EA have released details about the Battlefield 4 multiplayer class loadouts and some of the tweaks they’ve made based on community feedback and data taken from Battlefield 3.
EA state that there will be three playable factions; Russian, Chinese and US, and players will be able to choose from two of these three factions based on the multiplayer map you are playing. Players can pick from the Support, Engineer, Recon and Assault classes, which the developers comment that they’ve “tweaked them to be more versatile and more highly specialized within their fields”.
The Engineer has a lot more variation in anti-vehicle weapons and the team have given the Engineer a broader set of tactics by adjusting the way Battlefield does vehicle disables and guided weapon systems. This includes everything from high damage weapons that may be more challenging to use (like RPG-7V2) to fire-and-forget smart weapons with low damage (like the MBT LAW). The fan favourite Wire Guided Engineer Missile (the FGM-172 SRAW) that you might recognise from Battlefield 2 is also making a comeback.
The Support kit has a few more offensive options, and thanks to community feedback will retain his C4 and Claymores from Battlefield 3 (prepare for a lot of “special delivery” quadbikes). The XM25 offers nice indirect suppressive fire, a redesigned remote mortar allows him to use indirect fire from a distance, and the ability to equip carbines and DMRs gives the Support an added versatility in combat roles.
Recon has gotten a boost to mobility (for what it’s worth to campers), as well as the return of the Spec Ops play style from Battlefield 2. Pack a carbine, C4 (or Claymores), and Motion Sensors and you’re good to go behind enemy lines. Those who prefer to sit and snipe will find revamped sniping mechanics with rebalanced Sniper Rifles, the ability to zero your sights (set an aiming distance), and additional optics and accessories. Finally, the Recon players can still utilise the MAV, T-UGS, and Radio Beacon to help out their team.
Assault is still the frontline run-and-gun kit, and my personal favourite, that also serves the role of combat medic. Assault is still the go-to kit with med kits and defibrillators but has picked up some additional mobility with the First Aid Pack, which heals a single soldier over time, or the 40mm Flash Bang rounds to help clear rooms.
EA and DICE have also tweaked the Gadgets system in Battlefield 4 after the team “saw a gap where some of the more team play focused gadgets required players to sit still”. The system has now been adjusted by tailoring the kits, the gadgets, and the available specialisations; as well as introducing some brand new gadgets to tinker with.
Some of the all-new gadgets include the Portable Laser Designator and the portable First Aid and Ammo Packs, that will allow Assault and Support players to top off a single team-mates health or ammo on the move, while the traditional Ammo Box and Med Kit keep their stationary area heal and resupply roles. In the case of the Portable Laser Designator, it’s designed as a SOFLAM for the Recon on the run – allowing you to quickly laser designate targets without the longer set-up time of a SOFLAM (with the tradeoff of not being able to deploy it and have it auto-designate targets for you.)
EA and DICE have also increased the suppression effect of the Light Machine Guns that are exclusive to the Support kit, as well as making other weapons less suppressive. Close range suppression has also been reduced and the accuracy penalty from Battlefield 3 has been replaced with a scope sway effect – similar to what snipers get in Battlefield 3 while suppressed.
Field Upgrades are also being introduced into Battlefield 4 as a replacement for Specialisations. Whereas Battlefield 3 only offered seven Specialisations, Battlefield 4 will offer over 25. Players can pick a set path of four upgrades which unlock as you perform squad actions like resupplies, repairs, healing, and following orders. All of this information is tracked in the Field Upgrade Progress Bar – or “Bro Bar”.
Each class has four upgrade careers to choose from; two of which apply to all four kits and two that are specially tailored to that class. The two global careers focus on Offense; with perks such as Sprint, Ammo, More Grenades, and Reduced Fall, and Defense; with perks such as Armor, Cover, Flak, and Quick Regen. Players will be able to reselect their choices throughout the rounds, allowing you to adapt to whatever situation you find yourself in during a match.
EA are also offering the community to opportunity to choose one additional universal upgrade career to be added to the game. Fans have until August 22nd to head to the Battlefield Blog and vote on which of the four paths they want to see implemented into the final game. You can also see a full list of the 25 Specialisations on offer to the variety of classes.
Battlefield 4 is scheduled for release on October 29th in North America and November 1st, 2013 in Europe for PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4 and Xbox One. Which class is your favourite?
Battlefield 4 Multiplayer Class Loadouts & Field Upgrades Detailed StickTwiddlers