While the coreBattlefield 2042experience leaves a lot to be desired, the game’s Portal mode has proven to be quite successful.Battlefield Portalessentially takes select maps and weapons from across multipleBattlefieldgames, updates them with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics, and collates them into one easily accessible mode. In theory, as long as DICE continues to support the Portal mode,Battlefield 2042will be the go-to place for players to get their fix of their favorite pastBattlefieldmaps.
Though the recent 4.1.0 update forBattlefield 2042does not include any new Portal maps, it does bring back some iconic weapons fromBattlefield 3. The MP443 handgun, the AEK-971 assault rifle, and the RPK-74M light machine gun are currently available inBattlefield 2042, and despite their outdated nature compared to the base game’s more futuristic hardware, they are still reliable firearms. Those that never playedBattlefield 3would be well-advised to give these weapons a shot.
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The MP443 Is A Very Reliable Handgun
The default sidearm for the Russian Army inBattlefield 3, the MP443 can be unlocked in the core game by getting 100 kills or assists with the gun in Portal mode or with the NVK-P125 sidearm in any of the other modes. Players also need to deal 1,000 damage with secondary weapons, which may take some time depending on if players find a squad of unaware opponents or not. Strong burst secondary weapons like the Shorty 12G shotgun are ideal for the final challenge, as they can stand up against some of the stronger primary weapons out there.Though not as flashy or powerful as something like the MP412 Rex, the MP443 can be fired as fast as players can pull the trigger. Considering there are 17 rounds in each magazine, the weapon is a reliable firearm that players can fall back on should they find themselves unable to fire their primary weapon in time.
The AEK-971 Is Still A Strong Contender At Close To Mid-Range
Those who playedBattlefield 3will remember just how oppressive the AEK-971 was. Its ludicrous fire rate would decimate groups of enemies and easily go through the 30 rounds in its magazine. The trade-off for the AEK-971’s fire rate was that it wasn’t the easiest gun to control. The gun’s recoil was all over the place and its bullet trajectory and drop made it inefficient at longer ranges. Despite its shortcomings, quite a lot of players fell in love with the AEK-971; so much so that they learned to master it and make it one of the best assault rifles inBattlefield 3.
The AEK-971 is still a monster of a weapon inBattlefield 2042. Players first need to get 100 kills or assists withthe gun in Portal modeor with the AK-24 in the other modes, as well as 5 kills with an assault rifle in a single life. Those that fire the AEK-971 for the first time will be taken aback by its power. The gun kicks like a mule and burns through ammo very quickly. But with time and practice, the AEK-971 can become manageable just like any other weapon in the game. Players can also put attachments on it like the Muzzle Brake and Cobra Grip to make handling it easier.
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The RPK-74M Is An LMG That Works Like An Assault Rifle
While the AEK-971 can be difficult to use, the RPK-74M helps ease players into the light machine gun class of weapons. LMGs have something of a bad reputation inBattlefield 2042. Most of them aren’t very accurate at range (making them not ideal forlarge maps with no cover like Hourglass) and their recoil patterns only get better when they are fired for long periods of time. During these periods of prolonged fire, LMG wielders can leave themselves open to flanks from enemies. Add that to the rather lengthy spot duration time inBattlefield 2042and players might be better off using a different weapon class.
The RPK-74M feels like a cross between an assault rifle and an LMG. It doesn’t have the biggest stock magazine compared to other LMGs (it only has 45 rounds by default), but it is easy to control and can be outfitted with attachments like the Heavy Barrel to make it better at longer ranges. Players need 100 kills or assists with the XM8 LMG (which isa Portal weapon fromBattlefield: Bad Company 2) as well as 20 kills or assists with the AKS-74u assault rifle (another Portal weapon fromBattlefield 3) from a distance of 25 meters or more. Once they complete these challenges, however, they will have access to one of the most versatile weapons in the game.
This is only scratching the surface of what these weapons can do.Like every weapon inBattlefield 2042, the MP443, AEK-971, and RPK-74M can be outfitted with multiple attachments, barrels, scopes, and magazines both in the menus and in-game to allow them to adapt to the current map or situation. Those that take the time to practice with these weapons will find that they are fine additions to the game’s roster of guns and help the arsenal grow from its once-minuscule line-up at launch.
Battlefield 2042is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
