Bayonet Charge

A Bayonet Charge is a tactic in which infantry, equipped with firearms attached with bayonets, attack an enemy position by closing to melee range at best speed and engaging the enemy in close quarters battle. The tactic was introduced along with bayonet during the 18th century and was a common staple of Napoleonic warfare, due to the lengthy reload time and low accuracy of the firearms of the era. By World War I, the tactic had been made obsolete due to the improvements to rifles and the development of the machine gun, but was still frequently utilized, resulting in massive casualties. Capturing trenches were often the objective of bayonet charges over no-man's-land. In subsequent wars, bayonet charges became increasingly rarer, only being used when friendly fire was a concern or as a "last resort". Affixing bayonets in readiness for an attack can be seen as a morale boost and to rally forces, as well as signify the willingness the kill at close range.

Battlefield 1
Bayonet Charging is a feature of Battlefield 1. Almost all weapons in the game can be fitted with a bayonet, allowing the user to initiate a bayonet charge. The charge is faster than sprinting and allows players to cover ground quickly and rapidly close with their target. During the charge the player cannot fire their weapons or vault, as doing so will end the charge. A gauge around the weapon crosshair shows how long the charge can be maintained - after depleting the player will return to normal speed. Connecting with an enemy during a bayonet charge will initiate an animation similar to a knife takedown and award the player with a kill.