Specializations (Battlefield 1)

Specializations are a gameplay mechanic featured in Battlefield 1. Specializations function in a similar manner to past installments, featuring both Class and Vehicle Specializations.

Vehicle
Vehicle specializations function similar to past installments. Like weapons, a variety of preset Vehicle Packages are available, altering their role on the battlefield by providing different weaponry, built-in gadgets, optics, and upgrades. Certain vehicles gain the ability to deploy gadgets as well.

Class
Class Specializations was reintroduced as part of the Battlefield 1: In the Name of the Tsar expansion and were added to the Community Test Environment in August 2017. They function similar to Battlefield 3, being active at all times with three specializations able to be active at one time. Players may choose from all class specializations and class-specific specializations.

Unlike prior titles, specializations do not interact with primary or secondary weapon usage or damage. Only two offer a bonus to defense, and only against explosions. Others affect or are affected by other gameplay features such as spotting and movement. Many of the class-specific specializations change or improve how gadgets are used, while the Support specializations focus on suppression and repair.

When the HUD is active, Class Specializations will also show when they are in effect, showing a white square around them with the icon showing in black when activated by their trigger conditions. Timed specializations will show a timer, with a white box filling in like a clock when on cooldown.

In Battlefield 1: Apocalypse expansion, a new group of specializations known as Afflictions were introduced. Rather than confer perks like other specializations, afflictions penalize the player in some way, either by forcing them to adopt a certain playstyle or directly punishing them for their mistakes. Their use is required to complete a number of the "Climbing the Ranks" assignments included in the same expansion.