After spending a fair amount of time in the Battlefield 6 Open Beta (read my thoughts about it here), jumping back into Battlefield 1 felt like stepping into a different kind of war. Nearly a decade after its release, Battlefield 1 still managed to awe me with moments and experiences that today’s newer shooters, including the BF6 Open Beta, don’t fully capture – at least not yet. This isn’t about deciding which Battlefield game is the best or predicting the future of the series. Instead, it’s about the raw experience of playing these two very different games back to back and what each one brings to the table right now – not including what BF6 may offer in 6 weeks from now, when it officially launches on Steam.

A ground-level look at Battlefield 6 Open Beta

The Battlefield 6 Open Beta showed off a gameplay loop that fans of the genre will recognize instantly – fast-paced matches, destructible environments, team-based combat, and a solid variety of game modes. I tried every mode available and found them all to carry the familiar Battlefield feeling: chaotic, fun, and full of moments where teamwork ends up making a difference. 

That said, the beta felt limited in some key ways. The maps were smaller and more cramped than many would expect from a full Battlefield experience. The focus was more on intense, close-quarters fighting rather than sprawling battles, which I sorely missed. While destruction was impressive and satisfying, the scale and variety were scaled back, which made the matches feel more like tight skirmishes rather than massive battles. Now, recent leaks have showcased way bigger maps likely coming our way with the full launch, which is fantastic – because fans like myself love how the battle develops on a bigger scale. 

Stepping back into Battlefield 1

I’m not going to lie – playing Battlefield 1 after the BF6 Beta was like breathing fresh air. Instead of tight matches, I found myself in sprawling battlefields full of unpredictable moments and a sense of atmosphere that instantly pulled me in. And mind you, I hadn’t played this game in a long, long time. 

To be honest, Battlefield 1’s World War I setting is a huge part of what makes it stand out. The detailed trenches, open hills, and deserts look good, sure, but they literally shape moments on the battlefield. Maps like Monte Grappa left me on edge as I ran along exposed ridges, always scared that a sniper could be watching from a kilometer away. In a way, it forced me to think tactically about positioning and movement, rather than just charging into the fight. What I’m trying to say is, it didn’t feel mindless in any capacity whatsoever. Also, the HUD in BF1 is just so much more clutter-free than BF6 (although you can declutter it in settings). It just keeps the attention where it’s supposed to be, and it does wonders for the sake of immersion. 

Sinai Desert is another memorable map for me. The open sand, random weather changes like sandstorms kept me on my toes in a way that felt fresh, even after years of playing shooters. They limit visibility and shift the whole pace of combat. Game-changing elements like the armored train and behemoths are some of my other favorite parts of the game. They can flip the balance of a match at any time. When one showed up in a match, it immediately changed how everyone played. Teams had to drop their current plans and deal with the new threat. Because of all this, my experience with BF1 felt alive in a way the BF6 Beta didn’t quite match. But bear in mind that I’m comparing my experience with an incomplete modern game to a nearly decade-old title – it’s an important factor here. 

In my opinion, Battlefield 1’s maps work so well because they tell a story through gameplay. As I played the BF6 Open Beta, maps like Liberation Peak and Siege of Cairo felt modern and polished, sure, but they were missing those big, wild moments where the environment itself becomes part of the battle story.

The pace of combat in Battlefield 1 also deserves a lot of credit. It is equal parts tactical and smooth, and it feels just right. The explosions hit hard, the weapons feel solid, and the kill feedback – oh, how I love the kill feedback in BF1. The sounds, the screen effects, and the satisfaction of a well-placed shot are still unbeatable, even years later.

Playing Battlefield 1 also reminded me how much the game rewards teamwork. Squad play is a core feature of the Battlefield franchise, yes, but that feature is executed really well in BF1. When squads coordinate well, it changes everything. Spotting enemies for your teammates, reviving downed allies, and pushing objectives together feels meaningful and keeps tension high – even when playing with strangers.

I really, really hope that Battlefield 6 can replicate the scale and cinematic flair of Battlefield 1. I was a huge fan of the gunplay, and some newer mechanics like dragging while reviving or the enhanced destruction system in the Beta. Going by the reviews so far, Battlefield 6 will most likely be a hit game – but whether it attains “classic” status (like BF1) largely depends on the direction it takes post-launch, and if it manages to retain a majority of its player base in due time.

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Anubhav Sharma – Tech Writer – 912 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024

Fueled by a childhood spent taking apart video game consoles to see how they worked, I turned my passion for tech into writing. I have a double Bachelor’s in Computer Science Engineering (2018) and English (2024). I’ve been writing on a variety of tech topics since 2016, with a particular interest in gaming. When I’m not hunting down the latest tech news, you’ll find me producing music, gaming, or hiking.