Alan Kertz, Senior Gameplay Designer at DICE, has some significant weapon balance changes in mind that might be making its way to Battlefield 3 soon. Much of this was hinted at earlier when Kertz discussed his feelings on the FAMAS assault rifle, which many players may see as over-powered. However, recently on Reddit, Kertz threw around some ideas for various weapon attachments and came up with a few suggestions. Basically, the primary goal is to “focus on improving the under performing and under used attachments.” He also mentioned he wanted to give more weight to unmodified weapons so that they will “offer the best balance of Recoil, Accuracy, and Stealth.” Based on feedback and other discussions among the community, Kertz came up with a list of changes he would like to make to weapon attachments in the future. This, however, is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Keep reading for a summary of each attachment, whether they are being nerfed or buffed, and how the developers at DICE feel they should be used.

Foregrip (Nerfed)
The forgrip’s purpose is to reduce vertical recoil by 34% while giving a -20% penalty to base accuracy while aimed down sight. Generally, it should be used for close quarter situations when firing from the hip would me much more beneficial.


Bipod (Buffed)
The Bipod is meant for players who want to take the time to set up in a good position and defend said position or objective. It will reduce horizontal and vertical recoil (percentage depending on the weapon) as well as bullet dispersion (again, depending on the weapon and ammo type).


Suppressor (Slightly Nerfed)
The Suppressor’s main function is to provide stealth (keeping the player from showing up on the minimap when firing as well as reduce sound and visual muzzle signature) as well as provide an additional 25% accuracy bonus when aiming down sight including a 10% reduction in vertical recoil, due to it’s weight. However, the drawback here will be a reduction in minimum and maximum range (not damage) as well as a -50% penalty to base accuracy when firing from the hip.


Heavy Barrel (Greatly Buffed)
The Heavy Barrel will allow players to increase their maximum range (not damage) as well as benefit from a 50% bonus to base accuracy when aimed down sight. However, due to the barrel’s weight, it will make firing from the hip -25% less accurate as well as increase the dispersion per shot by 25%.


Flash Suppressor (Greatly Buffed)
The Flash Suppressor will give players some of the benefits of the suppressor but without as many penalties. It will only provide players with a reduction in visual muzzle signature as well as a 20& reduction in vertical recoil. The penalty here will be a -20% decrease in base accuracy when firing from the hip.


Target Pointer (Unchanged)
The Target Pointer will greatly benefit those firing from the hip by providing a 33% increase in base accuracy. On top of this, it will still be able to slightly blind opponents but will also give away the players position more easily.
No Attachments


It was not mentioned in Kertz’s Reddit post, but we can assume that a base weapon would be ideal for players who wish to avoid any negatives of any attachments, provided that they feel the bare state of the weapon is fine.
Of course, feedback is not only appreciated but beneficial. What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below.

Posted: Jan 01, 2012 5:12 am

Source: http://mp1st.com/2011/12/31/big-changes-to-weapon-balance-in-store-for-battlefield-3/