Battlefield 2042: New Vehicles & Unlocked Modes Are Here!

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Summary

  • Battlefield 2042 devs release 8.4.0 update with new vehicles, capabilities, weapons, and bug fixes.
  • The update introduces two new vehicles, M3A3 Bradley and BMP-2, with unique features for tactical combat.
  • Unlocked Frontlines & Conquest modes allow immediate access to new vehicles, providing double Ribbons for testing.

The creators of Battlefield 2042 have shared details about the upcoming 8.4.0 update. With this latest version, players can expect two fresh vehicles armed with new abilities and weapon choices. Furthermore, the update also incorporates various other alterations and bug corrections to enhance overall gameplay experience.

2021 saw the release of Battlefield 2042, which faced a lot of criticism initially. However, the game has significantly improved over the past couple of years due to regular updates from developers aimed at enhancing gameplay. For example, the latest update for Battlefield 2042 introduced new customization options, progression systems, and gameplay refinements. It also tinkered with vehicles and weapons, and made adjustments to Dozer’s Ballistic Shield by reducing the damage taken from armor-piercing ammo.

2025 kicks off with an exciting update for Battlefield 2042 on January 21st! This update brings two nostalgic Vault Drops – the M3A3 Bradley and BMP-2, straight from Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3. These iconic infantry fighting vehicles have been given a fresh coat of paint for Battlefield 2042, with new capabilities and features that’ll make your gaming experience more thrilling.

Expect four comfy seats, an additional equipment slot, and tweaks to their weaponry and functionality in this update. Plus, these vehicles are now customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your unique playstyle. This adds a layer of tactical versatility that’ll surely give you the edge in combat!

Battlefield 2042 Adds Unlocked Modes for New Vehicles

To facilitate easy access to the latest automobiles in Battlefield 2042, starting from January 21, we will offer two modes: Frontlines Unlocked and Conquest Unlocked. In Frontlines Unlocked, players can instantly utilize the new Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), as all objectives will have these vehicles available, not just the final ones. On January 28, Conquest Unlocked will also provide access to Light Transports and Attack Helicopters. During these modes, players will be rewarded with Ribbons at double the regular rate, motivating them to test out the new vehicles immediately. This approach eliminates the usual unlock process, making the Battlefield 2042 experience more approachable for all players.

The forthcoming update for Battlefield 2042 not only addresses some technical issues and fine-tunes balances, but also offers exciting enhancements. For instance, players can anticipate enhanced vehicle maneuverability, new features like the Stealth Package and Active Armor, as well as improved missile functionality. To align better with the FPS game Battlefield 2042, the visuals, audio effects, damage modeling, and user interface have all been refined for a more suitable vehicle experience. It’s also important to mention that the progression system has undergone improvements, including fixes for vehicle-disabled XP and minor adjustments. In summary, this update seems promising and underscores the ongoing dedication of Battlefield 2042 developers in making the game more appealing.

Battlefield 2042 Patch Notes

New Vault Drop – M3A3 Bradley & BMP-2

Hop into the M3A3 Bradley and the BMP-2, two highly popular war machines that were initially introduced in Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 3. These infantry fighting vehicles have been updated for Battlefield 2042, making them an excellent tool for skilled Non-Patriots (No-Pats) to secure one of its four seats.

The team opted for these multi-purpose combat vehicles because of their legendary reputation and widespread popularity among Battlefield players. Unlike the versions found in the Battlefield Portal, these machines exhibit distinct behaviors, functions, and appearances.

To adapt to their roles in All-Out Warfare, they’ve been designed to be as versatile as possible, featuring a new gear slot for customization, along with newly introduced and fine-tuned skills, and specific enhancements tailored exclusively for these Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).

The team ensures their readiness for exploration and adapting to various automobile designs and combat styles, whether it’s a tough defensive tankbuster or an extremely offensive glass cannon. These fresh Vault Drop Vehicles are designed to boost any team in the battlefield.

Unlocked Frontlines and Conquest

Over the next two weeks, you’ll find two modes unfastened for your excitement! Starting from January 21st, Frontlines Unlocked gives you a chance to try out the new IFVs introduced in this update without any prior unlocking. Furthermore, you can use the M3A3 Bradley and the BMP-2 on every objective, not just the final ones!

Starting January 28th, I’m thrilled about Conquest Unlocked, a game update that grants equal opportunities for everyone! Not only can we all enjoy the thrill of Light Transports and Attack Helicopters, but we also get a sneak peek at IFVs before we unlock them personally. This way, I can dive straight into the action and test out both vehicles before making my own progression!

Speaking of unlocking, earning Ribbons in Frontlines and Conquest will count double!

Battlefield 2042 IFV’s – M3A3 Bradley & BMP-2

Note for Developers: The updates made to Bradley and BMP-2 will influence the upcoming characters in Battlefield 2042. However, these changes do not apply to the versions available in Portal.

