Attrition is one of the biggest fundamental changes coming to the Battlefield franchise in Battlefield 5. The system is still being tweaked following the Open Beta, and DICE recently published an explanation of how the system will work. Essentially, the Battlefield 5 Attrition System aims to make the game feel more tactical by encouraging movement and risk-taking. With only limited supplies of ammo and health, players cannot simply camp in the same place anymore. To help new players get to grips with Attrition, developers at DICE have given out a series of tips.
Battlefield 5 Attrition: DICE’s Tips for Beginners
Players who were in the game’s Open Beta, or who have plentiful experience with Battlefield, should have a good understanding of how the game will work. However, as a totally new system, even experienced players may need to grasp how Attrition will be changing things; it will not necessarily reward play-styles familiar to players of Battlefield 1 or other older titles in the series.
The first tip DICE suggests is to try and loot fallen players whenever it’s safe; “Get the looting in to your routine,” says DICE; “and the extra ammo and health can keep you going for quite a while. Be aware of the risk and your surroundings”. Without significant reserves of health and ammunition on your person, being able to scavenge the battlefield is vital. Especially if you don’t have ready access to an allied Medic or Support. Of course, players playing as those classes have greater responsibility to aid their teammates; “If you’re playing as a Medic or Support,” continues DICE; “people will need you. In previous games, you got points for just handing out ammo, even to well-stocked players, which made resupplying somewhat selfish at times. There’s a satisfaction to being needed, and you’ll feel this much more often in Battlefield V.”
In fact, team play in general is more important than ever, with every class role becoming deeper and more valuable; “When you’re starting out with Battlefield V,” says DICE; “stay close to your squad – they will keep you safe and resupplied. Eventually, you’ll learn where to get ammo and health on your own, but a well-balanced team will always keep you on track.”
DICE’s next tip concerns the new Fortification system. Namely, building Resupply Stations at every opportunity; “If there are no Resupply Stations at the flag you’re at,” suggests DICE; “bring out your build tool and build it! This is something all Classes can do”. If you’re fighting enemies at range and can’t loot, Resupply Stations will be especially important. Of course, players should also be careful not to be wasteful with their ammo; “When it comes to ammo, keep your weapon type in mind. If you see a target quite far away, and you’re, for instance, carrying a SMG, you can probably get the kill, but at the cost of a lot of bullets. Use weapons for the ranges they are meant for.”