[nintenho]

Rocket pods are amazing for the jets. In one diving run, you can easily destroy a tank and they're also really good for strafing infantry/helicopters. I played a round of Rush on Caspian Border and the attackers never got their tanks to our side because I'd fire salvos to slice and dice (pun intended) them before they got across the open field. It helped that their jet pilots weren't very good.

Honestly, I'm not sure why you'd want heat seeker missiles in this game. 99% of jet pilots have IR flares and it takes 3 full seconds to lock on to anybody. During that time you could just shoot them with the cannons.

Originally Posted by (((interference)))

Looks like the SCAR H seems to be the best engineer weapon, most of the assault rifles are pretty comparable in stats.

I prefer the A-91. The SCAR only fires at 600 RPM while the A-91 does 800 RPM, and has virtually no recoil. The SCAR does a little bit more damage but it's hard to shoot at decent range unless you set the fire mode to semi-automatic mode while the A-91 is totally controllable on automatic even when I'm picking off enemies from a hundred yards away.

[(((interference)))]

Originally Posted by bigtabs

All non-supressed weapons show you on the mini-map. All supressed weapons will not show you on the mini-map as of the next patch. Currently a few supressed weapons are showing up when they're not supposed to.

Hmm, yet another way they've moved closer to COD gameplay - though since I normally use a suppressor (and this makes suppressors more valuable) I don't mind.

Scar-H is decent, but the ROF is very slow. The time to kill is probably the most important statistic if you're equally comfortable with all the weapons. Personally I much prefer higher ROF over higher damage. Damage, by the way, is determined by caliber rather than being weapon specific like previous BFs.

The time to kill for the SCAR is better than all the other engineer weapons (except the A-91 at 40m)

I'm considering dropping playing Recon (which was my class in BC2) for Engineer since Recon has been nerfed somewhat - since I dislike scope glint i'm forced to use the semi-auto snipers with 4x scopes (and suppressors once i've unlocked them) - this 'marksman' loadout works pretty well but I'm wondering if I'd be better served by adding a 4x scope to a SMG, rifle or all kit weapon and using a different class, probably Engineer since the RPG/SMAW is so damn versatile on the battlefield.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how non-sniper weapons with low power scopes compare with the MOD1/SVD with low power scopes?

Also are there any differences in player attributes betweent the classes (eg. do assaults have more health?)

[NRP]

I don't like the way scopes take away your peripheral vision with CQB weapons. Engineer with A-91 and holo sight is really good. Only thing you're lacking is a bit of range, but close/mid you're a match for anyone.

Right now I'm grinding Recon to get the MAV, so when we squad up on Live we'll have a lot of options.

[Acert93]

That was epic NRP! How long were we airborn, 15 minutes straight?

NRP and I were in the Z11 (?) US Attack Helo on Karg iirc. I was the pilot and he was the gunner. What followed as total domination. I took down a couple jets who were constantly buzzing us (tip: 2 missiles with the helo so if you have to fire 1 to get him to blow his flares keep steady, relock, and take him down). Soon after we had 2x jets up. NRP took down a couple helos and we were just ripping tanks to pieces. He would hit him with the gun and I would nail them with rockets. We got hit a couple times so we would just fly back to our base, land, I would repair, and off we went again. We did this 4x in the 15 minutes or so. The other team must have been flustered because they would get locks and I would dive behind the mountains or bank low around buildings; we were also alternating flares on locks. They had their AA up in their base but I wasn't dumb enough to go engage We would take the 3 closest flags and I would just patrol back there.

The only downer was NO ONE was spotting. I spotted most of the tanks we killed because our team would not spot. If our teammates were spotting NRP would have rained down the pain; unfortunately he had NOTHING spotted so we were doing a lot of slashing runs spamming the flags spotting for our 'mates.

The cool thing is we were losing but we ended up dominating the air so much that they couldn't keep hold of the closest flags. At the very end we were able to take out their last push, destroying one tank and disabling another that had tried to run away. We ended up crashing because an enemy jet ran into us from the read and we nose dived and crashed.

I was telling NRP I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to fly with a gamepad (I always used a flight stick with previous BFs) but after a bit of coop with NRP earlier it was starting to come back. Now if I can get my jet skills translated over I would be a happy puppy. I have been in the A10 1x and the jets only a couple times, not enough to really get the hang of the pad. I am dieing to get into the A10 though for a prolonged period of time... I love killing armor and taking down Helos.

Thanks for the game NRP--we have to do that again! Next time we will have 'mates who spot and I will set you up for more cannon fodder.

[NRP]

I feel like I should apologize to the other team for that come-from-behind ass whipping we laid on them.

