Yes, the next Battlefield game (often called “BF6” by the community) will have crossplay, but with a revolutionary twist. EA is implementing a “preferred input” system that prioritizes matching console players together before mixing in PC players, directly addressing the biggest complaint about Battlefield 2042’s crossplay system.
After watching console players literally downgrade to last-gen versions just to avoid PC lobbies in Battlefield 2042, EA realized their crossplay approach needed a complete overhaul. The new system promises to keep controller vs controller as the default, only bringing in mouse and keyboard players when absolutely necessary.
This guide breaks down exactly how it works.
Battlefield 6 “Preferred Input” Crossplay System
How the new matchmaking prioritizes fair competition
Key Change: Console players match with console players first. PC players only join if needed to fill lobbies.
BF6 Crossplay Compatibility
Yes, Battlefield 6 has crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. However, it works differently than Battlefield 2042. The new “preferred input” system means console players will primarily play against other console players, with PC players only joining when necessary to fill servers. You’ll still be able to disable crossplay entirely if desired.
Battlefield’s Crossplay Evolution
The current game’s crossplay system created such significant issues that players were willing to sacrifice graphics and features just to avoid it.
Crossplay System Comparison
See how Battlefield’s approach to crossplay is changing
How BF6’s “Preferred Input” Matchmaking Works
The new matchmaking system represents a complete philosophical shift. Instead of prioritizing the largest possible player pool, it prioritizes competitive fairness first. Here’s the exact process:
Matchmaking Priority System
Platform Compatibility Matrix for BF6
Based on EA’s announced changes and the technical realities of different console generations, here’s how platform compatibility will likely work in Battlefield 6:
Expected Crossplay Compatibility
| Platform | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X/S | PC | PlayStation 4 | Xbox One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | ✓ Yes Preferred |
✓ Yes Preferred |
✓ Yes Fallback |
✗ No | ✗ No |
| Xbox Series X/S | ✓ Yes Preferred |
✓ Yes Preferred |
✓ Yes Fallback |
✗ No | ✗ No |
| PC | ✓ Yes Fallback |
✓ Yes Fallback |
✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| PlayStation 4 | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Xbox One | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Science Behind Input Advantage
Understanding why EA is making these changes requires examining the measurable advantages different input methods provide in first-person shooters:
BF6 Cross-Progression
While crossplay gets the headlines, cross-progression is equally important for the modern gaming ecosystem. Based on Battlefield 2042’s implementation and industry trends, here’s what to expect:
What Transfers Between Platforms
Managing Crossplay Settings
Based on how Battlefield 2042 handles settings and EA’s commitment to player choice, here’s how you’ll likely control crossplay in BF6:
Crossplay Control Options
What This Means for Different Player Types
The new crossplay system affects different segments of the community in unique ways:
Conclusion
EA’s approach with Battlefield 6 could set a new industry standard. By acknowledging that forcing different input types together creates fundamental fairness issues, they’re prioritizing match quality over pure population numbers.
This “preferred input” model represents a mature evolution in crossplay design. It maintains the benefits of a unified player base while respecting the competitive integrity that keeps players engaged long-term. If successful, expect other major FPS franchises to adopt similar systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Battlefield 6 have crossplay?
Yes, Battlefield 6 will feature crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. However, it will use a new “preferred input” system where console players are matched together first, with PC players only added when needed to fill servers.
Can PS5 players play with Xbox Series X players in BF6?
Yes, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players will be in the same matchmaking pool and can play together. The new system prioritizes keeping console players together before adding PC players.
Can I turn off crossplay in Battlefield 6?
Yes, EA has confirmed that players will retain the ability to completely disable crossplay. This will limit you to your platform’s player pool only, which may result in longer queue times during off-peak hours.
Will PS4 and Xbox One players be able to play BF6 with next-gen consoles?
Based on Battlefield 2042’s model, last-gen and current-gen consoles will likely remain separated due to technical limitations (64 vs 128 players). PS4/Xbox One players can play together, but not with PS5/Xbox Series X/S players.
What is preferred input matchmaking?
Preferred input matchmaking means the game prioritizes matching players using the same control method. Console players (controllers) are matched together first, and PC players (mouse/keyboard) only join these lobbies when needed to maintain healthy server populations.
Why is EA changing the crossplay system for BF6?
In Battlefield 2042, console players felt severely disadvantaged against PC players using mouse and keyboard. Many even downgraded to last-gen versions just to avoid PC lobbies. EA is responding to this feedback by prioritizing fair, same-input matches.
Will my progress carry over between platforms?
Yes, Battlefield 6 is expected to feature full cross-progression. Your rank, stats, unlocks, and cosmetics will sync across all platforms linked to your EA account. However, you’ll need to purchase the game separately for each platform.
Will PC players have longer queue times in BF6?
Potentially yes. Since console players will be matched together first, PC players might experience slightly longer waits. However, they’ll still join console lobbies when needed, and PC-only matches will continue to exist. The impact will depend on your region and play time.
Can I play with friends on different platforms?
Yes, you can party up with friends on different platforms through EA’s friends system. However, if a console player parties with a PC player, they’ll likely be placed in mixed lobbies, overriding the preferred input system for that party.
When will Battlefield 6 be released?
EA hasn’t announced an official release date for the next Battlefield game. However, they’ve confirmed that the new crossplay system with preferred input matching will be implemented when it launches. Current speculation points to late 2025 or 2026.
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