Battlefield 6 is firing on all cylinders with intense multiplayer action, gritty cinematic storytelling, and a serious commitment to dealing with cheaters from the first launch day. EA has confirmed that Battlefield 6 will be the first game in the franchise to launch with EA’s new kernel-level anticheat system, named Javelin.
If you play PC shooters, you will be aware that the continuous battle between developers and hackers isn’t background noise, but it can make or break a game. Battlefield Studios looks determined to avoid the mistakes of Battlefield 2042.
What is Javelin Anticheat?
Javelin is EA’s kernel-level anti-cheat technology programme, which runs deep within the system to catch cheaters before they can exploit the game. Unlike typical software-level anticheat, kernel-level tools operate at the core of the operating system, which gives them more visibility into cheat tools, even the sneaky ones.
The system isn’t new. Originally introduced as “EA Anticheat” back in 2022, EA has rolled it out to some exclusive titles, including FIFA, Madden, and even Battlefield 2042’s Season 6 update. But with Battlefield 6, it’s the first time a Battlefield game will release with Javelin fully integrated from the start. The game’s Open Beta this August will also have this working its way against cheaters, so we’ll get an early glimpse at how it performs across various PC setups.
Cheaters Don’t Go Away, So Battlefield 6 Needs It
Cheaters have been a problem in modern FPS titles, from Call of Duty to Apex Legends. When Battlefield 2042 launched with no solid anticheat system, the community faced the consequences. EA must have learned from that, which is why Battlefield 6 launching with Javelin is a big deal.
Multiplayer is the heart of the franchise, and with features like returning class systems, destructible maps, and massive scale warfare, integrity is key. What’s the point of a cinematic multiplayer sandbox if wallhacks and aimbots ruin it? Call of Duty has had kernel-level tech (like Ricochet) for years, and while these aren’t perfect, but are a step up from traditional systems.
Of course, not everyone is happy about it. Kernel-level anticheat has always been controversial due to its deep system access. Some players raise valid concerns about:
- Privacy risks: The software runs even when the game isn’t open.
- Security vulnerabilities: Once compromised, kernel-level programs can be highly malicious.
- Compatibility issues: Linux and Steam Deck users often find these systems unplayable.
EA says Javelin is part of a large “defense-in-depth” strategy to ensure fair play without compromising safety, but the debate around these tools isn’t going away.
Early Access and Launch Details
- Battlefield 6 Open Beta:
- August 7–8 (Early Access via Battlefield Labs)
- August 9–10 and August 14–17 (Public Beta)
- Full Release:
- October 10, 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
The beta will require Secure Boot enabled in Windows due to the way Javelin integrates with system security. Most modern PCs can handle this setup with no issue. Is it perfect? Probably not. But it’s better than launching into chaos from day one of Battlefield 6.