[patsu]

Battlefield 3 bans bring the pain to cheaters
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...in-to-cheaters

"This week we've banned hundreds of offending accounts and have stats-wiped accounts for exploiting (such as boosting)," said a Tweet on the Battlefield Twitter page.

Then, "We are working on banning as many people as we can as quickly as we can. We have a zero tolerance policy for cheating."

One exploit cheaters are currently enjoying is a glitch that enables them to rank up tens of thousands of points in a single game as an engineer.

A patch is expected soon. In a series of Tweets EA said squads and communications are a "top priority" and will be "taken care of".

Battlefield 3: the features DICE may tweak
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...dice-may-tweak

In a podcast with Don't Revive Me Bro (via mp1st.com), Battlefield 3 senior gameplay designer Alan Kertz said DICE will tweak the tactical light attachment - used to blind enemy players.

The brightness of the light will remain untouched, but its range will be reduced. Up close, the light will continue to be as effective as it is, but at a distance it will be less effective.

Kertz also addressed the issue over controller input lag, which some players have complained about. Apparently this aspect of the game was not changed from beta to launch. Issues may be the result of certain TV set-ups. Either way, Kertz said DICE is looking into the problem.

DICE is also looking into the mobile AA vehicles, which some players believe are too effective against jets and helicopters because they easily knock flying vehicles off their flight path and force a crash. The jets may see a change to help balance them better against ground vehicles, which can be easily repaired. This, according to Kertz, is unfair.

Meanwhile, Kertz confirmed that weapons in Battlefield 3 do have more recoil when burst fired than the weapons in previous games in the series. ...

[NRP]

What "mobile AA" vehicles? I've never seen any. I've only seen the stationary AA "trailers", which are far from effective. What maps are these mobile AA vehicles on?

[patsu]

This one ?

[NRP]

Ok, that map is Nosehair Canal. I don't think there is a mobile AA vehicle on that map, at least not in the 360 version. Does the PS3 version have them, or are they only in the PC version?

By the way, the enemy team could have used one of those last night.

[patsu]

According to several posts on the net, it's in Nosharh Canals and Caspian Border

Here's Caspian Border:


Could be PC only though.

EDIT: Hmm... I see someone claims it's in 64P maps only.

[nintenho]

I just got the SOFLAM and I'm thinking it may suck less than T-UGS but I'm not sure since laser designating vehicles doesn't seem very useful when you consider how few engineers use javelins. The MAV at least gives you a nice overhead view of the action but I still have 10,000 points left until I unlock it.

And I understand that they allow you to spawn in jets/helis to decrease the number of people who just go and camp for them, but now people are waiting in the kit selection screen for the ~30 seconds it takes for a new jet to spawn.

They need to either put a time limit on how long you can spend in the kit selection screen or they need to make it so you can only spawn in the pilot seat once or twice per round.

Originally Posted by NRP

Ok, that map is Nosehair Canal. I don't think there is a mobile AA vehicle on that map, at least not in the 360 version. Does the PS3 version have them, or are they only in the PC version?

By the way, the enemy team could have used one of those last night.

No I've seen it on that map when playing rush (360 version). I think defenders get it at their spawn point when they get pushed back to the second set of m-com stations. They had AA tanks in Bad Company 2 also but I think they increased the higher rate of fire or something in BF3 because they do seem to be more effective now.

[patsu]

Yap, some mentioned that they saw the Tunguska in Rush on consoles too.

[Acert93]

Originally Posted by NRP

I feel like I should apologize to the other team for that come-from-behind ass whipping we laid on them.

On my lunch I had posted on Ars some of my tips on flying. Others here may find these useful. I was relishing our flight and someone had asked about flying tips so I explained some of my strategies and how they can keep you up longer:

* Flares. The gunner has flares (left trigger) and the pilot has them as well (right bumper). Coordinate who will fire the flares when. You often will have enough time to constantly pop flares if you coordinate well and don't waste them. Minimally you can dodge 1 stinger/missile and continue your attack until you have to pop the next flares at which point you can begin your retreat.

* Terrain. A great way to lose a lock is to take cover. A number of times on an attack run through the heart of the map I would do a high speed bank and loop low around large structures. Be careful not to fly level too long (e.g. swoop low, speed forward and then elevate) as a tank may get his revenge. The big one is diving behind mountains and, in a pinch, a hill. Left Trigger will make you drop down, which a number of times we did behind hills long enough to get out of intense fire.

* Retreat so you can re-engage. When I would take a lot of small arms fire and get down to ~ 80% health we would circle back to our base and use terrain for cover. By the time we turned arround our health would have regened to 100% and we could come back at full health. This is VITAL because a stinger/missle will knock you down to 50% health and once below 50% you slowly lose health. Remember, the higher/further away you are from stingers the less likely they will be to get a lock. When you get out of range they have to re-start engagement. And if they are all going to sit there waiting for you to return then you just allowed your ground troops an opportunity to move in on distracted opponents.

