Greetings, Specialists,

Since its debut on March 17, Nightfall has cast a shadow over the frontlines, introducing a visceral and clandestine atmosphere. It has been thrilling to watch the community master this high-stakes environment—whether you are flanking through the darkness or executing gravity-defying stunts on dirt bikes. As we prepare to transition, we want to reflect on the current meta and offer a glimpse into the upcoming third phase: Hunter/Prey.

The Hagental Base has emerged as a fan favorite. Your feedback highlights its intricate layout and immersive mood, specifically praising how the visual aesthetics complement intense, close-quarters engagements. Similarly, the implementation of Night Vision has fundamentally altered squad dynamics, encouraging more synchronized communication and a methodical approach to every skirmish.

We’ve also noted the desire for these atmospheric modifiers to remain accessible. Consequently, with the arrival of the next phase, the VL-7 Smoke and Night Mode will be integrated into Portal. This ensures that even after the featured window closes, creators can continue to utilize these tactical elements. We remain committed to evaluating how Limited-Time Modes can evolve or find permanent homes within the Battlefield ecosystem.

Phase 3: Hunter/Prey

Commencing April 14, Hunter/Prey serves as the climactic finale to Season 2. This phase introduces comprehensive progression overhauls, more responsive squad communication tools, and surgical adjustments to the tempo and resource economy of Battle Royale. Additionally, VL-7 Smoke returns to Gauntlet as a permanent fixture.

Advanced Progression Systems

Refining the player journey has been a primary objective since launch. In Season 2, we have already accelerated Battle Pass gains, introduced early-career XP boosts, and lowered the threshold for Mastery unlocks. Hunter/Prey continues this trajectory with deeper refinements across all sectors.

Weaponry and Vehicle Mastery

• Mastery XP is now accrued through active usage of hardware and vehicles, alongside traditional eliminations.

Career Advancement

• XP yields across Multiplayer modes have been recalibrated to ensure a fluid and consistent sense of progression, regardless of your preferred playlist.

REDSEC Evolution

• REDSEC modes will now prioritize match participation time over final standing alone.
• Experience earned in REDSEC will mirror the pacing of standard Multiplayer more closely.
• Battle Royale combat—specifically kills and assists—now grants a 50% score bonus, significantly boosting Weapon XP per session.

Communication and Intelligence: Ping System 2.0

Reliable intel is the backbone of any squad. In Hunter/Prey, we are resolving several legacy issues involving spotting and ping fidelity. Long-range reconnaissance via drones and vehicles is now more dependable, and the system will better prioritize enemy combatants over nearby environmental objects.

For our Battle Royale enthusiasts, we have optimized how loot and equipment interact with the ping system. Markers will now update instantly when an item is scavenged and clear correctly upon cancellation. These updates are designed to restore tactical confidence; when you mark a target or a route, you can trust your squad sees exactly what you intended.

Strategic REDSEC Adjustments

Battle Royale Pacing

We are fine-tuning the early and mid-game cycles to minimize downtime and foster more dynamic encounters. Supply drops will now be more lucrative, featuring increased ammunition and essential armor plates. Furthermore, MRAPs and Safes will prioritize armor distribution over grenades.

We are also debuting the Armor Drop Strike Package. This tactical asset deploys 12 packages (24 plates total), providing squads with the sustainment needed for prolonged sieges. To keep the momentum high, chest opening animations have been streamlined for faster looting.

The Traverser Mark 2 (Armored Transport) returns to the Battle Royale roster, though it has been stripped of its offensive weaponry. This shift refocuses the vehicle as a high-durability utility transport. Finally, the Sledgehammer has received a structural damage buff in Battle Royale, allowing players to breach environments with greater efficiency.

The Return of Gauntlet Modifiers

The VL-7 Smoke returns to Gauntlet, reintroducing the necessity of gas masks in select combat zones. During the Nightfall event, we also observed over 190 million Gauntlet sessions. From 9.2 million Vendetta kills to 13.8 million Wreckage detonations, the community’s engagement has been staggering. We look forward to seeing you tackle these challenges with renewed intensity.

Battlefield Labs: Solos Testing Recap

Our recent Solo Battle Royale trial in Battlefield Labs provided invaluable data. It is clear that a significant portion of the community values the autonomy of a solo experience. However, the test highlighted several “meta” concerns, specifically the dominance of Recon drones and the high impact of combat vehicles in a vacuum.

We are currently analyzing how class balance and player-count dynamics shift when squad support is removed. These insights from the Labs are instrumental in determining how and when Solos will return as a more balanced, permanent fixture.

Expanding the Portal: The Portal Gadget

On April 14, we are introducing a revolutionary tool for creators: the Portal Gadget. This equippable device acts as a universal trigger for custom gameplay logic. Previously, creators had to rely on cumbersome workarounds like “crouch-to-interact” or fixed proximity points. The Portal Gadget eliminates these hurdles, allowing players to activate scripted events directly from their inventory.

Using TypeScript, designers can now bind specific events to this gadget, enabling more responsive and intentional interactions within custom experiences. This is a massive leap forward for the modding community, providing the “button” many have been asking for since 2042’s inception.

Community Spotlight: Featured Experiences

The creativity within Portal remains a highlight of the Battlefield experience. We encourage you to explore these community-driven maps:

• Jungle Breach Breakthrough (Code: ZP54S): Intense close-quarters warfare along a decaying border wall.
• Jungle Breach Conquest (Code: ZKVRR): A sprawling struggle for territory through dense foliage.
• Winter Offensive (Code: ZSEKG): Large-scale warfare reimagined with frosted environments and sub-zero aesthetics.
• Fort Lyndon Conquest (Code: ZD7HY): A massive, multi-domain battle encompassing land, sea, and air.
• BattleGolf (Code: ZT9HB): A whimsical departure from combat, challenging up to four players on the fairway.

The Road Ahead

Your ongoing feedback is the engine behind our development. As we look toward the future—including the highly anticipated return of Golmud Railway and upcoming vehicle handling overhauls—we encourage you to keep sharing your thoughts.

Report technical issues on our Official Forums, join the tactical discussion on Discord, or find deep-dive guides on our website.

We will see you in the heat of battle.

— The Battlefield Team

Note: Content plans and updates are subject to change based on community feedback and ongoing live service development.

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