These are suggestions for improving the Air Drone Gadget as well as the other reconnaissance tools available to the Recon class. These suggestions could potentially bring QoL changes and improve the abilities/makeup of the Recon class.
Currently, Recon is mainly the “Sniper” class. Its only strength is being able to take down enemies from afar and to put pressure on other enemy snipers and the enemies flanks. These changes could give this class a more feature rich role on the battlefield to help out teamplay. Having the ability for the Recon’s Gadgets to spot enemies and to give information to the team would help flesh out this class’s inherent objective; to be reconnaissance, and to be an observer for the squad.
Here are my suggestions for how the Recon gadgets can operate, and ways to balance out their features. Also some ideas for the Gadgets themselves that are not Recon specific.
Air Drone:
- Allow spotting with the Air Drone.
- Allow spotting time to be 4-8 seconds.
- Allow Recon to resupply Air Drone (only by Squad Supply drops)
- Balance ideas:
- Screen Clutter: Squad only view of targeted enemies
- Screen Clutter: Compass indicators only
- Screen Clutter: Create a new reticle for enemies who are targeted. Time for indicator would be very short (1-3 seconds)
- Glint: To counter the Air Drone, give it a "glint" like the snipers when actively trying to spot enemies
- XP Gain: Allow a maximum of 5-10xp on spot assists.
Binoculars
- Allow regular spotting time of 4s (8-12 seconds if Recon class)
Advanced Binoculars
- Allow 8s of spotting time
- Allow Auto Spotting if on target for .5s/.75s
- Give Advanced Bino’s the option to zoom in and out like regular Binoculars
With the new spotting mechanic in place, I was hoping to use the Air Drone for its intended purpose. It would be nice to be able to spot enemies with it for my team.
I usually like to play support roles in games like this. And with the spotting mechanic, I feel like it could help the team and lead some sway into how a match would play out. Giving this type of feedback to teammates can be incredibly important against flanks and other enemy movements on the battlefield.