Battlefield 6 brings new modes and map in the second weekend of beta

Electronic Arts and DICE have announced a new phase of testing for the open beta of Battlefield 6, which will take place from Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17, with new content for the community. The second stage of the beta will introduce the new map Empire State and the game modes Rush and Squad Deathmatch.

In addition to the content already available in the first weekend of the beta, which included the maps Iberian Offensive, Liberation Peak, and Siege of Cairo and the modes Conquest, Breakthrough, Domination, and King of the Hill, DICE intends to expand players' experience with the new map Empire State, which will focus on infantry combat. This decision to focus on smaller and faster-paced maps has generated criticism from some players, who were expecting a large-scale experience, a trademark of the franchise.

The producer of Battlefield, David Sirland, defended DICE's choice, stating that the goal is to show that the studio can handle a more intense gameplay style. "We chose these maps to make sure we hit the full-octane version of Battlefield — and for everyone to see that we can handle it too," said Sirland. He also reassured players, saying that "large maps exist, and the pace increases accordingly, you will see it soon!"

The new beta also brings additional challenges with exclusive rewards:

• War Machine vehicle skin: Capture 42 flags in Conquest, Domination, or King of the Hill.
• Bat Company dog tag: Get 200 kills or assists.
• Dominion weapon package: Capture 10 sectors in Breakthrough or Rush.
   

The return of Rush, a popular game mode since Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3, is another highlight. DICE is betting on nostalgia to attract older fans of the franchise. However, the absence of a large and traditional Battlefield map in the beta, such as Kundara Valley or New Sobek City, is a missed opportunity for DICE to showcase the variety the game will have.

Despite the criticisms, the beta of Battlefield 6 continues to be a chance for players to test the new features and unlock exclusive rewards before the game's release in October.

DICE is betting on smaller maps for the beta of Battlefield 6. Do you think this decision could attract new players but alienate veteran fans of the franchise?