Battlefield 4

"Prepare 4 Battle"

- Battlefield 4 tagline

Battlefield 4 is the thirteenth installment in the Battlefield Series and is currently being developed by DICE. It is the sequel to Battlefield 3 and will be available for current and next-generation consoles.

Overview
Many elements from Battlefield 3 return, such as the same four class system, a similar heads-up display, killcams, as well as increased destruction while many other features from past installments also return. Players can now use dual-scoped weapons, including weapons with different firing modes (e.g. single shots, automatic fire).

They can now spot enemy targets in the singleplayer campaign to notify Tombstone squad. Players now have more survival capabilities, such as countering melee attacks from the front while standing or crouching, shooting with their sidearm while swimming, and diving underwater to avoid enemy detection.

The single-player campaign will see the player using vehicles to quickly traverse mini-sandbox-style levels. DICE announced at E3 2013 that, as before, current-generation copies of the game will have a limit of 24 players due to hardware restrictions while PCs and next-generation consoles will support up to 64 players.

It was also announced that the game would run at 60 FPS on next-gen consoles and that squads would now have a maximum number of five players per squad. Multiplayer progress is transferable between current-gen and next-gen consoles.

Singleplayer
The story, according to the official Battlefield website, follows American VIPs' evacuation from Shanghai and an American squad, designated Tombstone, struggling to make their way back home. In the 17-minute gameplay trailer released on March 26, 2013, the player is seen engaging Russian special operators, confirming Russia's return as a faction. In addition, China is confirmed as another faction, as, at the trailer's end, an unidentified caller can be heard going toward the east coast of China.

The trailer reveal showcased a campaign mission called "Fishing in Baku," Baku being the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, which lies on the Caspian Sea's coast.

A trailer over the mission "Angry Sea" was released, showing "Tombstone" squad escaping from an American aircraft carrier after coming under attack.

Plot
The year is 2020, and the world is teetering on the edge of chaos. As the conflict between the Russian Federation and the U.S. raged for the past six years, a new storm is brewing in China. Admiral Chang plans to overthrow the current Chinese government; if he is successful, he will have full support from the Russians. To make matters worse, the U.S. has been implicated in the assassination of Jin Jié, China's "future leader and voice of peace."

In response to the assassination, Chang has taken this opportunity to cancel elections for a new leader and declares martial law. Civilians protest and clash with the police in the streets, causing turmoil and ruin everywhere. Both U.S. and Russian naval forces have stationed themselves off the coast of China, waiting for the proverbial tinderbox to catch fire and engulf the world in the conflagration of another great war.

Ranks and Awards
Battlefield 4's multiplayer has one hundred ranks, with each rank hold five sub ranks with roman numerals. There are forty-five ribbons which are unlocked by completing specific actions. Earning one ribbon fifty times awards a medal with forty-five medals in total. Service stars are awarded after earning enough experience progression for that object. There are one hundred and thirty available service stars, each capable of being earned one hundred times.

Classes
All classes featured in the previous installment return in Battlefield 4, although with a few changes. Carbines have become all-kit weapons along with Designated Marksman Rifles (DMRs) and can now be utilized by all classes, as with pistols and shotguns.


 * Assault - The class remains largely the same, with a few minor changes. Defibrillators now have a charge time with First Aid Packs also being issued along with 40mm Flashbangs.


 * Support - Retains C4 and claymores with its weapons now having an increased suppression effect compared to other classes. It will also be issued an XM25 and a remote controlled mortar for indirect suppressive fire.


 * Recon - The Spec Ops Kit play style has returned, with the class now able to utilize C4 and claymores along with the Motion Sensor from Bad Company 2. In addition, the ability to adjust scopes to compensate for distance, also known as Zeroing, has been added. The T-UGS, MAV Micro UAV, and Radio Beacon gadgets also return.


 * Engineer - PDWs replace Carbines as the kits primary weapons, so as to emphasize it's close quarters role.

Maps and Gametypes
Battlefield 4 is set to be shipped with a total of ten maps upon its release, all of which will be available on all seven gametypes in the base game. Two of them, Obliteration and Defuse, are new additions to the series, putting further emphasis on team-based play. More maps and gametypes will be added in future expansions.

Weapons and Gadgets
The game has eighty available weapons, each with their own sets of accessories and attachments offering thousands of different combinations for players.

Assignments
Assignments return, rewarding players upon meeting certain criteria and completing assignments. Each assignment has three tiers: bronze, silver, and gold. Assignments are available for both singleplayer and multiplayer. In multiplayer, they unlock at levels 10, 20, 50, and 100 and unlock dogtags upon completion.

Upgrade Paths
Upgrade Paths have been introduced, each holding four different Specializations, now collectively known as Field Upgrades, that are progressively unlocked through squad actions in a match. There are a total of 11 paths, with three all-kit paths and each class having two paths unique to them. Battlefield 4 also features over 25 Specializations.

