Battlefield Sequel Forecast for 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 preview and the unveiling of "Battlefield Labs," a new player testing initiative designed to gather feedback and shape the game's development.

EA also introduced "Battlefield Studios," a collaborative effort uniting four studios: DICE (Stockholm), Motive, Ripple Effect, and Criterion. Each studio is tackling specific aspects of the game:

• DICE (Sweden): Multiplayer development.
• Motive: Single-player missions and multiplayer maps.
• Ripple Effect: Onboarding new players to the franchise.
• Criterion: Single-player campaign.

This collaborative approach marks a significant investment, reflecting EA's commitment to revitalizing the Battlefield franchise after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042. The development team is currently in a critical phase, actively seeking player input on core gameplay elements, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and map design. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will also undergo rigorous testing. Battlefield Labs will also serve as a testing ground for innovative ideas and refinements to the class system.

The new Battlefield will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the highly-regarded Battlefield 3 and 4 eras. This shift aims to recapture the core Battlefield experience, while simultaneously expanding the franchise's offerings to attract a wider audience. Key changes include a return to 64-player maps and the removal of the controversial Specialist system.

While EA is investing heavily in the upcoming title, it's worth noting the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio previously working on a standalone single-player Battlefield game.

EA has yet to reveal the game's official title and target platforms. However, early concept art hints at naval and aerial combat, alongside environmental hazards like wildfires. The renewed focus on core gameplay mechanics and a return to a modern setting signal a strategic course correction for the franchise, aiming to regain the trust and enthusiasm of long-time fans while attracting new players.