Battlefield 4

hits and tips

New or old to the franchise, the Battlefield can be a scary place. So here are some tips and hints whether your a novice and a battle hardened veteran just looking to improve your game.

1. Join a squad. Even if you plan on lone wolfing and not ushering a word to another soul. Joining a squad offers much more than just communication and team work although it is important to the game, it is not a necessity. It will prove other spawn points across the map, so you are not limited to your base or any objectives held. Plus everything you help them with be it an Ammo crate or kill assist you will gain extra squad points, this will level up your perks and make you all a better fighting unit. Whether you are next to them or not.

2. Play the objective. Battlefield is different to many other main stream FPS. You are handsomely rewarded for playing the game as intended. Capping flags and blowing MCONs will grant you much more reward than a kill or two. No one likes to see a lone sniper worried about his Kill/Death ratio sitting on a hill across the map. Get suck in and play the game, yes you will die lot this way. But the enjoyment will out weight it and you will become a better player much faster.

3. Use the Test Range. Battlefield 4 has a new feature where you can try out the many different vehicles and weapons before you jump in and play competitively. Ideal for learning to fly a helicopters and Jets without a constant AA targeting you and feeling like you're letting your team down by crashing within 5seconds. There is also a sniper range with moving targets and UAVs to shoot down. There is enough there for you to get a feel and understand the mechanics of the game before humiliating yourself online.

4. To buy Premium? At £40 you are basally buying the game a second time. But you do get plenty for you money. DLC map Packs FREE and two weeks before everyone else, extra customisation and plenty of double XP weekends. If you plan to enjoy Battlefield 4 for the long haul and wish to get every DLC going then YES, Premium is worth it simply because of the money you will save. However, if you are just going to dip in and out or even forget the Battlefield within a few months then don't. The double XP events and customisation is not game changing and will not hamper your enjoyment of the game.

5. Help others. Battlefield is a team game, an organised squad can over come any obstacle by playing together and helping each other out. Playing as a medic, dish out those medic bags and revive people. When you hear someone shouting for Ammo, drop an ammo box at their feet. This will keep them in the game, covering your back and help your team to win the game.

6. Pick a weapon that suits you. There are many different types of weapons in Battlefield 4. Some good at close range, some at long range and many in-between. That middle section will have primary's that fire slow and hard, fast but requiring more bullets to secure a kill while others kick like a Mule. Its important to learn a guns recoil pattern and fit attachments that compliments it rather than making the gun into something which it isn't. There is no reason to attach a laser sight to improve the hip fire on a bolt action sniper rifle, and like wise there is no need for a Heavy Barrel and 8x optic on a PDW. A good way to understand recoil of your choice weapon is to fire an entire mag at a wall or building and see the bullet spread. Adjust accordingly to keep the spread as close as possible. 

7. Get out of that habit of constantly reloading after a kill. It is never wise to engage targets with half a magazine. But that twitch reload after a kill is a sure way to get caught out mid-reload. Because people work in squads chances there is another enemy near the guy you just killed. He's now seen you on the mini-map or his friend has told his squad where you are down his headset. You now have four guys running at you. Still wise to start a 2.5 second reload animation?

8. Burst fire. Guns recoil, some recoil ALOT. Holding down that trigger may get the lead from your gun fast but chances are 95% of them will miss their target when engaging at mid to long range. A quick 3/4 burst will allow your gun to settle and the next burst will be where your gun is pointing. Securing your kill much faster and without wasting ammo.

9. Use those Vehicles. Battlefield prides itself with balanced infantry and vehicle warfare. But you will see many MBT's and LAVs just sitting back at your base. Often ignored as people just want to spawn right back into the action. But take half a minute and bring that Armoured beast into the fight. Even if you are not a comfortable driver or gunner. Just being there will cause problems for the opposition. They now need to take you out with RPGs and rockets. This will allow the rest of your team to push up and take to objective.

10. Use the mini-map. Mini-maps are often overlooked, but in Battlefield, it is your best gadget. Not only showing team members, but it also shows those lovely Ammo and Medic bags, and if anybody needs one. The Overpowered pick-up weapons are also marked. Use this to your advantage and plan accordingly. But be aware, if you get too engrossed you will miss the action right in front of you. A quick glance to take in the info you need is enough.


Compiled by Christopher Bates, David Few and Chris Sowry.