Overview
If you’re new to Battlefield or trying it out after playing REDSEC, here’s what you need to know about choosing your first experience. The game has three distinct modes of play, each with its own unique approach and audience.
Battlefield 6 is a multiplayer-focused first-person shooter that combines large-scale maps (think territory control) with smaller objective-based encounters like bomb defusal. The campaign follows an elite Marine unit called Dagger1-3, but the game’s real draw lies in its competitive modes and community-driven content.
You can start by playing a multiplayer match to test out different classes (more on that later) and get used to Battlefield 6’s combat. Alternatively, you might want to start the single-player campaign if you’re looking for a story-based experience. Both options are available right from launch.
Campaign and REDSEC
The official Campaign is only playable in single player mode, while REDSEC is an entirely separate free-to-play game that launched after Battlefield 6. It has its own competitive modes but doesn’t include the campaign. If you’re unsure which to try first, start with whatever suits your playstyle better.
Multiplayer modes
Battlefield 6’s core gameplay revolves around several types of matches:
- All-Out Warfare: These are objective-based games where teams compete for control over specific areas on the map. In Conquest, holding objectives drains the opposition’s lives.
- Rush/Deathmatch/King of the Hill/Domination: These have different rulesets: Rush uses M-COM objectives, King of the Hill focuses on one objective at a time, and Deathmatch focuses on kills.
- Escalation/Breakthrough: These use objectives on large maps. Breakthrough has attackers and defenders advancing across sectors.
Classes
Each class has a distinct role in combat:
- Assault: Specializes in anti-infantry roles, like using grenades or suppressing enemies with gunfire.
- Engineer: Focuses on vehicle destruction but can also repair friendly vehicles if needed.
- Support: Provides healing and resupply support to allies across the map.
- Recon: Offers intelligence gathering and long-range sniping capabilities.
Loadouts and Battlefield Portal
While you’re free to experiment with different weapons, each class has signature tools that work best for their role. Open weapon rules let any class use any weapon; closed rules restrict weapons by class. You can change your loadout before deployment or switch classes before respawning if you want to try something new. Additionally, the game’s community-driven Battlefield Portal lets players create and share custom maps, scenarios, and rulesets.
If you’re looking for a full campaign experience with story elements, start there. If competitive multiplayer is your priority (and you don’t mind waiting in queues), jump into All-Out Warfare or Rush matches right away. Both options are available on launch day across PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.