Knife Takedown

Knife Takedown is a feature in Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. The player presses when an enemy is targeted, and the animation automatically begins.

Battlefield 3
"A melee attack is always more successful from behind an opponent"

- A loading screen tip regarding Knife Takedown

Holding the button while behind or beside an enemy will perform a fatal takedown attack. When in range of a takedown target, the knife is raised to a vertical 'ready' position—the knife is held horizontally when equipped if there is no target, or if the target is not in range. Players have to decide whether the extra time and exposure during a takedown are worth the risk, especially when other alert enemies are nearby. There are nine takedown animations in all, three for each stance.

When a takedown is performed, the knife user is awarded the victim's Dogtags which is unobtainable in any other way. When attacking with a knife, you do not appear on the radar; however, knife sound effects may reveal your position.

Battlefield 4
The Takedown mechanic from Battlefield 3 returns in Battlefield 4, albeit with new features. Takedowns can now be performed from 360 degrees, completely eliminating knife slashing. Takedowns can now be performed while swimming, along with use of sidearms.

Counter Knife
Balancing this is the ability to counterattack frontal takedowns within a limited timeframe. It has also been revealed that victims of knife takedowns will be unable to be revived.

The "Battlefield 4: Official "Siege of Shanghai" Multiplayer Trailer" demonstrates these features. When under attack from the front, the target has a HUD prompt appear and has roughly one second to press before the attack connects and the player is killed. A successful counter-attack awards the victor with the enemy's dogtags. Counter-knifing can also be performed in the water. A missed counter attempt will result in the attacker eventually overwhelming the target, which takes longer to complete than a side or rear takedown.