Spectator Mode

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Spectator Mode is a feature in the Battlefield Series where a player can observe a match in a multiplayer server but cannot participate in the action. Spectators can view the match through a camera using a variety of angles available to and controlled by the player.

Refractor Engine

Many Refractor-powered games include Spectator Mode. Starting with Battlefield 2, the Commo Rose contains useful commands for spectators.

The similar Battlerecorder feature allows players to spectate saved matches, if such saves have been enabled by the server.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Spectator Mode is not available in any Frostbite-powered game in the series (until Battlefield 4). Battlefield: Bad Company 2 does introduce the killcam.

Killcam

The killcam allows players to spectate the enemy player that killed them, from the front. The enemy's equipment and stats are displayed, including a record of the player's own kills and deaths to the specific enemy.

The killed player can relay the enemy's position to surviving teammates via chat.

Killcam is disabled on Hardcore servers, and some custom servers.

Spawn preview

The spawn point preview allows an inactive player to view the battlefield before spawning, and decide when it is safe to spawn or not.

Battlefield 3

Killcam returns in Battlefield 3, along with spawn preview.

Battlefield 4

Spectator Mode returned in Battlefield 4, allowing spectators to observe other players in first-person or third-person until their deaths, which automatically switched the view to another player. Spectators can also access a free-cam mode, and a "Tabletop" view that shows a full-size map.

Squad lists for both teams appear on either side, allowing the spectator to switch between them and gauge their performance. Spectators can keybind various views and shortcuts to specific players.

First person view

This view allows the spectator to see the gameworld through the viewpoint of a specific player, as if he himself were playing. Anything that would be visible to the player (including HUD) is visible to the spectator, though the spectator gains an advantage in being able to see enemies. This also allows the spectator to see whether the player has line-of-sight to other players or vehicles.

Third person view

This view also tracks a specific player, hovering above and behind, and tracking the player's line of sight. A card along the bottom of the screen shows the players loadout (whether infantry or vehicle) and basic stats (kills/deaths, score).

Tabletop view

Tabletop View is a fullscreen map view. While the fullscreen map has been present in most Battlefield games (typically as a "Spawn Menu" on PC, or in the Pause/Back menu on consoles), Battlefield 4 includes improvements to this feature.

The Commander View is very similar, adding those abilities usable by the team's Commander and relevant graphics.

Free camera

Up to five free cameras can be positioned and maneuvered around the map. They allow the spectator to view any angle, move the camera at different speeds, and switch between areas of interest. By default, the free cameras are placed near objectives or spawn locations.