Weapon Unlocks By Class [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Weapon Attachments Explained [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Vehicle List with Full Unlocks [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Vehicle Specializations Explained[ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Full List of Ribbons and Medals [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Soldier Specializations Explained [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Soldier Ranks with Unlocks [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Assignments Explained [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Multiplayer Maps [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Sniper Tips [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Fast XP - 8 Tips to Rank Up Quicker[ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
How to Report Hackers [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Xbox 360 Achievements & PS3 Trophies [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]
Multiplayer Game Modes [ [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] ]

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
(AS) = Assault Score
0 AS - M16A3 (US) / AK-74M (RU)
4,000 (4,000) AS - Defibrillator
11,000 AS - M320
22,000 AS - M416
38,000 AS - M26 MASS
60,000 AS - AEK-971
89,000 AS - M16A4
124,000 AS - F2000
166,000 AS - AN-94
220,000 AS - M16A3 (RU) / AK-74M (US)
126,000 CS - KH2002
441,000 CS - G3A3

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
(ES) - Engineer Score
0 ES - M4A1 (US) / AKS-74U (RU)
3,000 (3,000) ES - FIM-92 Stinger and SA-18 IGLA
7,000 ES - M15 AT Mine
14,000 ES - SCAR-H
25,000 ES - EOD Bot
40,000 ES - M4
58,000 ES - A-91
82,000 ES - FGM-148 Javelin
110,000 ES - G36C
145,000 ES - M4A1 (RU) / AKS-74U (US)
378,000 CS - SG553

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
(SS) = Suport Score
0 SS - M27 IAR (US) / RPK-74M (RU)
4,000 (4,000) SS - C4 Explosives
11,000 SS - M24923,000 SS - M18 Claymore
40,000 SS - M224 Mortar
60,000 SS - PKP Pecheneg
90,000 SS - M240B
130,000 SS - M60E4
170,000 SS - M27 IAR (RU) / RPK-74M (US)

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
(RS) = Recon Score
0 RS - MK11 MOD 0 (US) / SVD (RU)
5,000 (5,000) RS - T-UGS
13,000 RS - SV98
26,000 RS - SOFLAM
45,000 RS - MAV
71,000 RS - SKS
104,000 RS - M40A5
146,000 RS - M98B
195,000 RS - MK11 MOD 0 (RU) / SVD (US)
252,000 CS - M39 EMR

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

---

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

(CS) = Co-Op Score
63,000 CS - MP412 REX
126,000 CS - KH2002
189,000 CS - MP7
252,000 CS - M39 EMR
315,000 CS - 93R
378,000 CS - SG553
441,000 CS - G3A3

Each Rank has a set amount of XP that must be earned for you to level up. When you level up you will receive the new Ranks Dog Tag. In some cases you will also receive a Specialization or Weapon as well. As you start out you will have no rank and basic weapons. This list contains the Level, Rank Name, the XP needed to rank up, and the total amount of XP that is needed.

Private First Class: 1,000 (1,000) XP 870 MCS
Private First Class 1 Star: 7,000 (8,000) XP SPRNT
Private First Class 2 Stars: 10,000 (18,000) XP
Private First Class 3 Stars: XP - G17C
Lance Corporal: XP AMMO
Lance Corporal 1 Star: XP
Lance Corporal 2 Stars: XP PP-2000
Lance Corporal 3 Stars: XP FLAK
Corporal: XP
Corporal 1 Star: XP M9 TACT.
Corporal 2 Stars: XP EXPL
Corporal 3 Stars: XP
Sergeant: XP - MP443 TACT.
Sergeant 1 Star: XP COVR
Sergeant 2 Stars: XP
Sergeant 3 Stars: XP UMP-45
Staff Sergeant: XP - SUPR
Staff Sergeant 1 Star: XP
Staff Sergeant 2 Stars: XP - G17C SUPP.
Gunnery Sergeant: XP - FRAG
Gunnery Sergeant 1 Star: XP
Gunnery Sergeant 2 Star: XP - M1014
Master Sergeant: XP - SQD SPRNT
Master Sergeant 1 Star: XP
Master Sergeant 2 Stars: XP - M9 SUPP.
First Sergeant: XP - SQD AMMO
First Sergeant 1 Star: XP
First Sergeant 2 Stars: XP - MP 443 SUPP.
Master Gunnery Sergeant: XP - SQD FLAK
Master Gunnery Sergeant 1 Star: XP - G18
Master Gunnery Sergeant 2 Stars: XP - SQD EXPL
Sergeant Major: XP - PDW-R
Sergeant Major 1 Star: XP - SQD SUPR
Sergeant Major 2 Star: XP - SAIGA 12K
Warrant Officer One: XP - SQD COVR
Chief Warrant Officer Two: XP - .44 MAGNUM
Chief Warrant Officer Three: XP - SQD FRAG
Chief Warrant Officer Four: XP - DAO-12
Chief Warrant Officer Five: XP
Second Lieutenant: XP - P90
First Lieutenant: XP - G18 SUPP.
Captain: XPMajor: XP - USAS-12
Lt. Colonel: XP - .44 SCOPED
Colonel: XP - AS VAL

