I attended a media preview event for “Season 5,” the latest season of *Battlefield 6* and *REDSEC*. Here’s my first-hand look at the new maps “Vegas Strip” and “Area 51,” set in Nevada, as well as the new “Rapid Royale” mode, which features ultra-short battles.
In *BF6* Season 5, “Siege of Las Vegas,” which begins rolling out on October 13, the action shifts from the naval battles and *Top Gun* collaboration of the previous season to an all-out war set in Nevada, USA.At this preview event, we were able to get an early look at the two major new maps coming in Phase 1, as well as the new “REDSEC” mode.
A level of detail that even LA residents who frequent Las Vegas will appreciate! “Vegas Strip,” where vertical flanking is key
First up was “Vegas Strip,” a large-scale urban combat map set in the neon-lit casino district.
I usually live in Los Angeles and frequently drive down to Las Vegas, so the moment I landed on the map, I was genuinely impressed by how faithfully it captured the city’s atmosphere and vibe.Upon closer inspection, while the building dimensions and overall layout have been adjusted to accommodate gameplay line-of-sight and movement paths, the unique atmosphere created by the glittering neon signs and rows of luxurious casino hotels is truly Las Vegas itself.
In terms of map structure, it’s characterized not only by wide, horizontally sprawling boulevards but also by numerous scenarios that require players to clear areas vertically in a three-dimensional space. Multi-story hotels, restaurants, and underground tunnels are intricately intertwined, creating blind spots everywhere.While you can enjoy three-dimensional combat that takes advantage of elevation changes, you must constantly be aware of lines of sight from upper floors and rooftops, making enemy detection and vigilance quite challenging. Experience thrilling urban combat where a moment’s lapse in concentration can be fatal.
From the Desert to Deep Underground! Area 51 Revives the BF4 Frenzy with Tower Collapses
Next, we experienced “Area 51,” set in a top-secret facility hidden in the desert. Since this is off-limits to the general public, we have no way of knowing what the interior actually looks like, but the desolate landscape of the Nevada Desert and the realistic atmosphere of a military base are exceptionally well-crafted.
This map is simply vast, and when you include everything from the desert mountains to the underground facilities snaking deep beneath the base, there’s a staggering difference in elevation.Since the engagement ranges vary greatly between the open-air areas—such as the airfield and control tower—and the underground areas, where intense firefights frequently occur in confined spaces, players must adapt their tactics on the fly depending on the situation.
Point G, in particular, was the site of intense back-and-forth battles in Conquest mode. At the start of the match, the tower’s observation deck serves as a strategic stronghold, and both teams engage in fierce battles to control this elevated position—but surprisingly, it’s possible to cause the tower to collapse during combat.The sight of the massive tower crashing down with a loud crash, completely transforming the surrounding terrain and the course of the battle, is truly spectacular—reminiscent of the “Revolution” mode in *Battlefield 4*.
An Instant-Death Baptism? The Ultra-High-Speed New Battle Royale Mode, “Rapid Royale”
We also got to experience “Rapid Royale,” a new mode in *Battlefield REDSEC*. It’s a high-speed, small-scale battle royale where matches typically wrap up in about 12 to 15 minutes on average. The pace is overwhelmingly faster than in standard REDSEC, offering a breathless, fast-paced gameplay experience.
To be honest, the squad I was on engaged an enemy team right at the start and was wiped out in a flash, so I can’t fully describe the deep strategic gameplay that unfolds in the later stages. However, I definitely got a strong sense of the core mechanics and the innovative sense of speed.
Under these rules, you can revive your teammates or yourself back onto the battlefield by either eliminating an enemy or using a respawn token obtained from a crate. Access to respawns is much clearer than in traditional battle royales, providing a strong incentive to play aggressively.
This mode is available for both Solo and Trio play, and the maps include not only the new “Vegas Strip” but also the existing Mirage Valley. I was very impressed by the freshness of being able to play on familiar locations with completely different, high-tempo rules.
With “Vegas Strip,” which faithfully recreates the atmosphere of Nevada; “Area 51,” packed with the excitement of destruction characteristic of Battlefield; and “Rapid Royale,” which offers a quick and thrilling survival experience, Season 5 delivers an incredibly dense and engaging gameplay experience.
"Battlefield 6" Season 5 is scheduled to launch on October 13 for PC (Steam / EA App / Epic Games Store), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