Factions
In addition to Russia and the United States, Battlefield 4 sees the return of China, a faction which previously appeared in Battlefield 2.

Unlike previous games in the series, Battlefield 4 will now allow server owners, when they rent a server, to choose which factions can fight on which map, as well as which deployment they can use in the map. This means that one map can have battles between the US and China, US and Russia, or even Russia and China, all at the server owner's discretion.

Features

 * Levolution - Increased destruction that is based on a level radically changing in gameplay through the player's actions.
 * Spectator Mode - A feature new to the Frostbite engine that allows users to view all players in first-person, third-person, or roam the map with a free camera. There is also a "Table Top" view mode, which is essentially a map with every unit spotted.
 * Commander Mode - Originally a feature from Battlefield 2, it allows the commander on each team from an overhead view to call in flag specific resources that are gained or lost depending on who has control of the flag.
 * Renting Servers - Players will again have the ability to purchase multiplayer servers and customize its settings in a manner similar to Battlefield 3.
 * Test Range - A tutorial mode that allows players to practice using weapons and vehicles.
 * Vehicle Critical Hit - Replaces the vehicle disable system from Battlefield 3. Upon receiving a critical hit, vehicles will temporarily become disabled for a short amount of time. Vehicles will stay disabled after having only 10% health remaining.
 * Peeking Over Cover - Players can now peek over cover while still protected from incoming fire.
 * Counter Knifing - Players can now, if timed correctly, redirect an enemy melee attack back upon the attacker achieving their tags in the process.

Second Assault
On June 10, 2013, DICE unveiled Battlefield 4: Second Assault during the Microsoft Press Conference at E3 2013. It was announced that it would be the first expansion pack to be released for Battlefield 4 and would do so first on the Xbox One. The expansion features the return of four fan favorite maps from Battlefield 3.

China Rising
On May 21, 2013, DICE unveiled Battlefield 4: China Rising on a Battlelog post and stated that it would include four new maps on the Chinese mainland, new vehicles, and high-tech equipment. It was stated to be rewarded to players who pre-ordered the game at no extra cost.

Naval Strike
On August 20, 2013, DICE unveiled Battlefield 4: Naval Strike at Gamescom 2013. Not much is currently known about the expansion except that it will involve dynamic ocean combat on maps taking place in the sea.

Dragon's Teeth
On August 20, 2013, DICE unveiled Battlefield 4: Dragon's Teeth at Gamescom 2013. Not much is currently known about the expansion except that its maps take place in war-torn cities locked down by the People's Liberation Army.

Final Stand
On August 20, 2013, DICE unveiled Battlefield 4: Final Stand at Gamescom 2013. Not much is currently known about the expansion pack except that it will focus on the conclusion of the War of 2020.

Battlefield Premium
Battlefield Premium has been confirmed to return, functioning similar to its Battlefield 3 counterpart. It will grant owners access to all expansions at no extra cost as well as exclusive content and events. It will become available at launch.

Novel
The novelization of the game, Battlefield 4: Countdown to War, written by Peter Grimsdale, tells the story of a CIA agent named Kovic who's based in Shanghai. Agent Kovic is described as a reliable operative but one whose bosses don't trust, and he's about to make a lot more enemies.

According to EA, the book will provide a backstory for Tombstone squad in the game's campaign. It is set to release on October 24, 2013, five days prior to Battlefield 4's launch date.

Soundtrack
On March 24, 2013, a song in Battlefield 4 titled "Hanna's Theme", composed by Johan Skugge & Jukka Rintamaki, was leaked. Both composers had worked on Battlefield 3's soundtrack.

Development
Electronic Arts President Frank Gibeau confirmed the company's intention to release a sequel to Battlefield 3 at the University of California where he said "There is going to be a Battlefield 4". On October 25, 2011, DICE told Eurogamer it was their hope that they would one day get the opportunity to make Battlefield 4. Battlefield 4 is built on the new Frostbite 3 engine. The new Frostbite engine enables more realistic environments with higher resolution textures and particle effects. A new "networked water" system was also being introduced, allowing all players in the game to see the same wave at the same time. Tessellation has also been overhauled.

An Alpha Trial commenced on June 17, 2013 with invitations randomly emailed to Battlefield 3 players the day prior. The trial ran for two weeks and featured the Siege of Shanghai map with all of its textures removed, essentially making it a "whitebox" test.[2] Due to mixed reception of the two-player Co-op Mode in Battlefield 3, DICE decided not to include the mode in Battlefield 4 so as to focus on improving both the campaign and multiplayer components instead. AMD and DICE have partnered for AMD's Mantle API to be used on Battlefield 4. This will allow for a boost in performance on AMD graphic cards allowing a higher level of hardware-optimized performances than is possible with OpenGL or DirectX.

