Recon

Core Strategy

Reveal, conceal and deal irreparable damage to enemy soldiers. That’s the name of the Recon’s game.

On one hand, the Recon does the definition of reconnaissance; spotting enemies using high-magnification optics, sensors or drones, tracking them down for their allies or themselves. On the other hand, a Recon soldier has training to go undercover, fooling the opposition with decoys and placing themselves behind enemy lines to cut them all down with precision. Or, if a Recon decides to blow it all up, there are a few Gadgets - mines and charges - that can crack open enemy vehicles or punish unsuspecting infantry.

The Recon’s Signature Weapon and Sniper Training Path steers it towards a path of precise shots and patience. Beyond the surface, however, a Recon soldier can do more than lay prone on the sidelines hundreds of meters away from battle.

Laser Designator - These binoculars allow for spotting enemies at far distances, as well as designating enemy vehicles or specific points on the maps as targets. When used against a vehicle or a location, an allied Engineer or an aerial vehicle with air-to-ground missiles can both more easily lock onto targets. Even as a solo tool, it can provide long-range spotting without the glint of a high-powered scope. It can also be set down and be remotely accessed, which can allow for 360-degree spotting anywhere in the Combat Zone. Place this in a conspicuous location with great sightlines to paint a picture of enemy locations for your squad.

Tracking Dart - Fire this dart to track and disrupt enemy technology, including Gadgets and vehicles, within a few dozen meters. From the hip, this dart will reveal nearby enemy electronic Gadgets, vehicles and - if there is a direct hit - enemy infantry. When aiming down sight, it locks onto a Gadget or vehicle to overload it, causing temporary disruptions for larger tech pieces or complete destruction for smaller tools.

Recon Drone - Pilot a miniature flying drone to spot enemies, their Gadgets and vehicles. Incredibly useful in the hands of someone who can communicate enemy positions via voice or text chat in addition to using onboard spotting tools. It can also carry a few demolition charges to become a makeshift long-distance explosive weapon, or can “hover” to automatically spot enemies.

Anti-Personnel Mine - A tripwire-triggered explosive with instructions to point towards the enemy, these anti-personnel mines are best used in small entryways where their blast can all but guarantee an elimination. It can also be a damage-dealing warning system when set up near objectives or en route to a preferred sniping perch. With that in mind, the mine will not trigger if someone moves past it while crouched or prone; if you keep running into these, slow down and stay low to avoid detection.

Demolition Charge - Bring down vehicles or destructible objects with these charges, which either explode on command or after they are damaged. While lighter vehicles and walls need only one charge to be brought down, multiple charges may be necessary to tear through large vehicles, such as tanks or helicopters. These can also be placed on allied vehicles for an all-out offensive weapon, but it’s best to get permission before patching them on.

Sniper Decoy - Used to throw off enemy aim and detect counter-snipers, these decoys are yours to set up in positions that are too obvious for a Recon soldier to use, or provide the “scope glint” away from your actual position nearby. If you aren’t using the Decoy next to you in order to move your sniper glint, it can be best placed in windows, doorways, on rooftops or elevated positions with cover - the more obvious, the better. Any enemy who shoots a decoy will have their position revealed, allowing you to provide the punishment with a follow-up shot.

Signature Trait, Weapon, Throwables and Training Paths

Signature Gadget: Motion Sensor - Reveal nearby enemies in a small radius through repeated subsonic pulses. Great for detecting enemies holed up in hard-to-find locations, particularly past walls or corners, on objectives with regular foot traffic, or in buildings with multiple levels, although it does not exactly reveal what floor they are on.

Signature Trait: Passive Spot - Spot enemies by aiming at them.

Note: Time required to spot is dependent on factors such as movement and zoom level.

This trait was reworked following community feedback in the Battlefield 6 Beta. Not only do Recon players need to aim down sights at an enemy, but they also need to be relatively stationary or slow moving, and have a high level of zoom to spot enemies at far distances across the Combat Zone. Still, being able to skip a button press is worth the nuance of using a high-powered scope to track enemy movements for the squad.

Signature Weapon: Sniper Rifle - Faster rechambering between shots, decreased scope sway and improved breath control to help stabilize aim for longer.

Bolt-action users will gravitate towards the Recon class solely due to the fast rechamber speeds, but all those who appreciate Sniper Rifles will benefit from having a more stable aim. Remember to always account for bullet drop when firing out hundreds of meters; these benefits will help line up and land those lethal shots.

