The bugged lock-on missile in BF 6 boosting service might have been one of the most disruptive glitches in recent memory, but it’s far from the only issue the game has faced when it comes to balance. For a franchise that prides itself on its vast scale and dynamic combat, Battlefield 6 has struggled to maintain a fair balance between infantry and vehicles, especially in the wake of such bugs. The lock-on missile fiasco highlighted just how fragile this balance can be, and the long wait for a fix only intensified the sense of imbalance in the community.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at Battlefield 6's ongoing struggle with balance—particularly between vehicles and infantry—and discuss how the lock-on missile bug fits into this larger issue. Can DICE restore balance to Battlefield 6 and ensure that future updates don’t break the game’s core mechanics again?
The Complexities of Battlefield 6’s Vehicle and Infantry Balance:
From its inception, the Battlefield series has been known for its large-scale battles, which allow players to choose between infantry, vehicles, and aerial combat. This unique aspect of the game means that balancing the interactions between these different playstyles is crucial. A single broken mechanic—like the lock-on missile bug—can upset the entire flow of the game, causing chaos on the battlefield and frustrating players who feel powerless against overwhelming vehicles.
In Battlefield 6, vehicle dominance has always been a hot topic. While there are plenty of ways to counter vehicles—such as anti-aircraft weapons or other anti-vehicle tools—many players argue that the vehicles are just too strong, especially in large-scale modes where they can easily dominate entire maps. This bugged lock-on missile system, which was supposed to be one of the primary counters to vehicle dominance, suddenly became a liability rather than a solution. The result was a game where tanks, helicopters, and jets could roll over infantry with near-impunity, creating a lopsided experience.
The lock-on missile glitch was a glaring example of just how unbalanced Battlefield 6 can feel when one core mechanic is broken. In essence, the problem wasn’t just the missiles malfunctioning—it was the disruption of the fundamental equilibrium between infantry and vehicles that made Battlefield's combat dynamic and enjoyable.
The Impact of the Glitch on Vehicle Combat:
When the lock-on missile bug first hit, it wasn’t just an inconvenience; it dramatically shifted the power balance on the battlefield. Vehicles became overpowered. Without a reliable way to counter them, infantry players had to resort to ineffective methods—such as trying to hit moving tanks with small-arms fire or using ineffective manual-targeting rockets—while the vehicles themselves continued to rake in kills with ease.
Tanks, in particular, were a big concern. Tanks are inherently powerful in Battlefield 6, but when they could ignore counter-attacks from players trying to lock on and hit them with precision missiles, they became near-unstoppable juggernauts. Players found themselves stuck in an arms race where vehicles kept getting stronger and infantry had fewer and fewer ways to deal with them. Worse, the situation was exacerbated by the fact that DICE had already made adjustments to make tanks more dominant in the game, with improved armor and more powerful weapons.
The lack of a functioning lock-on missile system left anti-vehicle specialists—and many other players—without their primary means of countering vehicles. It was as if one of the only answers to vehicle dominance was suddenly taken off the table, which led to a lot of frustration within the community.
Balancing Issues in Battlefield 6 Beyond the Bug:
While the lock-on missile bug is certainly one of the most notable examples of Battlefield 6’s balance issues, it’s part of a broader struggle. DICE has been repeatedly challenged to find the right balance between vehicles and infantry across Battlefield 6's expansive maps and large player counts.
The game has historically been a victim of "vehicle creep," where, over time, the dominance of vehicles overshadows infantry. While it’s important for vehicles to have a role in Battlefield 6, the community has voiced concerns that they are too powerful in certain circumstances, leading to one-sided matches where players on the ground have little opportunity to fight back.
This issue isn’t exclusive to Battlefield 6—it’s been a recurring theme throughout the franchise. However, the sheer scale of Battlefield 6’s maps, combined with the complicated vehicle dynamics and a constantly shifting meta, has made it particularly difficult for DICE to find a sustainable balance. With the lock-on missile glitch now in the rearview mirror, it’s essential for DICE to turn their attention to other core balance issues—particularly in the realm of vehicle combat.
What DICE Can Do to Fix the Balance:
Now that the lock-on missile bug has been addressed, DICE must focus on resolving the larger balance issues that continue to plague Battlefield 6. Below are a few suggestions that could help create a more harmonious balance between vehicles and infantry, while preserving the game’s signature large-scale combat:
Rework the Vehicle Lock-On System (or Replace It):
The lock-on missile system, while crucial to countering vehicles, has always been a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s clear that when it malfunctions, it can severely disrupt the balance of the game. Instead of relying solely on the lock-on mechanic, DICE might consider reworking or diversifying the ways in which infantry can combat vehicles. This could involve adding more manual targeting options, increasing the effectiveness of anti-tank weapons, or even introducing new types of missiles that work better in the current game environment.Introduce More Counterplay for Infantry:
One way to tackle the vehicle imbalance is by providing infantry with more options to counter powerful vehicles. This could include a wider variety of anti-vehicle equipment, stronger anti-aircraft tools, or improved infantry mobility to make it easier for them to get in close to vehicles. Right now, infantry sometimes feel like they’re stuck in a game of cat and mouse, trying to evade vehicles that can wipe them out in seconds.Increase the Tactical Depth of Vehicles:
Vehicles in Battlefield 6 are often powerful because they have the upper hand when it comes to raw firepower. However, they can also be made more vulnerable by introducing new mechanics that increase their need for teamwork and strategy. For example, vehicles could require more frequent resupplies, have a higher risk of overheating, or be more easily targeted with non-lock-on-based anti-vehicle weapons. Introducing new mechanics that emphasize tactics over brute force would make the game more balanced overall.Tighter Community Feedback Loops:
Finally, one of the most important fixes DICE can implement is a tighter feedback loop with the community. With so many players passionate about the game, DICE should consider introducing more frequent surveys, community polls, and even open betas to gather feedback on balance issues before major changes are made. This would ensure that the voices of the community are heard and considered during the development process, helping to prevent further issues like the lock-on missile bug from gaining traction.
Conclusion:
The lock-on missile bug in Battlefield 6 services was more than just a technical issue—it was a symptom of a much larger problem: the game’s ongoing struggle to balance vehicle combat with infantry gameplay. While DICE eventually fixed the bug, the incident highlighted the fragile nature of balance in large-scale shooters. The game needs better systems to ensure that no single playstyle—whether it’s vehicles or infantry—becomes too dominant.
As the community continues to demand better balance, DICE will need to take a closer look at the underlying mechanics that contribute to this imbalance. The goal should be to create a game where both vehicles and infantry feel impactful, but neither overwhelms the other. The lock-on missile bug was a reminder of just how easily balance can tip, and moving forward, DICE will have to take extra care to ensure the game remains dynamic, fair, and fun for all players.
