Battlefield 6's second open beta kicks off with changes

After the huge success of the first open beta, EA and DICE are opening the doors once again for Battlefield 6 fans, as the game’s second open beta runs from August 14 to August 17, 2025. This follow-up test isn't just a repeat of the first weekend, it introduces new maps, additional game modes, more varied playlists, and several tweaks designed in direct response to community feedback.

All the novelties

One of the standout additions is the brand-new Empire State map, which trades wide-open battlefields for gritty, infantry-focused street combat. Set in a bomb-scarred section of Brooklyn near the iconic bridge, the map features tight corridors, elevated vantage points, and plenty of destructible cover to encourage aggressive, close-quarters firefights. Returning alongside it are fan favorites such as Siege of Cairo, Liberation Peak, and Iberian Offensive, offering a mix of urban and open-terrain skirmishes.

The second beta also revives some classic Battlefield gameplay with the introduction of Rush. This objective-driven battle pits attackers against defenders in a race to arm or disarm M-COM stations, creating intense, fast-paced encounters. Another newcomer, Squad Deathmatch, brings four squads into close combat, with victory going to the team that racks up the most eliminations. These join a rotation of returning modes like Conquest, Breakthrough, Domination, King of the Hill, and Team Deathmatch, ensuring a wide variety of ways to play.

Playlists have been overhauled to keep matches feeling fresh. The All-Out Warfare category now cycles between Breakthrough, Conquest, and Rush, while themed playlists such as “Attack & Defend” or “Close Quarters” cater to specific playstyles. Perhaps the most welcome change for many players is the new Custom Search option, allowing matchmaking to prioritize specific map and mode combinations as an answer to repeated community requests for more control over the experience.

For newcomers, DICE is introducing a gentler onboarding process through Initiation Mode, where players under rank 15 can learn the ropes with AI bots in Breakthrough Initiation or Conquest matches. Meanwhile, veterans can dive straight into the full player-versus-player chaos across the expanded playlist selection.

To sweeten the deal, Weekend 2 brings a fresh set of challenges with exclusive cosmetic rewards that will carry over into the full release on October 10, 2025. Objectives include capturing flags, racking up kills or assists, and securing sectors in Rush and Breakthrough. Completing these will unlock items such as the War Machine vehicle skin, the Bat Company dog tag, and the Dominion weapon package.

With a stronger variety of maps and modes, better matchmaking tools, and tangible rewards for participation, this second open beta feels like a step toward the more refined, community-driven Battlefield experience that players have been asking for. If the first weekend was about testing the waters, Weekend 2 is about proving that DICE is listening, and ready to deliver the best possible experience with Battlefield 6. Of course, you can access the Battlefield 6 CD keys with our comparator for your preferred edition of the game if you want to be ready for launch day.