Press Start may receive a commission when you buy from links on our site at no extra cost to you.
The war of Battlefield 6 takes to the Pacific in Season 4 with the return of naval combat – something that’s been missing from the series and quite probably the most vocal about from fans of the franchise. Season 4 is all about getting amphibious combat combining all three air, land and sea elements that’s made the naval fights so dynamic in the past.
Season 4 will introduce two new maps: Tsuru Reef and the classic reimagination of Wake Island. With every season, the maps are just getting bigger and Tsuru Reef will be the biggest one introduced to the game so far.
Set in fictional southern Japan, Tsuru Reef With each faction starting from opposite sides – Tsuru Reef boasts several interconnecting islands as each force vie to control each point. Being such an open map with several modes of transport and movement, Tsuru Reef doesn’t feel as gridlocked as most of Battlefield 6’s maps. It feels truly sandbox and flanking positions can really go with or against your advantage.
While open islands sound like a dream for snipers and island campers – there’s actually quite a lot of terrain and cover if you start getting pinned down. There’s always a feeling of opportunity even when you feel at a disadvantage. This is where the waves system also comes into effect. While it looks amazing and feels at times a chore to navigate through, players can use them to their advantage as cover. Bullets and rockets noticeably reduce damage when they hit the water so snipers will have a harder time taking you out. You can even dive to avoid enemy fire or use it as a stealth approach to avoid being spotted. Again, there’s always an opportunity to survive in the water.
Phase One also introduces three new weapons: the EF88 Assault Rifle, VSSR DMR, and Bren 3 Carbine. Australians will instantly recognise the EF88 as the nation’s standard service rifle. During my hands-on session, it quickly became my weapon of choice thanks to its versatility on a map like Tsuru Reef. Whether engaging enemies at medium range or picking off targets from a distance, the EF88 felt reliable in almost every encounter.
The Bren 3 is a welcome addition to the arsenal, but on a map as expansive as Tsuru Reef, I often found myself outgunned. Its strengths seem better suited to Battlefield 6’s more close quarters CQB maps. Rounding out the three is the VSSR DMR, a subsonic marksman rifle that encourages a more stealth-focused playstyle. While its rounds don’t hit hard, the suppressed nature makes it ideal for catching unsuspecting enemies off guard. If your aim is accurate and you can land follow-up shots quickly, it’s capable of quietly clearing targets from points.
With the introduction of naval combat, we see the introduction of two boats. The RHIB inflatable boat – which is a quick mode of transport between points and the CB90 Patrol Boat. Obviously there’s nothing to write home about the RHIB but the CB90 Patrol Boat packs devastating firepower from the sea. It’s fast and can move between points quickly, often flanking and providing mortar support on different points. The CB90 is quite the addition to Season 4.
It has been a bumpy road for Battlefield 6 since launch, but the turnaround has become increasingly noticeable. Since Season 3, DICE has steadily addressed community concerns with stronger map design, meaningful gameplay improvements and a clearer direction for the game’s live-service.
Tsuru Reef is easily the standout addition, capturing everything that makes Battlefield unique: huge battlefields, dynamic combat and the freedom to tackle objectives however you choose. I had a ball playing this map and quite possibly my favourite map to come to this game. The return of naval combat, the excellent Tsuru Reef map, and a batch of new content – Battlefield 6’s seasons continue to improve on itself.
Battlefield 6 Season 4 arrives July 21st 2026.
