The MP Modes side of the game features nine (9) Maps that are used by the seven (7) unique modes. Gameplay on the maps directly connects the Rank and Rewards scheme, with your successes leading directly to higher rank, better rewards, and the ability to purchase new Weapons and Kit to create a more capable player-character (avatar).
While these basic maps are included with the base game, additional maps are added via the DLC system and Season Pass.
In an ideal world DLC -- which stands for Down-Loadable Content -- represents video game story and foundation expansion content added AFTER a game has been created and released. That is to say that it is NOT content that was already on the disc, that the player is then forced to pay an additional license fee in order to unlock.
Sadly that latter example is growing more and more frequent in an industry that seeks to squeeze as much profit as it can manage in terms of continued revenue streams for its titles - and Battlefield is no exception to that trend....
Now, that said, it is worth pointing out that the Wizards behind the creation of this most spectacular of games are fully aware that the vast majority of military shooter genre fans consider the multi-player side of the game to quite literally BE the game - with any single-player story content being little more than window dressing from a bygone era.
For that reason particular care was taken in both planning out and balancing the different classes, and MP mode play.
Battlefield Hardline arrives fresh out of the box with the following MP Map Modes installed:
In addition to the above eight maps, players can also optionally purchase the the Battlefield Hardline Premium Pack for an additional $49.99, which will, in addition to delivering all four expansion packs in the months to come, also provides players with an additional 12 Battlepacks, some rather exclusive items, and special markings for your kit to show-off the fact that YOU get all that good stuff a full two weeks BEFORE they do...
The seven game play modes for MP Map play are:
Heist
The criminals are striving to steal extremely valuable assets, while the cops are trying to stop them.
The criminals must crack into one or more vaults, steal the two bags from the vault, and take them to the escape helicopter to secure the loot.
Law enforcement has sanctioned lethal force in order to stop the heist and prevent the criminals from escaping.
Hotwire
Marked vehicles are stashed around the level.
Both cops and criminals must capture the objective vehicles and drive them at high speed to deplete the other team's tickets.
This is similar to classic Conquest, except points are high-speed and action-packed!
Blood Money
Cops and criminals fight to take control of a huge stack of cash.
The cops are trying to recover the money as evidence, while the criminals want it for themselves.
Deposit the cash in your team's vault and defend it so that the enemy cannot steal it. Teamwork is critical- money is key - and blood will be spilled!
Rescue
Vicious criminals have taken two hostages in attempt to negotiate an escape.
Cops must rescue at least one of the hostages within the time limit to prevent the success of the criminals' negotiations -- or eliminate all of the criminals.
No redeployment allowed.
Crosshair
A criminal mastermind is going to squeal to save his own skin - the criminals can't afford to let this happen, and have orchestrated a hit on this VIP as he tries to head for the courthouse.
The cops must escort the VIP safely to one of the extraction zones and prevent the assassination.
With only one life to live, the stakes are high for everyone concerned.
Conquest Small
Classic Battlefield point control.
Both teams fight to control 3 points of interest on the map and hold them until the enemy team's tickets have fully depleted.
Conquest Large
Classic Battlefield point control.
Both teams fight to control 3 points of interest on the map and hold them until the enemy team's tickets have fully depleted.
Team Deathmatch
Close quarters infantry combat, no vehicles.
One single objective for your team: kill the enemy.
There are nine (9) unique Maps that are part of the base game at launch, each of which is recycled for the various MP Modes depending on the Mode - for example the Bank Job Map is only used for heist events, you get the picture?
Notes: CAT = Counter Attack Truck / Helicopter A = Attack Helicopter / Helicopter T = Transport Helicopter / MCC = Mobile Command Center / Motorcycle D = Dirt/OR Motorcycle / Motorcycle S = Street Motorcycle / SUV = Sports Utility Vehicle
The following are the nine (9) unique maps that make up the base game MP Maps Collection:
Map Name: Bank Job Map
Map Size: Small
Setting: Commercial
Structure: Two Multilevel Structures
Vehicles: None
The primary Map Location consists of a bank building in the commercial district of downtown, and it includes a multistory Parking Garage across the street as part of the Map Location.
