Battlefield 6’s Battle Royale map leaks – But is it enough?

A Battle Royale mode, reportedly referred to as ‘Battlefield Royale’, has been a core part of the plans for Battlefield 6, as EA attempts to attract an audacious-seeming 100 million players to the upcoming title. While rumours about how this mode would work have circulated for months, we now have a BF6 Battle Royale map leak to blend in. 

Here we’ll examine the speculative and unofficial details this leak reveals and consider the potential pros and cons that may arise from it. We must keep in mind, though, that while the Battlefield series is well-versed in large-scale warfare, Battle Royales – and successful ones – are a specific type of beast. Whether or not BF6 is well-suited to the mode will be inseparable from any available map. So let’s roll out. 

July 27 arrived with a huge bit of news for BF6, as prolific Battlefield data-miner Temporyal posted what purported to be a recreated image of the BF6 BR map to X (formerly Twitter). The post, which has since had the image removed due to what X calls a “response to a report from the copyright holder”, was joined by these words from Temporyal:

While the image has been removed from X, it is still viewable on Reddit (at the time of writing), on a post titled ‘BF 6 battle royale map’, by Reddit user Upstairs_While. The image of the map includes nine specifically-named locations on the map itself, and a list of 27 other POIs to the right-hand side, seemingly bringing the total number of POIs to 36 across a map comprising sea, shoreline, building complexes with foliage, suburban areas, and rocky or sandy-looking lower mountain regions. Of course, the map is not confirmed at this point, and there are no further details. 

This leak is exactly that, and nothing should be taken as confirmed. However, if this map is anything like what’s coming, there are reasons to be interested. Firstly, there are suggestions that it could have incorporated parts of other Battlefield maps. An area named The Docks has fans hoping for a nod to BF3’s much-loved Noshahr Canals, and who knows, other hat-tips may be possible. 

Second, the breadth and variety of this rumoured map’s topography seem a solid starting point for a Battle Royale mode. That’s even before we know about building heights, available tools, vehicles, and loadout possibilities. A good Battle Royale map needs to support a compelling progression as the circle closes, and this landscape would seem to offer engaging areas for transitioning between zones, as well as a balance of wide-open peril and close-quarter concerns. 

For EA, there’s a third potential boost here, even if it’s not keen on leaks. Other titles’ players (okay, I mean Warzone) are taking note, and may prove to offer a first-day boost to the player number goal that EA is so keen on. In a comment below YouTuber WhoIsImmortal’s “First Look” video at the leaked info, one user asks, “Anyone else seriously considering dropping cod warzone for battlefields [SIC] when it comes out?” EA will be hoping more than a few are… 

Naturally, the key counter-point is covered by Temporyal in his text on the leaked image, where he’s placed: “Unofficial Information: Preview of unreleased content based on data mining. There is no guarantee this will make it into the game”. So there’s that. But even if the map does make it, I have a larger concern, especially if leaks about the clear variety of rumoured Battlefield 6 maps prove true.

Everyone is referring to this as the Battlefield 6 Battle Royale map, like it’s the only one. Just one map? Don’t get me wrong, I understand maps take time, but is one map going to be enough even at launch? Or perhaps it will always be that way for anyone with free access, while additional maps could be for premium access only? 

A single map feels slim, though. Sure, Fortnite has Battle Royale Island, but that’s always at risk of explosion, a time-slip, some Star Wars overhaul, or a bug invasion, and it morphs accordingly. A single map for ‘Battlefield Royale’ feels like a potential issue if EA wants to draw in BR players from elsewhere. After all, PUBG has five maps in rotation as I type, and even Warzone has two.

The thing about leaks is you need a shovel of salt handy because it’s very possible to slip on them. Yet if the leaked and alleged Battlefield Royale map proves reliable, it looks like a good first footing on new terrain for the series. It would be great to know the size of the map, the asset/building details, and, well, let’s be honest, everything that will be revealed when the details are official. 

Additionally, despite my concerns about the suggestion that there is just one map (and we don’t know that for certain), following the trailer reveal, there appears to be good interest in the title and the BR mode. That bodes well for what will surely be a huge focus for competitive gamers the day BF6 or the mode becomes available. 

How the overall sentiment will be split is less certain. While some Battlefield fans are undoubtedly open-minded about the free Battle Royale mode, others may see it as a distraction from the core BF experience. But while it’s impossible to cater to everyone with any release, more players in lobbies would seem to be a net win as long as more eyes don’t bring more issues.

The leak of the purported BF6 Battle Royale (‘Battlefield Royale’) map raises a ton of questions, but it also brings with it a good degree of interest. Further, should the leak prove reliable or reminiscent of an actual BR map at release, there will be plenty of POIs, varied combat areas, and a good level of potential for vehicles and gadgets. 

How long such a map may prove enjoyable is a valid question when we have an official map to dissect. Yet there are lingering issues about how this potential map may compare to other titles’ offerings, and how a BR mode will fare for Battlefield 6 in general. Still, there seems to be enough interest in the mode for cautious optimism, and admiring glances from some existing Battle Royale fans.