Actually, the specialists were announced as a cool new feature for Battlefield 2042 that is supposed to offer more freedom. However, they were probably not well received by the fans as hoped. Many are now demanding the return of the old classes.
What are specialists? These are the new “classes” of Battlefield 2042, although the term is not entirely accurate. The only fixed attributes of these specialists are their appearance and their backstory. On paper, they fill fixed roles, such as a scout or a medic.
In regular multiplayer, however, these attributes and gadgets are not fixed, and players can bring any equipment they want for their specialist. A presentation of all known specialists can be found on MeinMMO.
While this theoretically gives players more freedom, it also brings numerous problems with it. These issues are so significant that there are now many players who wish for the return of the old classes.
How was it before? In the older Battlefield titles, there was a fixed class system with four different roles. Usually, these were:
- Assault
- Engineer
- Support
- Recon (Sniper)
These classes also had their own weapons and gadgets available, which set them apart from others. For example, the assault soldier could not take sniper rifles, while the sniper could not take a defibrillator or rocket launcher, and so on.
Players demand the old class system from previous Battlefield titles
What is the problem with specialists? The criticisms are diverse. Many players’ issues begin with the appearance of the specialists, which became particularly evident in the open beta.
The specialists do not belong to any specific faction. Although the Americans and Russians face each other in multiplayer, aside from a color code, one cannot discern which specialist is playing on which side.
The uniforms always look the same. This caused confusion during the beta and some mockery from players, as it was hard to distinguish friend from foe.
Players already expressed concerns that the specialists appeared even more generic than the previous classes. They were meant to be special and unique with their own backstories and appearances. Many are now also mocking the look of specialist Mackay:
The criticism is not limited to appearance.
- The former class system was an important part of the series for many Battlefield veterans and part of the immersion.
- Additionally, one could immediately recognize the opponent and what equipment their own squad had based on the uniforms and class design.
- According to players, the balancing among the classes was also easier.
- Some suspect that the specialists are simply a copy of the operators from CoD and are meant to represent an additional source of revenue through skins.
What exactly is the demand? Players specifically wish for a return to the old role distribution in multiplayer. The specialists should either disappear or only be used in the “Hazard Zone” mode.
A user named BigTechCensorsYou writes:
The class system of Battlefield has worked for two decades. It has worked longer than most current players have been alive. And NOW they go and mess it up.
via reddit.com
One player even “faked” a post on reddit announcing that DICE would accept the criticism and bring back the class system for the All-Out Warfare area of multiplayer.
Some are almost desperate about this.
What are the chances? Whether developer DICE will listen to the criticism remains to be seen. EA is currently sending surveys to various players and is specifically gathering feedback, also regarding specialists and the old class system.
It is possible that fan feedback will be implemented by or after release.
When does Battlefield 2042 actually come out? The shooter is set to be officially released on November 19, 2021, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, and PS4.
Then you will likely get to try out the specialists yourself and form your own opinion. However, the well-known classes will not be completely absent.
In Battlefield Portal, another major mode of Battlefield 2042, you can play all classes from Battlefield 3, Battlefield Bad Company 2, and Battlefield 1942. Here you will find a summary with all the information about the game mode.
What do you think about the specialist system? Do you wish for the classes to return? Or are you satisfied with the new system? What would you change or keep? Discuss with us in the comments.
