Battlefield Hardline, Visceral Games’ foray into the cops-and-robbers theme within the Battlefield franchise, brought a unique flavor to the series. Forget sprawling battlefields; Hardline focused on tighter maps and faster-paced gameplay, making weapon choice more critical than ever. Determining the “best” gun is subjective, heavily influenced by playstyle and preferred game modes. However, some weapons consistently outperform others, rising above the noise due to their versatility, raw power, or ease of use. This guide explores the contenders for the title of best gun, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses to help you dominate the streets of Hardline.
Understanding Weapon Classes and Roles
Before diving into specific weapons, it’s crucial to understand the core weapon classes in Battlefield Hardline. Each class caters to a different playstyle and contributes uniquely to the team.
Assault Rifles are the bread and butter of most players, offering a balance of accuracy, damage, and range. They are effective in medium-range engagements and can handle close-quarters combat in a pinch.
Carbines are lighter and more maneuverable than assault rifles, making them ideal for players who prefer a mobile playstyle. They often excel in close to medium range.
Submachine Guns (SMGs) are designed for close-quarters dominance. Their high rate of fire and hip-fire accuracy make them deadly in tight corridors and enclosed spaces.
Sniper Rifles are for long-range engagements, allowing players to pick off targets from a distance. Precision and patience are key to mastering this weapon class.
Shotguns are devastating at close range, capable of instantly eliminating opponents with a well-placed shot. They are most effective in breaching buildings and clearing corners.
Battle Rifles are a hybrid class, offering a balance between assault rifles and sniper rifles. They typically have a higher damage output than assault rifles but suffer from more recoil and limited ammo capacity.
Assault Rifles: Versatility at its Finest
Assault rifles are the workhorses of Battlefield Hardline. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various situations. While no single assault rifle reigns supreme, several stand out as top contenders.
The M16A3 is a classic choice, known for its accuracy and manageable recoil. It’s a solid all-around weapon that performs well in most situations, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced players. The M416 is another contender. Similar to the M16A3, but with slightly higher recoil, compensated by a faster rate of fire in most engagements. The AKM offers high damage per shot, but its recoil requires more skill to control. Mastering the AKM can lead to devastating results.
Attachments and Customization
Choosing the right attachments can significantly improve the performance of your assault rifle. A red dot sight or holographic sight can improve target acquisition, while a foregrip can reduce recoil. A muzzle brake can further reduce recoil, while a suppressor can help you stay hidden from the enemy radar. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.
Carbines: Mobility and Aggression
Carbines favor a more aggressive playstyle, allowing players to move quickly and engage enemies at close to medium range. They excel in flanking maneuvers and close-quarters combat.
The ACWR is a popular choice, known for its high accuracy and low recoil. It’s a versatile carbine that performs well in most situations. The G36C is another strong contender, offering a good balance of accuracy, damage, and rate of fire. Its compact size makes it ideal for navigating tight spaces.
Mastering the Flank
Carbines are most effective when used to flank the enemy. Use your mobility to get behind enemy lines and take them by surprise. Suppressors are particularly useful on carbines, as they allow you to move undetected and maintain the element of surprise. Remember to aim for the head to maximize your damage output.
Submachine Guns: Close-Quarters Domination
Submachine guns are the kings of close-quarters combat. Their high rate of fire and hip-fire accuracy make them deadly in tight corridors and enclosed spaces.
The K10 is arguably the best SMG in Battlefield Hardline. Its incredibly high rate of fire makes it a killing machine at close range. However, its recoil can be difficult to control, requiring practice and skill. The MPX offers a more manageable recoil pattern, making it easier to control at longer ranges. It’s a versatile SMG that performs well in most situations. The P90 is a solid choice with a high magazine capacity.
Hip-Fire Accuracy is Key
When using an SMG, hip-fire accuracy is crucial. Practice aiming from the hip to maximize your effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Use cover to your advantage, and try to stay out of open areas where you’ll be vulnerable to long-range fire. Remember to reload frequently, as SMGs tend to burn through ammo quickly.
Sniper Rifles: Precision and Patience
Sniper rifles are for long-range engagements, allowing players to pick off targets from a distance. Precision and patience are key to mastering this weapon class.
