Gauntlet is a new squad-based elimination mode in Battlefield 6’s free-to-play offering, REDSEC.
It is played by 8 squads of 4 players each (so 32 players total) on one of the large map(s) used in REDSEC (the map is called Fort Lyndon).
The match is structured in rounds/missions: each mission (~5 minutes) has a specific objective (e.g., “secure zone”, “heist/extract”, “target elimination”) and squads earn points by kills + completing objective tasks. After each mission, the lowest-scoring squad(s) are eliminated, until only one squad remains.
The mode is designed to be different from the standard large-scale “last-man-standing” Battle Royale; instead it offers short, sharp, intense competitive rounds with a clear progression.
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👍 What works / strong points
The concept is quite interesting: mixing objective-based missions with elimination gives a fresh twist compared to standard BR or large-scale modes. It focuses on squad coordination, adaptability (since missions vary), and tension across rounds.
Because it uses a smaller player count (32 players) and rounds are relatively short (~5 minutes per mission) it’s potentially more accessible for casual squads who want competitive feel without huge chaotic maps.
The map used (Fort Lyndon) is large, destructible, offers varied terrain (urban + military + suburban), which means the Gauntlet missions can exploit the environmental variety and offer interesting tactical decisions.
The mode being part of a free-to-play component (REDSEC) means you can jump in and try it without owning the full game (depending on platform) which lowers the barrier to entry.
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👎 What’s less good / areas needing improvement
Because it is a new format, the mission types are currently limited and the freshness may wear off unless there is ongoing support/content updates. For example, there are 8 mission types mentioned at launch.
Some players in the community feel Gauntlet is not getting enough attention or content depth yet. For example:
> “Ok it’ll 100% be a waste of resources.”
“Gauntlet mode is not being talked about enough.”
For players who prefer large-scale Battlefield maps with dozens of vehicles and massive destruction, the more constrained format (short rounds, elimination) might feel like a step away from the “classic” Battlefield sandbox. One critic pointed out smaller map feel in the base game earlier.
The progression/unlock systems in Battlefield 6 (for the game as a whole) have drawn criticism for being overly grindy or gatekeeping some items. While this isn’t Gauntlet specific, it spills over into the experience and may affect how satisfying sessions feel.
Because it is new, balancing issues may exist (weapon/gadget unlocks, mission design, elimination timing) which may affect fairness or enjoyment until patches come in.
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🔍 My Take – Is Gauntlet Worth Playing?
If I were to give a verdict: yes, Gauntlet is worth trying, especially if you enjoy squad-based tactical shooters and want a mode that is fresh, competitive, and slightly different from the usual. However, it is not a perfect replacement for large-scale modes or the core Battlefield experience many players love; it seems more like a complementary offering.
Given your context as a PC gamer (you edit videos, use PC) and presumably enjoy competitive multiplayer variety, Gauntlet offers a good break from standard modes. But keep in mind:
The mode is still new; expectations should be moderate.
The best experience will likely come when you play with a coordinated squad (4 players) rather than solo.
If you love the huge vehicle-heavy maps of Battlefield past, you might miss that in this mode.
Keep an eye on updates—since the mode’s value will grow with more mission types, meta balance, and community feedback