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Difference between revisions of "Battlefield 3"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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−
{{cleanup|22:13, 11 February 2012 (UTC)}}
+
{{Infobox game
 +
|cover        = Battlefield 3 cover.png
 +
|developers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|DICE}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Visceral Games|End Game|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://battlefieldhardline.com/visceral-games-developed-battlefield-3-end-game|title=Visceral Games developed Battlefield 3: End Game DLC - Battlefield Hardline|date=2016-5-9}}</ref>}}
 +
|publishers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Electronic Arts}}
 +
|engines      =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Frostbite 2}}
 +
|release dates=
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|October 25, 2011}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|battlefield-3|89}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|battlefield-3|85}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, DLC, Subscription gaming service }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | Boost }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | First-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Action, FPS, Shooter }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Automobile, Flight, Helicopter, Naval/watercraft, Tank, Transport, Truck }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Contemporary }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Battlefield }}
 +
|steam appid  = 1238820
 +
|gogcom id    =
 +
|official site= https://www.ea.com/games/battlefield/battlefield-3
 +
|hltb        = 941
 +
|lutris      = battlefield-3
 +
|strategywiki = Battlefield 3
 +
|mobygames    = 53433
 +
|wikipedia    = Battlefield 3
 +
|winehq      = 13626
 +
|license      = commercial
 +
}}
  
−
== Optimal Settings ==
+
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =  
  
−
Textures: Medium/High-At high settings you won't notice textures popping in. Ultra textures are loaded when you are up close to an object.
+
|release history  = The PC version features 64 player multiplayer, unlike the console versions which support up to a maximum of 24 players only.<ref>https://www.tomshardware.com/news/DICE-Battlefield-3-Patrick-Bach-64-player-FPS,13132.html</ref>
  
−
Shadows: Medium- Even at low settings everything in the game casts a dynamic shadow. Raising the setting makes the shadow look softer.
+
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
−
Effects: Low- As the article states "Being honest, we struggled to find a difference between the lowest and highest settings in the Effects Quality settings;..."
+
'''General information'''
 +
{{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/Battlefield-3/bd-p/battlefield-3 Official forums]
  
−
Mesh: Ultra-Mesh has a big effect on the overall visuals.(The higher setting it is, the range at which you can spot enemies is increased)
+
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | Origin | Executable on disk contains {{Removed DRM|SecuROM}} Release Control<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654489421009609/|title=I really want to pla - Forums - Battlelog / Battlefield 3|date=May 2023}}</ref> | | Windows}}
 +
{{Availability/row| Amazon.co.uk | B00DU0BY6G | Origin | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Microsoft Store | / | Microsoft Store, Origin | Premium Edition. Included exclusively with {{Store feature|Xbox Game Pass}} as part of its version of EA Play. | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Origin | battlefield/battlefield-3 | Origin | Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}. | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 1238820 | Steam, Origin | Premium Edition. Included with {{Store feature|EA Play}}. |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Amazon.com | B005WWZUQ0 | Origin | {{store link|Amazon.com|B0098QPPL6|Premium Edition}} also available. | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1229-1 | Origin | {{store link|Gamesplanet|1229-7|Premium Edition}} also available. | | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GMG | battlefield-3-pc | Origin | | | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Humble | battlefield-3 | Origin | | | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} All versions require {{DRM|Origin}}.
  
−
Terrain: Low- Similar to Effects, not much difference between low and ultra.
+
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    = Additional content.
 +
|expansion pack        =
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
|subscription gaming service = Available via [[EA Play]].
 +
}}
  
−
Anti-Aliasing Deferred: 2x MSAA- Smooths edges, while not as well as 4x, you save yourself some FPS.
+
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Aftermath | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Premier}}. | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Air Vehicle Shortcut |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Armored Kill | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Premier}}. | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Assault Kit Shortcut |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Back to Karkand | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Premier}}. | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Close Quarters | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Premier}}. | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Co-op Weapons Shortcut |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| End Game | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Premier}}. | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Engineer Kit Shortcut |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Ground Vehicle Shortcut |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Kit Shortcut Bundle |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Promotional Items |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Recon Kit Shortcut |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| SPECACT Kit & Dog Tag Bundle |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Support Kit Shortcut |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| The Ultimate Shortcut Bundle |  | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Vehicle Shortcut Bundle |  | Windows }}
 +
}}
  