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Sights/optics

ACOG 4X

The ACOG 4X zoom is often the first attachment unlocked for assault rifles. Its a 4X zoom sight that doesnt reflect or glare, thereby doesnt give away your position to the enemy.

Ballistic sight, 12X

The Ballistic sight offers a powerful 12X magnification and is best suited for sniper rifles. However, enemies can easily spot you due to its powerful glint.

Reflex RDS

The Reflex RDS sight offers no zoom but is very useful in tight quarters where precision and reaction times are important.

IRNV Infrared sight

The IRNV Infrared sight brings infrared capabilities, making it easy to pick out enemies from the environment. It has a 1X zoom.

PKS-07, 7X

The Russian-made PKS-07 comes with 7X zoom and is the standard scope op Russian-made sniper rifles.

M145, 3.4X

The M145 has a slightly less powerful zoom (3.4X) than the ACOG 4X, but offers better visibility and is better suited for in-door combat.

PSO-1, 4X

The PSO-1 is the Russian answer to the ACOG 4X, and works in much the same way, offering the same zoom and aiming capabilities.

HOLO Holographic sight

The HOLO is the main holographic sight for the US forces.

PKA-S, Holographic

The PKA-S is the Russian answer to the American HOLO sight, and works in much the same way.

KOBRA, RDS

The KOBRA RDS is the Russian answer to the American Reflex RDS sight, and is nearly identical in its function, although its appearance is quite different.

PK-A, 3.4X

The PK-A is the Russian counterpart to the M145, and offers the same zoom and features.

Under barrel attachments

Foregrip

The foregrip increases accuracy by decreasing horizontal spray when used on assault rifles and sniper rifles.

M320 Grenade launcher

The M320 grenade launcher is unlocked for assault rifles and can be used with a frag round, shotgun round, or smoke round.

Bipod

The bipod is available for assault rifles, sniper rifles and light machine guns and. When mounted on a surface, it greatly reduces recoil and increases accuracy.

Tactical light

The tactical light is a powerful flashlight which can be attached to all weapons, including pistols. Other than making it possible to see in the dark, the flashlight can be used to blind opponents as well.

Laser sight

The laser sight emits a powerful laser which is useful and increases accuracy when firing the weapon from the hip / unscoped. however, the laser also easily gives away your position.

Barrel attachments

Heavy barrel

The heavy barrel, available for assault rifles, increases long-distance accuracy, but the trade off is that its less usability in close ranges.

Suppressor

The suppressor is available on most rifles and sniper rifles, reduces the noise and removes the muzzle flash when equipped. However, it also deals less damage at all ranges.

Flash suppressor

Unlike the regular suppressor, the flash suppressor doesnt dampen the noise, but it greatly reduces the flash weapons give off, while still retaining the same damage inflicted to opponents.

Ribbons:
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Medals
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Assignments are objective-based tasks that earn rewards. This feature appears in the Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand expansion pack. There are ten assignments (2 for each class and 2 for All Kits) to be completed with each one rewarding one of the ten weapons to appear in the expansion packs the assignments are below.

