Redsec lands in Battlefield – free-to-play BR with Gauntlet and Portal

Table of Content

Battlefield’s new experience, Redsec, goes live today as the series’ first free-to-play Battle Royale. The launch package spans more than a standard last-squad-standing setup: a newcomer-friendly BR Initiation playlist, a round-based competitive mode called Gauntlet, and an evolving sandbox via Redsec’s Portal Community Creations. The official rollout positions Redsec as a class-driven, objective-aware take on the genre, with a focus on onboarding and squad synergy. Below – the essentials confirmed by the developers.

Battle Royale Initiation – built for first steps

The BR Initiation playlist targets new players with a streamlined setup on a condensed version of Fort Lyndon. It’s Duos-only with a 48-player cap that includes Bots, limiting the field while you learn the ropes. Access is restricted to newer accounts, keeping the skill pool narrow and the stakes lower.

Drop, equip, and survive: the core loop

Matches begin with a coordinated jump: one player is assigned Squad Leader, and their call triggers both players to exit the infiltration plane. You can break formation at any time, though keeping close is recommended for new squads. Parachutes deploy automatically near the ground, with manual deployment available for more control.

Looting drives progression. Weapons, ammunition, and armor spawn in distinct containers: green (Common) crates, red-and-black (Rare) crates, and red Class Chests marked with role symbols. Vehicles may hold extra items, and some areas hide locked vaults. Ammo is shared per weapon category; while pickups and Call-Ins help, the Support class’s Supply Box is the most straightforward way to resupply.

Classes and starting kit

Before you drop, you pick a role and a sidearm. Classes define utility and combat pacing:

• Assault – frontline pressure and close-to-mid control against defenders.
• Engineer – vehicle support and anti-armor options, plus repairs to sustain pushes.
• Support – healing, resupply, and fortifying positions for longer engagements.
• Recon – long-range picks, intel gathering, and disruption behind enemy lines.

Every player also brings a sidearm – a backup for emergencies rather than a primary solution.

Contracts, circle pressure, and respawns

Beyond eliminating rivals, squads can accept Contracts from the full map screen when prompted on the HUD. Completing these optional objectives grants higher-tier rewards.

The shrinking hazard – here dubbed the Circle of Death – is lethal on contact, with warnings displayed on the HUD and shaded on the mini-map. Early on, every player gets a Second Chance: if you are downed in the opening minutes, you redeploy from the sky. If you never use it, you receive an XP bonus that contributes to rank progression and unlocking Loadout items. Squads can also reconstitute at Respawn Points – activate one and remain within its radius to bring back all fallen allies; spectators can request a respawn while waiting.

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The win condition remains classic: the last surviving squad takes the match.

Quick survival pointers from the team

• Stay within initiation zones – learn the local routes, rooftops, and chokepoints.
• Lean into your class – use every tool in your kit; get a primer from experienced teammates.
• Play as a unit – share items, call enemy positions, and prioritize safe revives.

Gauntlet – round-based elimination for squads

Gauntlet pits eight squads of four against each other across a sequence of compact operations. You bring a custom loadout, then rotate through modes that award points for specific actions. Each operation includes an in-game briefing demonstrating rules and scoring. Fail to hit the threshold and your squad is eliminated; win four modes within the Gauntlet rotation to clinch the match.

Gauntlet starter advice

• Watch the briefing – it shows objectives and how to score efficiently.
• Play the objective – focus on tasks that yield the most points for your squad.
• Communicate – use pings, voice, or text to coordinate or risk reassignment.

Portal Community Creations – evolving sandbox

Alongside the core modes, Redsec incorporates Portal Community Creations, an ongoing sandbox curated from community-built experiences. This stream expands the playlist variety beyond the base offerings and will evolve over time.

Mode snapshot – key differences at a glance

The table below compiles headline rules and systems for Redsec’s two main pillars. It is a quick reference for squads deciding where to start.

Why it matters – a clearer on-ramp and more ways to play

Redsec brings Battlefield into the free-to-play BR space with a structured learning path and a class-first squad design. For newcomers, Initiation’s smaller map and capped lobbies lower the barrier to entry; for squad-minded players, Gauntlet offers objective-led rounds that reward coordination. With Portal Community Creations in the mix, the mode slate should keep evolving beyond launch day.