−
AA Post: Low- Minimal performance difference between Low and Ultra so if you can, go Ultra.
+
==Essential improvements==
 +
{{ii}} TweakGuides has created a [http://www.geforce.com/Optimize/Guides/battlefield-3-tweak-guide#1 comprehensive guide] for fixing issues in this game.
  
−
Motion Blur: This is a matter of personal preference and GPU capability. Some like it off, some like it on. If you like it on and you can afford the drop in FPS associated with it then turn it on. If not I suggest
+
===Performance boost===
−
disabling it.
+
{{++}} This command disables the engine's deferred compute shader lighting path. This may give a large FPS boost in open, outdoor areas, but possibly may reduce performance in heavily lit scenes. '''Most users report only the performance boost, including inside closed areas.'''
 +
{{++}} This command provides '''no graphical change.'''
 +
{{Fixbox|description=WorldRender.DxDeferredCsPathEnable false or DxDeferredCsPathEnable 0|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Open the console ({{key|~}}).
 +
# Input either <code>WorldRender.DxDeferredCsPathEnable false</code> or <code>DxDeferredCsPathEnable 0</code>
  
−
Anisotropic Filter: 16x- Minimum performance hit and it give a significant visual improvement. Ambient Occlusion: HBAO- More modern than SSAO and doesn't require as many resources as it did in BC2.
+
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} You can create a text file called ''user.cfg'' in the installation folder containing this command, so that it's permanently enabled.
 +
}}
  
−
Performance can also be increased by lowering the resolution. It is recommended that you play at your monitors native resolution.
+
===Optimal video settings===
 +
{{ii}} You may use any configuration with-which you are satisfied. The following tips serve to balance graphical fidelity, function and performance.
 +
{{ii}} Setting textures to '''High''' may eliminate texture pop-in, if it is happening to you.
 +
{{ii}} Setting effects to '''Low''' is recommended. Other levels show no particular improvement, it only adds a little bloom around fire sparkles.<ref>[http://www.geforce.com/whats-new/guides/battlefield-3-tweak-guide#6 Battlefield 3 Tweak Guide | GeForce]</ref>
 +
{{++}} Settings mesh to '''Ultra''' is recommended as it allows you to spot enemies at a greater distance.
 +
{{++}} Set anisotropic filtering to the maximum value your PC can handle. Better AF comes as a minimal (or none) performance cost and significantly improves graphical fidelity.
  
−
==System Requirements==
+
===Play the game without Origin===
 +
{{ii}} Warning: no official word from EA, proceed at your own risk.
  
−
Mimimum:
+
{{Fixbox|description=Patch your parameter file|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://blog.nofate.me/?p=35|title=NoFaTe's Awesome Blog » Playing Origin games without Origin|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>|fix=
−
*OS: Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) 32-bit
+
# Look in the installation folder for a file with <code>.par</code> extension
−
*CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHz
+
# Upload it to [http://par.nofate.me/ NoFaTe's Origin Requirement Remover]
−
*Memory: 2 GB RAM
+
# Replace the original file with the one returned from the procedure.
−
*Hard drive space: 20 GB for disc version or 25 GB for online distributed version + 100MB for Origin Platform Installation
+
}}
−
*Video: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT or ATi Radeon HD 3870 with pixel shader 5.0
 
−
*Sound: DirectX compliant Sound card
 
  
−
Recommended:
+
==Game data==
−
*OS: Windows 7 64-bit
+
{{Image|Battlefield 3 General.png|In-game general settings.}}
−
*CPU: Intel or AMD quad-core
 
−
*Memory: 4 GB RAM
 
−
*Hard drive space:  20 GB for disc version or 25 GB for online distributed version + 100MB for Origin Platform Installation
 
