EA Says Next Battlefield Is 'Expected' Fiscal Year 2026

EA's Next Battlefield Game: A Return to Roots

Electronic Arts (EA) announced today that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release within its fiscal year 2026, spanning April 2025 to March 2026. This follows the release of a pre-alpha gameplay glimpse and the unveiling of "Battlefield Labs," a new player testing initiative designed to gather feedback and shape the game's development.

The initiative involves four studios under the "Battlefield Studios" umbrella: DICE (multiplayer development), Motive (single-player and multiplayer maps), Ripple Effect (new player acquisition), and Criterion (single-player campaign). This collaborative effort marks a significant investment, reflecting EA's commitment to revitalizing the franchise after the less-than-stellar reception of Battlefield 2042.

Battlefield Labs will allow players to test various aspects of the game, from core combat and destruction to weapons, vehicles, and gadgets. Key game modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will also be tested, alongside explorations of the class system to enhance strategic gameplay. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

This new Battlefield game will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the highly-regarded Battlefield 3 and 4 eras. This shift away from the futuristic setting of Battlefield 2042 and the inclusion of features like Specialists is a direct response to player feedback. The new game will feature 64-player maps and will abandon the Specialist system entirely.

Concept art previously revealed hints at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, as well as the incorporation of natural disasters such as wildfires. EA aims to recapture the core Battlefield experience while expanding the franchise's offerings to attract a broader audience.

While EA is investing heavily in this project, it's worth noting the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio previously developing a standalone single-player Battlefield title. The pressure is undeniably high to deliver a successful game after the missteps of Battlefield 2042. EA has yet to reveal the platforms or official title for the upcoming game.