Assault
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] Best Friend Forever: FAMAS
10 Revives
10 Heals
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] Professional Russian: L85A2
100 Kills with Assault Rifles
20 kills with underslung grenade launcher

Engineer
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] Fixing it: HK53
10 Repairs
Kill 1 enemy with Repair torch
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] It goes Boom!: QBZ-95B
50 AT Rocket Kills
Destroy 1 enemy vehicle with Repair torch
Win 5 rounds of conquest

Support
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] Let it Rain: QBB-95 (Type 95 LMG)
20 kills with LMGs
2 Mortar kills
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] Keep your Head Down: MG36
100 Kills with LMGs
50 Suppression assists
50 Ammo resupplies

Recon
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] Specops: QBU-88 (Type 88 Sniper)
20 kills with sniper rifles
5 laser designations
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ] Creeping Death: L96A1
50 Headshots (note, this doesnt specify with sniper rifles)
50 Spot assists
5 Knife takedowns

Battlefield 3 will feature 9 multiplayer maps with an additional 4 maps as part of the Back to Karkand expansion pack(Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman, Wake Island, and Sharqi Peninsula).
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]

Team Deathmatch
Availability: On all 9 maps
Players: 24 (12 vs. 12)
Focus: Team Based Infantry Combat
Goal: Eliminate a set number of enemy combatants
Winning the game: The team that reaches the set kill number first is declared the winner
Description: Team Deathmatch is of the true classics when it comes to multiplayer game modes, and a game mode that makes its first appearance in a Battlefield game since the original Battlefield 1942. In Team Deathmatch, two teams of 12 players each duke it out on tight knit maps with a distinct infantry focus there are no vehicles available in Team Deathmatch. For that quick instant action fix, this is the perfect game mode. For players new to Battlefield, this is a good place to start. Once you get the hang of the infantry gameplay, you can move on to deeper modes that include the signature vehicle warfare for which Battlefield is known and loved.

Squad Deathmatch
Availability: On all 9 maps
Players: 16 (4 squads of 4)
Focus: Squad Based Infantry Combat
Goal: Eliminate a set number of enemy combatants
Winning the game: The squad that reaches the set kill number first is declared the winner
Description: Squad Deathmatch is a larger and more dynamic variety of deathmatch that also features the inclusion of an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The IFV can help break a deadlock, as long as you keep it alive with solid Engineer gameplay. The 4 squad setup means that there is a constant battle throughout the game to gain and maintain the lead. Sticking together, keeping your squad healed up, supplied, and repaired are the keys to victory. The squad that can combine the potent Battlefield mix of team play and combat prowess will be proven the winner.

Rush
Availability: On all 9 maps
Players: 24/32 (Console/PC)
Focus: Objective Based All-out Warfare
Goal: Attack/defend M-COM stations
Winning the game: Destroy all M-COM stations/Deplete the attackers tickets (Attackers/Defenders)
Description: An objective based mode, the attackers have to arm and detonate pairs of M-COM stations in each area of the map to unlock the next area and the next pair of M-COM stations. While defenders have an unlimited amount of spawn tickets, attackers only get new tickets every time they destroy a pair of M-COMs. If all M-COM stations on the entire map are destroyed, the attackers are declared the winning team. If the defenders manage to deplete the attackers tickets to zero (by killing them), the defenders are declared the winners.
As an all-out warfare mode, Rush features a large variety of vehicle setups tuned specifically to that maps landscape and features. Players can find all types of vehicles on Rush maps, including transport vehicles, armored vehicles, helicopters, and of course, jets. Rush offers a compelling objective based all-out warfare game mode for Battlefield veterans.
If you are familiar with this game mode from Battlefield: Bad Company 2, you might want to know we are refining it for Battlefield 3 in a number of ways, based on player feedback. Some of the gameplay tweaks we are bringing to Rush are:
* You cannot use explosives or shoot at the M-COM to take it out. Only arm and disarm.
* If the attacking team arms the M-COM but runs out of tickets, the match will continue until the M-COM detonates or defenders disarm it
* If the defenders start disarming an M-COM just before its about to blow, the explosion is prevented until the disarm is accomplished. If the defender gets killed during the disarm process, the M-COM will instantly blow