The interior of the building is partially interactive, with a number of functioning doors that can be opened and closed, with their rooms useful as stand-off locations. In addition to the useable doors players should bear in mind that the wall of glass that partitions the teller area from the lobby IS made up of a bullet-resistant glass-laminate.
The Bank Job Map features a light implementation of Levolution in the form of useable doors, bullet-resistant glass-laminates, and lifts at the parking garage location.
In addition to the above the chandeliers inside the bank lobby ARE interactive - that is to say that they CAN be shot down and thus used as an improvised area denial tool.
Effective Strategy: You want to use close-quarter weapons - Shotguns and SMGs - the most effective classes are Mechanic and Enforcer. Operator has a medium effectiveness here as well with their Assault Rifles but you will find that the Shotgun is the most effective weapon for this map hands down.
It is especially important for you to use the corners for this particular map, making good use of prone and kneeling positions to peek around the corners. For whatever reason your opponents often shoot at chest height or head-high, expecting you to be there - so it is a good idea not to be at that level when you peek around.
Map Name: The Block Map
Map Size: Small
Setting: Commercial / Residential
Structure: Multilevel Apartment Buildings / Houses / Shops
Vehicles: None
This map is suitable for a variety of the different modes for MP play.
This map has a mixed set of Levolution settings - for example both the Apartment Buildings (there are four of them) and the houses are subject to Levolution and CAN be severely damaged or even destroyed, while the commercial shops (stores) can not.
That means using the shops as a safer cover area is smart and viable.
Effective Strategy: What you load depends a lot on how you plan to play this one. But the best strategy here is either going very long range or very short.
If you opt for long range you want to be the designated marksman, and set yourself up in a high perch where you can use your Sniper Rifle to pick-off the enemy from above....
Alternatively (and while it may seem odd) the second option is for extreme close-quarters - shotguns and SMGs - because most of the action will take place up close and personal in the alleys and in the houses, shops, and flats!
If you opt to go hunting instead of distance shooting you want good maneuverability and easier aiming - the good thing about the shotgun of course is you don't NEED to be precise with it - just point-and-shoot!
Map Name: Derailed Map
Map Size: Large
Setting: Industrial
Structure: Two Levels
Vehicles: Coupe / Helicopter T / Mobile Command Center / Motorcycle / Sedan / SUV
This Map includes a number of Industrial Structures situated around a Train Yard with several city streets included in the proper map zone.
This map includes significant Levolution elements including significant building destruction, cars and vehicles, and a stationary train with a large LNG tanker amidst its load.
If the player chooses to detonate the LNG Tanker Car that will cause the bridge to be destroyed, which will result in the Capture Point being reset and changed.
Effective Strategy: For this map your best strategy is to opt for either long or medium range. Long range means the sniper rifles - while medium range means Assault Rifles.
What you do not want is the shotgun for this map. While SMGs can be fun, they are nowhere near as effective here as an Assault or Battle Rifle will be. Just saying.
Map Name: Downtown Map
Map Size: Very Large
Setting: Commercial and Industrial
Structure: Many multilevel buildings + streets
Vehicles: Coupe/ Helicopters A+T / MCC / Motorcycle S / Sedan / SUV
This is probably the largest map in the game for MP play. Many of the building lifts are functional, and the rooftops CAN be accessed via Helicopter.
Among the ready Levolution elements are functional lifts, multiple-story access to the tall buildings,
At the center of the map there is a large construction crane that is supported by four heavy gauge steel cables. Cutting any three of these four cables will cause the Crane to collapse. Collapsing the crane can create strategically significant connection travel paths between buildings.
Vehicle destruction is a significant Levolution element for this map. This map is ideally suited for use of the designated marksman / Professional Class.
Effective Strategy: This map is more or less a free-for-all. Pretty much every type of approach can work here.
