Open/Closed Weapons: A Hybrid Solution

Premise:

To resolve the Open/Closed weapon debate in a way that does not split the player base into two separate playlists, I am proposing a hybrid solution be adopted that incorporates both the open and closed weapons playstyles together into a single rebalancing of the class system. The main idea is to make the open weapons playstyle part of the Assault Class's toolkit. This strengthens EA's new intended identity for the class as a an objective-oriented, jack-of-all-trades class that can equip itself with any tool that is required to help them capture flags. The other 4 core classes (Medic, Support, Engineer, and Recon) are each given a choice between three weapon types, one being the Signature weapon of that class and the secondary options being shared between all classes. The signature weapon type each of the core classes has access to is designed to best complement the team-oriented role that class is intended to play.

Locking the weapon types of the other 4 core classes but providing an open weapons outlet in the objective-oriented Assault Class strengthens the identity of each class while at the same time avoiding some of the problems the open weapons system creates in certain weapon/class combinations. Additionally, it funnels the players that would rather play to a specific weapon type vs class into an objective-oriented role, if they were really intent on breaking the class/weapon status quo. At the same time, however, there are very few situations in which playing the Assault Class with a signature weapon from one of the other classes would be more desirable than just playing the class of which that weapon is signature to. The obvious exception being if the player wants to play with a carbine on an infantry-only map, where the Engineer's kit is mostly unnecessary. This dynamic helps to push players toward one of the more team-oriented classes, rather than playing the Assault Class equipped with one of the other class's signature weapons.

The proposed class/weapon rebalancing is as follows:

Assault Class

Primary weapon choices:

• Assault Rifle (Signature and Exclusive)
• SMG
• LMG
• Carbine
• Shotgun
• DMR

***Notably absent are Sniper Rifles

Weapon sling choices:

• Shotgun
• DMR

Notes: This class remains as the true "open weapons" pick. Giving the Assault Class access to most weapon types fits its identity of an objective-oriented front-liner that is able to utilize any tool that is required to help them drive the team forward. Exclusive to this class is the Assault Rifle, but it also has access to each of the signature weapons of the other classes. Notably absent from this list is the Sniper Rifle, which has been made unavailable to encourage objective-oriented use of the Deploy Beacon. If utilizing the weapon sling, this class can also equip one of the shared primary weapons (Shotgun or DMR) as a second primary.

Medic Class (New Class)

Primary weapon choices:

• SMG (Signature)
• Shotgun
• DMR

Notes: This class is being added as a 5th class and is separate from the Support Class. Separating Medic from Support allows each class to dive deeper into its niche. Healing gadgets, combat stims, and the defib are moved to this class's toolkit. The signature weapon of this class is the SMG, which positions them in a place where they can better support the frontline with healing and revives. It is given access to DMRs as a secondary choice to provide a longer ranged option for larger maps, and shotguns for an alternative close quarters option. This balance is dependent on the health regeneration of the game being slowed down, because with how fast the health regeneration is in BF6 currently the healing gadgets aren't really needed.

Support Class

Primary weapon choices:

• LMG (Signature)
• Shotgun
• DMR

Notes: With healing responsibilities being taken away from the Support Class, it is now able to better focus on supporting the team through other means. Support retains its ability to resupply teammates with ammo and its access to supportive gadgets like trophy systems and mortars. The signature weapon of this class is the LMG to emphasize its role of providing covering fire to teammates and suppressing enemies. It is given access to Shotguns as a secondary choice to support a more mobile playstyle, and DMRs for longer ranged suppression. This balance is dependent on the suppression system being reworked, because as of now the suppression mechanic is largely useless.

Engineer Class

Primary weapon choices:

• Carbine (Signature)
• Shotgun
• DMR

Notes: This class is given Carbines as its signature weapon type to provide it with versatility that is not quite as long ranged as the Assault Class's assault rifle. This weapon choice gives Engineers the required versatility to ensure that anti-vehicle ordinance will always be present on a team. For those seeking to use a Carbine on infantry-only maps, the Assault Class can be selected in its place. Engineers are given Shotguns as a secondary weapon choice to offer a more close quarters playstyle, and DMRs for a longer ranged option.

Recon Class

Primary weapon choices:

• Sniper Rifle (Signature and Exclusive)
• Shotgun
• DMR

Notes: Snipers being made exclusive to the Recon Class emphasize its role of providing reconnaissance to the team instead of front-lining. DMRs are also made available to this class as a secondary weapon choice for a more versatile option, and shotguns to support a close quarters style of play. This balance is dependent on the Recon Class being made the ONLY class that can spot enemies with a red dot over their head, while spotting on other classes will be reduced to only reveal enemy locations to the team via the minimap. With the Deploy Beacon being moved to the Assault Class, Recon needs its identity strengthened in this way.

Closing Thoughts:

Dividing the weapon types amongst the classes in this way reinforces each class's identity, while at the same time providing each class with enough versatility to fulfill all of its intended roles. Additionally, there would be very few, niche situations where running one of the other class's signature weapons on the Assault Class would be the better choice, but this is still an option that is available to players. Under this structure, the Assault Class becomes the most user-friendly class to those who are not yet familiar with Battlefield, but the other 4 core classes still hold distinct advantages over it and play more team-oriented roles, which helps to deter players from playing the Assault Class equipped with one of the other class's signature weapons.