Squad Rush
Availability: On all 9 maps
Players: 8 (4 vs. 4)
Focus: Squad Based Infantry Combat
Goal: Attack/defend M-COM stations
Winning the game: Destroy all M-COM stations/Deplete the attackers tickets (Attackers/Defenders)
Description: Squad Rush is the ultimate test to show which squad is the best of the best. Squad Rush is an extremely tight duel between two squads that borrows the main rules from normal Rush, but in a much more intimate setting. In Squad Rush there are only 2 bases with 1 M-COM station per base, meaning that every M-COM taken or defended in Squad Rush is vital to the victory or defeat of the game. There are no vehicles in Squad Rush, so its all down to your infantry fighting skills.
To be successful its key that you and your squad mates customize your soldiers to complement each other on the battlefield, in order to keep reviving fallen mates, provide ammo, and perform other essential duties. Squad Rush is often favored by players who know each others play styles intimately and want to show their skills in the most personal of combat settings.

Conquest
Availability: On all 9 maps
Players: 24/32 or 64 (Console/PC)
Focus: Objective Based All-out Warfare
Goal: Capture and Hold Flags
Winning the game: Deplete opposing teams tickets
Description: Set over a series of large-scale maps, Conquest is the game mode best suited for the experience of all-out vehicle warfare. In Conquest, two teams fight for control of a number of flags by being the dominant force in the vicinity of each base. Capture and keep control of a majority of the flags and the enemy team will bleed tickets. Killing enemies will also reduce their ticket count, and the first team to run out of tickets loses.
Conquest is a strategic and tactical game that often asks you to make important decisions on whether to attack an enemy base or defend one of your own. Your forces will rarely be enough to capture and hold every base on the map, so in-game communication and quick thinking is necessary to be victorious.

Multiplayer Achievements
MVP, Most Valuable Player 30 G........Finish as MVP in a ranked match.
1st Loser 30 G........Finish 2nd MVP in a ranked match.
Its better than nothing 30 G........Finish 3rd in a ranked match.
Vehicle Warfare 30 G........Obtain all 3 vehicle warfare ribbons.
Infantry Warfare 30 G........Obtain all 4 weapon efficiency ribbons.
Support Efficiency 30 G........Obtain 4 support efficiency ribbons in the game.
Decorated 50 G........Obtain one of each ribbon in the game.
Colonel........Reach rank 45.
Singleplayer achievements
Roadkill, 20 G........Kick the car to kill the soldiers in Uprising.
MIA 20 G........Obtain your first enemy Dog Tag.
Scrap Metal 25 G........Destroy 6 enemy tanks before reaching the fort in Thunder Run.
Not on my watch 25 G........Protect Chaffin from the soldiers in the street in Operation Swordbreaker.
Involuntary Euthanasia 25 G........Kill the 2 solders before the building falls on them in Uprising.
Army of Darkness 30........Shoot out the 4 lights with 4 bullets in Night Shift.
Practice makes perfect 15 G........Headshot each of the targets in the gun range at Kaffarov.
What the hell are you 20 G........Take a Russian Dog Tag in the forest ambush in Rock And A Hard Place.
You can be my wing-man any time 30G........Complete Going Hunting in a perfect run.
Float like a butterfly 25 G........Take down the jet in one attempt in Rock And A Hard Place.
Two for one 15 G........Kill 2 enemies with 1 bullet in Night Shift.
Ooh-Rah 30 G........Complete the campaign story.
Between a rock and a hard place 15G........Beat Soloman, flawlessly, in The Great Destroyer.
Semper Fidelis 50 G........Complete the campaign on Hard difficulty.
Push on 20 G........Reach the garage without going into man-down state in Hit and Run.
Two-rah 30 G........Complete all co-op missions.
Lock n Load 30G........Unlock all unique co-op missions.
Car Lover 20 G........Complete the mission without losing a Humvee in Operation Exodus.
In the nick of time 20 G........Disarm the bomb in under 20 seconds in The Eleventh Hour.
Bulls-eye 20 G........Reach and save the hostages without alerting any enemies in Drop em Like Liquid.
Untouchable 20 G........Complete the mission without using the fire extinguisher in Fire From The Sky.
Army of Two 50 G........Complete all co-op missions on Hard difficulty.
Ninjas 20 G........Reach the VIP without settings off the alarm in Exfiltration.

