Crash Course in Co-operative Play

The co-op Mode in Battlefield 3 is an interesting hybrid of the smaller maps from the Campaign and a simplified version of the persistent reward system from Multiplayer.

It offers a separate, but parallel, storyline that runs alongside the efforts of Black, Dima, Miller, and Hawkins that provides an alternate take on the fight.

Though there are shared environments from the Campaign, they’re often presented in new or slightly differing ways. And like the Multiplayer experience, enemy fire deals far more damage.

There’s no shrugging off multiple rounds here; if you come under fire, even on the easiest difficulty levels, it’s quite easy to go down. Stick to cover, use teamwork, and above all else, communicate constantly.

SEMPER FI

Being a good Marine is more than just shouting “Hooah” and gunning down tangos left and right. You have to work as a unit, supporting and covering your fellow squadmates with absolute precision.

Grabbing cover should be the first thing you think about when entering a firefight.

The second should be controlling the kick from any weapon, be it an assault rifle, light machine gun, or machine gun.

Burst fire is key; not only will it keep your view from bucking from the recoil, but it allows for quickly reaction to changes in the combat situation should an enemy take cover or if more of his friends join the fray.

Remember, too, that bullets in Battlefield are modeled just like the real thing.

You need to lead far-off targets while accounting for bullet drop over long distances.

SERVICE HAS IT'S REWARDS

Starting the co-op campaign offers a chance at acquiring several Achievements/Trophies. In addition, it offers the lasting benefit of unlocking new weapons for use in Multiplayer. They are:

These exclusive weapons are a mix between those that are class-specific and others which can be used with any kit. Earning them requires plenty of practice and a firm knowledge of each level.

It is highly recommended that all Achievement/Trophy runs be attempted on Easy.

It’s also a good idea to stick to Easy for your first time playing through co-op so you can learn the layout of the levels: enemy placement, surprise threats, the flow of the missions, and so on.

MAKING THE MOST OF A DIFFICULT SITUATION

Notching up the difficulty has a number of key effects: enemy gunfire does more damage, the aim assist is reduced or completely disabled, and when in Man Down state, you’re given less time to be revived by a teammate.

There’s no significant difference in the number of enemies or the points earned per mission.

Nevertheless, on higher difficulties, enemy aim improves and their AI level increases, making them far more lethal. Patience becomes increasingly important, as does familiarity with the mission at hand.

It’s highly recommended that you and your teammates make an Easy run-through before attempting the tougher stuff.

THE BASICS

Image	Name	Available For	Points Required
	MP412 REX Revolver	All Kits	63,000
	KH2002 Assault Rifle	Assault Class	126,000
	MP7 Machine Gun	All Kits	189,000
	M39 EMR Assault Rifle	Recon Class	262,000
	93R Pistol	All Kits	315,000
	SG553 Assault Rifle	Engineer Class	378,000
	G3A3 Assault Rifle	Assault Class	441,000