MKAU Gaming was recently invited to a hands-on preview of Battlefield 6’s upcoming Season Two, getting an early look at what the next chapter has in store. If you’re after a full breakdown on the new content arriving in this season, you can check that out HERE. But if you want to know how bad I am and how it actually plays, feels and holds up to the action, keep reading. 

I spent some time playing on the new Contaminated map and came away really impressed with how well it’s laid out. The map offers a strong balance of different combat styles, with tight indoor close quarters, solid mid-long range sightlines, and a few wide open zones that can absolutely punish you if you’re not careful. Those open areas are especially dangerous if you step out, you will get melted quickly, but it keeps the tensions high, which makes it enjoyable.

I liked how it felt super balanced in all the right ways. It rewards awareness and teamwork while still delivering those classic Battlefield moments we all have learned to love. I’ll also mention the developers did an amazing job building the map; it looks absolutely stunning, and the layout I could not fault. 

There were a couple of spots on the map that were affected by the new VL-7 gas, and this is something you need to learn quickly to respect. There were a couple of times I forgot to equip the gas mask before running in and regretted it instantly.

The visibility inside the gas is wild, heavily distorted and extremely hard to see even with the gas mask on. Even the smallest silhouette moving instantly draws your attention, and even if it’s no one, you feel the need to drop a mag into the area. It added another layer of pressure to the game, but it was not enough to get you frustrated. 

I was a big fan of the new weapons, and they felt impactful, which impressed me. The VCR-2 assault rifle was brutal in those more close-quarter fights, and don’t get me wrong, it still had some pretty decent range on it for those further away enemies. It felt reliable and aggressive. My favourite by far was the M121 AE, the new belt-fed light machine gun that was an absolute beauty.

Anyone who was caught in the sightline didn’t last long, and it felt incredibly satisfying holding or pushing objectives and melting anyone who came near. It’s easily going to become the new go-to weapon for me.

I’ll also openly admit I got a little carried away with the M121 AE and might have forgotten to check out the new GRT-CPS semi-automatic DMR, which I’m kicking myself about now that one was firmly on my list to try, but now I need to wait till the new season drops. 

The new gadgets are already packing a punch, and the season has not even begun. Helicopters were getting absolutely yeeted out of the sky from all angles, and in all honesty, any chopper I was on board didn’t last long in the sky, which probably has something to do with the new 9K38 IGLA, which is brutal against helicopters and jets, which is the new Engineer gadget.

Recon also got some love with the new HTI-Mk2, which obviously adds some much-needed counterplay, being able to destroy gadgets, drone and incoming missiles, which makes Recon feel a little more impactful.

I was a little sad not to see the AH-6 Little Bird during the session I was invited to. I was very keen to get back behind the stick and see how it felt, especially knowing how quick and nimble it used to be. I guess they’re going to make us wait till the season drops.

Overall, the short time I got with Battlefield 6 Season Two Phase One has left a very strong impression, from the excellent layout and visual design of Contaminated to the added pressure of the VL-7 gas, and the new weapons and gadgets really make the game genuinely fun to play and rewarding. I’ll be keen to see a couple of you on the battlefield when Season Two drops.

Written by: Hayden Nelson