Battlefield 6 Open Beta Preload Live Now – Class Reworks, Skill-Based Matchmaking, and Early Access Details
The Battlefield 6 Open Beta preload is now officially available across all platforms, allowing players to download ahead of the test period that begins Saturday, August 9, with Early Access starting on Thursday, August 7. On Steam, the preload comes in at 39.24 GB, setting the stage for what could be the franchise’s most strategic and class-focused outing yet.
Major Gameplay Changes for Open Beta
In a detailed update from the official Battlefield X account, EA provided a clear breakdown of how the Open Beta differs from Battlefield Labs and what to expect in the full game. Among the most notable changes are sweeping reworks to the Assault class, which now leans more heavily into teamplay:
Commanding Presence has replaced Enhanced Mobility as the Assault’s Signature Trait, giving the squad faster objective captures and quicker removal from combat status.
The Spawn Beacon is now part of the Assault class toolkit, moving away from its traditional Recon classification. It can be deployed a limited number of times per squad and self-destructs once the Assault player spawns on it.
A new gadget, the Assault Ladder, allows the squad to reach vertical terrain by acting as either a ladder or ramp depending on deployment angle. This allows for high-ground access and unexpected flanking maneuvers.
Meanwhile, the Engineer class has been deemed well-balanced and will not be receiving changes for this round of testing. The Support class may undergo minor adjustments related to supply crate refresh rates and weapon buff flow, depending on test feedback.
Recon Class Overhaul
The Recon class sees the most structural change with the removal of Pathfinder, which is now replaced by a new training path called Spec Ops:
Spec Ops 0: Quieter takedowns, improved crouch and prone movement (available from the start).
Spec Ops 1: Ability to spot enemy gadgets (not while sprinting).
Spec Ops 2: Proning removes the player from combat status and clears spotting.
Recon players also unlock a Level 3 Active Ability that allows them to call in a UAV, offering passive enemy spotting at a designated location, significantly improving their tactical utility.
Skill-Based Matchmaking Confirmed
During a press event (as reported by CharlieIntel), it was confirmed that Battlefield 6’s matchmaking will be influenced by a mix of factors, including:
Ping
Player Location
Server Availability
Skill Checks
While the specific metrics used for skill evaluation were not revealed, this indicates a clear focus on delivering balanced matches, likely improving player satisfaction and reducing lopsided rounds that have plagued prior entries in the franchise.
On PC, Intel is Battlefield 6’s official hardware partner, but the game will support all major upscalers, ensuring wide compatibility and performance scalability across various system configurations.
With class identity, squad coordination, and skill-based matchmaking all taking a front seat, Battlefield 6 is shaping up to be a significant evolution for the series. Whether you're an Assault flanker, a Recon spotter, or a support main, the Open Beta will offer a firsthand look at the tactical depth EA has been working toward.
Will you be deploying early during the Open Beta, or waiting for the full launch? Which class are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
