The most heated battle in Battlefield 6 isn’t happening in the streets of a war-torn city—it’s unfolding in the loadout screen.
A single design choice has split the community in two:
Should Battlefield 6’s weapons be open for everyone, or locked by class?
This isn’t just a small gameplay tweak—it’s a philosophical divide that shapes how every match feels. With DICE’s new Open Weapon System taking center stage, many players are thrilled about the newfound freedom… while others argue that it undermines the tactical, team-based DNA that defines Battlefield.
This guide breaks down both systems, explores the data-driven controversy, and helps you decide which side of this digital war you belong on.
🎯 Understanding Both Systems: Freedom vs Tradition
🔓 What Are Open Weapons?
The Open Weapon System is DICE’s modern take on class design, built around player freedom. It lets you equip any primary weapon with any class, breaking away from decades of strict weapon restrictions.
Under this system:
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A Recon can wield an SMG for aggressive flanking.
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An Engineer can pick up a sniper rifle for long-range vehicle support.
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Players choose classes mainly for their gadgets and abilities, not for weapon access.
It’s Battlefield without borders—and for some, it’s a breath of fresh air.
🔒 What Are Closed Weapons?
The Closed Weapon System preserves Battlefield’s traditional formula.
Each class keeps its defined role, with specific weapon types reinforcing distinct playstyles.
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Assault: Assault rifles for frontline engagements.
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Engineer: SMGs and shotguns for close-quarters and vehicle combat.
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Support: LMGs for suppressive fire.
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Recon: Bolt-action rifles for long-range precision.
Closed Weapons emphasize role identity and teamwork, rewarding squads that coordinate their class abilities.
💬 The Community Controversy: A Debate Fueled by Data
The debate erupted when DICE announced Open Weapons as the default mode—citing beta data that showed most players preferred it after trying both systems.
But many fans weren’t convinced.
Critics argued the data was skewed, claiming Closed Weapons were “buried” in the beta’s menus. Some of the major complaints included:
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Open Weapons was the default “normal” mode.
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Closed Weapons required horizontal scrolling to access.
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Not every playlist even offered a Closed version.
DICE’s lead producer David Sirland addressed the issue, explaining that the studio accounted for menu placement when analyzing data and even moved tiles around during the beta to test visibility’s effect on player choice.
Despite that, many fans remain skeptical, seeing this as a philosophical tug-of-war between casual accessibility and core Battlefield identity.
⚙️ How Each System Affects Gameplay
The difference between Open and Closed systems extends far beyond aesthetics—it directly impacts balance, strategy, and class synergy.
| Aspect | Open Weapons | Closed Weapons |
|---|---|---|
| Class Diversity | Players pick classes for gadgets | Balanced distribution across classes |
| Weapon Variety | High freedom, less identity | Stronger class identity |
| Teamplay | Flexible, adaptive | Classic interdependence |
| Vehicle Play | More Engineers, faster vehicle takedowns | Fewer Engineers, more tactical pacing |
Community feedback during the beta suggested that Closed Weapons matches had:
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Fewer Engineers and snipers
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Longer, more tactical match pacing
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Fewer revive spams but more balanced team compositions
Closed mode matches also lasted 2–3% longer on average—proof that even small design choices reshape the entire flow of combat.
🔫 Signature Weapon Bonuses: The Hidden Balancing Act
To prevent class identity from completely disappearing, Battlefield 6 introduces Signature Weapon Bonuses—stat boosts that activate when using a class’s traditional weapon type.
| Class | Bonus Effect |
|---|---|
| Recon | Reduced sway & better breath-hold stability with sniper rifles |
| Assault | Faster ADS & improved recoil control with assault rifles |
| Engineer | Improved hipfire & faster gadget swapping with SMGs |
| Support | Larger ammo reserves & faster reloads with LMGs |
This creates a risk-reward loop: you can use any weapon, but ignoring your signature bonus means you’re technically handicapping yourself.
As one Reddit user put it:
“The bonuses need to be stronger so using off-class weapons feels like a trade-off, not just a preference.”
🧭 Which System Should You Choose?
✅ Choose Open Weapons If...
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You’re new to Battlefield and want more freedom while learning.
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You love using your favorite gun no matter the role.
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You value adaptability and loadout experimentation.
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You mostly play solo and prefer self-sufficiency.
✅ Choose Closed Weapons If...
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You’re a longtime Battlefield player who values class teamwork.
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You enjoy clear roles, structure, and defined identities.
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You want more balanced matches with longer tactical engagements.
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You thrive on specialization rather than versatility.
🧩 The Future of Battlefield 6: Balancing Freedom and Identity
The coexistence of both systems creates a massive challenge for developers. Balancing weapons, vehicles, and class bonuses across two distinct rule sets isn’t easy.
As one Steam player noted:
“It’s going to make the game harder to balance in the long run.”
Ripple Effect’s Matthew Nickerson, however, reassured fans that the studio’s philosophy is simple:
“We don’t want to make the decision for the player base… Play Battlefield how you want to.”
Both systems will coexist at launch—with dedicated Closed Weapon playlists confirmed for fans of traditional class gameplay.
🧠 Final Thoughts: The Battlefield Is Yours to Shape
At the end of the day, Battlefield 6’s Open vs Closed debate isn’t just about stats—it’s about identity.
Do you want a sandbox of total freedom, or a battlefield defined by tight teamwork and specialization?
There’s no wrong choice—just different philosophies.
Experiment with both. Find what fits your playstyle. And remember: no matter which path you take, the battlefield is yours to shape.
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