'Battlefield 1' Devs Reveal Changes To Weapon Mechanics

Naturally, one of the biggest facets of any multiplayer shooter is the multitude of guns that players can obtain within it. The Battlefield series is no different, featuring not just some of the highest weapon totals in the genre, but one of the most complex weapon mechanics within it as well.

Now, with Battlefield 1 going to World War I, alongside a small teaser that offers viewers another look at the game's melee combat, EA DICE revealed some ways it is changing weapons in order to help them fit the WWI theme.

First off, there will be six categories of weapons: shotguns, SMGs, LMGs, semi autos, sidearms and sniper rifles. Each of these classes will have an assortment of weapons within them, but they won't deviate beyond those six.

Admittedly, this will be quite familiar to those who have played FPS games in the past, but Battlefield 1 distances itself from the past by not giving players the ability to apply any attachments to their weapons. Whereas other games in the series allowed players to alter nearly any aspect of any weapon in their arsenal, such as muzzle types and ammunition, weapons in this game are limited to up to three pre-set loadouts.

"Maybe you want a shotgun that packs a little more punch? Or maybe you'd rather one that trades stability for accuracy? The different weapon Pre-Sets should help you out," weapon designer Julian Schimek said in a Q&A on the Battlefield website.

There is some room for customization, such as tweaking zoom levels or adding bayonets, but players will no longer have the ability to alter nearly every stat of their weapons like they could in the past.

Interestingly, one of the biggest changes will come to sniper rifles and the role of those who use them.

According to Schimek, an effective sniper won't be one who remains as far away as possible from their target, but rather, they will find they are most effective when they stay "at the right distance" from their target.

In a similar vein, just like how firearms will be distinct from one another, melee weapons will, too. Each melee weapon will have its own speed and damage stats, some of which can double as tools for destroying barricades or damaging vehicles. All of this is indicative of the new way Battlefield 1 wants players to approach weapons.

"The weapons of Battlefield 1 are a bit more specialized," Schimek noted. "To get the most out of them, you have to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and use the right one in the right situation."

Battlefield 1 is slated to arrive on Oct. 21 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. Those who intend to attend the EA Play event in L.A. and London from June 12 will be able to get a hands-on taste with the game ahead of its release.