Battlefield 6’s limited-access testing phase is now live, offering early gameplay to select participants. While technically exclusive to code holders, widespread distribution through partnerships has allowed many to join ahead of the broader public sessions starting August 9-10 and resuming August 14-17. Despite these restrictions, enthusiasm has surged, with Steam user counts exceeding previous franchise milestones.
Data reveals unprecedented engagement, as concurrent Steam players during the closed trial period have already topped Battlefield 2042’s lifetime peak. SteamDB metrics show the beta reached 334,549 simultaneous users, nearly triple its predecessor’s best performance. At present, over 303,000 participants remain active on the platform alone.
These figures underscore intense anticipation for the franchise’s revitalization. Observers predicted robust participation, but the scale has surprised even optimistic forecasts. EA’s multi-studio development approach appears to resonate, with four teams collaborating to refine mechanics and scale.
While early metrics are promising, long-term success hinges on October’s full release. Maintaining player retention beyond launch week will prove crucial for sustained relevance in competitive multiplayer markets. For those unable to join the test phase, detailed gameplay analyses from industry events offer insights. Wccftech’s Kai Tatsumoto recently shared hands-on impressions from EA’s preview event, highlighting key improvements and innovations.