Battlefield 6 devs respond to backlash over controversial class system change

Battlefield has always locked weapons to class; for example, if you want to use a Sniper Rifle, then you need to use the Recon class. However, the next game (commonly called Battlefield 6) has scrapped that system and lets you use any gun with any class, and the devs have responded to the backlash over it.

While DICE’s latest shooter hasn’t been officially revealed yet, select fans are already playing thanks to the Battlefield Labs playtests. Things have leaked, such as a free-to-play battle royale mode, but the devs are also discussing certain features through their Community Updates.

They explained their class system back in May, but it was met with widespread backlash. The tweet replies are full of players saying weapons should be locked, with popular YouTuber Westie saying, “Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 shows you how it’s done best.”

Battlefield sets itself apart as a class-based shooter, where teamwork is essential. By removing these restrictions, the worry is that the class choice becomes less important, and players will gravitate towards the ‘meta,’ removing variety.

DICE doubles down on removing weapon class restrictions

Following the response to their class system explainer, DICE gave another update on July 11, doubling down on their plans.

“We have seen the suggestions to revert to previous systems and/or closed weapons,” they said. “We are keeping these in mind in our discussions as we aim to connect new and veteran players to the Battlefield experience, fostering teamwork and creating a universal understanding of our systems for the future.”

So, while they’re aware that many players want to see the classic weapon class system, they’re sticking with their system for the foreseeable future.

The class system has two components: customizable and class-defining. Customizable options aren’t locked to your class, like weapon loadouts and throwables, while class-defining components are “designed to enhance ‘pick-up-and-go’ playability and reinforce the expectations of your class identity.”

We don’t know exactly when the next Battlefield arrives, but it’ll be before March 2026. We should get the release date locked in at the official reveal event, which is set for “summer.”