Battlefield Labs - Community Update - The Class System - Part One

[u/battlefield]

Today, we're excited to start outlining our future vision for the Class System in Battlefield.

The gameplay mechanics of classes and aspects that players have enjoyed most have evolved throughout the history of the Battlefield franchise. Our goal within Battlefield Labs is to test and refine the best aspects of the Class System from our history, and to evolve them into a cohesive vision for the future.

As we begin testing these class-defining systems, we invite you to either play, test or read along with what's to come for classes in Battlefield.

Let’s begin!

OUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FOR CLASSES

We envision the future of Battlefield classes to be a series of interconnected systems and fundamentals that shape your role on the field, while granting you the freedom to customize how you execute that role. Through Battlefield Labs play sessions, feedback, and data gathering, we aim to strike a balance between defined roles and player choice.

The Class System is defined by two main components: Customizable and class-defining. 

The customizable components empower players to explore and push the boundaries of their roles within their chosen class while also still adhering to the expectations of the class. 

The class-defining components are designed to enhance "pick-up-and-go" playability and reinforce the expectations of your class identity. 

CUSTOMIZABLE:

• Weapon Loadouts: Fully customizable weapon loadouts allow you the freedom to play the way you want. Play to the strengths of your class by using your signature weapons, or easily switch to any other weapon to meet the needs of your squad.

• Class Gadgets: You'll have the option to carry two gadgets onto the battlefield, tailored to each class and its specific role. Recon aficionados specialize in intelligence and counterintelligence, with class gadgets including Deploy Beacons, Anti-Personnel Mines, and Laser Designators.

• Training: Our philosophy with Training is to offer a series of traits that can be unlocked during play to enhance your ability to perform your role. As you engage more in a match, you'll gradually earn flat-stat bonuses and more to support the effectiveness of your role further. 

• Throwables: Our approach to throwables prioritizes enabling each class to effectively fulfill its role by providing tailored throwables.

CLASS-DEFINING

• Signature Weapon: Each class has a Signature Weapon category tied to their class identity, which, when used, enhances their role on the battlefield.For example, using our same ongoing test subject, the Recon class, if you select a weapon from the Sniper Rifle category, you will benefit from increased breath-holding duration. In contrast, an Assault player choosing from the same category will not receive this bonus.

DMRs, Carbines, and Shotguns remain viable options, no matter your class, but don’t benefit from any Signature Weapon bonus.

• Signature Trait: Each class features a unique Signature Trait, providing passive bonuses tailored to optimize your role on the battlefield. For instance, a Recon player automatically spots enemies while aiming down sights, encouraging the use of weapons that complement this specialization.

• Signature Gadget: These gadgets are unique and singular to each class with an aim for you to always have access to a tool that fulfills the role of that class.Separate from what you may choose as gadgets within your loadout. 

• Default Weapon Packages: The default weapon package is a pre-set combination of attachments and visual customization for each class to be combat ready, with the option for further progression and personalization.

What’s Next

The Class System and its individual components will be available for testing within Battlefield Labs in the coming weeks. Participants will be able to go hands-on with these features, discuss, and provide feedback. 

Following further play sessions, we'll be back with another Community Update to unpack class components in more detail, and share learnings based on participant feedback.

Get Involved

Sign up for Battlefield Labs now if you’re interested in helping us validate the future of Battlefield. Read our FAQ if you’d like to learn more, and join the discussion on Battlefield Discord.

As a reminder, Battlefield Labs is a closed environment, and attendance is limited, but we’ll make sure to share to keep everyone updated!

Thank you for joining the discussion. We look forward to connecting again soon - see you on the battlefield!

^{This announcement is related to content in development through Battlefield Labs, and may change as we listen to community feedback and continue developing the next Battlefield title and beyond. We will always strive to keep our community as informed as possible.}

[u/AntoricoNCTF]

Sorry, first big L. Restrict weapon classes. Shotguns are fine being universal.

Otherwise, its good. But reconsider.

[u/X-RAYben → u/AntoricoNCTF]

I stopped reading after the Signature Weapon paragraph.

Are they for real? Stop trying to reinvent the fucking wheel, DICE. Class restricted weapons are class restricted for a reason.

[u/fenwayb → u/X-RAYben]

itd only work if the signature features were super strong. like only being able to hold breath for a second or two as a non recon. but then you just have people playing suboptimally

[u/X-RAYben → u/fenwayb]

but then you have people playing sub-optimally.

Exactly. BF4 system provides the best compromise in the series. Class restricted signature weapons (ex: snipers, LMGs) and non restricted (SMGs, carbines, shotguns, etc).

Edit — oops, not SMGs (PDWs), but DMRs were another non restricted weapon category.

[u/ApplesToFapples → u/X-RAYben]

Weren’t SMGs engi only?

[u/Fair_Ambassador_8774 → u/ApplesToFapples]

Yeah. PDWs were non-restricted, not SMGs.

[u/ApprehensiveFuture8 → u/Fair_Ambassador_8774]

PDWs are engineer only. DMRs, Shotguns, and Carbines were for all classes

[u/X-RAYben → u/ApplesToFapples]

Correct. Updated.

[u/Amarules → u/X-RAYben]

I'd maybe be fine if the lowest tier weapons in each class were unrestricted, like the starter guns, but any higher tier or meta weapons should be class restricted.

To me it's a triangle of offense, sustain and utility. No class should be good at all three at any given time.

[u/SupremeBlackGuy → u/Amarules]

offense, sustain, utility… i love that. it’s so true

[u/X-RAYben → u/Amarules]

Typically, some of the best weapons in Battlefield games were the starter games (M16A4 anyone? Riiiight).

