New Crossplay and Matchmaking System Based on Inputs Announced for Battlefield 6
In a move aimed at providing a more balanced and fair multiplayer experience, Battlefield 6, set to launch on October 10, 2025, has announced a new "preferred crossplay" system. This system prioritises players based on their input device, grouping controller users (on Xbox and PlayStation) together, and PC players using mouse and keyboard as well. Crossplay between input types will only occur if necessary to fill lobbies [1][3][5].
Battlefield 6's multiplayer matchmaking also incorporates elements of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), but developers have clarified that this is not the exclusive deciding factor. Instead, automatic team balancing within matches ensures competitive fairness [2][4]. The degree to which skill influences matchmaking may vary based on game mode and player counts [6].
The new crossplay system is designed to reduce input-based advantages and improve matchmaking fairness, while maintaining players within their preferred input community and regional player base to ensure low latency. Crossplay can be toggled in settings, but when enabled it defaults to the "console preferred crossplay" setting [3].
Battlefield 6's multiplayer mode emphasises class-based squad-oriented combat, environmental destruction and deformation, vehicular chaos, and grounded warfare [1]. Good strategies and teamwork are crucial, as players can heal and revive teammates, and also crew vehicles [2]. Smaller-scale close-quarters combat modes may prioritise skill more than chaotic modes [7].
The upcoming game aims to take on Call of Duty, but recent criticisms faced by EA due to the failures of games like Battlefield 2042, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, among others, may cast a shadow over its launch [8]. Meanwhile, Call of Duty has faced backlash for releasing "the dumbest cartoon skins imaginable" [9].
Battlefield 6 was fully revealed last week, and its open beta starts on August 9 [10]. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5 [11]. With its innovative multiplayer matchmaking system, Battlefield 6 is poised to offer a unique and balanced gaming experience for players across platforms.
[1] Battlefield 6 showcases class-based squad-oriented massive scale combat, environmental destruction and deformation, vehicular chaos, and grounded warfare. [2] In Battlefield 6, good strategies and teamwork are important due to the ability to heal and revive teammates, and also crew vehicles. [3] Battlefield 6 uses a preferred crossplay system that primarily groups players based on their input device: players using controllers (on Xbox and PlayStation) are matched mostly with other controller users, while PC players using mouse and keyboard are grouped together. Crossplay between input types only occurs if necessary to fill lobbies, aiming to reduce input-based advantages and improve matchmaking fairness. This approach prioritizes maintaining players within their preferred input community and regional player base to balance low latency and fair play. Crossplay is fully toggleable in settings, but when enabled it defaults to this "console preferred crossplay," meaning it prioritizes matching console players together before including PC players. [4] Battlefield 6's crossplay will be a fallback option if there aren't enough regional players present to create a match with good latency. [5] Battlefield 6 launches on October 10, 2025. [6] EA has faced criticism following the failures of games like Battlefield 2042, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, among others. [7] Battlefield 6's lack of killstreaks and focus on team-oriented play may help offset disparities in skill. [8] Battlefield 2042's blanket crossplay between console and PC created imbalances in combat situations. [9] Call of Duty has faced backlash for releasing the "dumbest cartoon skins imaginable" recently. [10] Battlefield 6's open beta starts on August 9. [11] Battlefield 6 will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5.
- The new "preferred crossplay" system in Battlefield 6, launching on October 10, 2025, groups controller users on Xbox and PlayStation together, and PC players who use mouse and keyboard as well, to reduce input-based advantages and ensure fairness.
- Battlefield 6, available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5, prioritizes maintaining players within their preferred input community and regional player base for balanced low latency.
- Battlefield 6, set to provide a unique and balanced gaming experience across platforms, uses a "console preferred crossplay" setting as the default when crossplay is enabled in settings.
- Microsoft's Xbox Series X, along with PC and PlayStation, is one of the gaming platforms where Battlefield 6 will be available for players to enjoy its innovative multiplayer matchmaking system and grounded warfare experience.
