The trial phase for what many call the next Battlefield title is now complete. Electronic Arts themselves have acknowledged that this beta version attracted more players than any previous Battlefield test, whether it be a beta or another kind of early access. Clearly, the interest in this new installment is significant, though the beta also generated a considerable amount of critical feedback.
After the beta period concluded, the development team pledged to provide an update addressing the key issues raised by players and outlining their plans to refine the game based on that feedback. That update has now arrived.
Battlefield Studios has published a response to several major feedback points from the Battlefield game beta in a recently released blog post. The article details changes being made to weapon handling, character movement, game modes, player limits, available playlists, and the variety of in-game environments.
Regarding weapons, the developers stated that adjustments are being made to recoil mechanics to better reward precise, controlled firing techniques like tap-firing and burst-firing. Furthermore, the finished game will more accurately reflect the effective range of each weapon type, likely addressing concerns about submachine guns being excessively accurate at longer distances compared to assault rifles.
Naturally, the controversial M87A1 shotgun was also discussed. The developers are making it so that more pellets will be required to guarantee a kill with this gun at launch. Battlefield Studios also touches on discrepancies between time-to-kill and time-to-death, but says the issue remains under investigation.
While the general feeling surrounding character movement in the beta was largely positive, some players experimented with advanced maneuvers that have been seen in games like the Call of Duty series. The developers have responded by reducing the horizontal momentum retained when transitioning from a slide into a jump. Repeated jumps will also be less effective, with each subsequent jump resulting in a lower height. Inaccuracy when firing while jumping or sliding is also being increased. Finally, parachutes will have reduced initial acceleration.
Next on the list are map exploits. Some players discovered ways to access areas outside of the intended play space (especially rooftops) during the beta, and the developers are working to prevent these exploits in the final release.
Another point of criticism regarding maps was that they felt too small and similar to one another. The blog post emphasizes that there will be more variety in the final game. It also confirms that future Battlefield Labs tests will feature Mirak Valley and Operation Firestorm, both of which are larger maps available at launch.
One of the most widely discussed modes during the beta was Rush, and the developers have clarified their intentions for its implementation. The beta version featured 12v12 matches, which some players felt were too small, mainly due to map design.
While the post does not specifically address the map sizes for Rush, it confirms that it will remain a mode with a (relatively) low player count. Breakthrough will continue to deliver that larger, Rush-style experience.
A particularly interesting part of the post is the discussion of the studio’s philosophy regarding player counts per mode/map. Battlefield Studios stated that maps and modes are designed to be appropriate for varying numbers of players, inevitably meaning these numbers will change. Player counts won’t be set in stone, and will depend on what works for each situation.
The blog post used Breakthrough as an example, a mode that will be available on maps accommodating 48 players, as well as others supporting the full 64.
Another hot topic from the beta was the presence (and visibility) of playlists. The developers reiterate that Open and Closed Weapon playlists will still be available at launch. Also, they are “looking for ways” to make those options easily accessible.
Finally, some of the aforementioned changes – including the larger maps – will be included in the upcoming Labs sessions. That is exciting news for those who have access to it.
For everyone else, Battlefield is scheduled for release on October 10 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.