* Repair. 4 different times we landed at our base with 20% or so of health and repaired. A lot of people will ditch the aircraft but if you repair it does a couple things. First is you don't lose the vehicle for 2 or 3 minutes. The other is you probably have a good idea who hit you so you can re-engage and take them out--or go elsewhere and help the team. And third, well, I am sure the other team gets mad that after they coordinate enough missiles/stingers to hit you and when they see you dive down behind a mount they are expecting a kill. Instead, when they see you 15 seconds later rise from the ashes with 100% health and missiles blazing, they must feel frustrated.

* Missiles. I am sure better pilots would have taken us down sooner (heh, as it was we died when some jet rammed our rear side--this after dancing around quite a few kamakazi runs). Remember that you can shoot 2 missiles in quick succession. A common scenario: Shoot a missile, jet pops flares, re-lock and fire second missile, hit. Wash, Rinse, Repeat. Better yet if you have a pilot of similar skill he can go guns live and take him out with a few stray bullets or get another missile lock and finish him (although 1 missile will often lead to a disabled vehicle). (Note to self: check to see if missiles will lock onto ground targets). As an aside, if a jet is flying right at you rockets + gunner cannons blazing do some nasty damage (just jink hard to the side about 2 seconds before he gets to you). Be careful with good pilots who may be using their guns though.

* Communicate with your gunner. Telling your gunner where enemies are and where you plan to go is important. You can communicate position either with the compass (iirc) or more simply by the rectangular box that shows where your gunner is looking. If he is looking to the left and you want him to hit on the right let him know. Another thing is *together* you can really soften up armor much quicker. e.g. While hovering high call out the armor you want to hit. Let your gunner empty a couple "clips" and if you can do it dip down gently, fire your rockets from afar, and then level back out so you are still at a long distance. When you feel the armor may be weakened you can do a high speed straifing run. For your gunner try to take a smooth line so you can stay centered--this will also help you left your own rockets in. Don't wait until you are close!! Once you find that smooth line where the tank is centered let them all go (hold down the left bumper). If you were really far away and taking a slow approach you may be able to spam some more as you come in closer or, more likely you can do a high speed run and then surprise them: after passing over bank hard and do a quick 180 (I tend to turn and 'stop') and then let your next salvo go. If you didn't take the tank out on your first pass when you turn and fire the tank is totally toast.

* Spot. Ok, so you are on a team that cannot figure out the spot button. Your best chance is to do it yourself. It is best if the gunner does it (as the pilot has to dip to see) but up high the key is looking at the tracers and dead skulls. You see tracers and no blue? Follow where it looks like it is coming from and clicks 'Back' and you almost always will get a "Dorito." See a skull? About 1 out of 3 times if you back-click on a skull a "Dorito" or two will pop up. See a flag being contested or turning? Same thing.

* Infantry. The gunner is far more effective against soft targets, but do remember that this is Battlefield 3 and some buildings can be destroyed. We had a nice little sequence where we dropped an entire building on an enemy turning a flag. Sure, we couldn't see him after he ran into the building, but that didn't stop the rockets from doing him in.

* Provide Support. It is fun gallivanting across the map randomly but the point is to capture control points. A smart tank driver will ALWAYS have a gunner and ideally 1 or 2 ground pounders protecting/healing. Even better is a helo in close cover spotting, suppressing soft targets and softening up tanks--an enemy tank or two are going to be toasted by a tank+helo combo. Likewise if you see someone light up a flag contesting it or telling you they are assaulting it GO THERE. Likewise cut off armor before they get to your flags. You don't always need to be on offense, protect what you have.

* Know where enemy AA Vehicles are. And then go elsewhere! On the above map the Op base has a stationary AA which at the northern most flag you can be hit. This allows you to formulate a basic strategy: let them have that flag and cover the other 3. And this, in general, is a good strategy: as a helo you shouldn't be rushing into a cloud of red flags. Stay around the natural battlefront and preferrably behind it. With a helo you have the advantage of being up high and far back so you can provide cover without getting close into enemy territory meaning far fewer missile locks.

* Practice flying. None of these tips are going to help if you cannot fly well. The coop mission gives you a good opportunity to practice flying and coordinating your team work.

* (Almost) Never fly without a gunner. The gunner gives you extra flares, an extra set (or more) of guns, possibly extra unlocks, an extra set of eyes, and can help soften armor and keep soft targets honest. And if you must take off without a gunner (e.g. you died at a flag where your squad was under attack and want to bring the helo forward) make sure your squad knows you need a gunner and either spawn on you or pick them up when the flag is completely secure (tip: look around before landing! I have RPG'd & tank cannon fired a number of helos that thought they were safe landing and repairing!) Flying without a gunner in chat is a recipe for some short fly times.