The Scout Elite is a popular choice for its fast bolt action and high accuracy. It’s ideal for quick scoping and aggressive sniping. The .338 Recon offers the highest damage output, capable of one-shot kills at long range. However, its slow bolt action requires more precision and patience.
Finding the Right Vantage Point
When sniping, finding the right vantage point is crucial. Look for areas with good visibility and cover. Use a bipod to stabilize your rifle and reduce recoil. Remember to adjust your zeroing distance to compensate for bullet drop. Patience is key; wait for the perfect shot before pulling the trigger.
Shotguns: Close-Range Devastation
Shotguns are devastating at close range, capable of instantly eliminating opponents with a well-placed shot. They are most effective in breaching buildings and clearing corners.
The KSG 12 is a powerful pump-action shotgun with a tight spread, making it effective at slightly longer ranges than other shotguns. The 870P Magnum is another solid choice, offering high damage and a fast rate of fire. The SPAS-12 is a classic shotgun known for its reliability and effectiveness in close-quarters combat.
Mastering Close Quarters
When using a shotgun, mastering close quarters is essential. Learn the maps and identify areas where you can ambush enemies. Use corners and doorways to your advantage. Remember to aim for the center mass to maximize your chances of landing a one-shot kill.
Battle Rifles: The Hybrid Class
Battle Rifles are a hybrid class, offering a balance between assault rifles and sniper rifles. They typically have a higher damage output than assault rifles but suffer from more recoil and limited ammo capacity.
The SA-58 OSW is a powerful battle rifle with a high damage output and controllable recoil making it the best choice. It’s a versatile weapon that performs well in medium-range engagements. The HK51 is another solid choice, offering a good balance of accuracy, damage, and rate of fire.
Controlling Recoil is Key
When using a battle rifle, controlling recoil is crucial. Practice burst firing to maintain accuracy at longer ranges. Use a foregrip and muzzle brake to further reduce recoil. Remember to reload frequently, as battle rifles tend to have small magazine capacities.
The Contenders: A Closer Look
Let’s delve deeper into some of the top contenders for the title of “best gun” in Battlefield Hardline, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in more detail.
The M16A3 offers a fantastic balance. Its accuracy and manageable recoil make it a versatile weapon that performs well in a variety of situations. It’s a great choice for players who prefer a more traditional assault rifle playstyle. However, it may lack the raw power of some other weapons.
The K10 is a monster at close range. Its incredibly high rate of fire allows it to shred enemies in seconds. However, its recoil is difficult to control, and it’s not effective at longer ranges. It’s a great choice for aggressive players who excel in close-quarters combat.
The ACWR stands out with its excellent accuracy and low recoil. It’s a versatile carbine that performs well in most situations, making it a great choice for players who prefer a mobile playstyle. However, it may lack the stopping power of some other weapons.
The Scout Elite offers fast bolt action and high accuracy. It’s ideal for quick scoping and aggressive sniping. While not as powerful as some other sniper rifles, its versatility makes it a popular choice.
The SA-58 OSW is the best choice for battle rifles. The SA-58 OSW is a powerful weapon with high damage and controllable recoil, making it effective at medium range.
Finding Your Perfect Weapon
Ultimately, the “best” gun in Battlefield Hardline is the one that best suits your playstyle and preferred game modes. Experiment with different weapons and attachments to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. Practice is key to mastering any weapon. Spend time in the training range to get a feel for the recoil patterns and handling characteristics of different guns. Watch videos and read guides to learn tips and tricks from experienced players. Most importantly, have fun! Battlefield Hardline is a game, so enjoy the process of discovering new weapons and mastering your skills.
Remember that weapon balance can change with updates and patches. Stay informed about the latest changes to ensure you’re using the most effective weapons. Community forums and online guides are great resources for staying up-to-date. Adapt your weapon choices to the specific map and game mode. Some weapons are more effective in certain situations than others. For example, shotguns are great for close-quarters maps, while sniper rifles are better suited for long-range engagements.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons and adapting your playstyle to the situation, you can become a formidable force on the streets of Battlefield Hardline. The key is to experiment, practice, and have fun!
