Battlefield 6 launched its new Winter Offensive event on December 9, 2025, bringing a frozen twist to the game with the Ice Lock Empire State map and a fresh melee weapon. Players can now jump into this limited-time event, which runs until December 29, 2025, as part of Season 1. It introduces a dedicated Winter Offensive Bonus Path that sits separately from the main Battle Pass, and perhaps the biggest draw there is the highly anticipated Ice Climbing Axe. There is also the new Freeze mechanic appearing in specific modes, which pushes players to manage body temperature while still trying to outplay enemies. It feels a bit intense at first, but it adds a layer of tension that some players might appreciate.
Key Takeaways
- The Winter Offensive event runs from December 9 to December 29, 2025.
- Players can obtain the Ice Climbing Axe by reaching Tier 11 in the Winter Offensive Bonus Path.
- The update adds the Ice Lock Empire State map with a new Freeze survival mechanic.
- Rewards include 11 tiers of items such as cosmetics, XP boosters, and the new melee weapon.
- Event modes include special versions of Conquest, Domination, and Gauntlet.
How to Get the Ice Climbing Axe
The Ice Climbing Axe is the primary reward for this event, and the nice thing is that you do not need to buy a premium pass to get it. Every player can access the Winter Offensive Bonus Path for free. This path includes 11 tiers of rewards, so to add the axe to your inventory, you simply need to play and earn enough XP to reach Tier 11. It sounds straightforward, although it can take some determination depending on how much time you usually spend in matches.
You can progress faster by completing the 12 specific Winter Offensive challenges. These challenges frequently involve playing on the new Ice Lock Empire State map or interacting with the Freeze mechanic, which makes the whole event feel more interconnected. Once you reach Tier 11, the axe becomes available for use in both Battlefield 6 multiplayer and the REDSEC mode. It is a nice addition, especially for players who like swapping melee weapons for different combat situations.
Ice Lock Empire State and Freeze Mechanic
The developers gave the Empire State map a complete winter overhaul for this event. The streets are covered in snow, visibility drops because of frequent storms, and there is this sense of cold settling into the environment that you might notice even before a match heats up. This new variant, called Ice Lock Empire State, is the only map where the Freeze mechanic is active.
In modes using the Freeze mechanic, your soldier’s body temperature falls whenever you stay outside in the cold for too long. If it drops too low, you begin taking damage, and your health regeneration stops completely. To warm up, you need to find Heat Zones placed around the map or use incendiary gadgets to create fire. This creates moments where squads have to think more carefully about their routes. Sometimes you might feel tempted to sprint straight to an objective but staying alive pushes you to plan around warmth just as much as enemy placement.
Event Rewards and Game Modes
The Winter Offensive Bonus Path offers more than just the axe. As you move through all 11 tiers, you will pick up winter-themed cosmetics for soldiers and vehicles, along with XP boosters that help with main Season 1 progression. It can feel like a steady drip of rewards, which is satisfying if you enjoy tracking progress during limited-time events.
You can play three main modes during this event, each slightly adjusted to fit the frozen setting.
Conquest features sector captures on the icy map while you juggle heat levels, which sometimes changes the usual rhythm of engagements.
Domination shifts into more compact infantry skirmishes focused around Heat Zones, and matches can feel surprisingly frantic when teams converge on warm areas.
Gauntlet also appears in the rotation, rounding out the set of modes players can jump into during the event.
If anything, the Winter Offensive event seems designed to encourage exploration of its new systems without overwhelming players. There is a sense of experimentation in how the Freeze mechanic shapes fights, and maybe that is what keeps it interesting over the few weeks it is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When does the Winter Offensive event end?
A. The event ends on December 29, 2025. You must earn all rewards before this date.
Q. Do I need to pay to get the Ice Climbing Axe?
A. No, the Ice Climbing Axe is a free reward. You only need to play the game and reach Tier 11 in the free Bonus Path.
Q. Can I use the Ice Climbing Axe in REDSEC mode?
A. Yes, once you obtain the axe, you can equip it in both the standard multiplayer and REDSEC modes.
Q. What happens if I miss the event?
A. Event-exclusive items like the axe often become available through simple assignments after the event ends, but cosmetic rewards might not return.
Q. How do I stop freezing on the new map?
A. You need to stand near fire barrels, burning vehicles, or inside designated Heat Zones to warm up your soldier.