Beta
The Beta became available on October 1, 2013 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC to those who pre-ordered Medal of Honor: Warfighter, Battlefield Digital Deluxe edition, or are Battlefield 3 Premium members. The Beta then became open to everyone on October 4, 2013.

PC Players could predownload the beta on September 29, 2013, though the platform was required to have 64-bit hardware to run the beta. The beta featured Siege of Shanghai and on Conquest and Domination with the Obliteration later added on October 9, 2013. The Beta ended on October 15, 2013.

Marketing
Battlefield 4 was announced in July 2012 when EA advertised on their Origin client that those who pre-ordered Medal of Honor: Warfighter (either Digital Deluxe or the limited edition) would receive early access to the Battlefield 4 beta.

In March 2013, Electronic Arts opened the Battlefield 4 website with three official teasers, entitled "Prepare 4 Battle". Each hints at three kinds of battlespace: air, land and sea. EA then continued to release teaser trailers leading up to the unveiling of Battlefield 4 at the Game Developers Conference on March 26, 2013.

The following day, Battlefield 4's first gameplay trailer, which doubled as a showcase for the Frostbite 3 engine was released. Shortly thereafter, EA listed the game for pre-order on Origin for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360; however, EA excluded any mention of the next generation consoles. DICE revealed more Battlefield 4 content in the E3 2013 event at June 10, 2013, such as multiplayer modes, and allowed participants to play the game at the same event. More information was released at Gamescom 2013 in Cologne, Germany, such as Paracel Storm and Battlefield 4 Premium.

DICE also announced that those who purchase the game for PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 will be able to trade it in for a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version of the game for as little as $10 for a limited amount of time. Additionally all PlayStation 3 and 4 copies will include a code in the box to redeem a digital copy on the PlayStation Store.

Digital Deluxe Edition
EA announced on its website that the Digital Deluxe Edition is available for pre-order on Origin.

Deluxe Edition
A Deluxe Edition has been announced for pre-order at GAME in the United Kingdom for It includes:
 * Battlefield 4
 * Battlefield 4: China Rising
 * A SteelBook Cover
 * Three Gold Battlepacks

Battlefield 4: Premium Edition
A Battlefield 4: Premium Edition has been announced. Like the Premium Edition for Battlefield 3, it includes the base game as well as all the features of Battlefield Premium. It will also include more content exclusive to the edition.

Trivia

 * Battlefield 4 has been confirmed to be set in 2020, but will maintain a modern day atmosphere. The confirmed factions are Russia, China, and the United States. It is also to be set in and around China, as well as other parts of Asia.
 * The pictures in the title image show the city of Shanghai and a Chinese J-20 fighter jet.
 * On March 18, 2013, a seven second teaser was posted, depicting Type 98 tank treads beginning to move, as well as a date (March 27, 2013), which was then confirmed on the website to be when another part of Battlefield 4 was revealed. This was only available to logged-in Origin users, however.
 * On March 21, 2013, a fifteen second teaser was posted, depicting some kind of ship turbine. Additionally, an image featuring a burning aircraft carrier was revealed in the Battlefield 4 official website.
 * Battlefield 4 is being developed for next-gen consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One), and is being scaled down to be compatible for the current generation consoles (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360).
 * The key art was leaked in a supposed Battlefield 4 trailer before it was officially released.
 * Battlefield 4 is the first game in the series to include gore, as evidenced by the player using his combat knife, through a quick-time event, to cut off an NPC's leg in the gameplay trailer to save him from an exploding UH-1Y Venom.
 * This is probably a non-optional choice, as the downed helicopter explodes right after the player finishes cutting the limb off.
 * The female soldier, Hanna, was seen at the end of the 17 minute gameplay trailer released on March 27, 2013, alongside what appeared to be an American soldier in the background.
 * In the description, it mentions new intense, water-based vehicle combat. Attendees of the March 26 screening events have mentioned jet skis and naval craft being included.
 * The Russian special operative soldiers in the 17 minute gameplay trailer appear to based on the Russian Army multiplayer characters from Battlefield 3. This may simply be a placeholder for future character models.
 * The US soldier on the cover art holds what appears to be a Mk14 EBR.
 * The primary weapon for Engineers are PDWs despite all official renders depicting Engineers wielding shotguns.
 * On the console versions of the beta for Battlefield 4, a short intro is played showing a character (closely resembling the person on the cover art) on an aircraft carrier as the camera zooms out, showing the pilot of a jet flying by. The intro ends with the same character shooting at enemies while sliding down a collapsing building before the start screen is shown.
 * The Chinese assault character model carries numerous STANAG rifle magazines even when a weapon that uses other ammunition is equipped.  This is unusual because both STANAG magazines and their ammunition are not standard equipment of the Chinese military.