Vehicle Warfare........Obtain all 3 vehicle warfare ribbons
Infantry Efficiency........Obtain all 4 weapon efficiency ribbons
Decorated........Obtain one of each ribbon in the game
Its better than nothing........Finish as 3rd MVP in a ranked match
Support Efficiency........Obtain all 4 support efficiency ribbons
Colonel........Achieve rank 45
1st Loser........Finish as 2nd MVP in a ranked match
Most Valuable Player MVP........Finish as MVP in a ranked match
M.I.A.........Obtain your first enemy Dog Tag
Two-rah!........Complete all co-op missions
Lock n Load........Unlock all unique co-op weapons
Army of Two........Complete all co-op missions on Hard
Not on my watch........Protect Chaffin from the soldiers in the street in Operation Swordbreaker
Involuntary Euthanasia........Kill the 2 soldiers before the building falls on them in Uprising
The Professional........Complete the street chase in Comrades in under 2 minutes 30 seconds without dying
Army of Darkness........Shoot out the 4 lights with 4 bullets in Night Shift
Practice makes perfect........Headshot each of the targets in the gun range in Kaffarov
What the hell are you?........Take a russian Dog Tag in the forest ambush in Rock And A Hard Place (1)
Roadkill........Kick the car to kill the soldiers in Uprising
You can be my wing-man anytime........Complete Going Hunting in a perfect run
Scrap Metal........Destroy 6 enemy tanks before reaching the fort in Thunder Run
Butterfly........Take down the jet in one attempt in Rock And A Hard Place
Twofor........Take down 2 enemies with 1 bullet in Night Shift
Ooh-rah!........Complete the campaign story
Between a rock and a hard place........Beat Solomon, flawlessly, in The Great Destroyer
Semper Fidelis........Complete the campaign story on Hard
Push On........Reach the garage without going into man-down state in Hit and Run
Car Lover........Complete the mission without losing a humvee in Operation Exodus
In the nick of time........Disarm the bomb in under 20 seconds in The Eleventh Hour
Bullseye........Reach and save the hostages without alerting any enemies in Drop em Like Liquid
Untouchable........Complete the mission without using the fire extinguisher in Fire From The Sky
Ninjas........Reach the VIP without setting off the alarm in Exfiltration

Sick of what the hackers did to Modern Warfare 2, Battlefield Bad Company 2, Crysis 2? Dont let Battlefield 3 get infested with hacker scum! Your fellow soldiers, need YOU! Take a few minutes and report these d-bags, you can do it within Battlelog.

DICE community manager Ian Tornay created an [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] on Battlelog where users can report cheaters they encounter in the Battlefield 3 beta. DICE will take a look at all reports and ban anyone found guilty of cheating.

Party up and play as a real squad.
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 1: Party Up and Play as a Squad

We know, we know, getting a full squad of friends together isnt always possible and youre often playing with randoms. But the bottom line is youll see a huge increase in experience points earned when you do play BF3 with people you know and you play together as a squad.

A big reason why is because DICE has cleverly built in squad-based experience point bonuses. Assist someone on your team with killing an enemy, and youll earn 10 points. Assist a squadmate with killing an enemy and it gets bumped up to 20 points.

Friends are more likely to stick together and play as a real squad, and the result, based on our experience with the game, is double the amount of XP earned in an average match. So fill those Battlelog Friends lists, party up when you spot buddies online, and earn that hefty 200 XP bonus at the end of a match for being the best squad.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Plug in that mic and hurdle a major Battlefield obstacle: communication.
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 2: Plug in That Mic and Use It

Communication is critical in Battlefield, and theres no better way to do it than with a headset and microphone. When a full four-player squad is partied up and working together communicating with mics, we found that the amount of XP typically gathered in a single match was triple that of playing with randoms and not using voice. Bottom line: there is no faster way to earn XP in BF3 than to party up with friends and play together as a squad using voice chat.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Hey man, you need ammo?
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 3: Do Your Classs Job, and Be Flexible

First and foremost, when youre choosing which class to play at the beginning of a match, check to see the classes your squadmates are using. Sure, you prefer playing as an LMG-toting Support soldier, but if even one of your squadmates is already playing as Support, youll lose out on opportunities to earn XP for dropping ammo. The name of the game here is XP, and youll earn more if you play as a class thats not already being used. Be flexible. You may not get one class unlocked as quickly as you would like, but you just might find how fun it is to play as another.

