Visceral Lead Multiplayer Designer Talks Battlefield Hardline Multiplayer Class Balance

Fuelling some discussion over on the Battlelog forums, Visceral Games Lead Multiplayer Designer on Battlefield Hardline dropped by to describe some of his thoughts on class balance in the studio’s upcoming cops vs. criminals shooter.

Moving away from Battlefield 4‘s more traditional military theme and into the crime-filled world of the criminal underground, Battlefield Hardline takes on a slightly different philosophy to multiplayer class balance. Similar to Battlefield 4, the four-class set-up remains, though the role each plays may differ.

Here’s the lowdown on Hardline’s class balance philosophy in the words of Lead Multiplayer Designer Thadeus Sasser:

OPERATOR – Role: Primary Gunfighter and Medic

    • First Aid Pack…Heal teammates 
    • Survivalist…Revive yourself after an explosive kill 
    • Revive…Revive teammates

This class is powerful, but balanced now. The Operator’s extensive selection of carbines and assault rifles gives him a wide engagement range and the medical function of the class is very important for teamwork. However, his limited number of gadgets makes him a little bit more accessible to new players and also limits his flexibility, meaning other classes are needed to support him.

MECHANIC – Role: Gadgets and Vehicles

    • 40mm GL…Destroy vehicles 
    • Repair Tool…Repair vehicles, disarm explosive traps 
    • Sabotage…Trap vehicles and objectives 
    • Armored Insert…Survive a sniper shot to the chest 
    • Sat Phone…Place a spawn point for your teammates

The Mechanic started off as a pure vehicle-based role, but vehicles are somewhat less prominent in Hardline, so it evolved over time. Where it is right now is a pretty sweet spot. Being the “gadget guy” means he gets an eclectic collection of useful toys, but he still retains his importance in vehicle-based maps and modes. A great complement to the Operator, as his close-range SMGs can destroy nearby enemies effectively.

ENFORCER – Role: Support

    • Ammo Bag…Resupply teammates 
    • Breaching Charge….Destroy walls & vehicles, set traps at objectives 
    • Riot Shield…Defend yourself and teammates

The Enforcer is still a bad-ass. Capable close range shotguns and long range battle rifles, along with the ability to provide ammunition to teammates and shield them from damage are powerful abilities. In addition, he’s got the every-popular Breaching Charge which allows him some tactical flexibility and brings a great deal of appeal to the class.

PROFESSIONAL – Role: Traps and Intel

    • Laser Tripmine…Lay traps for agents 
    • Camera…Spots approaching enemies 
    • Decoy…Deceives enemies 
    • Stealth Training…Reduce enemy awareness of your movements

The hard-hitting DMRs and SRs the professional has can be used to secure an objective from a distance, while his rapid-fire sidearm can be used close-in. The camera and LTMs can help the pro survive being flanked and ambushed, and can be used tactically to defend objectives to assist his team. In addition, stealth training lets the pro get up close and personal, getting the drop on unsuspecting enemies.

As Sasser mentions, the list above only includes class-exclusive gadgets. For a full list of all gadgets, weapons, attachments, camos, grenades, and more, be sure to check out some of the Hotwire multiplayer gameplay footage that dropped earlier this month.

What do you think about Battlefield Hardline’s set-up so far? Do you like the new direction class balance is headed in, or are you saving your thoughts for the game’s second beta due out sometime before launch on March 17? Tell us in the comments!

Thanks, GoGoGadgetLol on Reddit.

32 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Top Games and Upcoming Releases