Battlefield 6 gives series veterans their own playlist with class-locked guns

Looking to avoid the launch disasters of its berated predecessor, 2042, there's a lot of pressure on Battlefield 6. However, it's already managed to touch a nerve with some Battlefield purists due to its class system. When it was announced, it was confirmed that specific weapons wouldn't be locked to each of the four class roles - something true of the older, more celebrated games that long-time fans want to see again. Having received plenty of feedback, Battlefield 6 is trying to find a middleground. When it drops in open beta, there will be separate playlists for those that want the old-school, class-locked-weapons experience and those that want the more flexible, contemporary approach to loadouts.

When EA and its merry gang of Battlefield 6 studios first revealed its plans for the game's class system a couple of months back, there was certainly a mixed reception. On one hand, the loathed specialist system that Battlefield 2042 launched with isn't returning, and there seems to be a focus on 'class identity.' That's all jolly good. However, the one thing long-time Battlefield fans, like myself, wanted to see was a switch back to class-locked weapons, but Battlefield 6 allows for any weapon to be used by any role. Battlefield has produced some of the best FPS games ever, and the strictness with which it used to police class roles is a core reason why.

There's an attempt to appease traditionalists with a system that grants additional buffs and bonuses if you use Signature Weapons, the historically 'correct' weapon type for your class. For example, Recon players have extra advantages for using sniper rifles. However, the game's developers seem intent on having a very flexible loadout system.

A couple of weeks ago, EA said that it has heard all the feedback from Battlefield veterans and is "keeping these [thoughts] in mind." Now, it's been revealed that when the game leaves its current Battlefield Labs state and arrives in open beta, there will be two playlist options for players to choose from. One will let you play as previously announced - you can use whatever weapon type you like, regardless of class. The other will see "Signature Weapons locked to class," just like you see in the pre-Battlefield 2042 games.

Already, long-time fans of the series are seeing this as a win ahead of the Battlefield 6 release date. They'll be able to play the new game in a more authentic, traditional way. However, clearly worried about alienating new players by not offering them full choice over what kind of gun they want to use, the more flexible option will still remain. While I'm happy both sides are being catered for, separating both camps into separate lobbies isn't the most harmonious solution. I'm also hopeful that there'll be some kind of progression path or encouragement for new players who get hooked on Battlefield 6 to try the old school way of playing, as that's where the longest-serving members of the community will likely be residing.

There's currently no official word on when Battlefield 6's open beta will arrive, but when it does, I think I'll be diving straight into that class-locked playlist. Until then, why not check out some of the best war games and best multiplayer games to get you in the mood.

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