Once youve got your class and loadout, do your job. DICE has done a terrific job in BF3 giving each class specific jobs to do, and if you do those things, youll quickly rack up the XP. Engineers should repair vehicles, Assault should revive and drop health packs, Support should drop ammo, and Recon should drop motion detectors and radio beacons. And be sure to drop ammo and health packs in choke points so they get the most traffic.

DICE once again gives special bonuses if your kits are used by squadmates. For example, Assaults health pack earns you 10 points when its picked up by a teammate, but 20 points when picked up by a squadmate. Similar bonuses are awarded for repairing squad vehicles as the Engineer, resupplying your squad as Support, and earning motion tracker assists as Recon. Do your job for your squad and youll earn XP much faster than you would by simply pulling the trigger particularly when you include the 100 XP bonus for 7 resupplies or repairs or 5 revives or motion tracker assists.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
One man suppression army.
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 4: Suppress

One of the biggest new gameplay mechanics in Battlefield 3 is the ability to suppress enemies, and it doesnt just allow you to protect your friends from accurate enemy fire thanks to its screen-blurring effect, it allows you to earn XP, a fairly solid amount, in fact. Suppress an enemy thats killed by your squadmate and youll be awarded a healthy 50 experience points more than you would receive for a standard assist.

Every class can suppress an enemy, but if youre running around with a light machine gun as Support, make sure suppression is one of the top jobs you add to your list, and watch your overall XP earnings get a solid boost.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recon, aka, The Spotter.
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 5: Spot

Youve got an enemy lined up in your sights, whats the first thing you do? If you answered, Pull the trigger, youre not earning as much XP as you should in BF3.

Battlefields Spot mechanic allows you to make enemy locations known to your teammates and earn XP. Target a enemy and an orange triangle will appear over the enemys unsuspecting head and his location will also appear on your teams map for roughly five seconds. If an enemy youve spotted is killed by a teammate, youll gain 10 XP (20 if its a squadmate). Make it a routine to target an enemy simultaneously before opening fire, and youll notice a substantial boost in your overall score.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Youre all alone, dude, dont die!
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 6: Be Your Squads Spawn Point

One of the gameplay mechanics that sets Battlefield apart is the ability for players to spawn on their squadmates, wherever they are on the map. Every time youre killed you should check where your surviving squadmates are and spawn on those who are closest to your objective. Not only will you save yourself the long trip from your staging area, spawning on squadmates is critical in helping your team accomplish objectives and earn that precious XP.

Along with spawning on squadmates comes the responsibility of staying alive to be the spawn point. Always keep an eye on your squad members, and when youre the last man standing, get somewhere safe and give your boys the time they need to spawn on you. Youll be rewarded with 10 XP points for every squadmate that spawns on you, and if staying alive to be the spawn point is incorporated into your overall strategy, youll end up with a heaping portion of extra of XP when the match is over.
When playing as Recon, spotting is critical. Find an elevated position, peer through your scope, and let your team know where every enemy is. Even if you manage to miss with every one of your shots, youll still end up with solid XP thanks to spotting.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Squad, on me!
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 7: Give and Follow Orders

Battlefield 3 includes a Squad Leader feature that puts the creator of your squad or a randomly assigned squad member in charge. Squad Leaders can place attack or defend orders on control points and M-COM stations, giving squads simple, easy to pinpoint and follow directives. Giving orders as Squad Leader and following those orders as a squad member is also a great way to earn XP.

Whenever a Squad Leader tags a location with an attack or defend order, the leader earns 30 XP and an invisible boundary goes up around that spot. Any enemies killed within that radius earn the Squad Leader and the squad members XP. Like spotting, its a great method to easily earn additional XP, and it should be incorporated into your game immediately.
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Goodbye M-COM, hello XP!
BF3 Ranking Tip No. 8: Plant Bombs and Secure/Defend Objectives

Something funny happens to some players in Battlefield 3: they find a relatively safe position and stay there, not moving toward objectives for fear of getting shot. Well, to the victor go the spoils in BF3, and if you and your squad are the ones making the push to defend or plant bombs on M-COMs and secure flags in Conquest, the spoils come in the form of big-time XP.

