Battlefield 6's GTA-style radio requires $25 premium access for top hits

Battlefield 6 Embraces GTA-Style Radio, But With a Pricey Catch

In a move that echoes the iconic in-car radio experience of Grand Theft Auto, the latest installment of Battlefield, codenamed Battlefield 6, has introduced an official in-game radio feature. This addition aims to immerse players further into the chaotic battlefield by allowing them to blast tunes directly from their vehicles. However, this seemingly convenient amenity comes with a significant caveat: access to the most sought-after tracks is locked behind a paywall.

Premium Access or Premium Price

While a radio feature is now officially part of the Battlefield experience, not all stations are created equal. A portion of the curated music library, featuring a roster of well-known artists, is exclusively available to those who subscribe to Battlefield Pro or opt for the separate $25 Battlepass Radio purchase. This premium selection automatically kicks in when a player enters a vehicle in multiplayer or the recently launched RedSec Battle Royale mode.

"The game costs $70, and the music radio is still an extra charge," players are lamenting.

A Soundtrack for the Serious Player

According to industry insiders, the premium playlist is a cornerstone of the Battlefield Pro subscription, with the music library being its primary draw. This exclusive collection boasts a powerful lineup, including hits from Limp Bizkit, Bob Dylan, Pantera, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dr. Dre, and many other legendary artists. EA Music's president described these as "incendiary hits from legends," intended to inject an extra dose of adrenaline into gameplay.

Beyond this premium offering, EA has also partnered with Spotify to curate an official Battlefield playlist accessible on the streaming platform, offering a more affordable way to enjoy the game's musical direction. For the general player base, EA provides default radio stations featuring personalized track selections spanning a wide array of genres, from rock and pop to rap and electronic music. Yet, many fans perceive these default stations as mere background noise, lacking the nostalgic punch of the 1990s and 2000s hits that defined earlier gaming eras.

RedSec Controversy Fuels Discontent

The introduction of the paid radio content coincides with growing player frustration surrounding the launch of Battlefield 6's RedSec mode. Criticisms have mounted regarding intrusive advertisements, the battle pass system, and the perception that the supposedly "free" mode is anything but. Furthermore, players are voicing their displeasure over forced team matches, the absence of a solo mode, and what they describe as a generally unpolished experience. Many have labeled RedSec as nothing more than "another way to squeeze money out of players," a sentiment amplified by the premium radio access.