Adding new maps and weapons to a live service game is the norm for most live service shooters; however, Battlefield 6 Season 2 changes how you play on existing maps. We got to play the new map early, and with new elements affecting gameplay in Contaminated, you’ll need to do more than just point and shoot to dominate the battlefield.
A Contaminated Map With Deep Layers And Perfect Verticality
The new map takes place in Europe, and in terms of size, it’s roughly the size of Mirak Valley but with much more verticality. That’s the first thing I noticed when players in the lobby used parachutes to reach the other side of the map from the top side. This is the big difference between this map and Liberation Peak: a big mountain doesn’t block you from accessing the whole map with the sniper scope.
Speaking of layers, Contaminated doesn’t feature tall buildings you can destroy with a crane or massive guns; however, there are underground areas with multiple levels that make you check every corner before moving on to the next section.
You’ll get to meet the giant elephant in the room as the game moves on: the VL-7 smoke. This is the new Pax Armata warfare chemical weapon to make enemy soldiers hallucinate and, of course, make it difficult to see whatever’s in your 5-meter range. This is the game-changer for capturing zones in tight areas.
I found smoke appearing in different scenarios across multiple locations on the map. However, the one that caught mine and everyone else’s attention was zone C. This spot is inside a tunnel with an underground establishment, which makes it a big hassle to attack/defend. Now add VL-7 smoke to it, and everything becomes chaotic. Players can use gas masks that recharge over time, adding an extra layer to gameplay.
The gas isn’t the only new feature of note in this map, as players can damage the tunnel entries as well. Heavy artillery can flatten buildings leaving zones barren and devoid of cover, and, of course, utilize the returning fan-favorite Mini Bird heli to take down enemy forces anywhere you look.
There are only a few giant rocks to hide behind in capture point D, and no matter how many times I attempted to capture it on foot, there was always an armed vehicle or a sniper to stop me. Now that is what makes Battlefield 6 maps so good: they encourage players to use different guns, tanks, and air support to complete objectives.
It appears that LTMs like the VL-7 gas joining Contaminated and some other maps and modes are the focus in season two, and it is absolutely amazing. Adding new ways to play the game and alter the maps, with more than just destruction, takes the battlefield to the next level. Season 2 will have more phases and limited time modes to come, and so far, this is a great start.
