The long-standing rivalry between Call of Duty and Battlefield is heating up once more as both franchises simultaneously launch new seasonal content. This week sees the arrival of Black Ops 7 season 5 and Battlefield 6 season 4, both aiming to capture the attention of the multiplayer FPS community.
While neither game has been breaking player count records, both have maintained a healthy player base. On PC, both the Call of Duty launcher and Battlefield 6 have been peaking at around 40,000 concurrent players daily, according to SteamDB data, a figure that does not include console players.
In terms of content delivery, Black Ops 7 has established a consistent cadence. Historically, its updates have included new multiplayer maps, often featuring fan-favorite remasters alongside new designs, limited-time modes, additions to the Zombies experience, in-game events, and new weapons. The upcoming season 5 is set to introduce Dig, a remake of a Black Ops 2 map, and Frequency, originally from Black Ops 4. A mid-season addition, Turbo Tilt, promises a unique setting within a pinball machine.
For Zombies fans, season 5 brings the Eidskallen Lighthouse survival map, a section of the larger Totenreich map. Additionally, existing maps Kowakujō and Astra Malorum will receive new modes. Warzone is also slated to receive a new Drone Labs point of interest.
Meanwhile, Battlefield 6's season 4 update is being touted as the game's most significant to date. A key feature is the return of naval warfare, which was notably absent at launch. This includes the introduction of two weapon-mounted boats and Tsuru Reef, the game's first water-focused map. The map is also the largest in the game, featuring interconnected islands. The iconic Wake Island map, originally from Battlefield 1942, is also returning later in the season.
Battlefield 6's aquatic combat is further enhanced by a new "dynamic wave system," designed to simulate realistic water environments that interact with weapons, gadgets, and vehicles. A Top Gun collaboration is also planned to coincide with Wake Island's launch, bringing themed modes, characters, and aircraft. Tsuru Reef will later be expanded with aircraft carriers for larger-scale battles.
Season 4 also addresses player requests by finally introducing spectator mode and custom lobbies. While Black Ops 7 has consistently delivered new content, Battlefield 6's latest update appears to be a strategic counter-move, bolstering its offerings with long-awaited features and a strong emphasis on its returning naval combat elements. The ongoing competition between these two FPS giants sets the stage for continued player engagement as they vie for dominance in the genre.