Summary
Fans ofBattlefield 5appreciate the game for its interesting narrative takes on a World War 2 story. However, a lot ofBattlefieldaficionados also loveBattlefield 5for its innovative take on multiplayer. In turn, players can have a much more realistic take on FPS titles from a historical perspective. Moreover, new modes such as Firestorm and Grand Operations spice up the tactical and narrative potential ofBattlefield’smultiplayer.
Interestingly, fans interested in dominating multiplayer need to go beyond mastering just the mechanics behind the modes. In fact, players might want to pay attention to how to maximize multiplayer’s four classes. After all, it seems the Recon, Support, Medic, and Assault classes all have unique takes on the “stereotypes” associated with them - particularly with their preferred loadouts.
Updated July 22, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam:As the near-future setting of Battlefield 2042 remains the most recent entry in the hit FPS franchise, fans eagerly waiting for the next Battlefield installment can go back to Battlefield 5 for intense multiplayer matches set in the gripping backdrop of World War 2. With the game still maintaining its tradition of having different classes for players to take up on during matches, players might be invested in choosing the right weapon to accomplish the job. While there are already standout weapons for each class, fans who want a challenge can spice things up with other weapons that demand a player’s versatility. These include an Assault Rifle known for its ease of use, an LMG that is the middle ground of aggression and safe plays, a slow but hard-hitting Sniper, and a more control-friendly SMG.
40
360 RPM (Semi-Auto)
Magazine
80+10
At the hands of a good shot, any FPS title can become a piece of cake - and they become a nightmare for opponents. This is exactly the role of theTurner SMLEfor Assault Class players. The weapon is a semi-auto bolt action rifle that looks similar to its counterparts in the Recon Class. However, unlike its fellow Assault Class weapons, the Turner SMLE also has the stark disadvantage of being underwhelming at long distances.
A lower shot-to-kill ratio outside 100 meters means the Turner SMLE excels in short-to-mid-range incursions. This is where its stats shine, as it outperforms SMGs (Medic Class) in their playing field and has higher damage compared to the StG-44. However, players can only maximize the Turner SMLE when they get their shots right - meaning, they either should get the first shot at opponents or stay calm enough to aim to secure the kill before they get shot back.
Turner SMLE’s Best Sidearm: P08
Due to the reliance on the Turner SMLE in short-to-mid-ranged combat as well as proper aim, missing their shots can leave players at a severe disadvantage. This is where theP08 Pistolcomes in, as it carries and performs similarly to itsBattlefield 1counterpart. While its ADS mode can make tracking shots rather challenging, the sidearm having one of the fastest reloads in the game can help players outlast foes in firefights where the Turner SMLE couldn’t perform properly for them.
25.1
770 RPM (Full Auto/Semi-Auto)
20+1
The M1907 easily dominates other Assault Rifles for its high maximum damage (15-25.1) and its rate of fire (770 RPM). Its only downside would come in the form of full-auto recoil, especially when firing at continuous bursts. Similar to the StG 44 and Sturmgewehr 1-5, it has a steep drop-off and can suffer from low velocity at further rounds - limiting the M1907 at close-to-mid range.
Due to these downsides, the M1907 is best used in short incursions at mid-range. Players need to pay closer attention to its magazine size and the need to reload multiple times in engagements. Thankfully for players, Specializations can help give the M1907 bonuses for hip-fire accuracy (left path) and increased handling and accuracy (right path).
Assault: M1907’s Best Sidearm: P08
Due to the heavy recoil and limited distance of the M1907, theP08 Pistolcan compensate for the Assault Class weapon’s combat setbacks. While boasting the same reload speed as itsBattlefield 1counterpart, more realistic ADS makes tracking much trickier with the P08. However, the pistol retains one of the fastest reload speeds in the game, allowing this gun to aid the M1907 in case of emergencies against multiple foes.
30+1
Assault soldiers who want to stay closer to the action can appreciatethe all-rounder potentialof the StG 44 across all ranges. By default, the StG 44 suffers as the second-slowest assault rifle in terms of full-auto rate of fire. In turn, this means the StG 44 does have a slower time-to-kill in terms of close encounters. However, its default 30-round magazine does enable players to do significant damage, with the right accessories and equipment. Essentially, the StG 44 becomes an excellent companion for quick close-range to medium-range encounters, while performing decently over long range.
In turn, players can transform StG 44 into a deadly weapon with the right Specialization. Slings and Swivels (Rank 1), Enhanced Grips (Rank 2), and Custom Stock (Rank 4) all boost the StG 44’s overall accuracy. Meanwhile, Lightened Stock (3) ensures players still move fast while firing this rather heavy weapon.
