Battlefield Sequel Expected in 2026

EA's Next Battlefield Game: A Return to Roots, Launching in Fiscal Year 2026

Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that the next installment in the Battlefield franchise is slated for release sometime between April 2025 and March 2026, falling within their fiscal year 2026. This announcement followed the release of their third-quarter financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2025.

This week brought the first official glimpse of the upcoming game, showcased alongside the reveal of "Battlefield Labs," a new player testing initiative. This pre-alpha gameplay footage, part of a video calling for playtesters, highlights EA's commitment to player feedback during development. Participation requires signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

EA's Battlefield Studios, a collaborative effort encompassing DICE (Stockholm), Motive Studios, Ripple Effect, and Criterion Games, is spearheading development. The studios' roles are clearly defined: DICE handles multiplayer, Motive contributes single-player missions and multiplayer maps, Ripple Effect focuses on attracting new players, and Criterion is crafting the single-player campaign. The teams are currently in a crucial development phase, prioritizing player feedback to refine core gameplay elements.

Battlefield Labs will allow for extensive testing of core mechanics, including combat, destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, and map design. Conquest and Breakthrough modes will be tested, alongside refinements to the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) to enhance strategic gameplay.

This ambitious project marks a significant investment for EA, involving four studios working concurrently. This contrasts with the closure of Ridgeline Games, a studio previously developing a standalone single-player Battlefield title, in 2024.

The new Battlefield will return to a modern setting, a departure from the series' recent forays into World War I, World War II, and the near future. Concept art suggests naval and air combat, alongside natural disaster elements like wildfires. This return to a modern setting, reminiscent of the popular Battlefield 3 and 4 eras, aims to recapture the core essence of the franchise and regain player trust after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042. Unlike its predecessor, the new game will feature 64-player maps and forgo the Specialist system.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson described the project as one of EA's most ambitious, reflecting the substantial investment and collaborative effort. The “Battlefield Studios” tagline, “We’re all in on Battlefield,” underscores this commitment. The goal is not only to satisfy core Battlefield fans but also to expand the franchise's appeal to a wider audience, offering diverse experiences within the Battlefield universe.

EA has yet to reveal official launch platforms or the game's final title.