The next installment in the iconic Battlefield franchise is slated to hit the market during EA's fiscal year 2026, as announced by the company in its financial results for the third quarter ending March 2025. This eagerly awaited release is expected to launch between April 2025 and March 2026. EA has given fans a tantalizing first look at the pre-alpha gameplay as part of a broader announcement concerning player testing and the game's development through "Battlefield Labs."
Battlefield Labs is EA's innovative approach to player-driven testing and development, designed to refine the game ahead of its fiscal year 2026 release. EA's financial report emphasizes this new initiative as a pivotal part of their strategy. Players interested in participating in these tests will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to access the pre-alpha content. EA expressed pride in the game's current state, even at this early stage, and is eager for player feedback to enhance the development process further.
EA has consolidated its efforts under the "Battlefield Studios" banner, encompassing four studios dedicated to the new game. The main developer, DICE in Stockholm, Sweden, is focusing on the multiplayer component. Motive, known for the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons, is crafting single-player missions and additional multiplayer maps. Ripple Effect, formerly DICE LA, aims to attract new players to the franchise, while Criterion, having concluded its work on Need For Speed, is developing the single-player campaign. EA describes this phase as "critical" and is keen on gathering player input to prioritize, improve, and refine the game before its release.
The development team is set to test core gameplay elements such as combat and destruction, weapons, vehicles, gadgets, maps, modes, and squad play. Classic Battlefield modes like Conquest and Breakthrough will be part of the testing, alongside exploring new ideas and refining the class system (Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon) to deepen strategic gameplay.
Despite dedicating four studios to this project, EA made the tough decision last year to shut down Ridgeline Games, which was working on a standalone single-player Battlefield game with a stronger narrative focus. In September, EA shared more about the untitled game, including its return to a modern setting after exploring World War I, World War II, and the near future. Concept art hinted at ship-to-ship and helicopter combat, along with natural disasters like wildfires.
Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn and Group GM for EA Studios Organization, highlighted the importance of returning to the roots of what made Battlefield 3 and 4 successful, suggesting a nostalgic return to the series' heyday. The next Battlefield aims to correct the course after the mixed reception of Battlefield 2042, which saw criticism for its Specialists and 128-player maps. The new game will revert to 64-player maps and eliminate the Specialist system.
With significant investment and high expectations, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has described the project as one of the company's most ambitious. The "Battlefield Studios" tagline, "We’re all in on Battlefield," underscores this commitment. Zampella emphasized the need to regain the trust of core Battlefield players while expanding the franchise's universe to offer diverse experiences without leaving the Battlefield ecosystem.
While EA has yet to reveal the official title and launch platforms for the new Battlefield game, the anticipation and investment in its development signal a promising future for the franchise.