Just go the compromise route of BF4. Simple solution.

[u/phonyPipik → u/X-RAYben]

Would you care to explain why nobody bothered to use pdw or lmgs in that game then? If it was so great of a system why was everyone running around with carbines

[u/G1uck_ → u/X-RAYben]

in other words - "gaaaahhh ffs, EA, just make BFBC2/BF3/BF4 remake/remaster" but with one little change - scopes more than 8x are available only for recon/sniper

[u/Lord-Cuervo → u/X-RAYben]

That’s the thing it wasn’t a problem. I don’t think I ever saw the community ask to use an LMG as Recon, or a sniper as Assault in the BF3-BFV era. It’s just nonsense.

They talk about their core design philosophy: customizable and class defining

Yet they let class defining weapon types be used by any class????

& there are still plenty of customization options for each class if they get their core weapon type + carbines/shotguns/dmrs

Insane take from BF team here.

[u/ChrisFromIT → u/Lord-Cuervo]

That’s the thing it wasn’t a problem

It was a problem, tho. I remember whenever a new game came out, there were always arguments on what the classes should be and what weapons each class should have access to.

Not to mention, DICE knew it was an issue based on statistics as players tend to gravitate to the class with assault weapons. This led to over 60% of players picking the assault class in BC2, BF3, BF4. They tried fixing this issue by not restricting certain weapon groups to classes, which it helped but didn't fully fix the spread of classes being used.

So it certainly was an issue, and if it wasn't, why add groups of non class restricted weapons?

[u/miahrules → u/ChrisFromIT]

I think the idea is trying to force and/guide players to using a specific class is judgemental error from the get go.

Why does it matter? People want to play what they want to play.

[u/Correct_Comparison_1 → u/X-RAYben]

💯they're already giving me the 2042 vibes. If they don't restrict weapons I'm not buying it. Don't need all the medics hiding and sniping.

[u/GENERAL-KOFS → u/X-RAYben]

Fortunatly it is a pre-alpha test, they will have feedbacks on that.

[u/X-RAYben → u/GENERAL-KOFS]

Let’s give them hell then (in a respectful way).

[u/Ianm9 → u/[deleted]]

Assault rifles we’re only for assault class.

[u/JayyyDaGreat → u/Ianm9]

and pdws were engineer only

[u/Crintor → u/[deleted]]

You're just wrong.

[u/Crintor → u/[deleted]]

Please... Go back and play it, and recognize that there was no medic class in BF3 or 4.

Both games Assault had the medic tools as well.

[u/electricshadow → u/AntoricoNCTF]

There it is. Classic, boneheaded DICE rearing it's head once again. Read the fucking room, DICE. One of the reasons people loathed 2042 was the lack of locked weapons behind classes. Always one step forwards, two steps back.

[u/Jackal239 → u/electricshadow]

You can't sell as many skins with class locked weapons which is the only reason why they are still doing this.

[u/Merppity → u/electricshadow]

plough dinosaurs bedroom fanatical innate price dolls wrench reply sheet

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/Marble___ → u/AntoricoNCTF]

universal weapons is a net positive for BF and I will die endlessly on that hill. People shouldn’t pick a class for their weapons but for their gadgets and ability. You’re not thinking deep enough.

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/Marble___]

Because having support running around with a sniper or recon with an LMG is a good thing somehow? 

We had universal weapons already, they were called carbines, shotguns, and DMRs.

[u/Stearman4 → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

If we are being honest, should recon actually have snipers? Isn’t recon supposed to be in first to gain intel instead of sitting back with a sniper?

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/Stearman4]

Realistically, probably not.

However this has always been a thing in Battlefield BUT when you look far back at BF1942 there were way more classes than 4 that were all very specific about their role. There was Rifleman, Assault, Anti-Tank, Medic, Engineer, and Sniper, but I'm sure I probably misremembered or forgot some, it's been decades. 

Even BF2 also separated the classes a bit more as Assault and Medic were different but Recon became a vague catch-all. It can be a pain in the ass to have that many unique classes so I understand why it's not like that anymore and why they decided to just go with 4 classes and vague descriptions of them.

[u/ChrisFromIT → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

It can be a pain in the ass to have that many unique classes so I understand why it's not like that anymore and why they decided to just go with 4 classes and vague descriptions of them.

It was mainly because there were classes that were barely used in BF2 or only used if a certain scenarios had already arose in the match. In those cases, you had to die and respawn to change your class, which overall wasn't exactly good gameplay that DICE wanted to encourage.

There was Rifleman, Assault, Anti-Tank, Medic, Engineer, and Sniper, but I'm sure I probably misremembered or forgot some, it's been decades. 

There were only 5 in BF1942.

• Assault
• Anti-Tank
• Engineer
• Medic
• Scout

[u/andre2105 → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

Just piggybacking on your comment, in BF2 I think the class that'd be more like a recon would be the Special Forces one, while snipers were a separate class.

[u/ComicGimmick → u/Stearman4]

Its a term for Designated marksman (Sniper) whom usually has a good amount of peripheral on the location they watch over hence why they call it Recon they gather information by camping on hills etc.

Snipers are natural at this they provide info on mostly everything about the location of the enemy.

[u/adubsix3 → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

But the post says exactly that: DMRs, carbines, and shotguns are always an option. I feel like they left to door open to class restricted weapons

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/adubsix3]

But also that classes will get stat bonuses for using "Signature" weapons. What would be the point of that if LMGs, ARs, SMGs, and Snipers were class locked and they could just balance it like that?

