Battlefield 6 is set to change a fundamental aspect of its console gameplay: aim assist. Highly awaited by some players, feared by others, this automatic functionality allows the reticle to be slightly adjusted to compensate for the naturally lower precision of an analog stick compared to a mouse.
But in its current form, this aid is considered too “sticky” by a large section of the community. The problem ? An exaggerated lock on targets, which slows down the fluidity of movements in close combat, especially in small maps where targets multiply on the screen.
This is confirmed by Matthew Nickerson, head of console design at Battlefield Studios. Responding to a player on X, he announced that the team was preparing a complete overhaul: the assistance system will no longer be rotating, and will apply a uniform, more constant slowdown, inspired by the open beta version.
End of “rotary” aiming and reduction of bonuses for controllers
Until now, Battlefield 6 included a controversial aim rotation system: a dynamic assist that slightly followed moving targets. A system officially absent from the first versions, but which players quickly noticed in the final game. This mechanism will therefore disappear.
At the same time, another change is in preparation: the reduction of recoil. Currently, controller players benefit from a 25% reduction in recoil compared to keyboard-mouse users. This imbalance will be gradually adjusted in a separate update.
Nickerson specifies that these two systems – aim assist and recoil reduction – are independent, but that they will both be modified soon, with the aim of restoring a certain fairness without degrading controller playability.
Why this change is expected… and feared
In modern FPS games, balancing between platforms is a constant headache. Providing a comfortable experience for controller gamers without disadvantaging PC gamers is a constant challenge for developers. Too much help kills competition; not enough support makes the game inaccessible on console.
Battlefield 6 is no exception to this dilemma. By returning to a more neutral approach and closer to its beta phase, the game attempts to satisfy demanding players without sacrificing those who play more occasionally.
If no specific date has been given, the changes related to the aim should take place “shortly”. A promise that is already making the community reactbetween hope for better balance and fear of major upheavals in competitive gameplay.