Battlefield Studios has finally revealed what’s in store for the second phase of Season 4. It’s not just the return of a classic map—it’s a full-blown Top Gun collaboration, featuring two new modes and fighter jets that haven’t appeared in the series for over twenty years.
Wake Island returns to Battlefield 6 on August 18. The map has been rebuilt from the ground up for modern sandbox gameplay; the focus has shifted to naval combat, though infantry, ground vehicles, and aircraft remain key elements. This isn’t merely a nod to series veterans—the developers designed it with the realities of modern multiplayer battles in mind. Aircraft carriers now serve as headquarters for both sides, becoming the focal points for major engagements. A new point of interest, “Shipwreck,” has been added to the center of the map, and destruction mechanics have been significantly enhanced.
Season 4 itself kicked off on July 21 with the Tsuru Reef map—touted as the largest in the game’s history—but the major content drop is reserved for August 18. That day sees the addition of the “Carrier Strike” mode: both teams battle to destroy the enemy carrier by capturing sectors, deploying vehicles, and clearing flight corridors for pilots. Once the carrier sustains enough damage, the final objective shifts to the ship’s interior, turning the match into one decisive assault.
The second mode, “Fighter Sweep,” arrives in REDSEC as a new Gauntlet mission. Shoot down enemy fighters, destroy supply caches, and rack up points. And yes, it’s a direct homage to Top Gun—the developers have even included three iconic characters with their original voice actors: Rooster, Bob, and Admiral Bates.
New hardware includes the Interdictor sniper rifle and two two-seater fighter jets: the F/A-81F Super Spectre and the F-74A Seacat. Two-seater jets mark a return to mechanics not seen since Battlefield 2.
The battle royale mode is also getting something new: the USS Grant point of interest at Fort Lyndon. It is a wrecked aircraft carrier containing high-tier loot, and for the first few weeks after launch, it will be designated as a “High-Value Zone.”
Importantly, the Wake Island map will initially be available only in “Verified Experiences,” with “Custom Experiences” following later. So, if you want to try it out in your own lobbies, you’ll need to be patient.
On August 18, Battlefield 6 is getting more than just an update; it’s launching a full-scale event capable of stealing the spotlight—especially considering the series has never seen a collaboration of this magnitude. And it’s not just one aspect generating interest: judging by what the developers have revealed, this season could prove to be a turning point for the entire game.