What is generally considered the “best” assault rifle in Battlefield Hardline, and why?
The M16A3 is widely regarded as one of the best assault rifles in Battlefield Hardline. Its high rate of fire, combined with manageable recoil, makes it incredibly effective at both medium and close ranges. This versatility allows players to adapt to various combat situations, making it a favorite among seasoned players.
Furthermore, the M16A3’s availability relatively early in the progression system means players can access its power sooner than some other top-tier weapons. Its consistent performance and ease of use contribute to its reputation as a reliable and formidable choice for any assault-focused player.
What makes a pistol stand out as “best” in Battlefield Hardline?
A top-tier pistol in Battlefield Hardline excels in stopping power, accuracy, and draw speed. While pistols are primarily backup weapons, the best ones offer a reliable option for quickly eliminating enemies in close-quarters combat when your primary weapon is reloading or you’re caught off guard. High damage per shot is critical for fast takedowns.
The G17 Race Gun is often considered a top contender due to its enhanced accuracy and reduced recoil, making it easier to land shots quickly and accurately. Coupled with a fast draw speed, it provides a significant advantage in those crucial moments when every split-second counts.
For the mechanic class, what shotgun is most effective, and why?
For the mechanic class, the SPAS-12 is often considered the most effective shotgun. Its semi-automatic firing mode allows for rapid follow-up shots, increasing the chance of securing a kill in close-quarters engagements. This is particularly useful for mechanics who often find themselves in tight spaces while repairing vehicles or flanking enemies.
The SPAS-12 also boasts a relatively tight spread compared to some other shotguns, making it more effective at slightly longer ranges. When equipped with appropriate attachments like a laser sight for improved hip-fire accuracy, the SPAS-12 becomes a devastating weapon in the hands of a skilled mechanic.
What sniper rifle provides the best balance of power and usability?
The L96A1 is often cited as a top sniper rifle in Battlefield Hardline due to its excellent balance of power and ease of use. It offers a high one-shot kill potential to the head and deals significant damage even with body shots, allowing snipers to effectively eliminate targets from long distances.
While some sniper rifles might offer slightly higher damage, the L96A1’s manageable recoil and decent fire rate provide a more forgiving experience, particularly for newer snipers. This makes it a versatile choice for engaging targets at various ranges and in different combat scenarios.
Is there a “best” weapon attachment that universally improves weapon performance in Battlefield Hardline?
There isn’t one single “best” attachment that works universally for all weapons and playstyles, as the ideal attachment depends heavily on the specific weapon and the player’s preferences. However, attachments that improve accuracy and recoil control are generally highly beneficial across most weapons.
For example, a heavy barrel can significantly reduce recoil, making it easier to land follow-up shots, while a vertical grip can improve accuracy while firing from the hip. Ultimately, the best attachment is the one that best complements the weapon’s strengths and mitigates its weaknesses, tailored to the individual player’s style.
How does weapon customization impact the “best gun” determination in Battlefield Hardline?
Weapon customization plays a significant role in determining the “best gun” for each player. Different attachments can drastically alter a weapon’s performance characteristics, influencing its accuracy, recoil, effective range, and handling. What might be considered a mediocre weapon in its stock configuration can become highly effective with the right attachments.
Players can tailor their weapons to suit their individual playstyles and preferred combat ranges. For example, a player who prefers close-quarters combat might prioritize attachments that improve hip-fire accuracy and recoil control, while a player who prefers engaging at longer ranges might opt for attachments that enhance accuracy and reduce bullet drop.
Do DLC weapons drastically alter the “best gun” meta in Battlefield Hardline?
DLC weapons can certainly introduce new contenders to the “best gun” meta in Battlefield Hardline, but they don’t always drastically alter it. DLC weapons often offer unique characteristics and playstyles, potentially filling niches that existing weapons don’t quite address. Some DLC weapons might initially seem overpowered, but balance adjustments often follow.
While some DLC weapons might temporarily become popular due to their novelty or perceived advantages, the core meta often remains relatively stable. Established weapons with proven track records of performance and reliability continue to be viable choices, especially after players have had time to master their use and develop effective strategies.