  • Added a new slot for both vehicles to open up the possibility to mix and match different loadouts.
  • Added visual effects for systemic damage on the IFVs.
  • Improved visibility of driver first-person views when second seat gunner rotates.
  • Both vehicles are now using a 4 seat configuration down from 6, in order to better fit in the category they are set in.
  • IFVs armor-piercing shell now penetrates the dozer shield.
  • The primary cannon of the IFV’s velocity increased by 10%.
  • Increased damage of armor-piercing shell vs Soldier body.
  • Various abilities have been moved between slots to allow for specific vehicle builds.
  • Added active protection system for both IFVs.
  • Added thermal weapons for passengers of the IFVs.
  • Updated the mesh along with various other changes to the art for the Bradley and BMP to better fit in with the Battlefield 2042 world.
  • Added coax weapon and mesh for the Bradley.
  • Additional abilities and weapons:
    • Shared loadout
      • Primary: 25mm cannon
      • Secondary weapons:
        • New to Bradley: Coax machine gun, Guided missile, APFSDS-T Sabot Shells
        • TOW
      • Gunner:
        • New: HMG with Thermal scope.
        • HMG
      • Equipment slot 1:
        • Thermal Smoke Package
        • Active Armor
        • Improved warhead
      • Equipment slot 2:
        • New: Repair System
        • New Active Protection System
      • Equipment slot 3:
        • New: Stealth Package
        • Quick reload – see balance changes below
        • Maintenance – see balance changes below
        • Proximity scan – tweaked version of previously electronic warfare package.
  • Ability changes::
    • Improved warhead
      • Now deals 25% more damage on impact and blast damage. Developer comment: Previously was only on impact. This is to double down on the glass cannon build when configured with this ability.
      • Vehicle armor is now compromised when using this ability and will take more damage than usual. Developer comment: This also supplements the glass cannon build.
      • All weapons on the vehicle now benefit from this ability, not just primary weapons.
    • Stealth Package
      • New: Now hides the vehicle from most spotting attempts.
      • New: Hides the vehicle from thermal optics.
      • Lock on weapons take longer to lock on to the vehicle – same functionality players know from Thermal Camo in Portal.
    • Maintenance
      • Shortens the time it takes for the natural health regen to kick in, it repairs the vehicle at a higher rate and it also applies on each systemic damage of vehicle so broken system will be back online quicker.
    • Quick Reload Package
      • It now applies on all vehicle weapons (previously only applied on primary weapons), weapons such as the COAX that do not use a reload or replenish will instead have a longer up time before reaching overheat threshold.
    • Active Armor
      • It applies on both vehicle armor and each system, requiring all vehicle systems to take additional damage before breaking.
    • Guided Missile
      • Added the possibility to fire and lock on after in order to open up opportunities for new gameplay moments. Developer comments: We will monitor this change and evaluate its impact going forward.
  • Increased impact damage of primary cannon from 32 to 48
  • Improved mobility on both IFV’s, it should now be easier to move from stand still position and turning at various speeds.
  • Added new minimap and in world icon for the IFVs.
  • Guided missiles fired by the IFV will no longer lock on air vehicles, unless a teammate designates the air vehicle.
  • Updated the distance and angle locking criteria for the guided missiles on IFVs.
  • Proximity scan now has a 20m radius and functions for both infantry and explosives.
  • Updated FoV for IFVs’ passengers.
  • Improved zoom view on the IFV to be compatible with other Battlefield 2042 vehicles.
  • IFVs now use the same material and damage model as other vehicles of the same type.
  • The M3A3 Bradley now has zoom on the port weapons.
  • Updated camera position and aim constraints on all seats for both new IFVs.
  • Fixed an issue that shots with steep angles wouldn’t deal consistent damage.
  • Added new UI elements for the guided missile of the IFVs to support their behavior and readability.
  • Added new impact hit audio elements depending on which ability is equipped for the IFVs to help readability.
    • For example, when using Improved Warhead, your vehicle has less armor than usual, therefore damage sounds will be more noticeable.
  • Missile arm activates when using both tow or guided missiles.
  • Improved flying characteristics of tow and guided missiles on IFVs.
  • Added new icons for passive abilities.
  • Added landing boosters for the IFVs when called in via the call-ins menu.
  • Added BMP-2 and Bradley to the end of round screen.
  • Updated position of camera when applying cosmetics on Bradley and BMP-2
  • Added a vignette for the port weapons for a better presentation of the seat that is occupied.
  • New mesh for the Active Protection System to fit the new colors of the vehicle.
  • Removed smoke from the IFV and replaced it with thermal smoke ability.
  • Disabled neutral steering for IFVs, stopping them from moving forward when steering.
  • IFVs primary ammo increased from 6 to 8.
  • Primary cannon and Armor Piercing shells no longer use the same ammo pool like the Portal variant. Instead, they work as primary and secondary weapons, separately.
  • Increased base impact damage of primary cannon from 32 to 48.
  • Health regen on IFVs have been updated to be identical with other vehicles of the same class on 2042 AOW.

Vehicles

  • Added insertion cinematic for the Pondhawk.
  • Fixed an issue where the 9k22 Tunguska laser designation UI would overlap.
  • Fixed an issue where certain vehicle hints would remain on screen when they should not.
  • Improvement to suspension and other driving simulations to help lessen the frequency of getting stuck to other objects in the world.
  • Fixed an issue where vehicle hints would show up as unassigned under certain circumstances.
  • Updated various elements of first person view screen effects that are applied on vehicles, reducing vibrancy and causing a more grounded feel when in first person.
  • Half track wheel on Portal is now included as systemic damage.

Helicopters

  • Fixed an issue where AI soldiers did not use Repair System abilities when deploying on the UH-60 Helicopter.
  • Stealth Helicopters suppressed gunner weapon no longer spots the vehicle.

Characters & Gadgets

  • Fixed an issue where custom colors selections (enemy, team, quad, and self-color options) did not apply on icons and gadget lights.
  • Added persistence logic to the M67 Grenade (BF3)
  • Fixed an issue where the Spawn Beacon color would not update after changing squad correctly.
  • Updated tutorial video for Angel loadout crate.
  • Fixed an issue with SRAW not getting resupplied when revived by Irish.

Progression

  • Vehicle Disabled XP now tells you which part of the vehicle was disabled.

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2025-01-18 17:24