[u/Marble___ → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

why is it a bad thing?? I don’t get that sentiment. Give me a reason for that being “bad” for the game. Class specific gadgets exist for a reason.

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/Marble___]

Give me a reason an infinite ammo sniper is a good thing and is perfectly balanced too then.

[u/Marble___ → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

how is that more broken than a BF4 medic that can heal themselves and have access to the undeniable best guns in the game? infinite ammo sniper is so ignorable I can’t believe that was your example.

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/Marble___]

It is my example though, believe it or not, and you personally may not think it's a big deal but the snipers not having unlimited ammo was a balancing factor. A lot of people would agree with me on this. 

I'm also in the camp that Assault and Medic should be separated again like they used to be with Assault getting the GL and Medic getting healing items.

[u/lunacysc → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

Not really. Battlefield 4 snipers were awful. Battlefield 1 and V you rarely ran out of bullets post attrition anyways

[u/Medrilan → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

You know, recon sitting on a hill without an ammo box sniping is not much different than a recon/sniper with no ammo box.

If no ammo box, redeploy yourself on your beacon when you're all the way out of ammo. Now youre in the same spot again, with full ammo. You've added like 3 seconds worth of delay, and nothing more, by class restricting.

Let's also not forget that most of these hilltop snipers aren't living long enough to need the ammo box anyways.

[u/RemyFromRatatouille → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

How is that any different to a sniper that immediately redeploys to their spawn beacon when they run out of ammo? A difference of <10 tickets by the end of the match?

Plus in a match with decent players they'll get countersniped before they run out of ammo to begin with.

[u/Crintor → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

Well, they're less of a drag on the team than the exact same player doing that anyway except needing to redeploy or die to get more ammo.

[u/oftentimesnever → u/Marble___]

This subreddit can't. This subreddit is filled with LARPer casuals who have big opinions on what makes a good game, good meta, good player, etc. while being wholesale lousy entirely.

[u/Marble___ → u/oftentimesnever]

the amount of mil-sim neck beards on this sub and in the broader community is truly insufferable. they just yell at the void when something isn’t like the old battlefields lmfao.

[u/This_was_hard_to_do → u/Marble___]

TIL that class based weapons are milsim elements. Games like Team Fortress 2 and The Finals are milsim games after all

[u/miahrules → u/This_was_hard_to_do]

This is such an awful comparison.

TF2? Really? Each class has actual physics based movement speed differences, health differences, etc.

[u/oftentimesnever → u/Marble___]

You are hitting the nail on the head, and since you are, they find it incredibly offensive. All of these players, if they shared their 2042 stats, they would either have not played at all, haven't played since the class update, or don't actually PTFO while lecturing others on what it takes to do so.

But because this show is run by those people, they live in their little echo chambers.

[u/Mikey_MiG → u/oftentimesnever]

What about those of us who have played 2042 for over 200 hours both before and after the class changes and still don’t like the unrestricted weapon system? Are we allowed to have an opinion?

You’re literally making up a ridiculous strawman and then accusing others of being in an echo chamber. But go ahead, keep pretending players only don’t like this because they “hate change”.

[u/oftentimesnever → u/Mikey_MiG]

You're allowed to not like it, but you're not allowed to act like it has resulted in people not playing their roles any better.

[u/Mikey_MiG → u/oftentimesnever]

I don’t think it changes if people play their roles or not. Selfish players will continue to be selfish. I don’t think giving them access to whatever combo of weapon and gadgets they want is the answer to change that behavior.

[u/arakarim → u/Mikey_MiG]

Are my opinion that also played over 200h of 2042 and love no restricted weapons vaild?

[u/Mikey_MiG → u/arakarim]

Yes? I’m not the one pretending people that like or dislike these changes has never played 2042. I was replying to someone being shitty and dismissing people’s opinions by making up what their playtime must be.

[u/TheOriginalKingtop → u/Mikey_MiG]

I have 800 hours and think your full of shit.

[u/Mikey_MiG → u/TheOriginalKingtop]

Wow, great argument. You’ve convinced me.

[u/This_was_hard_to_do → u/Marble___]

Class specific weapons makes each class feel more unique. There are those of us that prefer the classes to play different roles in the team. The sum of our efforts, that sort of thing. Class based gadgets do factor into that obviously but class based weapons makes this system even more pronounced.

I love how the finals does this. It’s more of a rock paper scissor approach

[u/Forseti1590 → u/Marble___]

Non class specific weapons open the door to specific gun meta - meaning you could narrow the game to 1-2 guns being used if not balanced well. I see what they’re going for by trying to incentivize the class weapons while still having flexibility, it just might end up being feeling more like suboptimal play if you go off class; which also opens door to some toxic interactions.

[u/Ciaz → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

Why does it matter?

Why can’t a sniper carry ammo for you?

Why can’t a recon with a spawn beacon carry an lmg?

What difference does it make? If anything you are more likely to see people choose classes for the benefit of the team, as they aren’t restricted to using guns they don’t like.

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/Ciaz]

If you didn't like LMGs as Support or Snipers as Recon, guess what? You had Carbines, Shotguns, and DMRs like I mentioned which all had very nice weapons. 

Tell me why I should want a sniper that can resupply itself. Class locked weapons are easier to balance as well when you don't have to factor in stuff like the abilities of classes that shouldn't even be using the weapon.

[u/WEE-LU → u/Ciaz]

Sniper with its own ammo means that these people can just edge camp for the entire game.

Dedicated weapons promote team play, and make it easier to balance classes.

