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With today's earlier announcement of the Battlefield 2042 beta beginning on October 6, came some news about how progression will work in the game. The progression systems outlined below are what you will encounter as part of next month's beta test. Just keep in mind that these systems may change a lot, a little, or not at all when the full game is released on November 19.
First up is the game's experience system. The best way to earn XP is to play the objective and stick with your team or squad through the match. Other actions, such as kills, assists, and support actions will also reward XP but you won't earn as much compared to if you simply PTFO.
Ribbons
DICE also talks about how Ribbons (yes, they're back) are a great way to earn XP while playing.
Ribbons are earned by completing different gameplay objectives, and have up to 3 tiers which each will grant a greater XP reward. The more progress you make on a specific Ribbon, the more XP you’ll earn at the end of round. Here’s a few examples of some of those Ribbons:
- Objective Ribbon - Play the objective
- Wingman Ribbon - Support teammates with revives and various assists
- Logistics Ribbon - Heal and resupply others and repair vehicles
- Intel Ribbon - Spot and disrupt enemies, such as via EMP’s or destroying drones
- Combat Ribbon - Score kills and destroy vehicles
Unlocking Weapons
DICE isn't saying exactly how you will unlock new weapons. However, it seems like it will be done by simply playing the game and earning XP. They say that "with every new level comes new rewards, including weapons, gadgets, cosmetics, and more." So presumably, this means that you'll be earning weapons at specific level-ups. It would be nice to know what those specific levels are, but perhaps we'll find out at a later date.
Mastery
In addition to leveling up your profile, it looks like there is a leveling system for each weapon and other hardware. DICE provides an example of how you can earn enough kills with the M5A3 assault rifle to unlock a new scope for it. On vehicles, you can level it up to gain new equipment for it.
At certain Mastery milestones such as performing 40 kills with a weapon, you’ll also gain cosmetics for that hardware such as a new skin, and a new tier of Mastery Badge you acquire to decorate your Player Card and boast about your achievements.
Earning the top Mastery rewards for hardware and Specialist is a monumental task, with each cosmetic acknowledging your dedication and skill level. A great way to show off your skills to your fellow players!
“To help you show off your mastery of different play styles, we created a unique unified color scheme (black and red) across all the Mastery cosmetics, whether it is the Player Levels, Badges, outfits for Specialists, or Weapon Skins. Whenever you see those colors on a player, you’ll immediately understand they are one to be feared†says Feras Musmar, Design Director.
Earning the top Mastery rewards for hardware and Specialist is a monumental task, with each cosmetic acknowledging your dedication and skill level. A great way to show off your skills to your fellow players!
“To help you show off your mastery of different play styles, we created a unique unified color scheme (black and red) across all the Mastery cosmetics, whether it is the Player Levels, Badges, outfits for Specialists, or Weapon Skins. Whenever you see those colors on a player, you’ll immediately understand they are one to be feared†says Feras Musmar, Design Director.
Player Cards
Battlefield 2042 will feature customizable Player Cards that will show off your level, icon, and title. There will also be options that allow you to select your Player Card Art and up to three Badges that you have earned by playing the game. These cards will show up in kill screens and you will be able to view them at the end of round screen. If you have played Apex Legends, you probably have a good idea as to what these look like already. If not, here's a sample.
As you play, you’ll earn customization items (such as new Player Card Art, and Player Icons and Titles) for your Player Card through Player Level progression, or unique action and discoveries you make while playing the game. As for what those actions and discoveries entail, we’re looking forward to you exploring and finding out for yourself when the game launches.
Cosmetics
Despite all of the Specialists essentially playing for "both sides" in a game, there will be ways to set yourself apart from the herd. One of those ways is through the unlocking of various cosmetic items. DICE says you will be able to earn cosmetics through gameplay or by purchasing them.
Some cosmetics are skins for Specialists, weapons, and vehicles. They go from Common (grey), to Rare (blue), to Epic (purple), and then Legendary (gold). Rare and Epic Specialist skins have a Headgear component and a Body component. You will be able to mix and match as you wish. Legendary skins are a single outfit that cannot be mixed.
Weapon skins will apply to the entire weapon. Attachments take on the color of the skin you have applied. There will also be unlockable weapon charms that can be equipped on nearly every gun. Vehicles will have special skins and decals.
There will also be unlockable melee weapons earned through Player Levels and progression. Each melee weapon will have their own unique Takedown animation.
Here are some of the samples that DICE provided.
