Part 9

Learn about faction-locked weapons, licenses, and unlock methods in Battlefield Hardline. Get a license for $50k after 1,250 kills.

Factions: There are two factions in Battlefield Hardline: cops and criminals. Many guns are locked to these factions, in addition to being locked to classes. For example, in the Operator class, both factions can equip the initial RO933 carbine and 92FS pistol. However, the SG553, M16A3, G36C, and P226 are designated as cop weapons, while the AKS74u, M416, AKM, and CZ75 are criminal weapons. This faction locking was implemented after the beta to give factions distinct starting weapons, like AR15s for cops and AKs for criminals.

Weapon Licenses: If you want to use a faction-locked weapon with the other faction, you can acquire a license. This requires getting 1,250 kills with that specific gun and then purchasing the license for $50,000 in-game money. This also unlocks a weapon-specific license patch. Additionally, since a game update on March 1, 2016, weapon license vouchers can be obtained as rare "Distinguished" items in gold Battlepacks, with each voucher bypassing the faction lock on one gun.

Universal Weapons: Some weapons are available to all classes regardless of faction. These include the FN57, G17 Race Pistol, Dual vz.61 machine-pistols, the T62 CEW taser, and the Tracking Dart gun. Additionally, weapons unlocked via Syndicate assignments or specific DLC (downloadable content — extra missions or items released after launch)/updates, such as the RO933 carbine and M110 battle rifle from the Blackout DLC, and the Mammoth Gun and Syndicate Gun from secret assignments, can be used by either faction.

Default Unlocks: By default, eleven guns are instantly available:

• Operator class: RO933, CAR556, ACWR (carbines); L85A2 (assault rifle); 92FS (pistol)
• Mechanic class: MP5K (submachine gun); .38 Snub (revolver)
• Enforcer class: 870P Magnum (shotgun); 45T (heavy pistol)
• Professional class: Scout Elite (bolt-action sniper); G18C (machine-pistol)

Note: The CAR556, ACWR, and L85A2 were unlocked for all players in the Robbery update on September 16, 2015. Previously, they were pre-order bonuses, part of the Deluxe or Ultimate Editions, or available via the Deluxe Upgrade from the PSN store. These three guns do not need to be bought with cash (XP) and can be used by either faction.

Other Unlocks: The majority of other guns can be bought with in-game money earned instead of (XP) experience points in multiplayer. This system allows you to use money earned with one class to buy a gun for another, without needing to level up a class first. Most buyable weapons, including those added with DLC or free updates, still need to be purchased. Each of the four character classes also has two class-specific assignments to unlock a special sidearm, and a "Syndicate" assignment to unlock a special primary weapon for that class. For instance, completing Operator Assignments 1 and 2 unlocks the G17 pistol, and the Operator Syndicate unlocks the ARM assault rifle.