Big news – the Battlefield 6 open beta is officially happening, and it’s bringing a key gameplay tweak that fans have debated for years: class-based vs free weapon loadouts.
It’s finally stepping right into one of the longest-running debates in the series: should weapons be locked to specific classes, or should you be able to run whatever loadout you want? This time, DICE isn’t picking a side. They’re letting us choose how we want to play.
What’s Happening
EA and DICE confirmed the beta through the official Battlefield account on X, and it’s not just a vague promise. Open beta is on the way. Closed testing has been happening behind the scenes for over five months now, so public access is coming up fast.
Open Weapons vs Closed Weapons
Why not both?
Starting at Open Beta players can choose official playlists with Signature Weapons locked to class, or not.
More to come.
— Battlefield (@Battlefield) July 21, 2025
The standout twist is that you’ll get two playlists to pick from when you jump in. One sticks to the classic formula: weapons are tied to classes, just like in the older titles.
The other is more like Battlefield 2042’s open system, where any class can use any weapon. You’re getting full control to shape your experience, whether you prefer the structure of class limits or the freedom to build wild combos.
DICE announce no weapon lock to class. Why Dice?!?!
byu/Confident_Leader1596 inBattlefield
But there’s more going on under the hood. Each class still comes with its signature perks. Use a weapon designed for your class, and you’ll gain some real gameplay advantages. For example, running Recon with a sniper gives you a longer breath hold to help steady your aim. Toss that sniper into an Assault class? You can still shoot, but don’t expect the same precision. The perks vanish. So it’s not just cosmetic, but your choices matter.
This setup feels like a direct callback to the more defined roles in Battlefield 4. At the same time, it’s clearly responding to the backlash from Battlefield 2042, where people felt the lack of structure made every class feel the same. This time, DICE isn’t forcing one direction or the other. You get both.
When’s the Beta?
There’s no locked-in date yet, but the unofficial word points to August 4, 2025. The full reveal is expected a few days earlier, landing on July 31. EA’s planning a multi-day event starting July 29, and a few content creators have already started teasing promo gear they got in advance. So yeah, the machine is warming up.
The final game’s set to drop in March 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Unless something changes, the beta should be hitting those same platforms.
Why This Actually Matters
For veteran players, this is more than just another test phase. Battlefield 4 had clearly defined classes with real purpose. Battlefield 2042 threw that out the window, and not everyone was happy about it. Some loved the chaos. Others missed the structure. This new model is DICE’s way of trying to please both sides without forcing a compromise on either. Also it’s worth to mention, that Battlefield 6 is bringing Rush Mode and in addition DICE is developing new Battle Royale mode.
It looks like DICE is actively trying to rebuild trust after how badly things went with 2042. Giving players choice and making it count is one way to show they’re listening.
The beta is basically a live poll. DICE will track how players use the playlists, what gets more time, more traction, and better feedback. There’s a real chance that only one of these systems makes it to launch. If one clearly outshines the other, don’t be surprised if the less popular one gets dropped entirely.
After what happened with 2042, the stakes are high. Fans got burned. Promises fell flat. DICE knows they’re in rebuild mode. This beta is their shot at showing they’ve learned from their mistakes. If this flops, it could push the franchise into a hole it might not climb out of.
Battlefield 6 Beta Bottom Line
When the beta hits, don’t just stick to what’s familiar. Try both setups. Lock yourself into a class, then go wild with open loadouts. See what works. More importantly don’t just talk about it on social media. Fill out the feedback forms. This is one of those rare times when the devs are asking for your opinion and actually seem ready to use it.
What players choose during this phase might shape the entire game, so just make it count.