This week we begin testing a new addition to our Battlefield universe, a Battle Royale built on Battlefield's unique DNA. The information and feedback from players in Battlefield Labs will be incredibly valuable in helping to refine and deliver this experience. The details below are intended to help players understand our philosophy for this mode, and to provide context for participants in the upcoming Battlefield Labs test so they can jump right into the action.
Battle Royale, The Battlefield Way
We see a great opportunity to infuse the core Battlefield pillars of class-based squadplay, tactical destruction, and vehicle combat into the Battle Royale genre to create a high-stakes and adrenaline pumping gameplay experience. This is Battlefield’s twist on the classic formula, so you can expect to find all of the core principles of Battlefield taking place within this mode; gadgets, explosives, destructible environments, and vehicles can all be used to secure the win.
Battlefield at its Core
Key Elements players can expect in this test:
Map: Battlefield is no stranger to epic maps, and this all-new map has been built for the Battle Royale experience. It features a diverse array of tactical Points of Interest, each with distinct layouts and themes that offer unique gameplay opportunities.
Vehicles: Players can find common transport vehicles around the map and even unlock powerful armored vehicles to turn the tide of battle. The intent is to offer more ways for players to traverse the map early on in a match and to create interesting combined arms action in the process.
Tactical Destruction: Destruction will be everywhere in this mode. From creating pathways through walls to toppling buildings, we look forward to seeing players’ ingenuity with destruction and how they use it to defeat their opponents.
Squadplay: For this test, each match will feature 100 players, organized into 25 four player squads, fighting to be the last one standing. Communicating with your squad through pings, text, or VOIP aims to boost the experience and enhance their tactical options.
Second chances: Between the Support class revives and Mobile Redeploy options, there are multiple tools to keep your squad in the fight.
The Deadliest Ring in BR
We set out to bring the most dangerous ring in gaming to Battle Royale that instantly kills players upon contact. With urgent warnings as the fire approaches, soldiers will be pushed into more intense firefights as the game space continues to shrink. There’s no jumping in and out of it, no using it for cover, no walking through it - if you get caught in it, you are done. We’re excited to see how the ring affects the pace of the game and how it creates spontaneous showdowns.
Classes, Training, and Traits
Each squad gets to plan and choose which of the classes they will bring to the battle. From a balanced squad of all four classes to a focused squad that’s all one class, your team will use the unique strengths and weaknesses of their class to adapt and overcome the unique tactical scenarios they encounter in the Battle Royale experience. Once a match begins players are not able to change their class for the rest of that match.
Players start the match with two default gadgets from their chosen class. During each match, players level up by earning XP through a variety of methods such as defeating an opposing player (bonus for finishing off a squad!) or completing Missions. Be on the lookout for Intel Cases: finding these is crucial as they will provide XP to the whole squad.
As players level up through their class’s Training, they will gain access to new traits that enhance their chosen class and give both them and their squad a tactical edge in the match. One example would be the Assault class being faster in equipping an armor plate which makes them harder to defeat in their next (or current) firefight.
In Battlefield Labs, we’ll be watching how players use the classes to build the most effective squads and how their unique traits contribute throughout each game. For example:
Just how critical is the Support class’s supply crate for maintaining ammo?
How effective are the Engineer’s abilities when using or fighting against vehicles?
The Arms Race
Throughout each match, players will explore the map, complete missions, and battle for loot to define their arsenal. There are 5 tiers of weapons to loot along with attachments, throwables (Ex. Frag Grenades), gadgets (Ex. RPGs), Strike Packages (Ex. Air Strike), armor, upgrade kits, and custom drops of favorited weapons. These items can be found across the experience through general loot crates, class specific crates, unlocking armored trucks, mission rewards, or looting defeated enemies.
Missions will have squads try to complete objectives that offer extra rewards to gain a competitive edge over their opponents. Tasks range from unlocking high-value caches to planting explosives to eliminate mission-critical targets. Mission details will outline the available rewards like a weapons cache, vehicle key, or Mobile Redeploy unit, leaving it up to each squad to decide if the risk is worth the potential reward. Once the mission objective is complete, rewards are airdropped in, so squads should stay alert for others who may attempt to steal them.
These missions are crafted to challenge your squad’s teamwork and reward precise execution under pressure, with the potential to shift the momentum of battle. Loot, armor, and how players engage with missions are key to the flow of play and we can’t wait to see how players connect and push these areas of gameplay in Battlefield Labs.
Drop In
Testing this new mode and all of its features with the community is the true power of Battlefield Labs. We are excited to hear about players’ experiences as they explore the ins and outs of this Battle Royale done the Battlefield way. We look forward to sharing more details after the testing is complete and we’ve reviewed the feedback from players.
To stay connected, share your feedback, and be part of the conversation, make sure to join our official Battlefield Discord server. Visit battlefield.com/labs for more information on how you can sign-up. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of the journey!
//The Battlefield Team
This announcement may change as we listen to community feedback and continue developing and evolving our Live Service & Content. We will always strive to keep our community as informed as possible.