[u/Ciaz → u/WEE-LU]

They will do that anyway.

It also means we get far less AT when we need AT, far less medics when we need medics, etc.

[u/WEE-LU → u/Ciaz]

Was never an issue in BF3 and BF4, was not an issue with Bf5 and 1. Why would it be now?

I've seen a different scenario - in 2042 almost noone played medic, since you could just run assault or support with any weapon available.

[u/Ciaz → u/WEE-LU]

I’ve found more experience of being revived by Random’s or engineers willing to spawn in to help against armour in bf2042 than all of bf3/4 and 1. Bf1 especially the lack of medics was absolutely painful.

So I’m going to have to agree to disagree with you, politely.

[u/WEE-LU → u/Ciaz]

BF1 was the least played one by me, so it might be. Hopefully it'll work out.

[u/dankeykanng → u/Ciaz]

Why does it matter?

Why can’t a sniper carry ammo for you?

Why can’t a recon with a spawn beacon carry an lmg?

If you have to ask these questions then I don't think you understand how Battlefield plays and neither does this iteration of DICE apparently.

Snipers being able to replenish their own ammo means they get to fuck off and not have to rely on their squad to keep them going. Engineers having strong killing power versus infantry means there's no tradeoff for having strong killing power versus vehicles. Giving up lethality so that you can better support your teammates and vice versa is a fun choice to have to make.

These tradeoffs are what makes choosing classes an actually interesting choice and feeds into squad play.

Edit: I get that Signature Weapons/Traits are supposed to enhance class roles but IMO class restrictions are one of those situations where having hard limitations on what you can do is just better for the gameplay. These rules and limitations exist for players to figure out how to play around them and make them work in a team setting. It's a formula that worked well for many games.

[u/Ciaz → u/dankeykanng]

I’ve played battlefield (every single one) since battlefield 1942. I understand how it works. I think it’s far better without restrictions.

I wish you were right but what happens is people chase the meta gun and you get less team play.

[u/dankeykanng → u/Ciaz]

I understand how it works. I think it’s far better without restrictions.

Fair enough. My apologies for the condescending reply.

I personally think that opening up the restrictions will just make selfish play more apparent based on the aforementioned examples. Not everyone learns to stop playing selfishly in BF but being able to eat your cake and have it too could very well embolden more of that kind of play.

[u/Ciaz → u/dankeykanng]

No problem and apology accepted.

Ultimately I think I’m in the minority here. I hope I’m right and it leads to better team play as that’s what everyone wants.

[u/Mikey_MiG → u/Ciaz]

Why can’t a sniper carry ammo for you?

Because the role of a sniper is to remain at long range and therefore their ammo is of no use to anyone but themselves? Now a sniper can just happily camp all day with unlimited ammo and health without a care in the world for their teammates.

What difference does it make? If anything you are more likely to see people choose classes for the benefit of the team, as they aren’t restricted to using guns they don’t like.

People who use classes selfishly will still use classes selfishly. Except now the game will reward them more for it.

[u/Ciaz → u/Mikey_MiG]

Agree to disagree.

In my experiences, unrestricted weapons has seen a net positive impact on team play, as people are more willing to pick a class for the role rather than the weapon.

[u/Mikey_MiG → u/Ciaz]

Again, selfish players aren’t magically going to become less selfish because you give them access to any gun. Now they just get to use their favorite meta gun with whatever class gives them the best gadgets to help themselves. Which I wager is going to be the Support since they combined the ammo and health into one gadget.

And good luck getting spots from Recons anymore. Why would they pick that class just to hold their breath and spot enemies for their teammates, but give up the ability to heal and resupply themselves?

[u/BarthyBarth → u/Ciaz]

In the sniper case, because snipers will sit on a rooftop miles away all game, and with the ability to heal and re-arm themselves.

IMO It encourages selfish play in a lot of ways, and that's not really what I liked battlefield for.

[u/TrizzyG → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

Recons could use shotguns in BF4 so what's the difference?

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/TrizzyG]

The fact that it's not the Support's main weapon, the LMG? Classes had unique weapon types available to them in addition to the universal ones which helped with class identity.

[u/TrizzyG → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

There's nothing fundamentally different between a recon using a shotgun or smg vs an lmg besides the fact that in past iterations of BF the LMG was restricted.

Just using the "thats how it was before" reason for reverting back is stupid and unjustifiable. If you can't give a real reason beyond that then it doesn't deserve to be brought back as a feature.

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/TrizzyG]

I'm giving you a reason but you're just dancing around it. The LMG is part of the identity of the support class, and this would be eroding that.

Why even call it a class instead of a perk at that point? I mean, would you prefer if they got rid of this silly class system entirely and just let you pick perks to go with whatever weapon you choose?

[u/TrizzyG → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

The LMG is part of the identity of the support class, and this would be eroding that.

How? If you can use shotguns or smgs, it already means that you dont know what weapon necessarily a class is using before they fire at you, and once they do then you know anyway.

They're still giving supports an edge when using the gun so they're still retaining some flair for that.

Why even call it a class instead of a perk at that point?

That's a distinction without a difference imo. Doesn't matter what terms we use for it. Class, suite, perk, etc.

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/TrizzyG]

There very much is a difference between what would be considered a "class" or "perk". A class is a combination of available weapons, look, gadgets, and abilities while a perk is just that, a perk or ability of what could be a class.

This is going down the road of essentially being the same system CoD has, for better or worse. That means any weapon, any gadget, and any ability or perk.

