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BF3 Mini Tips & Did You Know? -- Recon Class

Discussion in 'Main' started by GhostSheets, Jan 30, 2012.

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BF3 Mini Tips & Did You Know? -- Recon Class

Discussion in 'Main' started by GhostSheets, Jan 30, 2012.

GhostSheets Opus Eponymous

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Hey guys,

I've come across a few really cool tricks/tips in BF3 that I wanted to share. Some of them you may know, some you may not. Either way, here they are. We'll dedicate this first segment to the Recon class because for the most part, it is one of the most hated classes in all of Battlefield history. Its ability to remotely pick off targets without being engaged in active, middle of it all, action has lead to many rage inducing moments since 1942. Let's give it some love, because when used PROPERLY, it can be VERY effective.

Recon:

Using a long range rifle, when you are "scoped-in" if you hold the Fire button down when taking your shot, you will stay "scoped-in" and can watch your bullet reach its destination. Letting go of the Fire button will initiate the reload animation and you will scope out. Keep in mind, this only works with bolt action or semi auto rifles. Automatic rifles will keep firing (obviously) if you hold down the Fire button.

The MAV has an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) functionality that can fry both electronic and explosive material and has the blast radius of a grenade. You can destroy/detonate: SOFLAM Stations, other MAV's, Spawn Beacons, Radio Beacons, Claymores, C4, and AT Mines. Beware though, use of the word detonate is key when it comes to explosive devices. Because, they will detonate... taking out your MAV. But if timed carefully and at the right distance you can take out enemies with their own Claymores, C4, and Mines.

SOFLAM can laser designate the following items: Tanks/Armor, Buggies/Jeeps, MAVs, Mortar Stations, Jets, Helis, Skid Loaders, and other SOFLAMs. A laser designation cannot be broken by flares. Flares (also called Decoys or Countermeasures) are released during the lock initiation phase to distract heat seeking missiles. Flares are magnesium based pyrotechnics used to confuse heat sensors in missiles away from jet/helicopter engines, taking the impact on their own. ECM (Electronic Counter Measure) is the only game item that can break a laser lock because it uses interference or radar jamming to diver the missile to another source. Once locked by SOFLAM a soldier or vehicle equipped with guided weaponry can lock the target and expect a successful hit. Guided weapon in Battlefield 3 consists of A) Javelin carried by the Engineer class. B) Tank with Guided Shells. C) Jet or Helicopter with Guided or ASM (Air to Surface Missile) package. ECM can break a laser lock in two ways. One by breaking the initiation phase of the lock. Two by launching ECM after the projectile has been launched, confusing it right before impact. The later method is not always successful and seems randomized. SOFLAM can be destroyed by ASMs, bullet impacts, MAV EMPs and explosive devices. Position your SOFLAM in a stealthy location to conceal both itself and its bright red laser which can be seen from a distance. You cannot place a SOFLAM on a jet and fly around, lasing and bombing vehicles at the same time. I've tried it, many times...

Snipe in the right gear. While not limited to the Recon class, a soldier’s appearance affects their heat signature on thermal devices. But because Recons almost always operate outside the safety of thick walled, armored vehicles, it is critical that they remain undetected from above or from thermal equipped tanks and MAVs. The different camo variations all give different heat signatures, but the Recon class benefits most from the Spec Ops camo. Spec Ops has a small heat pattern visible only on the chest area, whereas the rest of the body appears black. This makes sniping from brush or wooded areas very stealthy. Also, the Spec Ops camo is mostly black in color and looks fucking bad ass.

Spawn Beacons default to different spawn styles depending on where they are placed. If a beacon is placed in an open area, those who choose to spawn on the beacon will be forced to parachute in, potentially revealing the beacon location and compromising whichever stealth activities are occurring in that area (MAV launch area, spotting, SOFLAM'ing, sniping, etc.). Beacons placed under a ceiling or structural area will result in instant spawning without the need for a parachute. Spawn beacons if placed in the open are susceptible to ASM attacks from jets, since they are easily locked, or MAV EMP strikes. Beacons emit a double high pitched beep that occurs every 1.5 seconds that can be heard from a 20 foot radius. Place your beacon carefully. You can use it as a continued insertion point to flank enemies from wherever the hell you decide if it goes unnoticed long enough. Beacons, when in the hands of patient, thoughtful snipers can be the difference between a win or a loss.

Sniper Glint or Glare is only visible on 6X or higher scopes. The glare is only forward facing but has no correlation to the direction of the sun. Switch to pistol if you are scouting out an area to avoid attention from the glare. During a run or sprint motion the gun will sway, effectively turning your long range rifle into a homing beacon for other soldiers on the lookout. Always run with a pistol. Despite popular belief, the glare isn't only visible when zoomed in. It's visible at all times. The glare can even be seen from inside air vehicles, which is actually a glitch, but proves a point.

