Battlefield 6 has launched to massive success, reaching an all-time high of 747,440 concurrent players on Steam shortly after release, according to SteamDB. Within hours, the shooter secured a spot among Steam’s most-played games by peak user count. This performance is a remarkable rebound for the franchise, especially in light of Battlefield 2042’s mixed reception and lower concurrent numbers.

Critical Reception & Community Response

Reviewers have responded positively, with the game holding a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam and about 77 percent recommending it in user reviews. Many players are heralding this as “the best Battlefield in years,” praising its balance, performance, and return to core gameplay mechanics. However, not everything was smooth at launch. Some users who purchased the game through the EA App were unable to access content due to a “purchase to play” bug. In response, EA apologized and issued compensation, including boosters, the season battle pass, and additional perks to affected players, particularly those who own the Phantom Edition.

Vince Zampella, franchise head, called the app issue “honestly embarrassing” but pledged fixes. The community seems willing to forgive, driven by strong multiplayer demand and positive word of mouth.

Implications & What Comes Next

Surpassing 747,000 concurrent players on Steam is a clear statement: Battlefield 6 has reclaimed attention. It now holds a place high in Steam’s all-time peak list, trailing only ahead of many other heavyweight titles. With such a strong start, EA and DICE are under pressure to maintain momentum, through content updates, smooth post-launch performance, and continued community support. If they deliver, Battlefield 6 could reshape expectations for big-budget multiplayer shooters in 2025 and beyond.