In Anthem, your Javelin can equip two weapons and switch between them in battle. However, for some players, especially on consoles, the switch seems to be difficult.
What is it about? In Anthem, your Javelins not only throw their abilities around but can also carry up to two weapons in combat. Depending on the need, you can switch between the two weapons.
And this is where the first problem arises: In the game, it seems that for some Freelancers, it is not sufficiently explained how to switch weapons. Or the system does not respond consistently, which can be particularly frustrating in a firefight.
How to switch and equip weapons
You can switch weapons in Anthem during an activity such as a mission, Freeplay, or Stronghold. You can currently equip other weapons only at the forge in Fort Tarsis or in the Launch Bay.
Here’s how to switch weapons: Your Javelins can switch between their two pre-equipped weapons during combat. While the switch between weapons on PC is performed using the mouse wheel or keyboard keys 1 and 2, it is a bit more complicated for consoles.
If you are playing on Xbox One, you need to hold the “X” button longer. Players on PlayStation 4 hold “Square”.
Why should it be complicated? In the Anthem subreddit, some players report that the console input does not work consistently. Sometimes you only have to tap the button briefly to switch weapons, while at other times you have to hold it down much longer.
It could also happen that if you hold the button down too long, it switches weapons but then immediately changes back to the first firearm.
How to equip weapons: You can only change your weapons, just like your other gear, before your actual adventure. It is no longer possible during an activity.
To do this, go to the forge, which is located in Fort Tarsis to the right of the platform where your Javelin stands. Alternatively, you can also select the forge on your mission screen where you choose the activity.
Everything you need to know about crafting weapons and abilities can be found here.
What does the community say?
In the Anthem subreddit, some players find the current button layout cumbersome and offer their suggestions on how to make weapon switching more pleasant.
It is particularly confusing for some Freelancers that BioWare opted for a different button layout than in other shooters. In many games, you switch weapons with the Y/Triangle button or with the D-Pad.
Just like that, some players would like the layout to be adjusted. For example, it has been suggested to put the melee attack on one of the analog sticks so that the Y/Triangle button would be free for weapon switching.
Another suggestion would be to create a radial menu for the emotes, freeing up two buttons on the D-Pad.
