Battlefield 6 ships with two parallel ways to play its class system: Open Weapons and Closed Weapons. Both use the same maps, modes, progression, and classes, but they handle weapon access differently—either letting anyone run any gun, or restoring tighter, class-led rules familiar from earlier Battlefield entries.

Open vs. Closed Weapons at a glance

Feature Open Weapons Closed Weapons
Weapon access Any class can equip any weapon Classes are restricted to specific categories (see below)
Class identity More flexible loadouts; identities are defined by gadgets and incentives Clearer role boundaries through weapon limitations
Performance in testing Slightly higher kills per hour in Conquest (+0.2) and Breakthrough (+0.1) Very close to Open in player outcomes
Player preference in beta Vast majority chose Open after trying both; class pick rates differed by ~1–2% Used by a smaller slice of players during testing
Availability at launch Available Available

Closed Weapons playlist rules (class restrictions)

Closed Weapons brings back the traditional class-and-gun pairing. Each class can use:

  • Its featured weapon type:
    • Assault: Assault Rifles
    • Engineer: SMGs
    • Support: LMGs
    • Recon: Sniper Rifles
  • Plus a shared pool: Carbines, DMRs, and Shotguns

This structure creates predictable encounters and sharper role definition. If you see a Recon with a sniper rifle on a ridge, you can assume their strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, a Support tethered to an LMG plays into suppression and sustained fire rather than aggressive flanking with non‑class primaries.

Open Weapons playlist rules (flexibility with class incentives)

Open Weapons lets any class equip any primary. To preserve class feel, Battlefield 6 incentivizes “Signature Weapons” for each class with small, role-appropriate benefits when you use the intended weapon family:

  • Assault: Faster weapon swap and sprint‑to‑fire with Assault Rifles
  • Engineer: Improved hip‑fire accuracy with SMGs
  • Support: No movement speed penalty when carrying LMGs
  • Recon: Longer breath‑hold and faster rechamber on Sniper Rifles

The result is a wide spectrum of viable loadouts—an Engineer can bring an AR for mid‑range fights, or a Recon can run an SMG for urban pushes—while still nudging classes toward their traditional lanes through these bonuses.

What early data says about Open vs. Closed

In pre‑launch testing that offered both playlists, most players gravitated to Open Weapons after trying both. Class selection stayed remarkably consistent across the two modes, with pick rates differing by roughly one to two percent. Measured performance was also close: players in Open Weapons posted slightly more kills per hour—about +0.2 in Conquest and +0.1 in Breakthrough—than those in Closed.

EA’s takeaway is clear: “Open weapons is the right path forward for Battlefield 6.” Even so, the studio is shipping both playlists, so players who prefer the classic, locked setup can stick with it at launch.

How the choice changes moment‑to‑moment play

  • Engagement expectations: Closed makes enemy capabilities easier to read at a glance. Open introduces more surprises—an Assault might carry a close‑range backup, or a Recon might be built for interiors.
  • Squad composition: Closed encourages complementary roles by default. Open lets squads duplicate weapon types across classes without giving up class gadgets.
  • Balance pressure: Open can produce “best‑in‑slot” loadouts across classes; Signature bonuses gently counterbalance that by rewarding on‑role weapons.

Which Battlefield 6 playlist to pick

  • Choose Open Weapons if you want maximum loadout freedom and are comfortable adapting to more varied enemy kits. You’ll keep your class and gadgets, with incentives that reward staying on‑role.
  • Choose Closed Weapons if you prefer defined roles, clearer readability in fights, and a feel that’s closer to earlier Battlefield titles with class‑led weapon pools.

Both playlists use the same progression and core systems. You’re not missing out on XP or modes by choosing one over the other.

Availability and release timing

Both Open and Closed Weapons playlists are available at launch. Battlefield 6 releases on October 10 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

If you’re undecided, start with Open to explore the sandbox, then swap to Closed for a few matches on your favorite modes. The mechanics are close enough that your class choice and map knowledge matter more than the playlist you pick.