Although the appetite for battle royale games isn’t quite the same as it once was during the heyday of Fortnite, Warzone, and Apex Legends, fans still want to know if Battlefield 6 will have a battle royale.
Criterion developed Battlefield’s first battle royale for Battlefield 5. Firetorm took place on a map called Halvoy, set in the Norwegian mountains. The game mode used the traditional battle royale format, featuring solos, duos, and quads in 64-player lobbies.
In typical Battlefield fashion, the game mode featured vehicles as players battled to be the last one standing on the map that shrank from the surrounding firestorm. Ultimately, Firestorm failed due to a lack of player base, and this was exacerbated by the fact that the mode was only available to those who purchased Battlefield 5. Based on the disappointing first attempt, it was safe to assume that Battlefield would ditch battle royales for good, but that’s reportedly not the case.
Does Battlefield 6 Have a Battle Royale?
In February 2024, Insider Gaming reported that Ripple Effect, the studio that is working on a ‘new experience’ for the Battlefield franchise, is working on a new Battle Royale title that’s currently aimed to be free-to-play.
The decision behind making the battle royale free-to-play most likely comes from the lessons learned with Firestorm.
Ripple Effect senior producer Ryan McArthur didn’t confirm a battle royale game mode. Still, he said, “We are working on an experience that is really going to open Battlefield up to a whole group of new players, but still exciting that core audience that has made this franchise so successful.”
What to Expect From Battlefield 6 Battle Royale
In April 2025, Battlefield 6 dataminers discovered more details from the Battlefield Labs playtest. Game files suggest that the battle royale will feature traditional elements, including solo, duo, trio, and squad matches, an armor system, call-ins, loot rarity, update kits, weapons, and a shrinking zone. The game files also confirmed the existence of Gauntlet, which is rumored to be a variation that challenges players to complete objectives. The lowest-scoring team is eliminated after each mission.
Battlefield dataminer Temporyal then reported in May, “The remaster of Operation Firestorm” in Battlefield 6 has been revealed as the previously unknown location in Turkmenistan. Its description suggests that it will also be integrated into the main lore surrounding the conflict between NATO and Pax Armata.”
Temporyal also shared a long list of other features on Reddit, including a description for the storyline.
“After an explosive disaster exposes a classified military R&D facility to attack by multiple unidentified PMC groups, the Handler deploys an elite squad to secure the site before its secrets can fall into the wrong hands.”
Another key feature is Priority Missions. You can complete objectives, but other teams have an opportunity to stop you and steal your rewards. Completing a mission grants rewards, such as vehicle access keycards that can be used on a powerful combat vehicle or custom weapon drops.
Like Warzone, the game mode also features Field Upgrades, which are traits to improve your character. Additionally, you get one respawn shortly after the match starts, and there is a respawn tower similar to Fortnite if you want to bring a teammate back.
The other key feature is the Oversight System. Even after you die, you can use remote cameras, drones, and turrets to reveal enemies and wreak havoc from the afterlife.
Do you have any faith in the battle royale being a success? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Forums.
For more on Battlefield 6, check out if the game will have a campaign and if it will be available on Nintendo Switch.
