On the slow path toBattlefield 6, EA has been inviting select players to private sessions where they can test experimental features of the upcoming title. Leaks about gameplay details have been filtering through the internet from theBattlefield Labstest initiative, but the sudden addition of 3D spotting has raised some questions in the community.
For those unfamiliar, 3D spotting is a mechanic that places a colored indicator over the head of an enemy soldier. It has been an integral part of many games in the series, and many of the games up untilBF5included dedicated 3D spotting buttons for soldiers to quickly mark targets. Its inclusion in the latest play-test has been a surprise to testers, and it could hint at what directionBattlefield 6might be going in.
The Pros and Cons of 3D Spotting in Battlefield
3D spotting has been a divisive feature for many years now. Famously, it was heavily restricted inBF5afterBF1relied upon it a lot, as spotting could be performed by players through a dedicated button, as well as planes such as the Muromets which could effectively spot an entire team at once. However controversial it might be, the feature has upsides and downsides.
The Pros of 3D Spotting
3D spotting has been with the series for so long because it has demonstrable utility in combating distant or concealed enemies on large maps. With so many players on each side, it can be hard to effectively communicate the position of a particularly lethal enemy sniper, so a quick 3D spot can effectively root outcamping players inBattlefield.
Its use in encouraging team play is quite important.BF5may have stripped back 3D spotting, but it did not eliminate it altogether. TheAssault Vehicle Buster Combat Rolespots vehicles they have damaged, which is vital for taking down a retreating enemy tank, because even if the Assault cannot keep up, another ally can follow the spot and lend their own fire support.
It is also a feature that makesBattlefieldaccessible to new players. They can instantly enter a lobby, see a red dot, and start shooting. Small maps are often overwhelmed by smoke effects that blind players, grinding matches to a halt, which 3D spotting helps to counter. Similarly, it’s helpful to differently-abled players - enemies can blend into their surroundings very easily, and even people with excellent eyesight can struggle to pick them out, so for anyone whose vision is not as strong, 3D spotting can make a game much more enjoyable.
The Cons of 3D Spotting
A big downside to placing markers over the heads of enemies is how it can reduce theimmersive experience ofBattlefield. Players have often remarked that they are shooting at “Doritos,” in reference to the orange triangles of spotted players fromBF4and earlier titles, arguably reducing the complexity in gameplay as players scan the horizon for little markers. Adding to this, if there are lots of spotting sources, gadgets tailored to getting enemy positions are less useful, giving players less incentive to use them.
Being on the receiving end of3D spotting can cause frustration. Whether carefully flanking a position or caught in the open for a second, having a giant marker on the player’s head usually draws a lot of unwanted attention. The fact that the indicators are often visible to an entire team means one good spot can completely expose someone. More recent games notify players when they are spotted, something which was impossible to know before, saving some of the frustration, but the system can still annoy players who like to flank and sneak up on foes.
Given the large-scale warfare the games try to simulate,camouflage is useful for disguising soldiers. Blending into a map is not just an accidental feature of the games, it is a useful tactic for launching ambushes. If enemies only have to look for a floating icon that sticks out from the environment, it is unlikely to make stealth a viable option.
A Balance Can Be Reached With 3D Spotting
There are some situations where 3D spotting makes sense, but it might be better if it’s rare.BF5and2042replaced the spotting button with one that marks terrain. Only visible to squad mates and somewhat context-dependent, it has been well-received by many since it debuted for reducing clutter, and bringing back moretactical play in the Battlefield games. It remains to be seen if the controversial feature will play a large role inBattlefield 6. Play-testers have reported different features being enabled from test to test, so only time and feedback will tell what direction DICE decides to go in.
