Battlefield 6: How to Fix Spotting

There are not many mechanics in games as useful and as debatable as spotting, which has led players to question how it will be incorporated into Battlefield 6. Over the years, this feature has been presented in various forms, such as instantly tagging enemies with a single button press or placing markers on the ground where an enemy was recently spotted.

3D spotting, which was previously used in games, seems to be under consideration for a return in the upcoming Battlefield 6, causing some apprehension among fans. However, as the testing is taking place in a trial setting, it’s unclear if DICE plans to incorporate spotting or simply gauge player reaction. It’s evident that players are hoping for a delicate balance with spotting in Battlefield 6, and there are several strategies that could be employed to achieve this.

What Spotting Looked Like Before Battlefield 6

3D targeting in the game ‘Battlefield’ was once a frequent occurrence, and players could easily tag each other with minimal effort. This practice was so widespread that they humorously referred to it as “shooting at Doritos”, an allusion to the orange, triangle-shaped spot marker in Battlefield 4. Similarly, Battlefield 1 experienced some problems due to overly simplified targeting, as maps were smaller and less vertically complex, offering fewer concealment spots, and made worse by the use of spotting flares.

As a devoted fan, I must say that Battlefield 5 significantly shifted the series’ focus on spotting, dramatically. Instead of soldiers performing spotting duties, a contextual ping system was introduced. Traditional spotting, particularly 3D spotting, became scarce, as even items like flares were toned down and easy to neutralize. This change forced us, the players, to specialize in roles offering spotting capabilities, such as the Assault Vehicle Buster, which could detect vehicles upon damage.

2042 has followed some of Battlefield 5’s ideology but significantly enhanced gadget-based spotting. Based on the recent updates, it appears that this feature may continue to be tied to specific gadgets and roles. However, everything hinted at by Battlefield Labs suggests a strong focus on making the game more like Battlefield 4 and its forebears. As a fan, I’m excited about these developments!

How DICE Can Improve Spotting for Battlefield 6

This situation leads us to ponder over DICE’s choice: Should they replicate every element from Battlefield 4, including the spotting feature, or should they deviate significantly? It appears that many players prefer to move past the extensive spotting mechanism, finding it too simplifying for gameplay. There are several potential ways spotting could be altered in future iterations. However, not all of these suggestions are mutually exclusive; some could potentially complement each other.

Keep the Contextual Ping

The ping system significantly reduces the visibility of easy targets for players and offers additional advantages, such as indicating to teammates where they should move and if there’s potential danger. Importantly, this feature is only visible to squad members, ensuring the map isn’t cluttered with orange symbols representing enemy positions at all times. Additionally, it can be used when a player is downed, allowing incapacitated team members to still share vital information with their allies.

Give Better Counterplay to Spotting

In numerous contemporary games, there’s been an effort to minimize the influence of detection mechanisms. This is accomplished by providing players with tools to jam signals or allowing them to destroy spotting flares. For instance, Battlefield 1 made an attempt at reducing detection by introducing perks that rendered soldiers invisible to flares when crouching, although this did not result in a significant change. It’s important to make it easier for players to counter detection methods as well. This could be achieved through electronic warfare devices or smoke grenades, giving them the means to escape being detected.

Minimap Spotting Could Work Like Radar

In the game series beyond Battlefield 5, dots on mini-maps have persisted as a frequent occurrence. Players using non-suppressed weapons may be momentarily exposed on the mini-map when they fire. To enhance gameplay, it could be beneficial to extend this feature across all mini-maps, making them function more like radar that only highlights enemy locations intermittently rather than providing a continuous feed of all spotted enemies’ movements. This change aims to discourage players from fixating on the map and encourage them to focus more on their immediate surroundings instead.

Make 3D Spotting More Rewarding

Limiting the 3D spotting feature in BF5 makes it more enticing to employ. Recons are an indispensable class because they can expose distant adversaries, allowing other teammates to capitalize on the opportunity to eliminate them, even if the Recon doesn’t land the kill. If 3D spotting is reintroduced, it will feel exclusive and potentially deadly for anyone unfortunate enough to be marked in this way unless they can quickly seek shelter.

Limit the Distance Players Can Be Spotted

The function of “spotting” is designed to help players identify those in distant or remote areas, however its widespread use seems to dilute this purpose somewhat. A possible solution could be to restrict the usage of spotting so that it only becomes visible at specific distances. It doesn’t matter much whether it works well up close or from afar; both would encourage players to use spotting more strategically. In fact, within close proximity, player models and sound cues should suffice, making spotting less necessary. Instead, spotting could serve as a tool for detecting snipers who are out of reach.

Reduce the Ease of Spotting With Gadgets

Despite its thrill, Caspar’s drone in Battlefield 2042 can expose entire teams within a minute, making certain map areas dangerously hostile and seemingly unfair. Using gadgets for 3D spotting might be the safest option, but it should not be too effortless; Caspar’s drone remains one of the most effective ways to amass assists with minimal input. To ensure fairness, gadget limitations need to be stricter when it comes to spotting, either by increasing the required effort or making target acquisition more challenging.

Players Should Have to Follow a Target to 3D Spot

An effective method for minimizing 3D spotting involves utilizing a device or scope that consistently focuses on a specific target. This device allows you to identify the target from any perspective, but it will only continue to show the target as long as someone keeps it within their view. A tool such as this might resemble Battlefield 4’s SOFLAM for the Recon class, although it wouldn’t necessarily provide guided missile targeting functionality. Instead, it would encourage players to take on the role of a spotter, locating individual targets that they could then communicate with their teammates about which ones to attack.

2025-04-13 18:04