The Finals Season 6 preview — Gaining momentum

The Finals is heading into its 6th season, Rising Stars, and there’s a decent chunk of new content to cover. If I’m being honest, this season is a little light on loadout content. There are no new specializations or gadgets, but each class gets a new weapon. However, this season promises to be BIG, with plans to build up esports, reimagine gameplay, and add quality-of-life features. We got to play season 6 early, so let us fill you in on all of the changes coming your way, contestant!

Let’s start with Esports, as Embark have stated, their goal is to have The Finals’ first Major in Season 8. Embark have also declared their intention to create a competitive “ecosystem” and are playing into The Finals’ lore by blurring the lines between game and reality. This bridge between the virtual work and ‘the meat space’ will take the form of esports tie-ins, with top players appearing in-game on billboards. Commentators Scotty and June might even have a thing or two to say about the pros. Players will also be able to watch pro-level match replays to learn from their favorite high-level players. The ranked scoreboard will also be updated, excluding some information to prevent unfair advantages. Embark is also adding a streamer mode, to help streamers hide their information from viewers. Overall, it looks like they’re really kicking the competitive scene up a notch and making the most of the game’s setting.

Embark have also promised a major gameplay overhaul, polishing up every angle of a contestant’s loadout, from the weapons to the gadgets, and even the mechanics of the game. The goal is to create a smoother, more fair gameplay experience. Expect gradual, consistent updates to improve the game’s technical quality, but also expect to notice some changes right off the bat. For example, private matches now feature more admin controls, spectator tools, like setting and switching between viewpoints, and more options for hosting and broadcasting.

The cosmetics store has also received an overhaul with customizable sections to make it easier to find your favorite outfits and a dressing room to try on any cosmetics before you buy them. This goes hand in hand with the new separation of loadouts and outfits, making it easier to swap your fits across your contestant body types. On that note, Embark are rolling out new cosmetic-only body type variants, starting with a muscular build for the heavy. To wrap up the cosmetics news, the new battle pass theme will be grand sporting events, so lock-in. 

As mentioned, each class got a new weapon, and we have to say, they’re a rather cool selection. Starting with the Heavy class, they got the M134 minigun. It might be a bit slow to wind up, but once it gets going, boy is it a powerhouse. It’ll destroy objects and players alike, especially Lights, who got absolutely melted during our playtime with it. At one point, our whole team switched to Heavy to use it in TDM, and it was a powerful strategy. On the other hand, it does slow the user down, so make sure you’re well-positioned while unleashing your bullet hose. It really does fit into Heavy’s role as a specialist in locking down an area and anchoring the team in victory, so bravo Embark. 

Next up is the CB-01 lever action rifle. This thing is a certified skill cannon. It’s accurate and powerful, but a little slow on the reload. Think of it like a “Revolver 2” kind of deal. In addition, it comes with a really nice, subtle iron sight. It’ll provide the perfect counter to the newfound power Heavies find in the minigun. 

Finally, we have the Light’s new gun, the ARN220 tactical assault rifle. This one was really interesting to play around with, as the gun features two mags to rapidly swap between. Being able to pelt an enemy at medium range, run out of ammo, then rapidly resume the volley feels powerful, but the tempo takes some getting used to. At the same time, the game’s power level felt inconsistent, sometimes we would shred opponents, sometimes it felt weak. We attribute that to the fact that we were playing on European servers when we’re based in America. Lastly, players should also keep an eye out for new weapon optics.

On another note, Team Deathmatch is returning as a permanent game mode, and it’s supported on more maps than ever before. SYS HORIZON, Skyway Stadium, Fortune Stadium, Seoul, Kyoto, and Las Vegas Stadium are all on the table. On a side note, Las Vegas Stadium has replaced the standard map, which will return at a later date. The addition of TDM as a permanent game mode was a great move by Embark to breathe new life into the game. While the other casual game modes are fine, just being able to duke it out 5v5 really takes advantage of The Finals’ best elements. This will definitely help the game appeal to a larger audience in a way that other modes couldn’t due to their complexity and specificity.

Speaking of casual game modes, every quickplay mode is going to get seasonal progression similar to that in World Tour, so score for casual players. To add, power shift is now available on Bernal and the new Las Vegas Stadium. We rather enjoyed it on Vegas, but it felt a little cramped and awkward in Bernal. If players wish to sharpen their aim, then they can do so on the newly updated practice range, with dummies that move more naturally, to better simulate fighting contestants. Further improvements to the range are on Embark’s docket.

Finally, we have this season’s sponsors, Alfa Acta, Ospuze, and Engimo. Hi to all both of you who signed with Enigmo, thanks for taking the time to read this article!

On a final note, for some time, it has felt like The Finals is in a bit of an identity crisis, split between the chaotic, bombastic fun of its DNA and a desire to evolve into a serious, balanced, competitive game. Now, it seems like Embark are hitting their stride and striking a balance, although the scales will inevitably fall further one way than the other. The Finals Season 6 makes a lot of promises, and if Embark can keep them, they’ll have not only a good season, but one of the most innovative esports scenes gaming has ever seen. We’ll see how the chaotic nature of The Finals works as an Esport, and whether or not trying to tame the beast will harm its original appeal. While we wish there were some specializations and gadgets thrown in, the weapons we’ve received are fresh, and what lies ahead has piqued our interest.