Wardogs delivers what Battlefield 6 was too console-brained to pull off: A real server browser

Wardogs has become one of the most popular multiplayer games of the moment, despite having no matchmaking button. This fresh approach to teamwork, economy, and all-out warfare is drawing in the largest crowds any round-based, milsim-y FPS has seen. The server browser in Wardogs is a major reason for its success, providing options such as bulkhead server, sorted by players, ping, rulesets, and maps. Community servers can also be rented from third-party vendors, giving players more control over their gaming experience.

Fans have long been requesting Battlefield to return to a more community-focused setup, and Wardogs is providing that. EA's initial attempts at a server browser in Battlefield 6, however, were not successful. The Portal browser was buggy, dominated by XP farming lobbies, and limited in functionality. DICE lead producer David Sirland even admitted that matchmaking servers spin up and down quickly, making it difficult to join games mid-game.

Despite these drawbacks, Wardogs has managed to overcome the issues and provide players with a smooth browsing experience. With thousands of official and community servers available, it's easy to find a game with available slots. The matches are also short, with players frequently rotating in and out. Community servers offer faster punishment of cheaters and griefers, and can become recognizable social spaces with regulars and customs.

Bulkhead, the developer of Wardogs, is not doing anything groundbreaking, but rather following the standard practice of PC shooters from 20 years ago. However, the success of Wardogs' server browser shows that the will to provide a better gaming experience is all that's needed. Battlefield 6's lack of a real server browser was a miscalculation by EA, and it's still hurting the game. Wardogs has proven that a server browser can be more legitimate and beneficial than Battlefield 6's community support.