Following in the tradition of Battlefield 2142 and the Bad Company series, Battlefield: Hardline offers a new take on the beloved franchise, introducing players to the high-stakes world of cops vs. criminals. Instead of high-intensity military conflicts, prepare yourself for bank heists, high-speed chases, and hostage rescues set across a wide range of urban and rural environments. Whether you’re new to Battlefield or not, Hardline has something for everyone and this guide offers everything you need to know to gain the upper hand during each intense engagement.
Before you jump into the game and start delivering your own brand of justice, take a moment to review some of the new features introduced by Battlefield: Hardline. From an engaging single-player campaign to a revamped and fast-paced multiplayer mode, there’s rarely a moment to catch your breath. Use this time to familiarize yourself with Hardline’s unique vision of Battlefield before the bullets start flying.
Campaign
Hardline’s single-player campaign takes place over ten action packed episodes, following the newly promoted vice detective, Nicholas Mendoza. Objectives offer varied gameplay with multiple ways to achieve success. Points are awarded for non-lethally taking down the criminals and most times stealth is a viable option, but there are times when survival is your only goal. Nearly the entire game can be played with more direct tactics though, if that is more your style.
New skills and gadgets give the player the ability to stealthily move through the environment, taking down oblivious bad guys while leaving others none the wiser. Equip the Scanner and survey the area for possible threats, plotting a course for success. Freeze perps with a flash of the badge and arrest them without incident. Always stocked with plenty of shell casings, use distraction to lure criminals to an easy takedown or simply sneak past them. Between fights, the Scanner allows the player to find evidence, unlocking improved gear once Case Files are complete.
The single-player section offers a full walkthrough with detailed, tried and tested strategies for every objective along with maps that display locations for all evidence and suspects with warrants. Comprehensive listings point out how to acquire every weapon and gadget in the campaign.
Multiplayer Maps and Game Modes
When it comes to multiplayer, Hardline doesn’t disappoint, offering nine new maps and seven game modes. While fan-favorites like Conquest and Team Deathmatch have returned, Hardline introduces five completely new game modes, providing a welcome change of pace. Whether attempting to escape with the loot in Heist or speeding through city streets in a boosted car in Hotwire, the new game modes demand new tactics and strategies if you hope to lead your team to victory. The guide provides a detailed breakdown of every map and game mode, providing useful hints and tips directly from the game’s developers at Visceral.
Economy and Player-Directed Progression
In Hardline, cash is king—and that doesn’t just apply to cash-centric game modes like Heist and Blood Money. As you earn points during your multiplayer career, you’re also awarded with cash. Use this cash to purchase new weapons, attachments, grenades, gadgets, and vehicle enhancements. The in-game economy and this player-directed approach to progression is all-new to Hardline, allowing you to choose what weapons and gear you unlock next.
Non-Lethal Takedowns
Each encounter doesn’t have to end with someone’s death. By using a variety of blunt melee weapons and the new T62 CEW stun gun, it’s possible to incapacitate your target. Once down, an incapacitated foe can be interrogated, giving up vital intel useful for hunting down their teammates. Intel derived from interrogations is shared with your whole team, making non-lethal takedowns a crucial tactic, particularly in the new competitive Crosshair and Rescue game modes.
Game-Changing Gadgets
The new grappling hook and zipline gadgets give players unparalleled mobility, allowing them to ascend to new heights and traverse great expanses in a matter of seconds. But these aren’t the only new gadgets available. Deploy the new laser tripmine or sabotage to booby-trap choke points and objectives. Or, take advantage of the improved first aid packs and ammo boxes. Interact with a gadget-enabled operator or enforcer to take health or ammo directly from your teammates.
Enhanced Vehicle Gameplay
Offering a mix of police and civilian cars, trucks, and helicopters, vehicle combat is more frantic than ever. Passengers can now lean out of a vehicle’s windows, firing at targets in all directions. Whether driving a getaway car or chasing down a van full of criminals, drivers finally get the respect they deserve, racking up points for roadkills, jump bonuses, and boosting Hotwire cars. Although these vehicles are less durable than those found in previous games, this only makes high-speed chases all the more intense. Expect plenty of memorable Battlefield moments as vehicles crash, flip, and explode in spectacular fashion.