Vapor Trails / Tracers are visible to all players in any condition when long range rifles are fired across the map. Vapor Trails were really a core mechanic of sniping in Bad Company 2 because they would be used to trace a long range shot back to its origin. In Battlefield 3 they aren't as long lasting but can still be noticed. When you fire long range rounds, be conscious of other recons in your group. You may attract unwanted attention by directing enemies to your exact firing position.
Semi-Automatic Recons are especially guilty of blowing cover for stealthy recon groups. Because Semi Auto rifles do not have a reload time between shots, users of them are more likely to waste a few shots to hone in on their target rather than take a single, well timed shot. Remember that every shot is releasing a trail that can be traced right back to your location. One shot one kill isn't the only tactic that should be employed by recons. Another one that is seemingly absent from the BF3 world is, Shoot, Relocate, Shoot, Relocate. Remember, "sniper rifles" are not designed to exchange fire with enemy. They are not meant to miss, or supress, unless SPECIFICALLY intended. They are meant to kill, the first try. With as many game mechanics doing their best to point out your perch, you'd better be prepared to relocate after almost every shot fired, leaving your enemies confused and paranoid... giving you, the upper hand.

Recon is a powerful and formidable class when properly used. Since most people are inclined to equip a 12X scope and either A) Run around the map like an Assault or B) Sit in one spot and contribute absolutely nothing to teamwork, Recons have somewhat of a bad name. There is nothing, more frustrating, in the Battlefield series than a sniper who uses the class properly, picking off threats from a long distance, assisting the team in getting to remote locations quickly and laser designating powerful air vehicles that can easily dominate the map if left unchallenged. There is also nothing more frustrating than a recon player who thinks it is their sole duty to sit in a single location and take pot shots at enemies half way across the map. Yes, they are the class with the most powerful, single shot, long distance rifles, but that is just the beginning of their skill set.

Recon players should strive to strike a balance between remaining concealed and using the tools at their disposal to give their team the upper hand. KDR concerns should be back-burnered for recons who are committed to helping their team win, and not being on top of the scoreboard. Reevaluate how you take on this role, you may find yourself having more fun, helping your team win, giving new meaning to the recon class in the long running Battlefield series.
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GhostSheets, Jan 30, 2012

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Roth .

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This makes me want to write a theory guide on sniping. I feel as though knowing the mechanics of the game isn't good enough :P

I guess the point is, I am an arrogant asshole that isn't impressed by M98 point and shoots or 1500m headshots that took 58 shots as I am how the sniper thinks.

There are a few certain unamed individuals around that -hint hint- need to move around a bit more and not be so obvious.

Roth, Jan 30, 2012

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Roth .

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Roth said: ↑

This makes me want to write a theory guide on sniping. I feel as though knowing the mechanics of the game isn't good enough :P

I guess the point is, I am an arrogant asshole that isn't impressed by M98 point and shoots or 1500m headshots that took 58 shots as I am how the sniper thinks.

There are a few certain unamed individuals around that -hint hint- need to move around a bit more and not be so obvious.
Click to expand...

Also, range finding. Granted DICE fails horribly at properly implimenting the reticules, you can still work out a system with theirs.

In the real world proper scopes contain everything you need to gauge and adjust for range without dialing for elevation and windage.

Roth, Jan 30, 2012

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GhostSheets Opus Eponymous

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I'd love to see you write an article on sniping and factor in things like route patterns enemies take when being sniped at. Bullet leading and lagging depending on whether you're moving or the enemy is moving. Trajectory prediction. The mindset of sniping with a 6x scope vs a 12x scope. I firmly believe that the recon class it the most artful and versatile when used by someone who treats the game as real life. Moving cautiously from cover to cover, relocating after every shot, using brush and foliage to conceal location, etc. Me writing the mini article above was just a foot in the door. I'd love to see some follow ups.

GhostSheets, Jan 30, 2012

#4
Roth .

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I could produce novels on this. But I'll tackle it in little chapters.

Roth, Jan 31, 2012

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CrazyKillerCat Admin & Graphics Designer

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GhostSheets said: ↑

The MAV has an EMP
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I had no idea:eek: How do you trigger it?

CrazyKillerCat, Jan 31, 2012

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GhostSheets Opus Eponymous

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CrazyKillerCat said: ↑

I had no idea:eek: How do you trigger it?
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Whatever your primary fire button is mapped to. That simple

I'd like to experiment with this tonight when I get home. Sadly that will be about 4:00am your time.

GhostSheets, Jan 31, 2012

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Nicolebizzle Miss Self Destruct

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Wild... I didnt know it had an EMP either.

Nicolebizzle, Jan 31, 2012

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GhostSheets Opus Eponymous

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Nicolebizzle said: ↑

Wild... I didnt know it had an EMP either.
Click to expand...

I have learned you with juicy informations.

GhostSheets, Jan 31, 2012

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ChesterCopperpot .

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Nice write up Ghost.
I am sure most of you guys all ready know this but if you are a recon noob like me here you go. I was reading on a forum and someone was talking about using soflams. He was talking about setting them up and using them to watch your back like a surveillance camera.
Anyways just thought I would throw that out there and hope it helps someone.

ChesterCopperpot, Jan 31, 2012

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