Battlefield 6 beta's new custom search feature is the one change I really wanted

The Battlefield 6 beta is back for its second weekend, and I was about ready to call time and say I'd had my fill of testing out the returning FPS. Battlefield Studios has just pulled me back in, however, with the introduction of a new custom search option. It's no secret that PC players would really like to get their hands on the Battlefield 6 server browser, but it's not been included in the current playtest. This fresh addition is the next best thing, however, allowing you to hone in on exactly the maps and modes you really want to play to get the most out of your BF6 time this weekend.

The latest Battlefield 6 beta adds a custom search option that its developer says is "based on your previous feedback and to give you more control over map and mode selection." With such a colossal response to last weekend's public test, the team is certain to have collected good data across all the maps. By allowing players to choose which levels they want to see most now, it can build up a better impression of what's working and what isn't, allowing it to hone Battlefield 6 even further into what's looking like one of the best FPS games of this year.

The menu gives you a selection of check boxes for all the various modes you like, and then lets you dig down further to indicate your preference for certain Battlefield 6 maps within each game type. "For example, if you want to play Conquest on Siege of Cairo, then matchmaking will prioritize putting you in a match with this combo, if available." Battlefield Studios notes that this is not the same as the planned server browser that will be available at launch, which "is not being tested this week."

While it sounds like the new search feature won't guarantee you get exactly the matches you want, it should at least ensure you can skip out on the locations you're less fond of. That means less time moaning about layouts that don't suit your play style, and more time finding the best Battlefield 6 weapons to bring into the action.

As for what the week-two playlists will include, there are separate setups depending on the day. Thursday August 14 will feature Conquest, Rush, Attack and Defend (including Breakthrough and Rush), Close Quarters (Fast-paced Domination and King of the Hill on smaller maps), and Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare (Conquest and Breakthrough).

Friday August 15's playlists are Conquest, Close Quarters (this time also adding in Squad Deathmatch), All-Out Warfare (Conquest, Breakthrough, and Rush on expansive maps), and Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare. For Saturday and Sunday, there's the options of Conquest, Close Quarters (with all three modes), All-Out Warfare, and Closed Weapons All-Out Warfare.

Alongside this, you'll also be able to access the firing range and tutorials for classes, Breakthrough, and Conquest. If you're below career rank 15, you'll still be able to play the Initiation Mode, which includes some computer-controlled soldiers to give you a more gentle introduction. Battlefield Studios adds that its decision to rotate through playlists is specific to the open beta "and is not planned for launch."

Personally, you'll most likely find me in the close-quarters maps; I was a real sucker for Battlefield 3's Close Quarters DLC, which convinced me that its gunplay could still work in a tighter, more Call of Duty-style environment. I might still dip into the bigger modes, but I'm eager to wait for the helicopter tuning pass, which isn't coming until a later date.

We've got a rundown of the best Battlefield 6 classes to get you off on the right foot, and you can check the latest Battlefield 6 system requirements if you want to make sure your machine is ready to run the new beta.

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