−
*Video: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 or AMD Radeon HD 6950
 
−
*Sound: DirectX compliant Sound card
 
  
−
==Run Without Origin(Only release version, does not work online)==
+
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Battlefield 3\settings\}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Microsoft Store|}}
 +
}}
  
−
Because of the negative feedback that Origin has been receiving, there has been a crack made that will install the game to your computer without the need to install Origin for the original release version of Battlefield 3. Use with caution. This can be found here:
+
===Save game data location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Battlefield 3\settings\}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Microsoft Store|}}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} <code>meta.xml</code>, <code>PROF_SAVE_body</code>, <code>PROF_SAVE_header</code> and <code>PROF_SAVE_profile</code> are the save files.
  
−
http://www.gamefront.com/crack-lets-you-play-battlefield-3-without-origin/
+
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 +
{{Save game cloud syncing
 +
|discord                  =
 +
|discord notes            =
 +
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                =
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                   = true
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = false
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                = unknown
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 +
}}
  
−
==32 bit fix==
+
==Video==
 +
{{Image|Battlefield 3 Video.png|In-game video settings.}}
 +
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/battlefield-3
 +
|widescreen wsgf award      = gold
 +
|multimonitor wsgf award    = gold
 +
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = gold
 +
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|widescreen resolution      = true
 +
|widescreen resolution notes=
 +
|multimonitor              = true
 +
|multimonitor notes        =
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = true
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      =
 +
|4k ultra hd                = true
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          = In-game UI elements scales poorly with resolutions larger than 1280 pixels wide, making them too small in very high resolutions.
 +
|fov                        = true
 +
|fov notes                  = Between 60° and 90°; for higher settings use [http://battlefield.realmware.co.uk/settings-editor/downloads BF3 Settings Editor] or [https://www.flawlesswidescreen.org Flawless Widescreen] or [https://github.com/dlrudie/WidescreenFixer/releases Widescreen Fixer]. Can also be edited directly in the <code>PROF_SAVE_profile</code> file in the [[#Configuration_file.28s.29_location|config folder]].
 +
|windowed                  = true
 +
|windowed notes            =
 +
|borderless windowed        = hackable
 +
|borderless windowed notes  = Use <code>-noBorder</code> as a shortcut parameter or use [http://bf3.realmware.co.uk/borderless/downloads BF3 Borderless].
 +
|anisotropic                = true
 +
|anisotropic notes          = Up to 16 samples.
 +
|antialiasing              = true
 +
|antialiasing notes        = Low to High Post AA and 2x or 4x [[MSAA]] options. MSAA can be enhanced with [[SGSSAA|TrSSAA]] on Nvidia systems; requires setting ''Antialiasing - Behavior Flags'' to none with [[Nvidia Profile Inspector]] and value must equal MSAA value (thus 8x is not available).
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = true
 +
|vsync notes                =
 +
|60 fps                    = true
 +
|60 fps notes              =
 +
|120 fps                    = true
 +
|120 fps notes              =
 +
|hdr                        = false
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = true
 +
|color blind notes          =
 +
}}
  
−
A lot of people using 32bit Operating Systems have issues like the game crashing after a couple of minutes of playing. This is sometimes caused by the game using more memory than windows allows it to do.
+
==Input==
−
If you experience those or similar issues you can try the 32bit fix:
+
{{Image|Battlefield 3 Controls.png|In-game control settings.}}
 +
{{Image|Battlefield 3 Remapping.png|In-game key/button map settings.}}
 +
{{Input
 +
|key remap                = true
 +
|key remap notes          = Quick Time Events keys cannot be rebound from the default layout.
 +
|acceleration option      = true
 +
|acceleration option notes =
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = true
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 +
|mouse menu notes          =
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = true
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes =
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = true
 +
|controller support notes  = In-game prompts refer to mouse and keyboard keys. Quick Time Events can only function using a keyboard and mouse.
 +
|full controller          = false
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = true
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|controller sensitivity    = true
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = true
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|xinput controllers        = unknown
 +
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = unknown
 +
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4              = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= hackable
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes = [[Controller:Razer Hydra|Razer Hydra]] works with [http://sixense.com/motioncreator Sixense MotionCreator] bundled profile.<ref>[http://sixense.com/bf3 Razer Hydra Control Profile - Battlefield 3 | Sixense]</ref>
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers        = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =
 +
|other button prompts      = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=
 +
|button prompts            = false
 +
|button prompts notes      =
 +
|controller hotplug        = false
 +
|controller hotplug notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = true
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = true
 +
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =
 +
}}
  