Assault: StG 44’s Best Sidearm: P08
Despite the StG 44’s incredible firepower, the assault rifle still suffers from its mediocre firing rate at full-auto compared to its weaker-damaging counterparts. However, theP08helps the StG 44 compensate for the speed department. Its faster reload speed can make the P08 an emergency sidearm should the StG 44 go empty in crucial situations. Moreover, should the StG 44 take too much time to pull off a reload, packing the P08 could get players out of heavy engagements and into a safe enough location to recover.
45
300 RPM (Semi-Auto)
10+1
Assault soldiers who want to use massive firepower can appreciate the Gewehr 43’s damage potential. Among semi-auto rifles, the Gewehr 43 ties itself with Karabin 1938M and Selbstlader 1916 for high base damage. At 103m, the Gewehr can take out foes with three body shots - and can kill with two medium-range hits, provided one is a headshot. Moreover, its sheer high bullet velocity lets the Gewehr 43 perform more efficiently compared to othersemi-automatic rifles. Unfortunately, its slow reload and low magazine capacity make it difficult to handle.
However, players can optimize the Gewehr 43 by speeding up its slow components. Quick Aim (Rank 1) and Enhanced Grip (Rank 2) further increase the Gewehr’s accuracy. Meanwhile, Detachable Magazine (Rank 3) and Recoil Buffer (Rank 4) compensate for unpleasant recoil and reload speed.
Assault: Gewehr 43’s Best Sidearm: Repetierpistole M1912
The Gewehr 43’s potential for single-target devastation is only held back by its rather low mag capacity and even slower reloads, making theRepetierpistole M1912a speed-oriented sidearm of choice. While boasting similar stats to the P08, the M1912 packs a much higher rate of fire, making it ideal for single-target fights. Should the Gewehr 43 fail to kill an opponent in a few hits, the fast-firing M1912 could finish the job.
30+1 (155+31)
Despite being an early-game acquisition, theSturmgewehr 1-5remains one of the best Assault weapons inBattlefield 5gameplay for its overall ease of use. While not incredibly potent at near-long-range, its short-to-mid performance is superb - making it ideal for players who want to get up close to opponents for that surefire kill.
However, while the Sturmgewehr 1-5 is ideal for short-to-mid-range, it doesn’t mean it’s a slouch in terms of overall gameplay. Its early-game accessibility makes its handling rather friendly for newcomers, especially with an accessible hip-fire recoil that makes it perfect for high-intensity indoor and reactionary encounters.
Sturmgewehr 1-5‘s Best Sidearm: Mk 6 Revolver
While the Sturmgewehr 1-5 makes for a decent beginner-friendly weapon, it’s not as efficient when it comes to taking out longer-range targets. In moments where the Sturmgewehr 1-5 runs out of ammo and players are overexposed, the decent aim of theMk 6 Revolvermakes for a dependable sidearm. Its longer-range heavy “oomph” can finish off foes that the semi-unreliable recoil of the Sturmgewehr 1-5 can’t necessarily accomplish, making it a must-have for chill plays.
6.3
28+2 (Shotgun), 9+1 (Rifle)
Support troopers who want to secure the kills in close range could rely on the M30 Drilling to do the job properly. Unlike other shotguns, players can use the select fire function, allowing them to use both their shotgun barrels and their single rifle barrel.Thanks to this system, the Drilling uses two separate ammo pools. Essentially, the M30 Drilling can become both a shotgun and a sniper at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, its offensive potential is hindered by its two-round limit.
However, players can maximize Drilling’s favorable components with the right use of Specializations. For instance, Heavy Load (Rank 2) can further increase the Drilling’s range at the cost of the rate of fire, something that can be balanced with Trigger Job (Rank 1) which increases the fire rate maximum. Meanwhile, Penetrating Shot (Rank 3) gives the Drilling a spread-fire potential, with Internal Choke (Rank 4) further increasing its shock spread. Theoretically, the M30 Drilling can serve as a deadly weapon against groups, or against enemies unfortunate enough to try to support the Drilling’s target.
Support: M30 Drilling’s Best Sidearm: P38 Red Devil
Given the one-two-punch firepower of the M30 Drilling, Support Classes may benefit from the added firepower of theP38 Red Devil. While boasting a similar performance as the P08, the Red Devil does suffer from a bit of jankiness in terms of ADS. However, the Red Devil compensates for this setback with a slightly faster empty reload, making this a faster-paced sidearm for emergencies, especially when players find the M30 Drilling’s limited mag size a hindrance in firefights.
11.2
150 RPM (Automatic)
5 Shells
Support trooperswho want to lay down hell on enemiescan count on Model 37. Despite its appearance as a pump-operated shotgun, players can actually slamfire the weapon - hold the fire button to keep on shooting, as though it’s automatic. Due to this feature, Model 37 easily boasts one of the best fire rates out of all shotguns in the game. Moreover, given its high per-shot damage, it can cause quite a lot of death in such short proximity. Sadly, its strong damage does come with a range caveat, as damage drops heavily for enemies beyond 7 meters.
