Battlefield 6 clarifies PC vs. console crossplay, skill-based matchmaking — potentially solving one of my biggest issues with Battlefield 2042

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Battlefield 6 is on the way, and the hype is palpable.

Last week, the complete unveiling of Battlefield 6 took place, emphasizing a strong comeback to Battlefield’s signature style. The game offers team-based, class-oriented action on a grand scale, destructible and deformable environments, chaotic vehicle battles, and realistic warfare. This combination makes Battlefield 6 particularly well-positioned to challenge Call of Duty. As more information about the game continues to emerge, our understanding of it deepens.

As a dedicated fan, it’s no surprise to admit that the predecessor, Battlefield 2042, faced some harsh criticism. The changes in map designs and game structure seemed to drive away many die-hard Battlefield enthusiasts, as EA struggled to understand who Battlefield was intended for and what its essence truly is. One element of 2042 that I found particularly frustrating was the universal crossplay between console and PC platforms.

In different combat scenarios, discrepancies in controls between consoles and PCs may lead to an uneven playing field. For instance, PC users can swiftly change direction without compromising precision because mice don’t have deadzones or delay in speed adjustment compared to joysticks used for console movement. On the other hand, console players benefit from aim assist, a feature that subtly suggests enemy locations that might otherwise be hard to spot and also enhances accuracy.

To ensure fairness among all players, it makes sense to isolate them based on their individual inputs. This approach is attractive for companies due to cost efficiency, as they only need to manage a single pool of players. However, the question arises: does the potential decrease in user experience justify this cost reduction? More and more publishers are beginning to question this.

In summary, Battlefield 6 is implementing a new preferred matchmaking system based on the type of control used. Initially, players using controllers (like Xbox or PlayStation) will be grouped together for matches, and only when essential will they be paired with PC users who use mouse and keyboard. This principle works in both directions.

According to Battlefield 6 producer Alexia Christofi, crossplay will serve as an alternative when there are insufficient local players for a match that ensures low lag.

Crossplay can be turned on or off in this game. If it’s enabled, we prioritize matching you with other console users first for the best gaming experience. However, if we can’t find a suitable match among console players, we’ll open up to all platforms for your matchmaking. So, let’s get ready to play together! (August 2, 2025)

In the game Battlefield 2042, you might encounter uneven contests as PC and console players are combined together. This can lead to unbalanced battles, with precision and swift movement of mouse-controlled characters often proving advantageous in most combat scenarios, especially on the expansive, flatter map designs of Battlefield 2042.

In simpler terms, you might have been able to disable crossplay, but since the option was concealed and hard to find in the game settings, most gamers weren’t aware it existed. As a result, the number of players who had crossplay disabled was extremely small, making it challenging for matches to gather enough participants when this setting was activated.

This preferential setup aims to strike a balance, offering quick matching rates alongside consistency, as it prioritizes that the majority of players utilize similar input mechanisms in the game.

Skill-based matchmaking in Battlefield 6

A point of debate in current military shooter games is the concept of skill-based matchmaking. Earlier versions of Call of Duty used a somewhat randomized skill-based matchmaking system, but in newer editions, they focus more on pairing players who have similar abilities.

As a researcher, I’ve noticed that Microsoft and Activision argue that skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) results in longer gaming sessions and higher user satisfaction based on their findings. However, the conversation often revolves around the monotonous atmosphere these games seem to foster. If the system functions optimally, each game demands full concentration and plays out with a consistent feel, which might lack the dynamic, unpredictable charm of older versions.

In order to understand this, people are wondering how the Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) system will function in Battlefield 6. Given that Battlefield series typically features large-scale battles of 32 versus 32 players, it seems improbable to gather 64 players with comparable skill levels.

According to CharlieINTEL’s report, Battlefield 6 places a high priority on ping when matching players together. Since Battlefield matches are quite large, it is important for players to be as close as possible to the servers to provide optimal gaming experiences. EA hints that skill will play a role in the game, but its influence may differ depending on the specific game mode and the number of players involved.

In my opinion, it’s reasonable to assume that close-quarter combat modes in Battlefield 6 will place more emphasis on individual skills compared to larger-scale, chaotic modes. Even with skill-based matchmaking, the absence of killstreaks and focus on teamwork can help minimize the impact of differences in skill levels. In Battlefield 6, well-planned strategies and effective teamwork are crucial due to features like healing, reviving teammates, and operating vehicles, which make cooperation essential for success.

Regardless of the past controversies surrounding EA and their games like Battlefield 2042 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, it’s pleasing to see that Battlefield 6 is progressing well. It would be refreshing to witness Battlefield giving Call of Duty a run for its money, especially considering Call of Duty’s questionable choices in releasing cartoonish skins lately, which has led to some negative reactions.

In simple terms, the game titled Battlefield 6 will be released on October 10, 2025, and can be played on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5. An open beta version of the game will become available for players to test on August 9.

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2025-08-04 14:42