Battlefield 6 Winter Offensive Update Delivers Frozen Empire State Map, New Modes & more
EA and Battlefield Studios have released the final major Season 1 update for Battlefield 6, introducing the Winter Offensive event, a substantial content drop that refreshes the game’s action with a frozen New York battleground, limited-time game modes, a new melee weapon, and widespread gameplay refinements. This marks the third and final major update of the season, rounding out what has been one of 2025’s most celebrated shooter launches.
A central highlight of the update is the new Ice Lock variant of the Empire State map, which transforms Manhattan into a snow covered combat zone. This limited time map brings new traversal challenges, altered sightlines, and a Frozen mechanic exclusive to the event. The update also features new limited time multiplayer and gauntlet modes that rotate through multiple Ice Lock map scenarios, adding variety and replayability to the winter event.
Players can also work their way through a new battle pass that includes the Ice Pick melee weapon as a standout unlock. The reveal was shared through the official Battlefield announcement highlighting the season’s cosmetic and gameplay additions.
Stay frosty, New York ❄️
— Battlefield (@Battlefield) December 9, 2025
Winter Offensive is live and has the city under ice in #Battlefield6 and #REDSEC.
🪓 Snowbound Ice Climbing Axe
🗽 Frozen Empire State skyline
🧊 Ice Lock modes
🌀 Portal chills
🔓 DB-12 challenge
➕ More
🔗 https://t.co/0fRDeIqJZ8 pic.twitter.com/hb5ri0Hk41
Alongside new content, update 1.1.3.0 introduces major technical and gameplay changes. Hit registration has been significantly improved across all previously unreliable situations according to the official Battlefield 6 update notes. Close range visibility enhancements now give stronger character highlights, weapon handling has been refined for more stable accuracy, and several frequently used gadgets have received reliability boosts.
Additional improvements include enhanced audio design across weapons, vehicles, and environments, revised map layouts for Rush and Breakthrough modes, and more readable vehicle clarity during chaotic engagements.
Winter Offensive is a sizeable closing update for Season 1 and reinforces why Battlefield 6 has become the standout competitive shooter of 2025, overshadowing what was expected to be Call of Duty’s year with Black Ops 7. With the new year approaching, the focus now shifts to how EA and Battlefield Studios will maintain momentum heading into Season 2.
For more insights on Battlefield 6, including PC benchmark data, optimized settings guides, weapon recommendations, troubleshooting resources, and a full launch review, visit our dedicated coverage hub.
What do you think of the Winter Offensive update? Has the frozen Empire State map changed the way you approach your matches?