However, players can compensate for these disadvantages by pumping up Model 37’s sheer potential. Extended Magazine (Rank 3) enables the Model 37 to last longer in firefights. Meanwhile, Quick Reload (Rank 1) and Slings and Swivels (Rank 2) allow players to reload faster and get more mobile without suffering damage penalties. Players need such a benefit for close-range dependent weapons like the Model 37. Lastly, Heavy Load (Rank 4) boosts the Model 37’s range at the cost of the rate of fire, something it can take given its already-high fire rate.
Support: Model 37’s Best Sidearm: Repetierpistole M1912
Despite the Model 37 boasting a punch-after-punch slamfire feature, they can opt out of the Shotgun when facing enemies retreating from a heavy firefight and finish the job with theRepetierpistole M1912. The faster firing rate of the M1912 and its capability to fight mid-range allows it to become an optimal finisher when the Model 37’s range limitations can hinder its overall damage potential.
670 RPM (Full-Auto, Semi-Auto)
20
The FG-42 holds the distinction of being the second-best weapon in terms of time-to-kill across the LMG Category, behind the BAR M1918A2 with its Fast ROF enabled. Regardless, the FG-42 boasts low magazine capacity but with the highest rate of fire. As such, the FG-42 tends to rely on quick reloads and suffers from poor control in the middle of engagements. In the right hands, the FG-42’s unpredictable recoil can become deadly when facing multiple opponents.
Interestingly for players, the FG-42 is the only Support weapon that can equip a Bayonet. In terms of Specializations, the left path can boost hip fire accuracy, vertical recoil, and ADS. Meanwhile, the right path improves general accuracy and decreases horizontal recoil, making mobile engagements more plausible.
Support: FG-42’s Best Sidearm: M1911
Should the FG-42’s crazy recoil end up with players missing out on their damage options, they can always send themselves up close and personal to enemies with theM1911. At first glance, the M1911’s slow firing rate as a pistol can make it a jarring pair to the much faster FG-42. However, players who want to transition from spray-firing to more precise shooting can rely on the massive damage capacity of the M1911, being able to kill up close with only three shots when aimed correctly.
568 RPM (Semi-Auto/Full-Auto)
150+25
Despite its nature as a default weapon theKE7for the Support Class can easily dominateBattlefieldfirefights with its accessible nature. Given its performance, the KE7 at first glance contains the same firepower as an Assault Rifle but at a lower firing rate. Once players manage to rank up, it’s still advisable for them to get upgrades such as the Lewis Gun or the FG42.
Performance-wise, the KE7’s biggest setback is its rather mediocre magazine size, which matches its lower firing rate. In turn, the KE7 performs best in mid-range. Similar to most other MMGs and LMGs, the KE7 can kill enemies within four (20m), five (30m), six (50m), and seven (50m+) shots.
KE7’s Best Sidearm: Repetierpistole M1912
The lack of optimal firing rate on the KE7’s part means players can be at a disadvantage when it comes to having to kill enemies faster than they can kill them back. Support Class players should consider using the Repetierpistole M1912 as their sidearm of choice to counteract such a possibility. Compared to other pistols, the M1912’s faster firing rate and mid-range combat capabilities can circumvent the KE7’s slower firing and minimal ammunition limitations.
26.5
600 RPM (Automatic - High RPM)
360 RPM (Automatic - Low RPM)
100+20 (180+20)
While it’s true that the Support Class doesn’t necessarily force players in the backline just because of their kit, theBAR M1918A2falls on the comfortable middle ground between a highly aggressive LMG and a defense-oriented “last resort” armament. This is courtesy of its unique trait that allows players to change its firing modes, enabling Support players to rain hell with a higher RPM or provide cover for allies they’re defending with lower RPM.
This variability in RPM makes the BAR M1918A2 one of the most versatile Support weapons in the game. Its high-RPM mode makes the gun the fastest of all LMGs, resulting in an incredibly low time-to-kill when fighting foes in close quarters. However, players do have to take note of the LMG’s unreliable recoil and small magazine count, forcing Support units to always play within the range of cover for security.
BAR M1918A2’s Best Sidearm: Model 27
While the BAR M1918A2 has a crazily dependable RPM for fast kills in close-quarters engagements, Support units playing with the LMG can find themselves in sticky situations the moment they lose their ammo. Instead of risking reloads, they can switch to theModel 27. This Sidearm possesses the best damage profile in the game and the best damage retention in further distances, making it a dependable mid-to-long-range weapon to finish off foes.
