The Ultimate Retrospective: Unveiling Battlefield's Hall of Fame Weapons

The Battlefield franchise has become a gaming sensation with the release of Battlefield 2042, adding to its impressive collection of 16 games. Known for its innovation and impact on the military shooter genre, Battlefield has solidified its status as an iconic gaming franchise. Despite facing challenges in the past and recent years, Battlefield has persevered and maintained its success. One major factor contributing to this success is the unforgettable weapons featured in each installment. These weapons have left a lasting impression on players, making it fitting to honor the franchise by celebrating its iconic armory through the years.

AEK-971

The AEK-971 made its debut in the exclusive Battlefield Bad Company game but was overshadowed by more powerful assault rifles like the M416 and XM8. This trend continued in Battlefield 3, with the M16A3 dominating the meta and leaving little room for the AEK-971 to stand out.

However, everything changed with the release of Battlefield 4. Players quickly realized the strength of the AEK-971. It offered a fast time to kill, thanks to its high rate of fire, combined with impressive accuracy and manageable recoil. Even after receiving some nerfs and adjustments, it remained a beloved choice among fans. Its popularity transcended into Battlefield 2042, solidifying its status as one of the franchise's most memorable weapons.

XM8 LMG

Light Machine Guns have historically not performed well in Battlefield games, and that reputation still holds true today. However, there are a few exceptional cases that have managed to capture the attention of players, with the XM8 LMG being one such example. Initially introduced in Bad Company, the gun may not have been the strongest in its arsenal, but it certainly made an impact.

The XM8 LMG truly shone in Bad Company 2, reaching its peak in terms of effectiveness and popularity. It easily ranked among the top three most favored guns in the Medic kit, which is quite impressive considering the other formidable options available. Although it only made additional appearances in Battlefield Play4Free and 2042, its status as an iconic weapon in the franchise remains unwavering. It is not uncommon to witness the community engaging in discussions about their preferred firearms, and the XM8 consistently receives praise as one of the all-time favorites.

Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I

In any Battlefield game that takes place during a pre-modern era, such as World War 2, fans can always expect to see the highly popular Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I bolt-action rifle. Interestingly, it is referred to as the "No4 Sniper" in other games featuring this weapon, but in Battlefield 5 it goes by its full name. Regardless of the naming variation, fans immediately developed an attachment to this gun when it first appeared in Battlefield 1942, due to its impressive power and user-friendly nature.

After its second appearance in Battlefield Vietnam, the gun disappeared from the franchise for a few years as the focus shifted towards more modern and futuristic settings. Fortunately, when the series returned to WW2 in Battlefield 5, so did the beloved Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I in all its glory. Even when the franchise returned to a modern setting in 2042, Battlefield Portal allowed fans to continue wielding this timeless rifle. Throughout the highs and lows of the series, it remains the most iconic sniper rifle the franchise has ever seen.

M1911

The M1911 is a recurring weapon in multiple Battlefield titles, almost as if DICE feels obligated to include it. It has made appearances in almost every Battlefield game, with the exception of Battlefield 2142, where it would have seemed out of place in the futuristic setting.

Interestingly, the M1911 has never been the top pistol in any Battlefield game. However, it has still managed to make a lasting impression on the franchise due to its longevity, consistency, and reliability in various situations. In addition, its design is iconic both in the gaming world and in reality, as it is based on the Colt M1911 which is renowned as a recognizable and iconic weapon.

SAIGA

Shotguns were not always popular among players due to their limited options. The main limitation was their range, which was noticeable on large maps where close-quarters combat was rare. Despite these disadvantages, the Saiga shotgun managed to be a popular choice and became the most iconic shotgun in the franchise.

Throughout its appearances in eight games, the Saiga remained a popular choice among players. It was known for its ease of use, well-rounded stats, high rate of fire, and appealing design. It even gained recognition as one of the top shotguns in Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. Many players will remember the fun and frustrating experiences with this gun on 24/7 Operation Locker servers. The legacy of the Saiga has rightfully cemented its status as an iconic weapon in the Battlefield franchise.

M16

Without a doubt, when discussing the most iconic weapons in the Battlefield series, it would be remiss not to dedicate an entry to the M16 - unquestionably the franchise's most recognizable firearm. Appearing in every game as if it were an obligatory inclusion, the M16 is renowned and esteemed for its exceptional power, reliability, and timeless design that is instantly recognizable to any player.

What sets the M16 apart is its various iterations across different titles. In Battlefield 2, it takes the form of the M16A2, featuring a 3-round burst fire mode. However, in Battlefield 3, it transforms into the M16A3 and becomes fully automatic. This unique privilege of having multiple variants is a distinction reserved for very few firearms in the franchise. Some may criticize this as favoritism, but others embrace it as a defining characteristic of the M16. Furthermore, its consistent presence as one of the top-performing weapons in multiple games undeniably contributes to its popularity and iconic status within the series.