* Know when NOT to fly. If the enemy has a couple ace jet pilots who have taken down your jets (i.e. they can aim their guns and know how to pop flares effectively) it is best to stay grounded. If they are "fly boys only" the game can turn to 12-10 on the ground. Sure, jets are good against armor but also are scared away with stingers and can only do fly bys. But if your team insists you will need some help. First is you will want some ground with stingers so they are "outnumbers." The next thing is a lot of pilots, even good ones, struggle flying low. If you are flying around objects like towers, tall buildings, in between hills, etc they will have a tougher time. That said when you fly low and slow you risk RPGs, tank cannons, and mounted machine guns. As much fun as it is to fly there are a LOT of times you are a lot more effective on the ground and have the upper hand because the other team may be down a couple players because they are "stuck" in the air.


And for everyone else, if you ever see a friendly helo raining down dominance do yourself a favor:

*** SPOT SPOT SPOT ***

If the ground folks are spotting enemy targets the helo can provide proper support. If they have to traverse the map looking for targets this usually means they may have to do a fly by to line up. This means you may be waiting 20-30 seconds for air support when, instead, you could have cut down the time for support as well as not had to wait for them to get a good support position (if they can even get there as a jet, helo, stinger, AA etc may take them down/distract them). Likewise enemy troops distracted by a support helo are easy pickings.

Also, don't forget to spot JETS and HELOs. A good helo pilot/gunner will tear apart an enemy helo. Likewise just KNOWING where the enmy jets are is HUGE for a helo pilot.

[RenegadeRocks]

I spot a lot when I play, as I am not really good at other things ! But seems like I don't get any points for it. I spot everything I see, before firing a shot, basically because it lets me keep track iof the enemy as I have absolutely zero knowledge of the maps right now !

[NRP]

The MAV is an awesome unlock for Recon. You get tons of spot bonuses and motion sensor assists with it. The only wierd thing is that sometimes spotting just doesn't work. I find I need to change zoom levels before spotting works again.

I'm gonna say something I never thought I would: BF3 needs more aircraft on the maps. And more AA vehicles. I can't believe these are only in Rush and only on a few maps.

[(((interference)))]

Can someone tell me what the differences are between the MK11/SVD and the M39 EMR?

I'm interested in unlocking it but am not going to play co-op unless it's a worthwhile alternative to the default semi auto snipers.

Also how does the SKS compare? (apparently it's not very popular)

[Florin]

Origin seems to be down at the moment. Seeing a few people posting about it on forums as well.

YOU ARE NOT CONNECTED

Some features will not be available. Please check your Internet connection before trying to reconnect to Origin.

Wish it were on Steam

[Florin]

Well looks like I can still join games by logging in at battlelog.battlefield.com. Kinda weird but hey.

[bigtabs]

Does this affect consoles at all?

[Florin]

Guess it's the wrong forum. My bad

[NRP]

I haven't seen the mobile AA vehicle on Caspian yet. So far, I've only seen it on Nosehair Canals. I've used it a bit, and while it is reasonably effective against helos, I honestly don't understand the complaint that it's too powerful. Heck, the reticule is very light colored, so you often "lose it" against the bright sky when tracking even slow moving helicopters. I can't imagine the mobile AA is much of a worry for jet jockeys. Then again, jet jockeys whine about anything that can shoot them down, so that's nothing new I guess.

Anyway, the mobile AA vehicle can be useful.on many other maps and also in Conquest. Not sure why it isn't on more maps and in all game modes.

[Scott_Arm]

The real strength of the mobile AA is against infantry. Those poor little meat sacks don't even stand a chance.

[NRP]

I guess I need to attack more meat sacks then. I need about 1300 points to get my autoloader.

The way I saw mobile AA used is to attack the landing craft on Nosehair. Between the mobile AA and a javelin/SOFLAM/support crew, my team couldn't even get off the damn aircraft carrier.

[patsu]

I think the complain was the Tunguska is good at destroying everything from aircraft to tanks to infantry.

[Scott_Arm]

Originally Posted by NRP

I guess I need to attack more meat sacks then. I need about 1300 points to get my autoloader.

The way I saw mobile AA used is to attack the landing craft on Nosehair. Between the mobile AA and a javelin/SOFLAM/support crew, my team couldn't even get off the damn aircraft carrier.

Oh, you can do serious damage to pretty much everything on the ground, but it doesn't take too much damage. But if you catch a tank or an apc off guard, you can rip them up. The problem with the mobile AA is it actually seems to be more fun to use against ground targets rather than shoot at things in the air.