UPDATE 6/4: The “Netcode” patch has been released and is now available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Please proceed to start your respective console and download the latest update.

We’re happy to announce that we’ve released an update for PC, PS3, and X360 today containing the new improved “Netcode” for Battlefield 4. The update will be released later this week on PS4 and Xbox One.

This update has been developed using the CTE (Community Test Environment) on PC (you can sign up if you haven’t done so already at http://cte.battlelog.com), and is the first update being deployed using your gameplay feedback.

The number of changes possible in this update would be difficult to pull off without the continued support from our community, both through direct constructive feedback and telemetry data gathered on the CTE.

High Frequency Network Update
For the PC, PS4, and Xbox One platforms, we are adding something we nicknamed the “High Frequency Bubble”. Within a certain radius of the player, we add the possibility to update the clients at a higher rate from the server. What this essentially means is that the server will update the client on what is happening more often than before. This normally results in a smoother, more “correct” player experience.

The High Frequency Update is by default turned OFF in this release. You will have to enable this setting to take advantage of the improved networking. To support players with a limited bandwidth connection, we support three different levels: LOW, MEDIUM and HIGH. Most players with a connection faster than 1Mbit upload and 1Mbit download should be fine using the HIGH setting. If you experience any issues, lower or turn off the setting completely.

Playstation 4 and Xbox One Server Performance
The High Frequency Update will be rolled out to all 48 player servers and on a small set of 64 player servers immediately. We will then keep a close eye on the larger servers to make sure server performance stays good in the live environment. If all goes well, all servers will be supporting the high frequency update after 24 hours or rollout and testing.

PC Server Performance
On PC the RSPs are responsible for enabling the feature at their discretion, we expect most to do so as soon as possible.

Video Comparison
When testing our “High Frequency Bubble” changes to the network layer in Battlefield 4, we made sure to employ a measurable end-user experience metric. To do this, we have been using a 60fps video camera to capture two clients connected over the internet, and counting frames to get before and after results:

Future Plans
This is the first release to contain CTE-tested “Netcode” fixes and improvements. We are still hard at work with additional improvements and tweaks to better our network experience that did not make this release.

We hope to utilize the Community Test Environment for future release to ensure quality and stability across all platforms. If you wish to take part in this testing, the CTE still has slots open. The current requirement is to own a PC copy of Battlefield 4 with a Premium memebership to sign up at http://cte.battlelog.com

Update Details

PC
• Improved/reduced explosion induced camera shake
• Character collision improvements
• Fix to reduce object damage mismatch between client/server.
• Fix explosion packs not being able to be shot sometimes
• Improvements for client side packet loss
• Client crash fixes
• AMD Mantle multi-GPU improvements
• Carrier Assault game mode reports bug fix
• High Frequency Network update
- Added High frequency “bubble” updating player movement, stance, rotation, damage and projectiles at a separate rate on foot and in vehicles
- Added option to control client side update rate setting

PlayStation 3
• Improved/reduced explosion induced camera shake
• Rental server bug fixes
• Character collision improvements
• Reduced object damage mismatch between client/server.
• Fix for explosion pack not being able to be shot sometimes
• Improvements for client side packet loss
• Added controller option to swap functionality of the bumper and trigger buttons
• Carrier – Invisible walls stopping bullets fix

Xbox 360
• Improved/reduced explosion induced camera shake
• Rent A Server bug fixes
• Character collision improvements
• Reduced object damage mismatch between client/server.
• Fix for explosion pack not being able to be shot sometimes
• Improvements for client side packet loss
• Added controller option to swap functionality of the bumper and trigger buttons
• Physics optimization for Naval Strike Wave Breaker rocks
• Carrier – Invisible walls stopping bullets fix
• Fix for issue where clients with low bandwidth would not be able to enter squad menu.

PlayStation 4
• Improved/reduced explosion induced camera shake
• Rental server bug fixes
• Character collision improvements
• Fix to reduce object damage mismatch between client/server.
• Fix explosion packs not being able to be shot sometimes
• Improvements for client side packet loss
• Added controller option to swap functionality of the bumper and trigger buttons
• Physics optimization for Naval Strike Wave Breaker rocks
• Carrier – Invisible walls stopping bullets fix
• High Frequency Network update
- Added High frequency “bubble” updating player movement, stance, rotation, damage and projectiles at a separate rate on foot and in vehicles
- Added option to control client side update rate setting

Xbox One
• Improved/reduced explosion induced camera shake
• Rental server bug fixes
• Character collision improvements
• Fix to reduce object damage mismatch between client/server.
• Fix explosion packs not being able to be shot sometimes
• Improvements for client side packet loss
• Added controller option to swap functionality of the bumper and trigger buttons
• Physics optimization for Naval Strike Wave Breaker rocks
• Carrier – Invisible walls stopping bullets fix
• Fixed issue when using standby in Campaign
• Fixed issue when using standby and reconnecting to game servers
• Fixed issue with snapped application and matchmaking
• Playgroup Matchmaking fix for Xbox One
• Fixed incorrect error message for lost Xbox Live connection
• Fixed issue for user name mismatch in rental server, ingame scoreboard and Squad Join menus
• High Frequency Network update
- Added High frequency “bubble” updating player movement, stance, rotation, damage and projectiles at a separate rate on foot and in vehicles
- Added option to control client side update rate setting

