Electronic Arts and Battlefield Studios have revealed Battlefield 6's battle royale mode, long-rumored through leaks and datamining. This mode blends Battlefield's core elements—class-based squadplay, tactical destruction, and vehicle combat, on top of battle royale mechanics for a high-stakes experience.

Below are everything you need to know about the upcoming BR mode of Battlefield 6.

The Core Setup: 100 Players, Squads, and a Massive Map

Battlefield 6's battle royale will support up to 100 players, divided into 25 squads of four, creating intense, team-focused matches. This scales back from Battlefield 2042's 128-player chaos but aligns with popular battle royales like Fortnite and Warzone for more manageable, strategic gameplay. Matches are designed to last around 25 minutes on average, emphasizing quick decisions and constant action.

The mode unfolds on a brand-new, sprawling map set in California, featuring diverse points of interest (POIs) with varied terrain and environments. Leaked gameplay footage has showcased POIs like urban areas, coastal zones, and destructible structures, allowing for dynamic battles that evolve as the environment crumbles. Datamined details suggest players can use six key POIs in the Portal Editor for custom experiences, hinting at deep integration with Battlefield's creative tools. The map's majority is destructible, including large buildings, which could make every match feel unique as cover and strategies shift mid-fight.

The Instant-Kill Ring: No Mercy, No Second Chances

Arguably the mode's most innovative and brutal feature is the boundary ring. Some leaks called it the "FireStorm" - it closes in constantly and immediately kill players upon contact.

Unlike traditional battle royales where the zone deals gradual damage (allowing for healing or risky plays), this ring eliminates players outright, forcing squads into tighter, more frantic engagements. EA describes it as creating "the deadliest ring in BR," designed to ramp up adrenaline and prevent camping or edge-hugging tactics. Early testers and leaks confirm there's no jumping in and out or using it for cover—touch it, and you're gone.

Classes, Progression, and Squad Dynamics

Staying true to Battlefield's roots, the mode revolves around four classic classes: Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon. Players select their class before the match and can't switch mid-game, encouraging pre-planned squad compositions. Each class starts with two default gadgets, and an "Arms Race" progression system lets you level up during the match by earning XP, unlocking new traits—like faster armor equipping for Assault.

Squadplay is emphasized with multiple revival options. The Support class can perform revives, while "Mobile Redeploys" offer second chances for downed teammates. This keeps teams in the fight longer, blending Battlefield's teamwork ethos with battle royale survival.

Loot, Weapons, and Customization

Loot is scattered across the map in five tiers of weapons, plus attachments, throwables, gadgets (e.g., RPGs, air strikes), armor plates, upgrade kits, and custom weapon drops. Players can find high-value caches, lootable vehicles, and even class-specific chests. Armor plates return for added protection, and custom loadout drops allow for personalized gear mid-match.

Missions add depth, ranging from unlocking caches and planting explosives to eliminating high-value targets. Completing them rewards squads with airdrops containing weapon caches, vehicle keys, or redeploys, but beware—other teams can intercept. Datamines reveal an "Oversight System" and modifiers like "Sudden Elimination," potentially for a separate "Gauntlet" mode using the same map.

Vehicles and Destruction: Battlefield's Signature Chaos

Vehicles are a cornerstone, including transport options and earnable armored beasts like tanks, helicopters, and IFVs. Powerful vehicles require keycards earned through multiple contracts, with limited fuel and ammo to balance their dominance. Destruction is "everywhere," letting players use gadgets, explosives, and vehicles to reshape the battlefield mid-match. Leaks show environmental interactions like opening trunks for loot, deployable ladders for verticality, and swimming mechanics, enhancing the sandbox feel.

Leaks and Early Impressions

Despite NDAs, gameplay footage has leaked from Battlefield Labs testers, revealing the drop-in sequence, gunplay (similar to multiplayer but adapted for BR), final circle chaos, and tank battles. Early feedback praises the mode's potential, with testers noting it feels like a "genuine breath of fresh air" for the genre, blending Battlefield's destruction with battle royale staples. One leaker highlighted how destruction could make it "the most dynamic BR of all time."

Release and Accessibility

The battle royale mode is slated to launch alongside Battlefield 6 in October 2025, but persistent rumors suggest it could be free-to-play, separate from the $70 main game to compete with titles like Warzone. It's not part of the initial betas but will enter Battlefield Labs testing soon, with sign-ups open for eligible players. Cross-rewards from the "Road to Battlefield 6" pass will carry over, including exclusives for launch day.

Battlefield 6's battle royale mode looks poised to shake up the genre with its unforgiving ring, deep destruction, and squad-focused gameplay. While details could evolve based on testing feedback, the reveals so far paint a picture of a mode that's distinctly Battlefield—chaotic, tactical, and utterly destructive. Stay tuned for more as testing progresses and official trailers drop.