Released Battlefield 6 has already given fans plenty to explore, but one of the strangest surprises they'll find comes in the form of the game's character appearances. Customization options are sparse in a way that feels confusing at best and regressive at worst, the most obvious example being that a soldier's gender is now tied to specific characters and classes. This is more of a mistake than an intentional design direction. Battlefield 6To be honest, it's not the only one.
By default, players can no longer choose the gender of their chosen class Operator. Players can unlock skins that appear male and female on both sides through various gameplay challenges, but they are not available at first and have one notable omission. This is a support class for NATO that was released without the option to appear as male. DICE has confirmed that one will be added later, but its omission and default limitations are representative of a number of reasons. Battlefield 6's customization system is less impressive than its predecessor.
Customization in Battlefield 6: Specialists, Squads, Omissions, and Limitations
In context, Battlefield 6's campaign and multiplayer experience is split between two factions: NATO and Pax Armata. Multiplayer customization comes in the form of six individual squads, three for each faction. Each team includes 4 unique characters for each of the 4 teams. Battlefield 6 class.
nato
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Coyote Squad (USA)
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United Albion (United Kingdom)
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Desert locust (Egypt)
Pax Armata
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Fireteam Bedmak
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Espada
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Kahina Unite
It's neat from a narrative standpoint, but the obvious downside is that the new options aren't as rigorous and some very basic options are completely missing. Battlefield 6 Improved to above Battlefield 5 In many ways, the downgrade to personalization only feels more disconcerting.
Interestingly, Battlefield 5 It was the best of the franchise in this respect. A version of the loadout system called The Company gave players a variety of cosmetic customization options. In fact, if the studio had kept trying, the problems with this new system wouldn't have existed at all. Battlefield 5Customization.
Battlefield 6's confusing step back from Battlefield 5
Battlefield 5's loadout system allowed players to personalize their soldiers in even greater detail using cosmetics of high rarity from Common to Legendary. Most importantly, players can choose gender for every class and fine-tune their outfits one by one. This level of control gave the game a sense of ownership and expressiveness that is now missing.
By comparison, Battlefield 6The factions have specific obtainable specialists with set voices and backstories, several player models, and additional obtainable colors. The new narrative elements are great in theory, but the functionality doesn't feel like a very confident addition. As a result, locking customization into narrower lanes is likewise not a fair deal.
of each expert Battlefield 6 It has a unique backstory, but it's buried so deep in the menus that most players likely won't even realize it exists.
Battlefield 6 fixes one of Battlefield 5's cardinal sins
To be fair, Battlefield 5 In particular, there were problems with the cosmetic rarity system. Players have been widely and understandably critical of the game's store and loot rarity system. Battlefield 6 It should be praised (for now). Few players would choose a transparent monetization system over additional, if slightly lackluster, gameplay.
Still, DICE could have its cake and eat it too with preservation. Battlefield 5We pursue diversity without perpetuating unpleasant monetization habits. Instead, Battlefield 6 It goes so far in the opposite direction that the resulting system no longer feels realistic and much less customizable. Not to mention the lack of incentive for players to get deeply involved.
Regardless of the angle, Battlefield 6's customization changes don't make much sense.
The new system trades flexibility for narrative flair that doesn't really have any meaningful impact. DICE wants to create a more realistic and grounded experience. The inclusion of gender appearance options and in-depth uniform customization doesn't detract from that intent, and the added character bios are hidden away. Battlefield 6Unintuitive UI, don't make up for the differences. Rather, it feels half-hearted, unsatisfactory in both immersion and expression.
The confusing part about all of this, if I may play devil's advocate, is that this new system is also questionable from a business perspective. In-game cosmetics have become a reliable monetization tool across genres, but the new customization system limits monetization opportunities. Considering EA's track record, it's likely not happening on purpose.
In the times Beavis and Butthead from Call of Duty And other ridiculous crossover skins, battlefield With so many purchasable and established customizations, it would have had an easier time establishing itself in the market.
Customization issues are small glitches that have larger implications for Battlefield 6.
Now soldier customization Battlefield 6 It's a minor blemish on the franchise's strong comeback. The problem is that it's hard not to see the potential for this flaw to worsen, especially following the $55 billion acquisition of EA. Battlefield 6 If you decide to focus more on monetization, players will end up with the worst of the two systems.
DICE's vision is correct in the following ways: Battlefield 6Customization should be immersive, but that doesn't mean it should be particularly limited. Tying a role to a specific character or gender can be compelling when done meaningfully and intentionally, but at this point, the narrative and lore do not justify change. Of course, it doesn't detract from the experience, but it does have limitations. Battlefield 6 Staying on track is harder than expected.
- released
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October 10, 2025
- ESRB
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Ages 17+ / Blood and gore, intense violence, strong language, in-app purchases, user interaction
- developer
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Battlefield Studio
