Skip to main content
If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Battlefield 4: Weapons List and Vehicles Multiplayer Guide

Battlefield 4 features an impressive roster of weapons and vehicles - but how are they best used? Our guide outlines the most effective ways to use them both.

Article by Jaz Rignall Contributor
Updated on

This article first appeared on USgamer, a partner publication of VG247. Some content, such as this article, has been migrated to VG247 for posterity after USgamer's closure - but it has not been edited or further vetted by the VG247 team.

COMPLETE VEHICLE GUIDE

Unlike most first-person multiplayer shooters, Battlefield features an impressive roster of different vehicles. In the latest version of the game, there are now more than ever, thanks to the addition of Chinese vehicles to go with the existing American and Russian ones. Now there's more choice than ever – but given that choice, which vehicles are most effective under different circumstances? This guide will help you quickly figure that out.

Vehicle Class: Light Vehicles

Speed and maneuverability are two major benefits of this vehicle class. Nothing can match them in those two categories. However, while you're cruising around at speed, just remember that these things are about as effective as an umbrella when it comes to absorbing enemy firepower. Their lack of armament makes them useful only for getting from A to B and perhaps to C if you can dodge the inevitable enemy firepower that'll rain down upon you. Certainly don't drive them into the thick of battle: you'll be respawning in seconds if you do.

Vehicle List

  • QUAD BIKE (All Nationalities)
  • M1161 ITV (United States)
  • VDV BUGGY (Russia)
  • LYT2021 (China)
  • PWC (All Nationalities)
  • RHIB (All Nationalities)

Vehicle Class: Armored Transports

With a little more armor and offensive power than the Light Vehicles, these are a good option for driving around the map without being obliterated at the first sound of an incoming shell. They are slightly slower than the top speed machines, but provide ample protection from small arms fire. Just be aware that they are still very vulnerable to anti-vehicle weapons.

Vehicle List

  • MRAP (United States)
  • SPM-3 (Russia)
  • ZFB-05 (China)

Vehicle Class: Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV)

The lowest tier of tanks, the Infantry Fighting Vehicle combines speed, armor and firepower to great effect. It's one of the most devastating options on the battlefield, thanks to its ability to carry up to six soldiers in relative safety, engage enemy vehicle, knock down buildings and flush out enemy campers. Love it and use it.

Vehicle List

  • LAV-25 (United States)
  • BTR-90 (Russia)
  • ZBD-09 (China)
  • AAV-7A1 AMTRAC (United States)

Vehicle Class: Main Battle Tanks (MBT)

Now we're cooking. The Main Battle Tank is the tool of choice when it comes to cracking open bottlenecks or breaking through enemy lines. In capable hands it can dominate a battlefield. But while it's an armored monster, it's slow and vulnerable to attacks from Support and Recon enemies, so make sure that when you're using it, you roll with a defensive crew to keep it safe from C4. The longer this thing is kept up, the better your chances of success on the battlefield.

Vehicle List

  • M1 ABRAMS (United States)
  • T-90A (Russia)
  • Type 99 MBT (China)

Vehicle Class: Mobile AA

These vehicles have excellent armor and decent firepower, and are designed to take out enemy airpower and light ground attack vehicles and armored transport. Their speed rating is low, however, so keep this vehicle on the home half of the battlefield and take out enemy armament from a distance.

Vehicle List

  • LAV-AD (United States)
    • 9K22 TUNGUSKA-M (Russia)
  • TYPE 95 AA (China)

Vehicle Class: Mobile Artillery

Featuring newly-upgraded targeting systems, Mobile Artillery vehicles are capable of firing six rockets in quick succession – making them ideal for paving the way for a ground assault. Reload time is long, and they are easy to destroy at close range, so park them up near home base and use them to soften up the enemy ahead of an attack.

