Battlefield 6 is revamping its class system and listening to fan feedback – but DICE remains steadfast on the controversial weapon freedom issue.
Battlefield 6 is taking the next step toward release – and this time, developer DICE is finally listening to its community. The new class system, which is currently being tested via the Battlefield Labs test program, has undergone significant revisions thanks to massive fan feedback.
In particular, the assault class’s overpowered abilities have been toned down. However, DICE remains stubborn on one key point of contention – and that is causing discontent.
Classes are being better defined – and less selfish
In a detailed Community Update DICE provides insight into the ongoing tests of the new class setup. The goal is to give the different roles a clearer identity again. Each class will now receive:
- a signature weapon with passive bonuses (e.g., less recoil for Recon with sniper rifles),
- a signature ability (e.g., faster revives for Support),
- a class-specific gadget (e.g. motion sensor for Recon)
- a so-called training path, a kind of class perk tree that is unlocked with XP.
The Assault class in particular has undergone significant adjustments: the heavily criticized adrenaline shot, which enabled self-healing in addition to buffs, has been reworked – the healing function has been removed. Carrying two primary weapons at the same time is also a thing of the past.
The reactions from the community speak for themselves:
The Assault was a kind of one-man army, as it had both Medpen AND two Noob Tubes (underbarrel grenade launchers, editor’s note), one of which could also be used as anti-vehicle weaponry.
– MintMrChris
The loss of self-healing and dual primary weapons are big steps in the right direction.
– jlukes
This is really a huge change that is directly attributable to the fact that we were so clear about it. In my opinion, this is a complete success.
– MrRadDadHimself
The other classes will also be reworked, albeit with less drastic changes. For example, the Engineer will lose the ability to equip two rocket launchers at the same time. For Support, the Supply Crates will be reworked, as feedback indicated that they led to pauses in combat and stagnation. And Recon will get more support in sabotage gameplay
and a stronger emphasis on its role as a scout.
DICE remains unconvinced on the biggest point of criticism
As welcome as many of these changes are, DICE is not budging on one key demand from the community: Class-independent weapon selection will remain unchanged.
Unlike in classic Battlefield games, weapons are no longer strictly tied to classes, but can be freely selected. Although there are bonuses for using the “right” type of weapon, as described above, there is no real incentive to do so.
And that causes frustration: many players see this as a key factor in understanding roles and balance. But DICE is sticking to its system – according to its own statements, in order to appeal to new and old players alike.
A step towards Call of Duty? Some fans see exactly that: greater flexibility comes at the expense of team play. In their opinion, the bonus rewards for correct weapon use are not enough to create a real sense of class affiliation.
What do you think? Are the new class features enough for you, or does Battlefield finally need clear weapon rules again? Let us know in the comments!