−
for windows XP 32bit
+
==Audio==
−
*Find your Boot.ini located usually on the C:.(If you cannot see it, you probably have system files hidden, then follow these instructions at microsoft (also uncheck "hide protected operating system files")
+
{{Image|Battlefield 3 Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}}
−
*Right click on the boot.ini and choose properties. Uncheck "read only"
+
{{Audio
−
*Open the boot.ini by double clicking it.
+
|separate volume          = true
−
*Under the section called find the line that says "multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Professional...". Yours may look a bit different. We are going to make a duplicate, so that if you make a mistake you will not harm yourself from booting into your computer. Drag you're mouse across the entire line, right click and choose copy. Then right below the line you just copied right click your mouse and choose paste. You should now have two lines one after another that are exact duplicates.
+
|separate volume notes    =
−
*Change the bottom line that you just copied with the following addition on the end. Add a space at the end of the line and then this without the quotes "/3GB /USERVA=2500"
+
|surround sound          = true
−
*In that lower boot entry you just made, find the name of the operating system in quotes and change it to something like "Windows XP 3GB", so you can differentiate at boot up.
+
|surround sound notes    = Up to 5.1
−
*Close and save the boot.ini.
+
|subtitles                = true
−
*Right click on the boot.ini, hit properties, check read only.
+
|subtitles notes          =
 +
|closed captions          = false
 +
|closed captions notes    =
 +
|mute on focus lost      = true
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              =
 +
|eax support notes        =
 +
|royalty free audio        = unknown
 +
|royalty free audio notes  =  
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} [http://www.indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound] copied to the game directory can be used to enhance audio quality and spatialization. Consider also enabling enhanced stereo mode in game options.  
  
−
for Windows 7/Windows Vista
+
{{L10n|content=
−
*In Windows 7/Vista go to Start menu. Go to Accessories. Locate the command prompt shortcut and hover mouse over it. Right Click on the shortcut then select Run as Administrator.
+
{{ii}} Some regions do not include all languages; see [[#Change game language|Change game language]].
−
*In the command prompt type this exactly: bcdedit /set increaseuserva 2500.(or 3000) Then hit enter.
+
{{L10n/switch
−
*Make sure you get a message back confirming the change was made. To verify the entry is there you can type just bcdedit, hit enter, and you should see the entry now listed.
+
|language  = English
−
*Then close the command prompt. You just told Vista to increase user virtual address (userva) space to 2500MB.
+
|interface = true
−
*Changes take effect on reboot but don't reboot yet.   
+
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_en_US.dll</code>, <code>en_US</code>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Traditional Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Czech
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_cs_CZ.dll</code>, <code>cs_CZ</code>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_fr_FR.dll</code>, <code>fr_FR</code>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_de_DE.dll</code>, <code>de_DE</code>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/battlefield-3/2871 link #1], [https://bakeronline.hu/download/battlefield-3-magyaritas/ link #2].
 +
|fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_it_IT.dll</code>, <code>it_IT</code>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_ja_JP.dll</code>, <code>ja_JP</code>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Korean
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_pl_PL.dll</code>, <code>pl_PL</code>
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Brazilian Portuguese
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = hackable
 +
|notes    = [https://www.centraldetraducoes.net.br/2014/03/traducao-do-battlefield-3-premium-edition-pc.html Fan translation.]
 +
|fan      = true
 +
|ref      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = <code>GDFBinary_es_ES.dll</code>, <code>es_ES</code>
 +
  |fan      =
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
−
==External links==
+
===Change game language===
−
[http://symthic.com/?s=bf3 Symthic] is a website which has statistics of all the weapons, vehicles and attachments that are present in game. It allows you to see which setup fits your playing style the best, and allows you to see equipment before you unlock it in game.
+
{{Image|Bf3 1.jpg|{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 3}}
 +
{{Image|Bf3 2.jpg|{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\Origin Games\DGR01609244}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
{{ii}} If you've purchased a foreign version of the game and would like to play it in English, you can either download a complete package:
  