If you meant o deny the enemy access to the rooftops (prevent their helicopters freedom of the rooftops) you will want to set up high on one of the roofs that your squad controls and snipe away!
If you take the fight down into the streets you will fidn that medium range weapons are key, even for inside fighting (mostly because the spaces here are large).
Map Name: Dust Bowl Map
Map Size: Large
Setting: Industrial / Open Space
Structure: Multilevel scattered structures.
Vehicles: CAT / Coupe/ Helicopters A+T / MCC / Motorcycle S / Sedan / SUV
Weather plays a significant role in tactical and strategic deployment for this map...
If the enemy is using air vehicles - and especially in combination with designated marksmen / Professionals, this can be a very difficult map to defend.
While the weather plays a significant Levolution role other elements include vehicles and structures. Note that due to the significant force and elemental effects that weather plays in conjunction with the Levolution scheme use of vehicles during extreme weather events is discouraged.
Effective Strategy: This is a wide-open area, so distance shooting is king here. Sniper rifle is good but if your team has the helicopter than the Mechanic Class will be your best mate!
Map Name: Everglades Map
Map Size: Medium
Setting: Rural/Swamp
Structure: Scattered
Vehicles: CAT / Coupe/ Gunboat / Helicopters T / Sedan / SUV
Significant Levolution elements are present in the fracking rigs, scattered buildings and the many vehicles that are part of this map.
Destruction of the rigs will result in toxic water and chemical spills as well as explosions.
Effective Strategy: This is another free-for-all map in that you have the combination of both far ends of the spectrum - so long-distance shooting is very effective, as is short-range (so SMGs) for close in hunts.
That said, the medium range weapons may very well be the best compromise since they allow you to use distance as a strategic tool while still allow for the freedom of close combat.
Map Name: Growhouse Map
Map Size: Very Small
Setting: Commercial / Industrial Interior
Structure: Multilevel enclosed spaces
Vehicles: None
This space and map is ideal for stealth play as it has low-visibility and ideal Ninja conditions. Just saying...
Due to fire risks and effects in the Growhouse as well as destructible elements inside of it, this map has a very high Levolution score. Many of the walls are destructible as are building parts.
Note that the large LNG Tanker is destructible and, should you blow it up (you can do so by shooting it or planting a charge) the explosive force will open an alternate entrance into the Growhouse.
Effective Strategy: This is a lot of tight spaces and close-quarters - so SMGs are your best mate here!
That said though, this map with its low low visibility means you can go the Ninja Route full-bore - sneaking around and doing a lot of stealth kills.
Map Name: Hollywood Heights Map
Map Size: Small
Setting: Luxury Residential
Structure: Multilevel Mansion + smaller buildings / sites
Vehicles: Helicopter T
The large mansion at the center of this map has excellent Levolution elements and much of the rear section can be destroyed. Destruction of the columns that lien the rear entrance will result in an alternate access path to the second floor of the mansion above being opened.
Effective Strategy: This is a mixed bag largely because your strategy will depend on where the enemy sets up their camp...
If they end up digging in across the map then you will want long distance weapons or, at the very least, the medium range.
If it turns out to be a close and personal slug-fest (and it easily can) then short range SMG and Shotguns are your friends. For this map you really have to play it by ear.
Remember when you die you get the chance to change class or weapon load-out before you re-spawn. Something to think about.
Map Name: Riptide Map
Map Size: Medium
Setting: Coastal / Water
Structure: A number of small to medium and one large
Vehicles: CAT / Coupe/ Gunboat / Helicopters T / MCC / Sedan / SUV
The bay and beaches make this an excellent map to use the Gunboat for denial of access to the area - and the enemy will take advantage of that.
Among the very effective Levolution elements are extreme weather conditions and structural weakness elements. use of the Gunboat during extreme weather events is discouraged.
Effective Strategy: As long as the weather is good you can dominate this entire map from the Gunboat - if the weather is bad though, this tends to end up being a close-quarters slug-fest so you will want to re-arm appropriately.
This is the one map though where you need very good team communication and having headsets and mics helps a LOT.