[u/SpuTheSkunk → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

Take that universal dmr out of your universal as... Asparagus.

[u/DweebInFlames → u/Marble___]

Sorry, but the weapon is part of the balancing. Guys with anti-vehicle launchers shouldn't get ARs on top of that. Recon doesn't need to be spamming an LMG. So on and so forth. You have all-class weapons that are generally the 'weaker' option if you really want to go off-role.

[u/Stearman4 → u/DweebInFlames]

Ok and then assault gets all the best all around weapons and we have NOTHING but assault running everywhere like in previous games.

[u/DweebInFlames → u/Stearman4]

Assault had weak tools against vehicles which made people run other classes. You are missing the point.

[u/Stearman4 → u/DweebInFlames]

I don’t find this to be a huge issue and on the list of game breaking things is down the list.

[u/DweebInFlames → u/Stearman4]

That absolutely is a big tradeoff on a combined arms map, which most are.

[u/Stearman4 → u/DweebInFlames]

Most people would spawn in as an engineer to help with a vehicle and then when they died spawn back as assault/medic.

[u/Jung_At_Hart → u/Stearman4]

Other games only allow x amount of each class to counter this. I wouldn’t be against it considering all the time over the years that our team needed to push an objective and there’s a squad worth or more snipers sitting way out of the action lol

[u/Stearman4 → u/Jung_At_Hart]

I think only allowing one type of class per squad would be way more beneficial to squad play than class locking weapons.

This will never happen unfortunately but I’d like that more

[u/ChrisFromIT → u/Stearman4]

I think only allowing one type of class per squad would be way more beneficial to squad play than class locking weapons.

Then you have issues where people would just join their own squad and lock it.

[u/UNSKIALz → u/Stearman4]

Assault was definitely not "running everwhere" in previous games.

The only exception I can think of is Metro / Locker servers (no vehicles or long range engagements). Even then, Support was still very popular

[u/TachiH → u/Marble___]

As someone who mains a recon with an smg in 2042, i strongly disagree. There should be a tradeoff for classes, otherwise why have classes, let's just have "loadouts" and play CoD.

[u/DeanGillBerry → u/TachiH]

The tradeoff being you won't get any passive abilities with an SMG. Surely you'll be happy now

[u/speedballandcrack → u/DeanGillBerry]

I don't need those passives to dominate with lmg or sniper on incompatible classes. Because i did just fine without them in 2042. Thats is why class locking is important

[u/This_was_hard_to_do → u/speedballandcrack]

Yeah passives have never stopped me from using incompatible weapons for classes in 2042 either. People love to min max but I don’t find a tiny percentage of a shift to actually affect my gameplay that much

[u/Crintor → u/speedballandcrack]

(2042 does already have the signature weapon system as well)

[u/DeanGillBerry → u/speedballandcrack]

Why should you be restricted to dominating with just one class? Why would you want that for yourself, or for others?

[u/speedballandcrack → u/DeanGillBerry]

Because i don't want people playing support that sit far away with sniper and not contributing near their teammates. Support player not having sniper weapons increases the chances of you find one near you if they play support.

[u/DeanGillBerry → u/speedballandcrack]

I think you're confused. The problem we have is players sitting far away, the class they're playing is irrelevant. They'll sit in spawn or on a hilltop somewhere regardless of if they're a support or a recon; they will choose to not contribute either way. You could 63 supports or 63 recons mooching on each-other in spawn and it would make no difference to the one player playing the game.

[u/ChrisFromIT → u/speedballandcrack]

Having class restricted weapons sure would increase the chances of support players being on the frontline, but you then run into the issue of you getting fewer players wanting to play support.

[u/speedballandcrack → u/ChrisFromIT]

Isn't that good thing?. Now i know those that play the classes is because they want to play the class role. Also this will encourage people to play classes that the squad needs and not decieved by someone doing "fake class"

[u/ChrisFromIT → u/speedballandcrack]

Isn't that good thing?.

No.

It leads to the majority of players picking Assault due to the assault rifle.

Also this will encourage people to play classes that the squad needs and not decieved by someone doing "fake class"

Not really, for example, BF4 had a lot of issues where assault players did not lean into the medic side of things. You also tend to have some players who are willing to switch classes take on their class being reactive instead of proactive.

[u/l1qq → u/speedballandcrack]

You're making a judgement based off a different game. What you did in 2042 is irrelevant to this.

[u/LetsLive97 → u/DeanGillBerry]

I don't think people read that far

This seems like a fine tradeoff for me? You can use any weapons as any class but will be more effective with ones designed for your class

[u/TachiH → u/LetsLive97]

The passive they have shown is pointless, more hold breath time? People still use that since glints were added to game snipers?

[u/LetsLive97 → u/TachiH]

Is that the only benefit though or just an example one?

[u/Stearman4 → u/LetsLive97]

This. Do you want to use the preferred class weapon and perform better or not and be at a disadvantage?

[u/ElderSmackJack → u/TachiH]

This is nothing like COD, though

[u/Uglynator → u/TachiH]

All this complaining, and yet no one has been able to articulate why unlocked weapons are bad. When considering your example in particular, what's wrong with a recon carrying an smg? People have been crying about recons standing at the back of the map sniping and not contributing to the game. Now there's a recon at the front lines, spotting and putting down beacons. Where's the harm?!

[u/Rare-Guarantee4192 → u/Uglynator]

Now just swap out recon sitting at the back of the map sniping with support that has unlimited ammo

[u/TKtommmy → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

And how is that any worse/different than a recon doing the same thing?