−
[http://store.origin.com/bf3 Battlefield 3 on Origin Store]
+
* Download the complete package [https://mega.nz/#!76AEGSCY!VXdhcMrVqXg_SqODM2AliqqAooUIj8hcYJr1C3LU8Jo here].
−
[[Category:Game]]
+
 
 +
Or follow these steps:
 +
# Download the [http://www.cjs-cdkeys.com/battlefield-3-origin/bf3lang.torrent BF3 Language Pack] and extract the files to <code>{{p|game}}\Data\Win32\Loc\</code>.
 +
# Download the [http://www.cjs-cdkeys.com/battlefield-3-origin/march5.torrent second BF3 Language Pack] for the 5 March 2013 patch and extract the files to <code>{{p|game}}\</code>.
 +
# Download the [https://www.mediafire.com/file/9z0b0hhawhtvxth/BF3_December3_EliteKeys.rar December patch archive] and extract '''only the "en.toc" file''' from <code>Update\Patch\Data\Win32\Loc\</code> in the archive to <code>{{p|game}}\Data\Win32\Loc\</code>
 +
# Update this registry key: <code>{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 3</code>
 +
# Update this registry key: <code>{{p|hklm}}\SOFTWARE\Origin Games\DGR01609244</code>
 +
# Replace the circled keys (to the right on this page) with those provided above.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Network==
 +
{{ii}} Update [[PunkBuster]] using the [http://www.evenbalance.com/pbsetup.php PBSetup] utility to fix most issues.
 +
{{Network/Multiplayer
 +
|local play          =
 +
|local play players  =
 +
|local play modes    =
 +
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = false
 +
|lan play players    =
 +
|lan play modes      =
 +
|lan play notes      =
 +
|online play          = true
 +
|online play players  = 64
 +
|online play modes    =
 +
|online play notes    =
 +
|asynchronous        =
 +
|asynchronous notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        = true
 +
|matchmaking notes  = May not be reliable.
 +
|p2p                = false
 +
|p2p notes          =
 +
|dedicated          = true
 +
|dedicated notes    =
 +
|self-hosting      = false
 +
|self-hosting notes = Servers must be rented from [https://web.archive.org/web/20160427030116/http://www.battlefield.com/battlefield3/1/rent-a-server# approved providers (archive.org)].
 +
|direct ip          = false
 +
|direct ip notes    =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  = 80, 443, 9988, 17502, 20000-20100, 22990, 42127
 +
|udp  = 3659, 14000-14016, 22990-23006, 25200-25300
 +
|upnp = unknown
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==VR support==
 +
{{VR support
 +
|gg3d name                  = Battlefield 3
 +
|native 3d gg3d award        = silver
 +
|nvidia 3d vision gg3d award = gold
 +
|tridef 3d gg3d award        = silver
 +
|iz3d gg3d award            = uncertified
 +
|native 3d                  = true
 +
|native 3d notes            = AMD HD3D
 +
|nvidia 3d vision            = true
 +
|nvidia 3d vision notes      =
 +
|tridef 3d                  = true
 +
|tridef 3d notes            =
 +
|iz3d                        = false
 +
|iz3d notes                  =
 +
|vorpx                      = true
 +
|vorpx modes                = G3D
 +
|vorpx notes                = Officially supported game, see [https://www.vorpx.com/supported-games/ official vorpx game list].
 +
|htc vive                    =
 +
|htc vive notes              =
 +
|oculus rift                =
 +
|oculus rift notes          =
 +
|osvr                        =
 +
|osvr notes                  =
 +
|keyboard-mouse              =
 +
|keyboard-mouse notes        =
 +
|3rd space gaming vest      =
 +
|3rd space gaming vest notes =
 +
|novint falcon              = true
 +
|novint falcon notes        =
 +
|trackir                    =
 +
|trackir notes              =
 +
|tobii eye tracking          =
 +
|tobii eye tracking notes    =
 +
|play area seated            =
 +
|play area seated notes      =
 +
|play area standing          =
 +
|play area standing notes    =
 +
|play area room-scale        =
 +
|play area room-scale notes  =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Issues fixed==
 +
==="Game disconnected: something went wrong" error===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Replay Mission|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# From the main menu, select '''Replay Missions'''.
 +
# Select the mission you would like to continue from.
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} This will overwrite your latest checkpoint.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==="You are not allowed to login to Battlelog" error===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=See [[Store:Origin#Games activation or login fail despite owning them|Games activation or login fail despite owning them]]
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==="Battlefield 3 has stopped working" error===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Find PROF_SAVE_body|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|save game data location]].
 +
# Find a file called <code>PROF_SAVE_body</code>. If its size is 0KB, it is corrupted.
 +
# Overwrite the file through re-installation or get a replacement from a verified source (friend, reputable website).
 +
# If prompted by Origin, opt to use your local data instead of the version stored on the cloud.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Game crashes when trying to open video settings===
 +
<!-- I'm not 100% sure on the theory. Is the problem actually just wanting only 60Hz? Is the problem decimals (I had 59.996 originally) -->
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Avoid non-standard refresh rates|fix=
 +
# Download [https://www.monitortests.com/forum/Thread-Custom-Resolution-Utility-CRU Custom Resolution Utility] and run it.
 +
# Open for edit the detailed resolution(s).
 +
# Set a 60.000 Hz frequency to them.
 +
# Save and restart your GPU drivers or PC.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Game crashes with a sound loop using an ASUS Xonar sound-card===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Disable GX Mode|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Open the '''Xonar Audio Center'''.
 +
# Disable '''GX Mode'''.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Crashes on 32-bit Windows===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Increase [[Microsoft Windows#4-Gigabyte Tuning|user-mode virtual address space]] to 2500MB|ref=<ref>[http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654489420350764/ ***CRASH PROBLEM - Battlelog / Battlefield 3 Forums]</ref>}}
 +
 
