Battlefield 4 is easily one of the biggest games of the year, both on current and next generation consoles; we also can’t forget about PC. If you need extensive combat training, congratulations, because you came to the right place. That said, here is Prima’s free Battlefield 4 multiplayer guide.
Beginner’s Tips
Using your primary weapon and killing enemy infantry is one of the core aspects of any first person shooter. With Battlefield, vehicle combat is equally as important, but as the saying goes, you need to learn to walk before you run. For your first few games, we highly suggest smaller contests with a large focus on infantry warfare. This will give you an opportunity to get a feel for the weapons and speed of combat.
Ideal Game Modes 1
-Team Death Match 1
-Domination
-Squad Death Match
Class / Weapon Choice
If you’ve followed our suggestion and jumped into one of the game modes we mentioned above, the next step is to choose a class and weapon type. Since it’s unlikely you have any unlocks at this point, choosing your class essentially chooses your weapon for you.
The Assault class offers the perfect fit for new players to learn the ropes in Team Death Match or Domination. This class of weapon does the most damage within 50 meters but remains accurate at over 100 meters. Additionally, the first unlock of the Assault class is theDefibrillators (Score: 11,000) which will allow you to revive downed squad members and teammates. Keep in mind that reviving squad mates (Score: 125) awards players more points than a standard enemy kill (Score: 100).
Squad Up / Mic Up
On rare occasions, an individual can lead his or her team to victory. However, matches are almost always won by dominant squads. With Battlefield 4 increasing the maximum squad size to five, this has never been truer. As a new player to the Battlefield franchise, it is imperative that you turn your microphone on if possible. A major part of making a squad successful is effective communication. Whether you need to call out that pesky sniper, request ammunition or radio for vehicle repairs, communication with your team is as essential as having a primary weapon. Even if you’re not playing with friends, don’t be afraid to jump into a squad and speak up.
Vehicles / Test Range
Any Battlefield veteran will agree there are few things as frustrating as jumping into a vehicle, only to realize that the driver has absolutely no idea what they’re doing. Luckily for you, Battlefield 4 comes complete with a Test Range. Piloting that helicopter can be a daunting task, so much so that many new players avoid it. Vehicles are a huge part of what makes Battlefield unique. Don’t miss out on them because you are afraid of a fiery death. Jump into the Test Range to fine-tune your skills in any vehicle.
Battlelog – Track Your Progress
If you’re playing Battlefield 4 on the PC, you should know all about Battlelog. If you aren’t sure what Battlelog is, head over and sign up today. One of the basic functions is providing players with statistical data, as well as their progression towards unlocks and awards. Some of the more in-depth functions include customizing both your weapon and vehicle loadouts. If you’re looking to make the jump from new kid on the block to hardened veteran, Battlelog is an essential tool to your success.
Advanced Tips
If you’re reading this section, Battlefield 4 should not be your first taste of the franchise. You know what it takes to win and you have the skills to contribute to your team. You understand exactly what the meaning of PTFO is. There have been a lot of changes from Battlefield 3 to Battlefield 4, so let’s take a look at some of the things that might impact your game.
Out with the Old
Suppression
Let’s begin with one of the primary complaints Battlefield 3 veterans had. Suppression underwent a complete makeover. Light Machine Guns (LMG) were increased, but the effect decreased across all other weapon classes. Additionally, it has also been decreased at close range to ensure close quarters battles are always focused on skill. The actual suppressive effect was also removed, and replaced with a scope sway that is similar to what snipers experience in Battlefield 3. Skilled players should still be able to focus and get hits on a target even while suppressed. In order to get the full benefits of suppression, players will need to deploy someone from the Support class to lay down the LMG fire.
Carbines & Personal Defense Weapons (PDW)
Another very notable change is the removal of the Carbines as an exclusive weapon toEngineers. One of the most popular classes from Battlefield 3, Engineers are now the exclusive owners of the PDW family. Carbines are available to all classes, so after a little ranking up, you shouldn’t notice too much of a difference. For those non-snipers who would like to complete their Recon Service Star, equip a Carbine rather than a sniper rifle.
Bye-Bye M16A3 & M4A1
Lastly, say goodbye to two of the most popular weapons in modern Battlefield, the M16A3and the M4A1. Although the variant M16A4 and M4 are still there, they are burst fire versions of their more popular siblings. Skilled players will still see a great value in these weapons, but others will be forced to try and find suitable replacements. If you want to increase your accuracy rating and take down targets at long range, don’t hesitate to give these formidable weapons a try.
In with the New
Field Upgrades
New with Battlefield 4 is the tier-based system of Field Upgrades. Rather than choose aSpecialization, as with Battlefield 3, you will choose Field Upgrades, each of which have four levels. For example, the Defensive Field Upgrade includes Armor, Cover, Flak and Quick Regen. As you complete tasks as a squad, you unlock the various levels of your chosen path. However, if everyone in your squad dies, your progress is reset and you have start again from the beginning. You can choose the universal Field Upgrades, or you can choose some that are more specific to your class. Pay attention to detail and practice good situational awareness. If the on-screen notification Last Man Standing pops up, it is your responsibility to ensure you survive and keep the Field Upgrade progression alive.
Chinese Faction
The introduction of the Chinese faction doesn’t just come with new character models and sound bites. There is now a whole new batch of weapons and vehicles that players can use to creatively bring doom to their enemies. Some of the more notable vehicle additions are the ZBD-09 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), the Type 99 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and theZ-10W Attack Helicopter. Statistically, these vehicles are all equal to their counterparts, which makes their differences purely cosmetic. Still, they bring a new look and feel to the vehicle-based warfare of Battlefield 4.
We’re Going Through Changes
Levolution
Right off the bat, one of the most anticipated changes in Battlefield 4 is Levolution. All 10 multiplayer maps will contain these moments. Unlike the tower falling on Caspian Border in Battlefield 3, these events are triggered by player interaction. For example, on Siege of Shanghai, the skyscraper only falls if the pillars at its base are destroyed by one of the two teams. Once a Levolution moment is triggered, it can drastically alter the environment and force players to adapt by changing up their strategies.
Five Man Squads
If you enjoy playing Battlefield with friends, you’re going to love the five man squads. The increase from four is going to add an additional level of depth to your squad’s strategy. Rather than choose four different classes with a four- man squad, you can now double up on a class you feel will be important to your team’s success. For example, if you plan to take an objective on top of a building, you may want to bring two Recon soldiers to rain bullets down on the enemies below. The possibilities are endless. Be sure to take into account your team’s situational needs as well as your own personal playing style.
Commander Mode
For those who joined the franchise in Battlefield 3, this may seem like a new feature. Commander Mode was introduced in Battlefield 2, but has seen a reboot in Battlefield 4. Players are now able to play as Commander from their PC, console or tablet. For example, you will now be able to use your iPad to play as Commander of a PS4 game. When playing as Commander, you will have several assets at your disposal. Things such as the Scan UAV, Supply Drop and the extremely devastating Gunship are only a few. Keep in mind that most of the assets are earned rather than given to you by default. Successfully command your team and unlock the tools to help them achieve victory.
More Battlefield 4
Top Five Tips for Helping the Team
Class Guides
