What to know

  • Poll Results Spotlight Siege of Cairo: Garnering 47% of votes, this urban map topped the charts for its mix of infantry and vehicle gameplay, outpacing Liberation Peak (27%), Empire State (16%), and Iberian Offensive (11%).
  • Community Divided on Map Design: While many praised the beta's infantry-focused arenas, veterans criticized smaller scales, comparing them unfavorably to past titles and sparking debates on social media.
  • Future Implications for DICE: Insights from the poll and designer interviews suggest community voting will shape map rotations and remakes, building excitement for the full launch with additional content.

The highly anticipated open beta for Battlefield 6 has come to a close, leaving players buzzing with feedback and excitement for the full release. Developed by DICE and published by EA, this latest installment in the iconic first-person shooter series promises massive battles, destructible environments, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

But amid the chaos of Conquest modes, vehicle warfare, and intense infantry skirmishes, one question loomed large: which map stole the show? A community poll conducted by Battlefield Bulletin has provided the answer, shedding light on what resonated most with players during the beta phase.

The Poll Breakdown

With over 500,000 participants diving into the open beta, the poll gathered around 10,000 votes to determine the favorite among the four available maps.

The results were clear: Siege of Cairo emerged as the undisputed champion, securing a commanding 47% of the votes. This urban warfare hotspot, set against the backdrop of a sprawling Egyptian cityscape, features towering skyscrapers, narrow alleyways, and plenty of opportunities for vertical gameplay. Players praised its balance between close-quarters combat and long-range engagements, making it ideal for both infantry specialists and vehicle enthusiasts.

Coming in second was Liberation Peak with 27% of the votes. This mountainous map offers rugged terrain, strategic chokepoints, and dynamic weather effects that can turn the tide of battle. It's a nod to classic Battlefield maps, emphasizing teamwork and positioning.

Empire State, an American-themed urban sprawl inspired by New York, garnered 16%. While it delivered high-octane action with its dense building clusters and elevated highways, some felt it lacked the variety of the top contenders.

At the bottom of the pack was Iberian Offensive with just 11%. Set in a coastal European landscape, this map faced criticism for feeling underdeveloped or overly focused on vehicular dominance, though a vocal minority—including some gaming journalists—argued it deserved better placement due to its unique naval elements.

These results highlight the community's preference for maps that blend accessibility with depth, allowing for diverse playstyles without overwhelming new players.

Community Reactions and Insights

The poll sparked lively discussions across forums, Reddit, and social media. On Reddit, users echoed the results, with many calling Siege of Cairo "the best beta map overall" for its polished design and replayability.

However, not everyone was thrilled with the beta's direction. Veterans of the series expressed concerns that the maps felt "too small" compared to sprawling classics like those in Battlefield 4, drawing unfavorable comparisons to faster-paced shooters like Call of Duty.

One common thread was the appreciation for the infantry focus in smaller arenas, which some players found refreshing after the vehicle-heavy emphasis in Battlefield 2042.

DICE designers, in interviews around the beta launch, emphasized what makes a "perfect map": a mix of scale, destructibility, and player agency.

They hinted at community voting influencing future map remakes, potentially bringing back fan-favorites like Operation Firestorm or Caspian Border based on player data. This player-driven approach could shape post-launch content, with top-voted maps entering rotation playlists.

Despite some nitpicks—like the new Rush mode's scale or vehicle balancing issues—the overall sentiment is positive. The beta's second weekend introduced updates, including a new map and modes like Squad Deathmatch, which addressed early feedback and boosted engagement.

Looking Ahead to Launch

As Battlefield 6 gears up for its full release later this year, these poll results offer valuable insights for DICE. Siege of Cairo's victory suggests that urban, multi-layered environments are a winning formula, but the spread of votes shows there's room for variety. With five additional maps promised at launch, including remastered classics, the game is poised to reclaim its throne in the FPS genre.

Whether you're a series veteran or a newcomer, the beta has teased a return to form for Battlefield. What was your favorite map? Share in the comments below—your voice could influence the next poll!