Stationary Weapons

When the weapons you’re carrying aren’t enough to hold back enemy infantry and vehicles, look for stationary weapons to gain some extra firepower. Machine guns, anti-tank missile launchers, and anti-air guns are available on most multiplayer maps. These weapons are fixed and can’t be relocated, but each can rotate. Simply stand next to one of these weapons and interact with it to take control. All stationary weapons have unlimited ammo. But like vehicles, they can be locked on to by laser-guided weapons.

.50Cal Heavy Machine Gun

These heavy machine guns are usually found in defensive positions, mounted behind sandbags. The thick plate of armor surrounding the gun serves as a ballistic shield, protecting the operator from small arms fire. This shield can withstand hits from the most powerful sniper rifles, including shots to the view slit, covered with ballistic glass. However, there is one weak spot in this shield—aim for the small gap where the gun protrudes from the armor plating. Threading rounds through this small opening will hit the gunner in the torso. These powerful machine guns are effective against infantry, light vehicles, and helicopters. But don’t bother shooting at tanks or IFVs—you’ll just agitate the crew as your bullets bounce off the vehicle’s armor. While these gun emplacements are resistant to small arms fire, explosive weapons have no problem knocking them out.

Anti-Tank Launchers

The US M220 TOW, Russian 9M133 Kornet, and Chinese HJ-8 look similar and function identically. These launchers fire a wire-guided anti-tank missile capable of inflicting heavy damage to any vehicle it strikes. Once launched, the missile must be guided manually into the target. This leaves the operator vulnerable to attack while operating the weapon system. So make sure a squad or teammate has your back while using this weapon. When engaging tanks or other armored vehicles, don’t attack their front armor. Not only does this inflict minimal damage, but the tank crew is likely to spot the launch of the missile, resulting in a quick retaliation. Instead, try to hit the side or rear armor of a tank where you can inflict more damage and stand a better chance of remaining undetected.

Anti-Aircraft Turrets

Unlike the defensive anti-air guns in Battlefield 3, the new AA turrets are automated, engaging spotted enemy aircraft on their own. These weapons are usually found at bases and deployment areas, helping protect spawned vehicles from strafing runs by enemy pilots. So if piloting a jet or helicopter, stay clear of your enemy’s base. Each turret’s cannon is similar to the ones attached to the mobile AA vehicles, capable of intense rapid fire. The range of these turrets is quite limited, but you’ll feel their wrath if you fly too close for comfort—a short burst from these weapons can easily disable a jet or helicopter.