User blog:The Z/Newcomer's guide to Battlefield 3

*Please note this article is still a Work in Progress!*

Hey! Z here, writing my first guide ever on this wiki!

I've been lurking around here since the time of Battlefield: Bad Company but never actually logged in - the wiki was smaller back then and, even though I wanted to, I couldn't help the wiki improve back then (little knowledge, too much work). I've been wanting to write some guides for a long time, similar to the stuff I've seen on Youtube from PixelEnemy and on this very wiki by User:Zealot Guy. I'd like these guides to be a chance for me the share my tactics and write both concise and detailed guides to cater to all those interested in taking the plunge into the Battlefield franchise, as well as advanced topics for intermediate players and veterans alike.

This is a time when there will be many such venturing into the Battlefield for the first time, especially with the recent launch of Battlefield 3 and the success of Battlefield: Bad Company 2. I shall be writing this guide in parts in the run up until Christmas for the inevitable influx of new players that will accompany that wonderful time of year. Feel free to give me any tips and advice and to ask questions in either the comments or on my talk page. More importantly, if this (and other guides) do not give enough information, or they're not clear enough, make sure to send me feedback - it'll only make things better.

So, here goes...

How to use this guide
If you're a beginner, I recommend reading through the article in its entirety. The difficulty and detail increases progressivly in sections and subsections. I will be going into deeper detail in each section and will try to split them up in a way that is accessible and avoids confusion.

What is Battlefield and how does it differ from other shooters?
Before we get into Battlefield 3, let's begin with the Battlefield series as a whole, specifically looking at games since Battlefield: Bad Company since the latest game in the franchise has more in common with the Bad Company games in its mechanics than with Battlefield 2.

More coming soon...

The Golden Rules of Battlefield
The following is a short list of the most important things to remember whilst playing Battlefield.

Run your vehicle until it's dead!

Don't let an enemy steal your vehicle(s)! Coming soon...

Conquest
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Rush
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Squad Rush
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Squad Deathmatch
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Team Deathmatch
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Hardcore mode
All the above gamemodes can also be played in Hardcore mode. Coming soon...

What to do and when to do it
Coming soon...

If your helicopter is dying and you're near an enemy helicopter spawn get out of yours and take theirs - you have 10 seconds to do so (all the time in the world)!

What not to do
Coming soon...

Assault
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Engineer
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Support
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Recon
... Coming soon...

MBTs (Main Battle Tanks)
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IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles)
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LAVs (Light Armoured Vehicles)
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Attack Helicopters
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Scout/Transport Helicopters
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Jets
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Boats
If you're reached your destination and won't be needing your boat any more, give it to a teammate or detroy it. You don't want an enemy to get their hands on it and flank your team on water, only to have them and their squad popping up next to your main deployment and for your team to not have a boat when they need it. Coming soon...

Maps and tactics
Coming soon...

Things that are (currently) broken in game
Coming soon...