Battlefield 6 Update 1.1.1.5: Flying Drone Exploit Fixed, Patch Notes
The next major quality-of-life update for Battlefield 6 and its popular battle royale mode, Redsec, is set to deploy, bringing with it a host of critical bug fixes and gameplay refinements. The upcoming Update 1.1.1.5, scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 11, will finally patch out one of the game's most bizarre and well-known exploits, putting an end to the era of the flying sledgehammer.
The update is scheduled for a global rollout at 1:00 AM PT / 4:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM UTC. While the patch focuses primarily on improving the existing experience rather than adding new content, the changes are significant and address several key areas of player feedback.
Farewell to the Flying Sledgehammer
The most significant change arriving in Update 1.1.1.5 is the removal of a long-standing and infamous physics exploit. For months, players have been able to achieve flight through unconventional means by placing an XFGM-6D Recon Drone on the ground, standing on top of it, and repeatedly striking it with a sledgehammer. The strange interaction between the melee weapon's force and the drone's physics would propel the player and the drone skyward, allowing for rapid, albeit clumsy, aerial traversal.
This "drone surfing" technique became a staple of viral gameplay clips and montages, with skilled players using it to gain surprising tactical advantages or simply to create hilarious moments. While beloved by some for its absurdity, the exploit was also a source of frustration in competitive matches, allowing players to reach inaccessible locations and flank unsuspecting squads from impossible angles.
The development team has finally addressed the bug, and the patch notes confirm that this method of drone-powered flight will no longer be possible. This change is expected to normalize gameplay, especially in Redsec, where map positioning is critical for survival. While the community will undoubtedly miss the comical clips, the fix represents a move toward a more balanced and predictable combat environment.
Key Quality-of-Life Changes in Update 1.1.1.5
Beyond fixing the flying drone, the upcoming patch delivers a number of crucial improvements aimed at refining the core gameplay loop. These adjustments target vehicle combat, weapon handling, and the overall flow of the battle royale experience.
Here are the key enhancements players can expect:
- Improved Vehicle Countermeasure Reliability: A major focus of this update is vehicle survivability. The effectiveness of countermeasures like flares and smoke screens has been reworked to be more consistent. Vehicle operators, especially pilots, should find that their defensive tools now work more reliably against incoming lock-on missiles, providing a more fair and skill-based engagement.
- Weapon Accuracy Refinements: The patch introduces subtle but important tweaks to weapon handling across several classes. These changes are aimed at reducing unpredictable bullet deviation (or "bloom") during sustained fire, making gunplay feel more responsive and rewarding skill. Players who can control their recoil should notice their shots landing more consistently at medium to long ranges.
- Battle Royale Flow Enhancements: The Redsec mode is receiving several adjustments to improve the match pacing. While specific details have not been fully outlined, these "flow" improvements typically refer to faster lobby transitions, optimized loot distribution in the early game, and adjustments to the circle's timing to encourage more consistent action throughout a match.
Patch Deployment and Expected Downtime
Update 1.1.1.5 will be deployed across all platforms simultaneously on November 11, beginning at 9:00 AM UTC. Players should anticipate a period of server downtime as the patch is rolled out. It is recommended to complete any active matches before this time to avoid disconnections. The full download size has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be a moderately sized update given its focus on fixes rather than new assets.
This update continues the development team's commitment to polishing the Battlefield 6 experience based on community feedback. By targeting long-standing bugs and refining core mechanics, the patch aims to create a more stable and enjoyable foundation for all players ahead of future content seasons. While the loss of the flying drone marks the end of a funny chapter in the game's history, the wealth of technical improvements promises a better battlefield for everyone.
Battlefield 6 Update 1.1.1.5 FAQ
When does the Battlefield 6 1.1.1.5 update release?
The update is scheduled to go live on Tuesday, November 11, at 1:00 AM Pacific Time (PT) / 4:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) / 9:00 AM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
What is the biggest change in this patch?
The most notable change is the removal of the exploit that allowed players to fly by standing on a Recon Drone and hitting it with a sledgehammer.
Does this update add new maps or weapons?
No, Update 1.1.1.5 is a quality-of-life patch focused on bug fixes and gameplay improvements. It does not contain new content like maps, weapons, or operators.
What is Redsec?
Redsec is the official name for the free-to-play battle royale mode that is part of the Battlefield 6 experience. The update's changes will apply to both the core multiplayer and the Redsec mode.