Battlefield 6 Review: The Lifeline FPS Fans Needed

Battlefield 6 screenshot

Battlefield 6 screenshot

The launch of Battlefield 6 didn’t feel like any ordinary video game release, but rather a significant moment that could reshape the FPS scene for the better. The community has been crying out for something fresh for a while now, an experience that ultimately represents and maintains the core values of the genre. Players just wanted a title they could fall in love with once again.

I, for one, was desperate for a change of scenery. Growing up, Call of Duty was my go-to first-person shooter more often than not, but lately, it’s turned into something I barely even recognize. The franchise has drifted away from what made it the success it is today, prioritizing cringy gimmicks and an out-of-touch experience that long-term fans can no longer connect with. As it continues to regurgitate the same old gameplay systems and mechanics, CoD just doesn’t scratch the itch I once had for it. That's why the arrival of Battlefield 6 felt like a lifeline, not just for me, but for many others.

After going around a vicious cycle of stagnation for what felt like forever, the moment had finally come. It was time to dive into Battlefield 6, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of Multiplayer, where BF6 truly excels, let me address the elephants in the room that are the Campaign and Menu UI.

Although it's great to see Single-Player make a comeback, Battlefield isn't primarily known for its rich storytelling, and that shows here. While the first couple of missions are okay, the hook that initially reeled me in swiftly detached. Certain levels felt rushed and lacked the overall polish I experienced in Multiplayer (more on that shortly!) The potential was there for it to be something much bigger and better, but its execution lacked cutting-edge.

Battlefield 6
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Credit: Battlefield Studios

One of the biggest frustrations during my time with the Campaign was the behavior of AI. Enemies and teammates, especially, didn't feel authentic or clever, often moving in careless ways or standing in random places, which took away that immersive feel in serious moments. Cinematic cutscenes and mission intros? Perfection. I wouldn't expect anything less from a Battlefield game. However, for those Single-Player enthusiasts out there, I'm afraid the Battlefield 6 Campaign does very little to hit the spot. It's not the worst, but not the best.

As for the game's menu, I’ve seen complaints about the UI layout, but honestly, I don’t think it’s that bad. Sure, I get why some find it a little clunky and confusing at first, but I’ve not really had any issues navigating it. Everything’s labeled clearly, and switching between loadouts, settings, and matchmaking feels straightforward. At the end of the day, I’m not loading this game up to admire the menus; I’m here to have a good time, and on that front, Battlefield 6 MP delivers.

Now, let's turn our attention to where the fun's really at, shall we? Multiplayer is an absolute blast (quite literally) and it’s easily the most fun I’ve had with an FPS in years. From the moment you flick through the customization options to the second you drop into a match, it’s obvious the devs pulled out all the stops to tick every box possible.

The maps look great and encourage different approaches depending on how you want to play. Whether you're running through the streets of Manhattan or sniping from construction yard rooftops on the outskirts of Cairo, each location feels distinctive. That said, I do think the game is lacking an additional two or three maps, and the continuous cycle of what’s currently on offer can get a bit repetitive, so it’s just as well Season 1 is bringing more options with it from next week.

Battlefield 6
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Credit: Battlefield Studios

With its realistic arsenal, grounded character designs, and modern-day locations, Battlefield 6 brings back a sense of authenticity that's been missed. Even though we’ve seen the themes of modern warfare tackled before, BF6 makes it feel both familiar and refreshingly new. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel with wacky sci-fi elements or cartoonish aesthetics; it just focuses on delivering intense, immersive battles in a world that’s not only believable, but eerily relatable, too. No digs here, just pure facts.

I’ve got to say, gunfights in Battlefield 6 feel just right. There’s been some debate around bloom and bullet spread, but from my experience, encounters have mostly felt consistent and fair. If you react quickly and land your shots with precision, you’re rewarded, but even one or two misfired bullets will see you back on the respawn screen. That’s the kind of balance that keeps things tense yet rewarding.