Vehicle List

  • M142 (All Nationalities)

Vehicle Class: Attack Boats

Although water based, these vehicles are somewhat comparable to the Infantry Fighting Vehicles in terms of statistics. Excellent firepower and armor make them an option to take on almost any vehicle no matter the terrain.

Vehicle List

  • RCB-90 (United States)
  • DV-15 (Russia/China)

Vehicle Class: Transport Helicopters

Smart Battlefield teams use these to great effect, since Transport Helicopters are capable of changing the tide of any battle. Just be careful of other air vehicles: they're often a target of choice, so make sure you have some Engineers on hand to keep them in the skies.

Vehicle List

  • UH-1Y VENOM (United States)
  • KA-60 KASATKA (Russia)
  • Z-9 HAITUN (China)

Vehicle Class: Scout Helicopters

Perhaps the most devastating vehicle class in the game, Scout Helicopters are capable of eliminating both vehicles and foot mobiles alike. Bring along an Engineer to handle repairs and watch your score sky rocket.

Vehicle List

  • AH-6J LITTLE BIRD (United States)
  • Z-11W (Russia/China)

Vehicle Class: Attack Helicopters

Everybody's favorite air vehicle is back in Battlefield 4. With a capable crew this vehicle has the ability to dominate any situation. A favorite target of foot mobiles with anti-air weapons, keep this death dealer on your own side of the battlefield and use its long range firepower to engage the mid field.

Vehicle List

  • AH-1Z VIPER (United States)
  • M1-28 HAVOC (Russia)
  • Z-10W (China)

Vehicle Class: Stealth Jets

Jets have now been split into two categories making the Stealth Jets the fastest vehicles in the game. With some awesome unlocks to boost its firepower it can be utilized to engage air and ground targets alike. The F-35 (United States) is also capable of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL).

Vehicle List

  • F-35 (United States)
  • SU-50 (Russia)
  • J-20 (China)

Vehicle Class: Attack Jets

The bread-and-butter choice for aerial attacks, these jets are very capable when it comes to air-to-air combat, and can also be useful for destroying enemy ground armor. A great all-rounder that's ideal for use when a battle's tempo and focus is constantly changing.

Vehicle List

  • A-10 WARTHOG (United States)
  • SU-25TM FROGFOOT (Russia)
  • Q-5 FANTAN (China)

Vehicle Class: Gunship

The Gunship, although very slow, is equipped with three cannons that are capable of demolishing anything on the ground. This vehicle is very vulnerable to enemy anti-air measures but takes a huge amount of damage to destroy. Just be sure to jump out before it explodes.

Vehicle List

  • Gunship (All Nationalities)

COMPLETE WEAPON GUIDE

Battlefield 4's action pits you against enemies in pretty much every sort of combat situation you can think of. Whether you're getting up close and personal, or sniping from afar, the key to success involves choosing the right weapon for the job. Check out our complete guide to help you make the best decision for any engagement.

Assault Rifles

Class Availability:

  • Assault

Full Weapon List

  • AK-12
  • SCAR-H
  • M416
  • SAR-21
  • AEK-971
  • FAMAS
  • AUG A3
  • M16A4
  • CZ-805
  • QBZ-95-1
  • ACE 23

What You Should Know

Assault rifles are the most versatile primary weapons in the game. Great for almost any situation, they are never a bad choice if you plan on going where the action is. For medium or long range try the SCAR-H or M16A4. If you are getting up close and personal consider the FAMAS or AUG A3.

Personal Defense Weapons (PDW)

Class Availability:

  • Engineer

Full Weapon List

  • MX4
  • PP-2000
  • UMP-45
  • CBJ-MS
  • PDW-R
  • CZ-3A1
  • JS2
  • P90
  • UMP-9

What You Should Know

Previously available to all classes in Battlefield 3, the PDW family is now available only to Engineers. These weapons typically have a very high rate of fire but are ineffective at medium to long range. Consider a Laser Sight to increase your hip fire accuracy.