By now, many of you have probably heard about the next title in the Battlefield series, Battlefield Hardline. The Visceral Studio team has done an amazing job of bringing in a completely new concept while staying true to the Battlefield core gameplay pillars. I’ve been working with Visceral GM Steve Papoutsis and his team for several years on the cops vs. criminals concept and we think you guys are going to love it! We’ve always dared to try new settings and experiences with Battlefield and seeing this new one take shape is a long lasting dream come true.

That said, I want to be sure you all understand that introducing Hardline in no way means we’re done working on Battlefield 4. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Visceral team is leading the development of Hardline, while the DICE team continues to drive BF4. We are committed to giving you the best BF4 experience possible.

Let me tell you about a few ways we’re going to continue to improve the BF4 experience.

Continued Support: There are dedicated BF4 teams in Stockholm, Uppsala and LA that will continue to address any issues that might occur. But more importantly will also look to make significant additions to the game. 

Netcode Patch: We are also working on a major update to the Battlefield 4 netcode.

Community Test Environment: We launched and are planning to expand our Community Test Environment. You can see the CTE as our labs environment in which we’ll continue testing out new additions, improvements etc. before we go live with them. We’re expanding the CTE program to give more and more players the chance to test new additions.

More Features: Other features rolled out recently such as Squad Join, Rent-A-Server and Loadout Presets, many which have been directly requested by you in the community. This trend will continue. 

The games we develop are services. We focus on taking care of the games post launch, delivering new content to those of you who want it and always working hard to increase quality of play. We also continue to work hard to keep investing in areas where you tell us you see opportunities for improvements and new features.  Yes, we’re very excited to partner with Visceral on the development of Battlefield Hardline, but ongoing work to refine and enhance BF4 remains a top priority.

Best regards,
Karl Magnus Troedsson, DICE VP & Group GM

Update: Congratulations to Fnatic who emerged victorious in Sunday’s thrilling final rounds!

The battle is on. This weekend, 8 teams with 40 elite Battlefield 4 players are competing for €30,000 in the ESL One Battlefield finals in Cologne. With the high stakes, elite players, and the fast-paced Domination game mode, the finals will bring hours of intense competitive gaming.

Watch the Live Stream Below

Watch live video from esltv_bf4 on www.twitch.tv

Saturday sees the group plays kicking off and the grand finale will start Sunday night around 12PM PST / 9PM CET. David Sirland, Battlefield 4 producer from DICE LA, is in Cologne doing interviews for the live stream. Get more info by hitting the link below.

Learn more at the ESL One Homepage

The upcoming Battlefield 4 expansion Dragon’s Teeth will bring the all-out war of Battlefield 4 into new exciting vistas, together with new game modes, weapons, and gadgets. Now, you can get a taste of the first gameplay footage from Dragon’s Teeth in our new Battlefield 4 Premium trailer. Look closely for another glimpse into the future…

Since the launch of Battlefield 4, our players have been pivotal in giving us valuable feedback. Today we’re launching the Community Test Environment in our continuous efforts to make the game even more enjoyable and engage with our fans in new ways.

Improve Battlefield 4 with Us
The Community Test Environment (CTE) will provide passionate fans the chance to evolve Battlefield 4 with us and become a part of the development process. We’ll be able to test new ideas and solutions to current issues before we roll them out to all Battlefield players.

Among the first things we will work on is the “Netcode,” which is what the player experiences with the game world including player-to-player interactions like damage registration. This involves tweaking to the “tickrate” servers and networking in general.

By launching this new program, not only will we be able to address player feedback at an early stage, but also increase the overall quality of the game. We are excited to explore the possibilities together with you.

How to Access the CTE
This community program will be available on PC only. However, the goal is for our learnings to benefit all platforms when possible. To access the CTE, you will need to be a Battlefield 4 Premium member. Players will have to download a separate game client, then connect to an infrastructure and Battlelog version solely set up for testing purposes.

• Visit http://cte.battlelog.com/bf4/communitytest/
• Read and accept the Terms of Service and Agreement
• Log into Origin with your existing account username and password (your account must have Premium activated in order to proceed)
• Start Origin and download the new Battlefield 4 CTE game client that now should be visible
• Install the Battlelog browser plugin
• Get familiar with the guidelines by visiting the Forums on http://cte.battlelog.com/bf4/forum/

Initially, only Battlefield 4 Premium members will be able to opt-in, and there will be a limit to how many can join. We do have plans to expand to a larger player base in the future after we test this new program. If you feel that you want to provide constructive feedback to make Battlefield 4 an even better game – then you’re more than welcome to apply to the CTE.