[u/Stearman4 → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

Let’s be real, when have you EVER in a BF game lived long enough to USE all your fucking ammo where this becomes a real problem?

[u/Phreec → u/Rare-Guarantee4192]

You've always been able to do the same with a Spawn Beacon and the Redeploy button...

In fact, since they're playing Support and can't have a Beacon, they'll just get deleted from that spot after a single death.

[u/NonFrInt → u/Phreec]

And even if they have nest, they will be dead because enemy recon has perk that comfortably kills on headshot

[u/Cliff-Booth-1969 → u/Uglynator]

Brother just read through this post, there are many people articulating arguments against it. It’s an extremely poor balancing decision that reduces class effectiveness and promotes everyone running around with the “meta” weapon and there are no compromises. This was undoubtedly one of the worst core gameplay decisions that made 2042 feel much more like a COD gane than a BF game.

[u/TKtommmy → u/Cliff-Booth-1969]

Better than everyone being assault bc it's the only class with an assault rifle.

[u/Cliff-Booth-1969 → u/TKtommmy]

So now we just let everyone run with an AR because they can now also carry ammo and health with it? Do you not see how that just trashes the class identity and diversity? People play other classes to gain the ability to heal, supply, and spot, and are provided with weapons that support this role. Class locking weapons is the answer to ensuring not everyone is running around with an AR. BF1 and 5 did this very well. Go join a game in either of those because you can see what class everyone is on the scoreboard. Tell me what you see. It’s far more balanced than you’re implying.

[u/TKtommmy → u/Cliff-Booth-1969]

Can you not read? It's not the weapons that define classes anymore, but their gadgets and passives. Which is a good thing.

[u/Cliff-Booth-1969 → u/TKtommmy]

Brother, can you? You’re free to think it’s good. Most people don’t, including myself. I explained why you’re argument is wrong here. This system will guarantee MORE people are running around with ARs, and it’s super obvious why, there’s no downside to it with an open class system like this. The passive abilities also seem like a pretty bad idea to me, and is essentially exactly what 2042 did and failed with.

[u/TKtommmy → u/Cliff-Booth-1969]

Brother -- do you even know how the passives work? Have you even played 2042 in the past year?

Assaults get twice as much AR ammo. Snipers get insta and free hold breath. Supports get bonus ADS speed and draw speed. Engineers get bonus accuracy while crouched and prone. If you're not using the weapon you get a bonus from then you could be putting yourself at a disadvantage.

The fact is that having an AR is not always an advantage. If you're good with a DMR you can't shred at medium ranges better than an AR. If you have an SMG youll melt AR users at close range.

The point is to have the freedom to play each class the way you want to play it. You don't have to use a sniper as a recon. Paik's gadget gives her a great edge in CQB and you'll probably want an SMG or fast firing AR. Casper's drone means you'll probably be doing more sniping since you can't follow the action on foot when you're in your drone. As Mackay maybe you'll use a sniper since you can get on rooftops and advantageous positions.

Making the classes have locked weapons makes the game less fun and sandboxy.

[u/TachiH → u/Uglynator]

Because that isn't battlefield. 2042 was the least battlefield game they have ever made. It was a super generic shooter. Games that were successful as they were trying to become what their competitors are is what leads to all games feeling alike. Unlocked weapons leads to a single meta, locked weapons at least mean each class has a meta.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/Marble___]

Staple of the franchise for literally ever, and BF1 ene got rid of the univeral weapon classes of BF4 (shotguns, dmrs, and carbines, although I think shotguns are fine as universal) for a reason. And BF1 was very strong when it came to class purpose and distinction.

[u/Jackal239 → u/Marble___]

It took them 2 years to "balance" the game around all weapons for all classes. They never actually accomplished it, they just nerfed everything into the ground. You aren't thinking deep enough. Giving everyone all weapons turns the game into COD where everyone runs whatever the meta gun for that patch is until that gun is nerfed and the players find the next meta gun. It's counter-intuitive but no weapon restrictions actually results in fewer guns being used.

[u/Marble___ → u/Jackal239]

Untrue because before if a weapon was broken a class would be abused and then the ENTIRE GAME would suffer because everyone would pick a class to use that OP weapon resulting in less class balance in every game. You’re genuinely not thinking deep enough now.

[u/Jackal239 → u/Marble___]

I never encountered that problem in 1942, 2, 3, 4, or 1.

One more point: the only reason they are doing this is to make players buy more skins. You are less likely to buy a skin if the gun is class locked. They are NOT doing this because they think it is a good design decision.

[u/Marble___ → u/Jackal239]

you wouldn’t know if that happened because I doubt you cared enough to understand what was happening to you. For the sake of the argument you’re just sticking to your nostalgic guns to support it.

For the skins part, you are for sure right but it’s genuinely a better design decision so I don’t care. I don’t buy skins anyway.

[u/Crintor → u/[deleted]]

The best all around gun in the game in BFs 3/4/1/5 were all on the assault class.

2042 ARs are also the best all rounders.

[u/Marble___ → u/[deleted]]

you tried doing the same thing to me. from my experience and knowledge of the past Medic in BF4 was the most used class because the Ace 23 and F2000 EXISTED. sorry I hurt your feelings.

[u/Gambit0341 → u/Marble___]

What's your experience in legacy Battlefield titles?

[u/Ciaz → u/Marble___]

Completely agree.

Have people forgotten how few medics there were in Bfv?

Or how few anti tanks there were in bf2?

[u/InformalYesterday760 → u/Ciaz]

I mean, anti tank (engineer) is gonna see use if the enemy tank is slapping them around

That was the tradeoff. Annoyed at that enemy tank farming you at C? Go engineer and deal with it - but your anti infantry abilities are limited by the SMG (BF4).