Light Machine Guns (LMG)

Class Availability:

  • Support

Full Weapon List

  • U-100 MK5
  • Type 88 LMG
  • LSAT
  • PKP Pecheneg
  • QBB-95-1
  • M240B
  • MG4
  • M249
  • RPK-12

What You Should Know

Although players tend to flock to these weapons, they are not designed for running and gunning. Instead, they are more effective used as a source of suppression from strategic locations. Think about placing them at key defensive positions on the map.

Sniper Rifles

Class Availability:

  • Recon

Full Weapon List

  • CS-LR4
  • M40A5
  • Scout Elite
  • SV-98
  • JNG-90
  • 338-Recon
  • M98B
  • SRR-61
  • FY-JS

What You Should Know

Playing the Recon class takes a lot of patience, as does mastering the weapons these soldiers use. Capable of dropping enemy soldiers from extremely long range, these rifles strike fear (and bullets) into the heart of anyone on the wrong end of their scope. With the battlefield becoming as much vertical as it was horizontal, these weapons have never been more deadly.

Carbines

Class Availability:

  • All

Full Weapon List

  • AK5-C
  • ACW-R
  • SG553
  • AKU-12
  • A-91
  • ACE 52 CQB
  • G36C
  • M4
  • ACE 21 CQB
  • TYPE-95B-1

What You Should Know

Previously only available to Engineers, these weapons are now useable by all classes. Perfect for almost any situation, you're sure to find one you like. By the way, if you're wondering where the M4A1 is - it didn't make the transition from Battlefield 3. If you think you're good enough, try the M4 instead.

Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR)

Class Availability:

  • All

Full Weapon List

  • RFB
  • MK11 MOD 0
  • SKS
  • SVD-12
  • QBU-88
  • M39 EMR
  • ACE 53 SV
  • SCAR-H SV

What You Should Know

Bridging the gap between Assault and Sniper Rifles, DMR weapons lack the stopping power of full-on Sniper Rifles, but offer excellent range and reload times. These are a great option for the rushing Recon soldier. Try low powered scopes in Team Deathmatch to unleash their true potential.

Shotguns

Class Availability:

  • All

Full Weapon List

  • QBS-9
  • 870MCS
  • M1014
  • HAWK 12G
  • SAIGA 12K
  • SPAS-12
  • UTS-15
  • QBV-12

What You Should Know

Fantastic in close quarters, there's nothing quite as satisfying as tearing up a room full of enemies with a few powerful blasts from a shotgun. Pump action weapons have more stopping power than semi automatics, so experiment to find which one fits your game.

Sidearms

Class Availability:

  • All

Full Weapon List

  • P226
  • M9
  • QSZ-92
  • MP443
  • SHORTY 12G
  • G18
  • FN57
  • M1911
  • 93R
  • CZ-75
  • .44 MAGNUM
  • COMPACT 45
  • M412 REX

What You Should Know

All the favorites are back including the popular .44 MAGNUM and M412 REX – but there's a new one that might trump the lot. The SHORTY 12G is essentially a miniature pump action-shotgun that can hold three rounds. It's best deployed in life or death close quarters situations, and could well become essential Sidearm replacement for Battlefield 3's M16A3 or M4A1.

Grenades

Class Availability:

  • All

Full Weapon List

  • M67 FRAG
  • V40 Mini
  • RGO IMPACT
  • M34 INCENDIARY
  • M18 SMOKE
  • M84 FLASHBANG
  • HAND FLARE

What You Should Know

Battlefield 4 delivers a major upgrade in the Grenade category. Instead of just the standard M67 FRAG, there is now a tool for almost any job. Notable additions are the M84 FLASHBANG and the M34 INCENDIARY grenades. Open to all classes, the grenade of choice comes down to play style and situational need.

This article was compiled with help from Prima Games

You can find many more Battlefield 4 hints and tips, plus strategy guides and over 65,000 cheat codes, unlocks, achievements, trophies, Easter eggs and secrets at Prima Games.

Read this next