In Closed Weapon experiences, the Recon soldier is the designated long-range specialist. Because the only long-range alternative for other classes is the DMR, it’s even more important for the Recon to be a skilled Sniper Rifle shooter. 

Get more intel on Sniper Rifles in our dedicated loadout and weapon guide.

Exclusive Throwable: Throwable Proximity Detector- Similar to the Motion Sensor, but in throwable format. Hurl these at an objective or in small rooms, specifically those on higher ground, to paint the overworld and mini-map with enemy positions. 

Exclusive Throwable: Throwing Knife - Silent and lethal with one hit to the head, the Throwing Knife is the tool of choice for the Recon soldier in need of undetectable damage. If a Throwing Knife hits anywhere on an enemy’s body other than their head, their health regeneration will be delayed for several seconds. Equip these in a clandestine loadout to incapacitate unaware enemies, or for any situation that calls for a quick-thinking close-quarters answer to a charging foe. Desperate heaves across the map or aiming for the enemy’s right pinky toe isn’t going to fly here in Battlefield; Throwing Knives are meant for marksmen who can either hit bullseyes or learn how to follow up their throws.

Active Ability: UAV Overwatch - Call in UAV to a marked position for passive spotting of enemies.

Considered the Recon’s brief trip into omniscience, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle sweeps around a soldier and reveals all enemy locations on the minimap for themselves and their squad. Because this only becomes available late in a match, only use this in high traffic areas where there is a strong chance of spotting multiple enemies.

Sniper

Passive Ability - Enhanced Perception: Improved Auto-Spotting range with an increased distance and wider angle of detection from weapon crosshairs. Spotting is quicker and lasts longer.

A Sniper’s Passive Ability increases the amount of time an enemy is “spotted” with a red triangle (which looks like a snack chip, to some), as well as improve their auto-spot capabilities. Use this in conjunction with an optical attachment - any one with a clear sight picture will do, although high-magnification scopes can make for better spotting down range - or with Gadgets like the Laser Designator or Recon Drone.

Level 1 - Target Acquired: Inflicting damage on enemies spots them, marking their position in-world and on the minimap.

Shave the milliseconds it takes to ping an enemy before firing and simply damage them to mark them for your allies. This not only applies to bullet-based damage, but also any explosive damage, such as from an Anti-Personnel Mine. Any damage-dealing tool at your disposal automatically becomes part of your reconnaissance efforts, so keep throwing grenades or use charges and mines to mark as many enemies as possible.

Level 2 - Confirmed Kill: Enemies you headshot with Sniper Rifles cannot be revived by their teammates.

This is your call to learn how to hit precise headshots. In modes where there are limited reinforcements, such as Rush or Conquest, the ability to revoke a revive opportunity can completely change the game in favor of your team. Learn this level of accuracy, as well as the bullet drop behaviors for the Sniper Rifle of your choosing, and you’ll become the Recon Sniper most enemies fear.

Spec Ops (Unlocked via Recon Class Assignment)

Passive Ability - Stealth Tactics: Reduces sounds you make when crouched or prone. Also applies when performing takedowns on an enemy.

This Training Path swerves a Recon away from their “usual” sniping duties and into special operations that rely on a silencer attachment. A Pathfinder Loadout should be built for aggressive play, using a silenced Carbine, DMR or Shotgun (in Closed Weapon formats) or other Primaries, as well as the Throwing Knife. Takedowns are also encouraged, as you can sneak behind enemies and perform those satisfying instant knockout moves.

Level 1 - Gadget Awareness: Spot nearby enemy gadgets, marking their positions in-world and on the minimap. Ability inactive when sprinting.

Leaning into a true special operations role, this ability grants enhanced reconnaissance of enemy positions through their Gadgets. Spotting Gadgets like mines, Supply Bags and Deployable Cover pieces are the breadcrumbs you can leave for the squad to follow you behind enemy lines, or at the very least help them avoid traps.

Level 2 - Low Profile: Going prone clears your in-game combat state faster and reduces your spotted status duration.

This ultimate passive ability is the answer to those who gravitate towards stealth-based playstyles. After neutralizing an enemy, escaping from combat or being spotted, take advantage of having Low Profile and drop down to a prone stance. At a minimum, the enemy loses your location, but most often, you can more immediately start health regeneration to get to the next fight faster.

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