Arm or disarm the bomb in Rush, earn 50 XP. Capture a location in Conquest, earn 150 XP, and if you kill an enemy trying to take your base, earn an additional 50 XP. Focus your efforts on attacking/defending objectives, and youll see a huge boost in points earned. Remember, if your team wins in Rush, you earn 100 XP, and a win in Conquest will get you 200 XP.

Bolt Action vs. Semi-Automatic
Before jumping into the fray, its important to know each weapon and the various situations it was designed for. While there are 9 different sniper rifles in Battlefield 3, they can be divided into 2 categories: Bolt action and semi-automatic.

Bolt action rifles are the more powerful variant and can kill with one shot to the head. Theyre optimal for longer ranges where that one shot is likely the only one youll get, but have a slower reload time that can leave you vulnerable in close range skirmishes.

Semi-automatic rifles, therefore, are more optimal for closer ranges. They dont pack the punch of a bolt action, and even headshots require two hits for a kill, but the higher rate of fire can make up for this in close quarters when you cant afford to be caught without a round in the chamber.

Breathalyzer
New to Battlefield 3 is the ability for snipers to hold their breath and steady their shot. When breathing, the sight picture in the scope will have a natural shake to mimic your respiratory rhythm. Its still possible to make a shot, but good luck steadying the sights on a targets head from 100 yards away. Instead, wait for the moment when you spot an enemy, steady your breathing (which can be done for about 4 seconds), and deliver a clean round.

Cover Up
Cover has always been a key part of Battlefield and its one of your best your best friends in Battlefield 3 thanks to the ability to go prone. Lying in a bush or between two rocks, one can go unnoticed for an entire match should they chose to remain still. Dont get too content with camping though, because thanks to killcams and realistic sound mapping, causing trouble will greatly increase your chances of being spotted.

Pistols Matter
Sniper rifles arent designed to exchange fire with an enemy. They prefer one way conversations where they engage in all the talking and yet the recipient is dead before he even hears a peep. Occasionally, though, emergencies do persist, and thats were a quality side arm can save your life.

Choosing the best pistol comes down to your own fighting style, but personally I prefer the M1911. I find it to be a perfect balance between firepower, firing rate, and magazine size. Bookending the pistol spectrum, the 17-round magazine G17C is best to sacrifice power for more rounds, while the .44 Magnum is the tool for the task if you want maximum power and perhaps feel like hunting dinosaurs after the match.

Also, dont forget: you can pull out your pistol right after landing a hit with the sniper rifle and, if the first shot doesnt kill, fire off several rounds in the same location as the sniper shot to try and finish the job.

Mark the Spot
Its a complaint that Battlefield veterans have had to voice all too often, but spotting still seems to be one of the most neglected features in Battlefield 3s multiplayer. As a sniper, youre in a unique position to spot enemies from just about anywhere, and even if you cant shoot them because theyre running too fast in and out of cover, a simple spot will help out a teammate and earn you assist points if the target is killed.

Gravitational Pull
Unique from many shooters on the market is the fact that bullets in Battlefield 3 are subject to the natural force of gravity. This means that the farther away your target is, the higher above him youll have to aim to compensate. As a general rule try to imagine the dimensions of the scope picture if you were holding the gun in real life. For every 100 yards, adjust the scope about 1/3 of an inch higher than where you want the bullet to go. Developing a feel for this makes all the difference in the world when an enemy is hiding behind cover and the only thing exposed is his lid.

An awesome demonstration of these physics is displayed in this brief Youtube video from user mflux.

Inspect Your Gadgets
Snipers are given a bevy of new gadgets to play with in Battlefield 3 that can be used to help themselves, their squad, and their entire team. Heres a brief rundown:

Radio Beacon: Acts as a mobile spawn point that can be planted anywhere on the map. Planting the beacon outdoors will allow you to parachute in on its location. Planting it indoors will allow you to spawn directly on it.

Tactical Unattended Ground Sensor (TGUS): Emits a low audible beep upon detection of vehicles and infantry. Think a more permanent version of the motion mine in Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

SOFLAM: Targeting device that paints enemy vehicles for precision strikes. The SOFLAM can even be planted for remote targeting.

Micro Air Vehicle (MAV): Remote aerial device equipped with motion sensors and IRNV (Infrared Night Vision) cameras for superior reconnaissance capabilities.