Battlefield 6 Season One has arrived, and with it comes RedSec, the game's take on the ever-popular Battle Royale genre. Though it's still too early to tell, RedSec seems capable of sticking around in a genre long since dominated by competitors like Call of Duty: Warzone. They have their differences, to be sure, but fans of Warzone curious about Battlefield 6's Battle Royale may find some things quite familiar, especially when it comes to crafting the best loadouts possible for RedSec.
Longtime players of Warzone (and other BRs in general) know the familiar rhythm of loadout optimization. It's a scavenger hunt for ramshackle weapons most of the time in BRs, so the privilege of calling in a custom weapon drop becomes a strategic, economic decision. One could prepare for the odd vehicle encounter with a rocket launcher, or for tight quarters fighting with a shotgun, but still, over time, one loadout archetype has stood above the rest — and yes, in Battlefield 6's RedSec, that same classic combination reigns supreme once again.
Battlefield 6's RedSec Is the Perfect Place to Break Out the Timeless SMG + Sniper Rifle Combo
To the surprise of very few, it seems that RedSec in Battlefield 6 is perfectly balanced around a fast-firing rifle or SMG paired with a mobile sniper or hard-hitting DMR. The combination is simply too versatile to fail. Something fast to dominate close quarters and recover quickly from third-party fights, and something long-range to ensure players are never outgunned at distance.
Custom weapon drops appear on RedSec's map periodically, usually when new safe zones emerge, and securing one allows players to choose one weapon from their pre-selected favorites.
This setup is actually even more effective in Battlefield 6 than in Warzone because RPGs and other launchers now seem to take up an equipment slot instead of a weapon slot. Players can carry anti-vehicle or utility tools without compromising their loadout. The only caveat is that, due to the class system, tools like the guided launcher are tied to specific roles—in this case, the Engineer. Nonetheless, the long and short range, dynamic duo combo works even better here, so consider some of the following options.
The Close-Range Kings of the Primary Slot: Fast Rifles and SMGs
When it comes to possible primary weapons for RedSec, faster is always better, and that conclusion doesn't really need to come from a scientist or mathematician. The more bullets in less time than the other guy means players are more likely to walk away from a messy gunfight with armor to spare, and the KV9 is one of the best SMG options in the game for this purpose. It's fast-firing, hard-hitting, and surprisingly manageable in terms of recoil.
There are some reliable alternatives worth scavenging before a custom loadout becomes available, however. The M4A1 Carbine is fantastic and an always solid all-around choice, offering a good balance of damage and range without too much recoil. The SCW-10 and USG-90 SMGs are also standout picks, excelling in close-quarters combat with relatively subtle recoil stats, all things considered.
DMRs and Snipers That Shine in the Secondary Slot
The secondary slot is where it's best to secure any range advantages, and the SVK-8.6 DMR and the Mini Scout Sniper Rifle are the two weapons best suited to do so in Battlefield 6's RedSec. The SVK-8.6 hits the hardest of all DMRs, punishing overconfident snipers at medium range while managing a pretty impressive performance up close as well. The Mini Scout stands out as the better overall fit for the classic meta combo, thanks to its general lack of downsides.
Before a custom loadout drop is even available, scavenging an SV-98 can also set you up for success. It's a reliable long-range rifle that holds its own until you can grab something more specialized. Battlefield 6 generally doesn't discriminate in the sniper department, though, so players looking to rock the dynamic duo loadout can honestly go for just about any option they find.
Building Around Battlefield 6's Classes
Though the meta-weapon pairings are already looking quite similar to other games and their previous metas, Battlefield 6's class system is the wrinkle that adds another major layer of depth to loadout optimization. Just like in the base multiplayer, players choose between Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon classes before each match, and each has unique gadgets and passive traits that can dramatically shift the flow of a BR match. These roles don't restrict weapon usage, but they do shape a particular playstyle in ways that are relevant when using this meta loadout (or any other, for that matter).
Assaults regenerate armor faster and refresh gadgets more quickly, while Support players can carry extra ammo and armor plates, allowing them to sustain longer fights — a significant advantage when players are picking enemies apart with a DMR. Engineers can upgrade their RPGs into guided missiles via Training Paths. Recons, meanwhile, can enhance their drones to drop bombs for long-range finish potential.
Players can progress through their classes' Training Paths by finding intel caches or completing mid-match missions.
RedSec’s Debut Meta Seems Familiar, but That’s Probably a Good Thing
At the end of the day, it's not surprising that the same SMG-and-sniper pairing that's defined Battle Royale metas for years is still as effective as ever. That's not really a problem, though, as by their nature, titles in the BR genre are often no more than the odd lyric change on a familiar folk tune. It's interesting enough that by blending Battlefield's destruction, class system, and vehicles into the mix, RedSec manages to make something familiar feel fresh again. How long that freshness will last is anybody's guess.
Ultimately, though, these "meta" loadouts aren't commandments. The game's classes, mission system, and loot pool mean there's plenty of room for experimentation in RedSec. For players looking for something a bit more battle-tested, however, this is it.
Battlefield 6
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 90%
- Released
- October 10, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, In-App Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Battlefield Studios
- Publisher(s)
- EA
