A Proposal for Improving the Breakthrough Mode (Including Operation Mode)

Abstract: This proposal aims to enhance the player experience in Breakthrough Mode (including Operation Mode) by increasing the number of attackers to exceed the number of defenders (e.g., 36 vs. 28, for a total of 64 players), thereby increasing the number of daily active players.

     After the author experienced the Operation Mode for one week following its launch and observed feedback posted by other players online, it became evident that certain maps in Breakthrough Mode and Operation Mode often present situations where defense is easy but offense is difficult, ultimately resulting in a poor player experience. The author believes that the number of attackers should exceed the number of defenders (e.g., 36 attackers vs. 28 defenders, for a total of 64 players) to enhance the gameplay experience for Breakthrough Mode players. The reasons are as follows:

1. Military theory dictates that the attacking force should outnumber the defending force

Military theory texts often state that the attacking force must outnumber the defending force by several times to ensure the attacking army has a greater chance of victory. Since *Battlefield 6* is itself a battlefield simulation game, and the Breakthrough mode further emphasizes the dynamics of offense and defense, it is reasonable to consider increasing the number of attackers relative to defenders—in line with real-world military theory—to balance the game’s outcome and optimize the player experience.

2. Game Design Leading to an Imbalance of Power Between Attacker and Defender

In Breakthrough mode, the defender can only lose in one scenario: losing all the strongholds they are tasked with defending in the final stage. However, the attacker can lose in three scenarios: first, failing to capture all the strongholds targeted in the final stage; second, exhausting their troop count; and third, running out of attack time. Therefore, the defender actually has more tactical options, such as: the defender can choose to hold their ground within a stronghold to defend it; the defenders can also choose to flank and encircle the attackers, striking them from the sides and rear to deplete their forces; or they can even opt for a one-for-one exchange, aiming to win by reducing the attackers’ numbers. Furthermore, since the game has been live for about six months, many veteran players have unlocked the Respawn Beacon, making it easy for defenders to return to the battlefield. However, the attacking team has only one tactical option: how to break through the defenders’ lines to enter and capture the base. Consequently, attacking players feel significantly more pressure compared to defenders, which results in a less enjoyable experience.

Furthermore, due to the game’s mechanics, defenders reach the base faster than attackers, allowing them to secure advantageous firing positions more quickly and set up defensive fortifications at key locations to await the attack. Consequently, the attacking team must not only demonstrate superior marksmanship but also overcome the environmental disadvantages. Thus, with equal team sizes, the attackers start at a disadvantage. Even with the advantage of vehicles, the defenders can deploy mines and set up ambushes within the base. As a result, when player skill levels are comparable, the attacking team remains slightly at a disadvantage.

3. Diminished Player Experience

Due to the inherent imbalance between attackers and defenders, the player experience differs. Since attacking players generally have a lower win rate, they tend to feel a strong sense of frustration, which may eventually lead them to stop playing this game mode. Furthermore, as can be seen from online highlights of Battlefield 6, much of the content comes from Conquest mode rather than Breakthrough mode. Therefore, rebalancing Breakthrough mode could improve the player experience and, consequently, increase the game’s daily active player count.

    Given the above reasons, the author suggests increasing the number of attackers to exceed that of the defenders, thereby rebalancing the advantages held by both sides. This would help equalize their win rates and ultimately optimize the player experience. This approach addresses the three reasons mentioned above: First, it aligns with real-world military theory; second, without altering the conditions for defeat, the attacking side can deploy greater military strength than the defending side within the game, thereby offsetting some of the mechanical advantages granted to the defending side by the game design, while also narrowing the defending side’s tactical options and weakening the effectiveness of their tactics (e.g., flanking attacks inflict limited damage on the attacking side, Reason one is that there are enough players to counter the defenders’ ambushes; reason two is that even if the attacking force deployed on the battlefield is weakened, it may still be on par with the defenders’ current deployment); finally, engagements become more intense, and with the encouragement of game mechanics, attacking players will perceive their chances of victory as higher, thereby continuing to play this game mode.

Additionally, when the number of attackers exceeds that of defenders, the following effects occur:

1. Both attacking and defending teams can deploy corresponding vehicles, allowing players to engage in vehicle combat within Breakthrough mode, thereby increasing the intensity and spectator appeal of the match.

2. Previously, the capture zones on many maps were modified due to an imbalance between attackers and defenders. When the number of attackers exceeds that of defenders, many of these zones can be restored to their original state, thereby realizing the designers’ original intent. This also encourages players on both sides to compete for specific landmarks rather than fighting over arbitrarily drawn boundaries intended to balance gameplay.

3. Many players want to experience large-scale battles with 64 participants, but most Breakthrough mode maps currently support only 48 players. Therefore, setting the attacking team to 36 players and the defending team to 28 players—for a total of 64—could optimize the player experience. (Personal suggestion: This player count configuration could first be tested on Liberation Peak.)

   In summary, having the attacking team outnumber the defending team is a Breakthrough Mode optimization worth exploring. After all, large-scale battlefield modes feature a more complex gameplay environment than other modes and do not necessarily need to adhere to the rigid constraints of other game settings—or even esports rules. Moreover, our large-scale battlefield mode can establish its own esports rules.

The English text is for reference only; the Simplified Chinese text in the attachment shall prevail.