count for a lot in the game, owing to the ability to heal and revive teammates, and also crew vehicles. The skill factor in matchmaking will vary based on each game mode and player counts. Crossplay in Battlefield 6 will be a fallback option if there aren't enough regional players present to create a match with good latency.
Battlefield 6's Open Beta starts on August 9, giving players a chance to experience the game before its official release. The game aims to take on Call of Duty, with its lack of killstreaks and focus on team-oriented play helping to offset disparities in skill.
In the past, Battlefield 2042 was a tad maligned, with map designs and structural changes alienating core Battlefield fans. Crossplay between console and PC platforms was a source of imbalance, and turning off crossplay was a rare option due to the small pool of players with this setting turned off. In contrast, Battlefield 6 aims to deliver serious competition to Call of Duty, without the criticism Call of Duty has received for the dumbest cartoon skins imaginable recently.
[1] Source: Official Battlefield 6 Announcement [2] Source: Battlefield 6 Gameplay Deep Dive [3] Source: Battlefield 6 Developer Interview [4] Source: Battlefield 6 Multiplayer Details Revealed [5] Source: Battlefield 6 Crossplay Explanation Video
- Battlefield 6's crossplay system prioritizes console players and maintains a "preferred" input-based matchmaking, with PC players being included only when finding console-only matches is not possible.
- When it comes to skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), Battlefield 6 subtly considers skill as a factor, focusing primarily on server ping, geographic location, and server availability.
- Smaller-scale game modes in Battlefield 6 may prioritize skill more than chaotic modes, focusing on strategies and teamwork thanks to features like healing, reviving teammates, and crewing vehicles.
- In an attempt to provide better gameplay experience compared to its predecessor, Battlefield 2042, Battlefield 6 promises to deliver a more balanced crossplay, avoiding backlash for features like cartoonish skins.