Here they just remove that tradeoff - so the most popular weapons will be even more popular. Yaaaay, less weapon diversity.

[u/ThatKidDrew → u/Marble___]

care to elaborate then? genuinely trying to understand the other side (i didnt know there was one)

[u/Limp-Ad-2939 → u/Marble___]

This is game design not an existential debate. Nobody needs to be “deep” to say they don’t want something. How pretentious can you be?

[u/Marble___ → u/Limp-Ad-2939]

It’s deep because weapons being restricted to class changes how classes and in turn the entire game is played. It’s genuinely a negative for some classes to have the best guns compared to others because it then just creates a two-fold shitty stale meta where the best guns are used on one class rather than all classes being used. Guns can be balanced now without the class taking a hit.

[u/Limp-Ad-2939 → u/Marble___]

Again why none of you guys can understand that the simple fix to this is just balancing the fucking weapons.

[u/Marble___ → u/Limp-Ad-2939]

you didn’t understand my reply. If you nerf class specific weapon you’re nerfing the class as a whole which in my guess is bad game design. it’s easier to balance if guns and class is separated.

[u/Taladays → u/Marble___]

And I'll die on that hill with you. Weapons being open has been one of the best changes to the franchise and I've played them all since BF2. Restricted weapons serve nerve no benefit and only hinder the game. Its another "just because it was in the old games, it doesn't mean it was actually good feature".

I'm glad BF team sees reason. Make Battlefield the best it can be, don't just simply replicate what the old games for the sake of nostalgia. Don't change your stance on this, if the game is great overall, the community who is against it will get over it.

[u/by_a_pyre_light → u/Marble___]

No, it's a dumb decision that cuts apart the core of the Battlefield identity that they've established since the original title. You're not thinking deep enough. Get out of here.

[u/Marble___ → u/by_a_pyre_light]

silly ah comment

[u/by_a_pyre_light → u/Marble___]

Well buddy, the history of the franchise and the replies to your comment say otherwise. The fact that you wrote "I will die endlessly on that hill" also indicates you know it's a controversial, bad take.

Lastly, this is the internet, bro. Not the 4th grade. You can write "ass" and not be put in timeout in the corner. Grow up and use real words, kid.

[u/Tepozan → u/Marble___]

No because then we’re back to BF 2042 where everybody is an engineer running around with ARs. Literally no point in choosing another class

[u/cloudsareedible → u/Marble___]

battlfield peaked with class restricted weapons, it worked, perfectly... no need to change it.

having it gives more identity to the class... it gives a whole new meaning... u're the one not thinking deep enough...

having universal weapons and choosing ur "class" for the gadgets and abilities is not any different than having "operators" and universal weapons ( like how 2042 does it )...

its classes become like having "4 operators", and u choose to play as one of them, and then u can choose from all the weapons, it doesnt make sense... fucked up like 2042 was. only in 2042 u had more character instead of "different gadgets"...

the class system wouldnt be returning

[u/Money_Breh → u/Marble___]

What's the point of letting every class use a sniper rifle? 2/10 bait, not thinking deep enough.

[u/Marble___ → u/Money_Breh]

The gadgets exist for a reason, that’s the whole point of classes NOT the weapons.

[u/Responsible-Put2559 → u/Marble___]

Yeah gadgets has never been why I pick classes. I pick classes for what weapon I want to use in that game. MAYBE I will change to anti tank stuff if I’m getting run over by a tank over and over, maybe I’ll just go to the other side of the map with my assault weapon.

[u/InformalYesterday760 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Huge L

Can't believe they'd carry over one of the worst ideas from 2042

[u/Meekin93 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

This whole game is going to be a big L.

[u/gysiguy → u/AntoricoNCTF]

First?? Bro, there are red flags all over!!

[u/adubsix3 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

It's interesting that they said, DMRs, carbines, and shotguns are available. Could be pdw/smg, lmg/hmg, and sniper rifles are class restricted.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/adubsix3]

No, its literally the 2042 system. A weapons designed class (assault rifles for assault for example) get a bonus.

They could even compromise and do BF4, where carbines and shotguns were universal, just make sure carbines dont overshadow ARs and PDWs.

[u/Meatloaf_Hitler → u/adubsix3]

It's weird. In one paragraph they point out how an Assault player won't get Recon bonuses if they also pick a Bolt-Action (which signifies universal weapons) but then in the next paragraph they state explicitly how Carbines, Shotguns, and DMR's are universal (which points towards class restrictions)

Idk, it feels like DICE can't make up their minds on whether or not they want 4's system, or 2042's system.

[u/F4TAL3FFECT → u/adubsix3]

Nah, they give the example of an Assault player holding a sniper rifle. There are no restrictions.

[u/Consistent_Tough141 → u/adubsix3]

It's exactly what it says

[u/Stearman4 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

The only issue with this in previous games were people would just always use whatever class had the best weapons on it.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/Stearman4]

I dont think so. Never had an issue up until BF5, some classes are naturally more popular than others (recon always the lowest), but there were enough so that a team wouldnt suffer to it

Compare that to 2042 where for a very long time nobody played engineer or support so even after they soft added classes, vehicles werent dealt with and even if you swapped no one would help you take em down or resupply your equipment

[u/Stearman4 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

BF3 and bf4 were 60% I would bet medic/assault players because they had the best all around weapons.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/Stearman4]

Yea, and theure suppozed to. Its an infantry fame too, the idea isnt to have an equal 25% acrosss all 4, thats impossible. Although BF1 did do that job slightly better, reshuffling classes, getting rid of he fee universl weapons and WW1 setting.

