EA's flagship military shooter, Battlefield 6, is facing a severe player retention crisis as it heads into 2026. Data reveals a staggering 87% drop in its concurrent player count on PC since its peak last October, casting a long shadow over the game's future as its second season approaches.
A Drastic Decline in Popularity
After a seemingly strong launch that saw over 650,000 concurrent players at its peak, the game's fortunes have dramatically reversed. In the last week, its 24-hour peak on Steam has struggled to break 84,000 players, a figure that places it far behind EA's own Apex Legends and newcomer ARC Raiders on the platform.
While console player numbers from PlayStation and Xbox are not public, the PC data paints a worrying picture for publisher Electronic Arts, which had reportedly harboured ambitions of attracting 100 million players to the title. The decline is particularly sharp when compared to other shooters, though it currently maintains a lead over the troubled launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Community Backlash and Live Service Missteps
The player exodus is reflected in a significant shift in sentiment on platforms like Steam and Reddit. The game's recent review score has plummeted from 'Mostly Positive' to 'Mixed', with a chorus of complaints from the community.
A primary point of contention was the Season 1 update. Many players felt betrayed by the integration of the free-to-play RedSec Battle Royale mode into the premium game, calling it a 'bait and switch' tactic that made the experience feel like a 'knock-off Warzone'.
Further controversy erupted in December 2025 over allegations that some paid cosmetic items were created using generative AI, contradicting earlier promises from an EA general manager. While never officially confirmed, a suspect dual-barrelled M4A1 design fueled player distrust.
Frustration also centres on aggressive monetisation. Players report being bombarded with Battle Pass and store promotions upon logging in, with individual cosmetic skins costing over £15 each. The progression system has been criticised as overly grindy, with unlocks for camos and weapon attachments taking an excessive amount of time, diminishing the sense of reward.
Core Gameplay and Content Concerns
Despite these issues, many agree that the core gunplay of Battlefield 6 remains solid. The fundamental problem, according to long-term fans, lies in the lacklustre map design and a slow drip-feed of new content.
Outside of standout maps like Siege of Cairo and Mirak Valley, the selection is considered underwhelming. There are loud calls for the development team at Battlefield Studios to revisit classic maps from the series' back catalogue, such as Wake Island or Operation Metro, which would better suit the modern military theme.
The live service model itself is under fire. Players nostalgic for the older expansion pack model argue that receiving several maps, modes, and weapons in a substantial bundle created more excitement and longevity than the current seasonal trickle of content.
The Road Ahead for Battlefield 6
All eyes are now on Season 2, which is expected to begin the week of 19 January 2026. The community is desperately hoping for a major content injection that can address the widespread criticisms and rekindle interest.
The coming weeks will be critical for EA and Battlefield Studios. To reverse the tide, they must listen to their core audience, deliver high-quality maps, rethink aggressive monetisation, and provide meaningful rewards for player time. The future of this once-promising instalment in the legendary franchise hangs in the balance.