 +
===Nvidia GeForce GTX 500-series freezing or displaying bad graphics===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Turn off various options, etc|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Turn off '''Antialiasing Deferred''', '''Vertical Sync''' and '''Motion Blur''' in the options menu.
 +
# Close overclocking and/or monitoring software such as '''RivaTuner'''.
 +
# In the [[Nvidia Control Panel]], set '''Power management mode''' to '''Prefer maximum performance'''.
 +
# Uninstall TeamViewer and any associated drivers and services.
 +
# Uninstall or disable [http://www.ffsplit.com/ FFSplit].
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Black screen (AMD/ATI)===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Edit PROF_SAVE_profile|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|save game data location]].
 +
# Edit the file <code>PROF_SAVE_profile</code> using Notepad.
 +
# Modify the entry <code>GstRender.FullscreenEnabled</code> to <code>0</code>
 +
# Modify the entry <code>GstRender.FullscreenScreen</code> to <code>1</code>
 +
# Save the file, then change its properties to '''Read only'''.
 +
# Launch the game. Go to the '''Video''' menu in the options menu.
 +
# Change the undefined monitor number to <code>1</code>
 +
# Modify the screen resolution option to a resolution lower than your normal/native resolution.
 +
# Modify '''Fullscreen''' to '''ON'''. Apply the changes.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Origin error - "Could not activate"===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Delete License files|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654490052908367/|title=I need help now code - Forums - Battlelog / Battlefield 3|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Close Origin (right click tray symbol > Exit)
 +
# Go to <code>{{p|programdata}}\Electronic Arts\EA Services\License</code>
 +
# Delete any files named <code>71067.dlf</code>, <code>70619</code> or <code>70169.dlf</code>
 +
# Go to <code>{{p|programdata}}\Origin\DownloadCache</code>
 +
# Delete all of the files in this folder
 +
# Restart your computer and launch Origin
 +
# Log into your Origin account and launch Battlefield 3 to force a license update
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Weak performance on Intel Core i3/i5/i7 CPUs (especially Laptops)===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Deactivate Intel TurboBoost using this trick|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Open Control Panel-> Power Options → Change Plan Settings (on current plan) → Change advanced power settings
 +
# On Processor power management change the maximum CPU usage to 99% instead of 100%. This will disable TurboBoost, which is the reason for weird performance issues in connection with Battlefield 3.
 +
# ATTENTION: You might also have to turn down minimum CPU usage if it is set to 100% (eg Max performance mode often has this). Also your performance will get steadier with both minimum and maximum settings set to 99%, but at the cost of battery life.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===PunkBuster kicked player 'xxx' (for 0 minutes) ... No Packet Flow===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Update PunkBuster manually|ref={{cn|date=March 2020}}|fix=
 +
# Close Battlefield 3, and ensure <code>PnkBstrA.exe</code> and <code>PnkBstrB.exe</code> aren't running in Task Manager.
 +
# Download and run the [https://evenbalance.com/pbsetup.php PunkBuster Setup utility] (PBsetup.exe)
 +
# Once you see the main PBSetup window, click "Add a Game" and select and add Battlefield 3. It's install path should be automatically determined through the Windows registry.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Dual WAN router - use one WAN for both BF3 and PunkBuster|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 +
# Find the user manual for your router
 +
# Route all connections to/from your PC through one WAN connection
 +
# You may need to restart your router/ your PC
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Cannot go FullScreen===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Identify the cause below|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://battlelog.battlefield.com/bf3/forum/threadview/2832654624725121393/|title=can't fullscreen / Battlefield 3|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
This bug has three or more possible causes:
 +
 
