Battlefield 6 Open Beta playlist: Open Weapons vs Closed Weapons

No date yet, but Battlefield 6 Open Beta introduces “Open” and “Closed” weapon playlists

The Battlefield franchise has always walked a tightrope between its roots and innovation. The upcoming Battlefield 6 Open Beta will test that balance in a very public way. In a major announcement by the official Battlefield Twitter/X account, Battlefield Studios revealed that the beta will feature two distinct playlists: one with open weapon access, and one with traditional class-locked weapons.

For long time fans and new players alike, this dual-playlist system offers a unique experiment: old-school restrictions versus modern flexibility. And for us at the Battlefield One Podcast, this isn’t just another headline, it’s the start of a new conversation about the direction of the franchise.

While no official date has been provided for the open beta, industry insiders and dataminers suggest that we may be seeing it as early as August (4th August, 2025). Until then, the announcement alone has been enough to reignite deep discussions across the Battlefield community.

In Episode 40 of the Battlefield One Podcast, we dove deep into this topic. We explained how the removal of weapon restrictions for classes sparked outrage in parts of the Battlefield community. Many see it as abandoning the series’ core identity, but Tom argues it’s a necessary evolution.

“Battlefield needs to adapt to the modern times, whether you like it or not. This isn’t 2011. You’re not going to win over gamers with mechanics alone. You need to offer flexibility without sacrificing identity.”

In our episode, Tom reflects on how he replayed Battlefield 4 on a fresh account during his holiday. Starting from scratch reminded him how frustrating it is to be locked out of your preferred weapons simply because of your class. That frustration is exactly what DICE seems to be addressing with the new “Open Weapons” playlist.

And yet, the announcement reignited the same gatekeeping arguments that have haunted Battlefield for over a decade. “This isn’t Battlefield anymore,” some said. “This isn't Call of Duty.” But let’s be honest, we’ve heard that before.

When Battlefield 3 released, veterans of Battlefield 2 accused DICE of “selling out,” simplifying gameplay, and chasing the Call of Duty crowd. Now Battlefield 3 is considered one of the greatest titles in the series. History is not really repeating itself, but it rhymes.

What matters now is whether Battlefield Studios can balance nostalgia with relevance. The fact that they’re offering both playlists in the beta shows they’re listening. This isn’t about disrespecting the past. It’s about giving players agency in the future.

By offering “Open” and “Closed” modes side-by-side, Battlefield Studios is doing something they rarely do: putting the debate in players’ hands. This is more than a beta test. It’s a referendum on the future of Battlefield.

Battlefield Labs "Vision"

If you’re jumping into the Battlefield 6 beta, here’s what you should expect:

Open Weapons Playlist

• Use any weapon on any class.

• Reflects the new system seen in Battlefield Labs.

• Similar to how Warzone or Apex Legends handle loadouts.

• Prioritizes playstyle over rigid structure.

  
  

Closed Weapons Playlist

• Classic class-specific weapon restrictions.

• Assault = Assault rifles, Engineer = SMGs, Support = LMGs, Recon = Snipers.

• Plays more like Battlefield 3 or Battlefield 4.

  
  

Shared Systems in Both Playlists

• Class gadgets remain unique (RPGs, Medkits, Ammo Boxes).

• Both playlists will be available at the same time, no time-locked rotation.

Beta Timing

• As of now, no official beta date has been announced.

• However, trusted sources suggest the open beta is rumoured to begin in early August.

• Stay tuned to official Battlefield channels for confirmation.

At the Battlefield One Podcast, we’ve seen this community evolve through highs and lows, from the glory days of Battlefield 3 to the rocky launch of 2042. What we know for sure is this: Battlefield must adapt to survive.

The introduction of Open and Closed weapon playlists is not just a feature test, it’s a moment of introspection for the franchise. And maybe, just maybe, it's the right kind of compromise that lets both veterans and newcomers feel at home again.

We’ll be following this story closely, analyzing your reactions, and keeping the conversation alive. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and join us on Discord to share your experiences when the beta drops.

This article is brought to you by the Battlefield One Podcast, where we break down announcements like this, analyze gameplay footage, and track the development of Battlefield week to week. Whether you're new to the franchise or a returning veteran, follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen, and get the full picture behind the frontlines.

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