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.

This ambitious project leverages the collective expertise of four studios under the "Battlefield Studios" banner: 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 for EA, following the closure of Ridgeline Games in 2024.

The upcoming Battlefield game will return to a modern setting, drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed Battlefield 3 and 4, abandoning the controversial Specialists system and 128-player maps of Battlefield 2042. Instead, it will feature the classic 64-player format and focus on core gameplay elements such as refined combat, destruction, and strategic squad play. Early testing will concentrate on core mechanics, weapons, vehicles, and map design, with Conquest and Breakthrough modes confirmed. The game will also explore innovative features and enhance existing systems like the class system.

Concept art previously revealed hints at naval and aerial combat, alongside the inclusion of natural disaster elements such as wildfires. EA aims to recapture the essence of the Battlefield experience while expanding the franchise's appeal to a broader audience, offering diverse gameplay within the Battlefield universe.

While EA remains tight-lipped about specific launch platforms and the game's official title, the substantial investment and collaborative development suggest a high-stakes effort to regain player trust and deliver a triumphant return to form for the Battlefield series. The emphasis on player feedback through Battlefield Labs underscores EA's commitment to creating a game that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.