You can also notice the distinct strengths and weaknesses of each weapon, with Assault Rifles, Carbines, and DMRs dominating at medium-to-long range, while SMGs absolutely shred up close. Sniping, in particular, deserves a mention. It’s incredibly satisfying, especially when that crisp, crunching kill sound lands after every elimination. Honestly, few shooters make pulling the trigger feel this good, and the dopamine rush you get when taking down aircraft with an RPG still feels just as exhilarating.

The weapon and character customization hits a sweet spot, too. There’s enough variety to make your loadout and appearance feel personal, without overwhelming you with an endless amount of options. Customizing your gear is quick, clean, and doesn’t risk breaking that sense of immersion.

Battlefield 6 screenshot
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Credit: Battlefield Studios
Screenshot taken by reviewer.

A standout feature for me is the challenge system, which adds a layer of depth beyond the core gameplay loop. Challenges are divided into four categories: Daily, Weekly, Assignments, and Campaign. Daily and Weekly objectives are generally straightforward, like "Get 10 Kills with an Assault Rifle" or "Capture the Objective 5 Times." They're a nice, easy way to earn small rewards like bonus XP.

Where the system really shines, though, is with the Assignments. These are slightly more complex, acting as the key to unlocking new weapons, gadgets, and cosmetics. They force you to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different classes or equipment you wouldn’t usually go near. If you want a new item for the Assault class, you have to play as that specialist and use class-specific gear. The same goes for the Engineer, Support, and Recon roles, encouraging variety and meaningful progression, which I appreciate a lot.

Another big plus is how well Battlefield 6 caters to varied playstyles. If you enjoy fast-paced, close-quarters combat, then there are plenty of compact maps and modes to choose from. But if you prefer a slower, more tactical approach like me, then the large-scale chaos of Conquest and Breakthrough presents that option. The newly introduced Escalation mode has also provided plenty of entertainment and is definitely one of my top recommendations to check out.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Battlefield game without epic destruction and amazing sound design. Well, BF6 absolutely nails both. Gunfire and screams echo with realism, explosions feel powerful, jets fly overhead with aggression, and structures crumble into dust. It’s the kind of immersion that makes you instinctively duck as you play, bringing the frontline to life in front of your eyes.

Battlefield 6 screenshot
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Credit: Battlefield Studios
Screenshot taken by reviewer.

The gameplay itself is tight and satisfying across the board. Movement feels fluid, gunfights are punchy and responsive, and certain vehicles provide a welcome challenge to maneuver. Whether you're sprinting between cover or gunning it across the map in armored transport, every action feels smooth, all helped by a seamless performance and a stable framerate. Out of the two modes available, I prioritized performance over fidelity, but the game still looks faultless, and there’s no noticeable dip in graphics quality.

I’ve run into a couple of minor bugs here and there, like not being able to equip newly unlocked weapon attachments during the same match, but thankfully, there’s been nothing game-breaking. The overall level of polish, particularly online, is very impressive for a launch of this magnitude, at least for me on PS5.

After that disappointing wobble with 2042 four years ago, it feels like we’re finally getting the best of Battlefield once again. It produces the classic formula of big maps, large-scale warfare, team-based gameplay, and chaotic destruction while introducing enough refinement to make it feel like a brand-new experience. It might be a new chapter for the series, but it also serves as a wake-up call to its competitors and a powerful reminder that there is still an unprecedented desire for tactical depth and authentic combat.

If you’ve been waiting for a shooter that delivers on spectacle and substance, this is it. In the end, Battlefield 6 isn’t just a return to form; it’s a near-perfect example of what a modern FPS should be.

Battlefield 6 key art
Battlefield 6
Battlefield 6 marks a triumphant return for the franchise, delivering an experience that not only honors the roots of the FPS genre but also pushes it forward in meaningful ways. With its immersive combat, stunning maps, satisfying gameplay, and a healthy balance between authenticity and fun, it feels like the fresh start fans have been waiting for. Despite a few minor bugs and an underwhelming Campaign, it stands as a content-rich shooter that caters to a wide range of playstyles. More than just a great game, Battlefield 6 feels like a much-needed course correction for the genre, and a clear message to its competitors: the Multiplayer bar has just been raised.
Reviewed on PS5
9 out of 10