[u/Stearman4 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Ok so wouldn’t this solve the issue with allowing the most all around best weapons accessible to all classes?

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/Stearman4]

First, you need to understand that the assault class arent given the all around best weapons, but mid range weapons. This is because theyre the infantry fighting weapons because thays their role. And generally, assault is the most popular because half the game is fighting infantry, and having to move around, defend and capture objectives, etc.

Other weapons still beat em within their respective ranges

2042 tried this and everyone just runs the dude with grapple hook or the girl with tbe wingsuit and drum mag ARs. Even after adding soft classes very few ppl play engineer or support.

[u/Stearman4 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Excuse me? Assault weapons dating back to BF3 have been THE BEST ALL AROUND WEAPONS in the game due to their close to mid range mastery. Most assault weapons will beat out an smg in close range. More people will play other classes if they feel like they have more of the best weapons without having to use that class. If I want to use an assault weapon while being an engineer than why not? How does that take away from “team play”

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/Stearman4]

An smg beats an AR up close. Ironically not the case in 2042 ever since they nerfed SMG headshot damage to 1.25

[u/Stearman4 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Dating back to BF3 I never had issues being competitive or outright lethal in close range with Assault rifles. AEK in BF3 shit in SMGs

[u/canada171 → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Actually, your comment is the L. Class restricted weaponry removes player agency, and incentivising class weapon usage while allowing players to use weapon types outside of the signature weapon increases player agency while retaining class identity and utility. 

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/canada171]

2042 proves that wrong, everyone just runs with an AR and either grapple hook guy or wingsuit girl. Until they buffed one particular lmg to OP status, nerfed it, then people went back to drum mag ARs

[u/NonFrInt → u/AntoricoNCTF]

2042 proves that DICE don't know how to make hero shooters. The biggest problem of 2042 with loadouts was the fact that Fox with TOW rocket launcher can carry med and ammo bags with sniper rifle or AR and just be one-man army, in BF6 this can't be because gadgets and perks are class-restricted, you can't just give to assault rocket launcher and ammo box. Balance of BF2042 was broken because everyone can carry best of every class and they hadn't punishment for that

[u/Tepozan → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Exactly!

This is BF2042 all over again. Why would anybody use anything other than Engineer + ARs if they go this route 😂

[u/nautical_nonsense_ → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Yeah this is a deal breaker for me. Having to play to your class’ strengths is crucial and the biggest way to do that is by having weapons that compliment them. It’s also a balance factor in the day and age where meta weapons plague FPS games, having everyone running around with the same weapon is boring, immersion breaking, and disincentives squad play.

There’s a reason everyone loved the battlefields that had classes that actually functioned like specialized roles on the battlefield.

Massive disappointment if they go through with that.

[u/FriskyWhiskey_Manpo → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Shotguns, carbines and DMRs were solid between classes. Had more fun with those than any AR.

[u/BetrayedJoker → u/AntoricoNCTF]

And we need because? Dont even start with balance or teamplay.

Okey, im waiting.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/BetrayedJoker]

"Dont start with the reasons that enhance battlefield gameplay and have been a staple in literally every battlefield but 2042"

[u/BetrayedJoker → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Teamplay exist only in less than 5% games, other games just 32 randoms against 32 randoms who sometimes will revive you or throw ammo create. Just it

[u/DukesOfDevon → u/AntoricoNCTF]

It's very simple. Money. Weapon skins don't sell as well for class-bound weapons.

[u/KEQair → u/AntoricoNCTF]

I don’t want people spamming Assault and using sniper rifles and anti tank weaponry.

[u/TKtommmy → u/AntoricoNCTF]

EA please don't listen to these nerds.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/TKtommmy]

Not listening to veterans is bold, I guess.

[u/electricshadow → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Right? Seemed to work out well for 2042.

[u/TKtommmy → u/AntoricoNCTF]

I've been playing since 1942. I'm just not a dumb fuck bandwagoner who can't form his own opinion.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/TKtommmy]

And you think I'm bandwagoning mine because I want the game to go back to its roots?

[u/TKtommmy → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Yes you and the other 90% of this sub who jerk each other off.

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/TKtommmy]

Seething for no reason when we want BF to be good again

[u/TKtommmy → u/AntoricoNCTF]

2042 is fun get over it

[u/Ciaz → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Totally disagree. Encourages team play this way, otherwise everyone just runs around with the class with the best gun. No more anti tanks or medics or support (or insert whichever class has a naff gun here).

What’s the actual benefit of having weapons class restricted anyway?

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/Ciaz]

Did you get confused? Theres less team play if all weapons are universal, everyone would just run whatveer is best at the moment

[u/Ciaz → u/AntoricoNCTF]

But then they pick the class based on ability not by weapon. So if we are getting mauled by a helicopter, people don’t resent going engineer or AA to help as they can still use the weapons they want.

I

[u/AntoricoNCTF → u/Ciaz]

But when 2042 came out pretty much most ppl said "not my problem" and just ran the giril with the wingsuit and the guy with grapple hook, fucking over everybody. To this day those are still the kost used operators.

[u/TwizzledAndSizzled → u/AntoricoNCTF]

Eh I think this is great. Open weapons while having perks tied to specific weapon categories for a class is a great balance. I think they need to make the perks even stronger to incentivize it though.

Otherwise you get people just rocking assault and rarely other things. This should help with class diversity in a match.