The launch of Battlefield 6 was just a few days ago, and discussions around its multiplayer maps are heating up. Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the initial selection, deeming it too limited and inconsistent with the developers’ earlier assurances. Currently, there are nine maps available in Battlefield 6’s matchmaking system, featuring a mix of sizes, themes, and environments. Players can explore urban landscapes, arid deserts, and mountainous terrains among others.
However, many in the community have observed some common characteristics across these maps. They tend to be on the smaller side overall, failing to deliver the expansive experience traditionally associated with both the Battlefield franchise and this installment specifically.
Community Reaction to Map Designs
Fans of Battlefield 6 are vocalizing their critiques regarding the beta’s cramped maps, especially in light of Dice’s lead producer having stated that “large maps exist.”
After players shared concerns, data miners unearthed information about a launch map that is significantly larger than the Siege of Cairo, just days following the beta criticisms about map sizes.
According to a developer’s statement, the beta’s reduced map sizes were designed “to ensure we hit the full-octane version of Battlefield,” with reassurances that “large maps exist” as well.
Players’ Experience with Compact Maps
The map layouts seem to prioritize close-range combat and sniping opportunities over vehicular action and large explosions. A user on r/Battlefield commented, “There is no flow, zero breathing room since the maps are so compact. Everyone is constantly on top of each other. Every map is drowned in campy sniping positions; it’s just chaotic in the worst way.”
Another breakdown echoed similar sentiments. “While the maps are enjoyable, they fail to evoke that classic Battlefield feel, even Mirak Valley, which I was most excited for. The borders are squeezed in too tightly for no good reason,” one player remarked.
A different user noted the recurring theme in map pairings, mentioning that two maps are NYC-inspired, two set in Asian landscapes, two representing European urban environments, and the last two in Egyptian settings. “Liberation Peak and Mirak Valley are so damn similar that they feel like one map split in half,” they expressed. “I’m not saying they’re all bad, but it really feels like there are five maps, not nine.”
Developer Commentary and Future Fixes
This same player criticized statements made by EA and DICE regarding the promised larger maps as “misleading,” turning their words into memes that reflect community frustrations.
In the meantime, matchmaking issues have arisen, with content creator Westie discussing on X/Twitter the difficulties of being placed in maps other than the ones he intended to join. He labeled this as “the most annoying thing” about the game currently.
Despite Battlefield 6’s initial success, several issues remain to be resolved in the upcoming weeks. The developers are reportedly addressing known issues, with fixes being implemented “one step at a time.” Within 48 hours of launch, they focused on correcting missing rewards, movement bugs, and are also considering “other elements of the core loop” in response to player feedback.