Case Files

Case Files are a feature in the Battlefield Hardline singleplayer campaign. Nick can use the Scanner to tag evidence found during an episode to build a case file against the criminals in the level. Doing so earns the player extra Expert Points for the campaign, as well as unlocking three Achievements/Trophies depending on how many Case Files the player has completed. Completing Case Files also unlocks new weapons for the campaign and Battlepacks for multiplayer.

Evidence
To build and complete a Case File, the player must first locate Evidence associated with the file and tag it with the Scanner. Tagging Evidence with Scanner yields 200 Expert Points, completing a Case File earns the player 500 Expert Points.

Evidence can be located using the Scanner; when the Scanner is active, a counter in the upper-left corner of the HUD displays how many pieces of Evidence have been collected, how many remain, and the distance to the nearest piece of Evidence (If the player is using a controller, it will rumble when Evidence is nearby). Bear in mind that Evidence can be shown as nearby when it is actually on a different level of the environment, be sure to check different floors if it is not on the one that is currently being searched.

When Evidence is located, it appears as a blue diamond until it the Scanner is pointed at it, when it will then turn green and have a magnifier icon. Holding down will scan the Evidence and add it to its corresponding Case File as well as award the player points for tagging it. The Case Files screen on the main-menu allows the player to have an overview of their completed cases and look at each cases' Evidence and rewards in depth.

Collecting Evidence is only required for the episode Back to School, it is optional in later levels but will continue to yield extra rewards for the player.