In the latest Battlefield Labs update, EA revealed its plans for the class system for Battlefield 6. While the traditional four-class system is returning in the game, EA has made the controversial decision to allow fully customizable loadouts.
"We envision the future of Battlefield classes to be a series of interconnected systems and fundamentals that shape your role on the field, while granting you the freedom to customize how you execute that role," EA explained in its post.
The idea is to give players the freedom to push the boundaries of their roles within their chosen class, while also adhering to the expectations of the class. To that end, Battlefield 6's Class System will have two main components: Customizable and class-defining, with the latter being more of a "pick-up-and-play" option.
The four classes in Battlefield 6 will be Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon. Regardless of which class you select, you'll be able to fully customize your weapon loadout. So if you want to be a Support Class with a Sniper Rifle, you can do that; although, that's kind of the main issue players have with this system.
Long-time Battlefield players are concerned that removing class-specific weapon restrictions can lead to gameplay imbalance and disfunctional team dynamics. There's concern, for instance, that a Support medic will prioritize sniping over reviving their teammates.
To kind of steer players towards specific weapons, each of these classes will have a "Signature Weapon" category that provides bonuses when using that specific weapon with that class in battle. For example, the Recon Class will benefit from increased breath-holding duration when using a weapon from the Sniper Rifle category. An Assault player using a Snipe Rifle weapon will not receive the bonus.
DMRs, Carbines, and Shotguns will not benefit from any Signature Weapon Bonus.
Players will have the option to carry two gadgets, tailored to each class and the specific role. Recon, for example, will have class gadgets such as Deploy Beacons, Anti-Personnel Mines, and Laser Designators. Each class will also have specially tailored throwables.
In addition to Signature Weapons, each Class will also have a Signature Trait and Signature Gadget.
Signature Traits will provide passive bonuses tailored to your role. The Recon Class, for example, can automatically spot enemies while aiming down sights, which encourages players to use weapons that complement that specialization.
Signature Gadgets are unique to your Class and are separate from any gadgets you may choose through your loadout. Accordig to EA, these are "unique and singular to each class with an aim for you to always have access to a tool that fulfills the role of that class."
For players who may be new to the game and are overwhelmed by the customization options, there are default weapon packages. These are a pre-set combination of attachments and visual customization for each class so that you can just jump right into battle.
The decision to blend Classes with fully customizable loadouts is undoubtedly a controversial move and it feels like EA is trying to toe the line. There's been conisderable pushback since the announcement was made, but it ultimately sounds like this will be the direction for Battlefield 6. There will be multiple play sessions through Battlefield Labs for the community to explore this new Class System and provide feedback.
How do you feel about the decision to allow fully customizable loadouts with Classes in Battlefield 6?