Battlefield 6 Is Free on Steam, but Not for Long

Oct 16, 2026 - 22:16

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Battlefield 6 Is Free on Steam, but Not for Long

Published Oct 16, 2026, 12:15 PM EDT

Sam Hill is a news writer at Polygon covering gaming and entertainment. He's a Portland, Oregon–based journalist known for covering gaming, the outdoors, national parks, tech, food, and internet culture. He has written for a range of publications including Outside Magazine, Boston Magazine, Vice, the Seattle Times and Digital Trends.

The trial includes every multiplayer map and mode, with a new season and a Dead Space crossover

Battlefield 6 is free to play on Steam right now, giving players a chance to try EA’s latest military shooter as its fifth season gets underway.

Season 5 launched Oct. 13, introducing new maps, six weapons, two vehicles, and Rapid Royale, a faster-paced free-to-play battle royale mode. The update also teases a limited-time Halloween event inspired by EA’s Dead Space franchise. The footage features soldiers wearing armor inspired by protagonist Isaac Clarke, along with a glimpse of the franchise’s ominous alien Markers. Details about the event remain limited, but it offers a new crossover for players jumping into the season.

Players can jump in now through Oct. 20 to experience the battles without paying upfront. Those who want to keep playing after the trial can also get Battlefield 6 Standard Edition at a discount, with Steam advertising a price of $27.99, down 60% from $69.99, through Oct. 20.

Battlefield 6 players are also debating AI-generated cosmetics

Not all the latest Battlefield 6 news has been positive. Season 5’s battle pass cosmetics have drawn criticism from players who suspect some character designs were generated using AI, although EA has not confirmed that.

Among the examples circulating online are a soldier carrying five identical pistols and another character whose arm patch misspells “security” as “secuty.” Players have also questioned the design of some ammunition magazines. The apparent errors have fueled frustration over the inclusion of questionable cosmetics in paid battle pass content.

A female soldier in Battlefield 6 firing a shotgun with her mouth open and another soldier behind her firing an assault rifle.

The criticism follows earlier complaints about suspected AI-generated artwork in the game. It remains unclear whether generative AI was used to create the latest designs, but the debate has added to the mixed reaction surrounding Season 5.

Meanwhile, the Battlefield franchise is expanding beyond games. Sony Pictures has reportedly won the rights to a movie adaptation, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning director Christopher McQuarrie attached to direct and Sinners star Michael B. Jordan attached to star. Plot details and a release date have yet to be announced.

For now, the Steam trial offers a chance to see what Battlefield 6 has to offer before deciding whether to buy it.