After a massive first weekend that blew away expectations — and the competition — Battlefield 6 is ramping up for its second Open Beta run. That’s right: the modern-day comeback for EA and DICE’s long-running FPS franchise is proving to be a real force, and players are ready to dive back into the action.
Back to the Battlefield … and the Modern Era
It’s been a minute since the Battlefield franchise felt like it had its finger on the trigger of the FPS scene. The last critically acclaimed entry was 2016’s Battlefield 1, which, while a masterpiece, was rooted in the muddy trenches of World War I. Jump ahead through Battlefield V and the divisive Battlefield 2042, and fans have long been itching for a full-on modern combat experience akin to the glory days of Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4.
Well, that wait’s over. And clearly, players were hungry: over 520,000 concurrent players swarmed the game’s Open Beta during its first weekend, crushing even Call of Duty’s numbers on Steam. Across all platforms combined? More than 5 million players jumped into the beta action.
When does Battlefield 6 Open Beta Weekend 2 Start?
Unlike Weekend 1, there’s no Early Access window during the second Open Beta. Everyone gets in at the same time, no matter the platform. So mark your calendar and set that alarm clock:
- Start: Thursday, August 14 at 8:00 UTC (1:00 AM PT / 4:00 AM ET)
- End: Monday, August 18 at 8:00 UTC (1:00 AM PT / 4:00 AM ET)
Which platforms can you play Battlefield 6 Beta On?
Let’s clear up the platform availability, because there’s been some confusion. Battlefield 6 is exclusive to current-gen hardware and PC. That means:
- PS5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and the EA App)
For PC players, a heads up: you’ll need to enable Secure Boot to play both the beta and full game. Combined with EA’s Javelin Anticheat, this should go a long way in cracking down on cheaters that have plagued other shooters (looking at you, Delta Force).
What maps are available in Battlefield 6 Open Beta Weekend 2?
Weekend 1 gave us a taste of three very distinct battlegrounds:
- Siege of Cairo: Intense urban combat with narrow corridors and rooftop encounters.
- Liberation Peak: Open, rural terrain set in the mountains of Tajikistan—perfect for sniping and air vehicles.
- Iberian Offensive: Street-to-street chaos in Gibraltar.
And now, Weekend 2 is upping the ante with a fourth, gritty location:
- Empire State: Set in Brooklyn, New York, this map delivers high-rise gunfights and local neighborhood warfare. Think close-quarters shootouts with verticality and urban navigation challenges.
Which game modes are returning, and what’s new?
Players loved the mix of modes from Weekend 1, including fan favourites like:
- Conquest
- Breakthrough
- Closed Weapons Breakthrough (class-based loadouts)
- Domination
- King of the Hill
Weekend 2 introduces even more mayhem with two additional classics:
- Rush: Fast-paced objective mode where attackers blow up M-COM stations.
- Deathmatch: Pure chaos. Kill or be killed. Perfect for short burst play.
Weekend 2 rewards: What can you unlock?
Let’s talk loot. While you won’t be able to use them immediately in the beta, all unlocked cosmetic items will carry over to the full game at launch on October 10.
Weekend 1 offered items like:
- Soldier Skins
- Weapon Packages
- Cosmetics
Weekend 2 sweetens the deal with exclusive unlockables, including:
- War Machine Vehicle Skin
- Striking Distance Weapon Package
- Bat Company Dog Tag – A fun nod to Bad Company fans
With Beta Weekend 2 running August 14–18, this is your last chance to jump in before the full game launches October 10.
If Weekend 1 was any indication, Battlefield 6 could reclaim its place at the top of the FPS world. Brutal firefights, gritty realism, massive maps, and a dedicated community: it’s all there.
Get locked, loaded, and ready to deploy.