 +
'''TeamViewer'''
 +
 
 +
If you have '''TeamViewer''' installed:
 +
# Uninstall '''TeamViewer''', or
 +
# Disable its virtual graphics adapter when playing BF3, following step 4 below:
 +
Virtual graphics adapters are commonly used for remote viewing apps, so check with your app provider or check the Device Manager in Windows:
 +
# Click '''Start''' and search for '''Device Manager''', or
 +
# type '''Windows-key''' + '''R''' and then type <code>devmgmt.msc</code> and hit '''Enter'''
 +
# Look under '''Display adapters''' to verify that you have a virtual adapter installed
 +
# To disable the adapter, right click on it, and select '''Disable device'''
 +
 
 +
'''Hybrid Graphics'''
 +
 
 +
If you have a laptop with hybrid graphics (integrated graphics + discrete graphics) that are programmed to switch on and off depending on when a game is running, do these steps:
 +
# Right click on desktop and run '''Graphics Properties'''
 +
# Click on the '''Power''' tab
 +
# Click on '''Switchable Graphics Method'''
 +
# Click on '''Select the graphics processor manually based on power source'''
 +
 
 +
'''nVidia Scaling'''
 +
 
 +
If you have an nVidia GPU and none of the other criteria are met, follow these instructions:
 +
# Right click on Desktop and click '''NVIDIA Control Panel'''
 +
# Click on '''Adjust Desktop Size and Position''' under the '''Display''' section
 +
# Click on the '''Scaling''' tab
 +
# Set the scaling mode to '''Full-screen'''
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Mouse not working in game, even if it works in the menus===
 +
{{Fixbox|
 +
description=Disable the Origin in-game overlay|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://answers.ea.com/t5/Battlefield-3/Battlefield-3-mouse-not-working-ingame/td-p/7856524/|title=Battlefield 3 mouse not working ingame / Battlefield 3|date=May 2023}}</ref>|
 +
fix=
 +
# Open '''Origin'''
 +
# Go to '''Application Settings'''
 +
# Disable '''Origin In-Game'''
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      = 11
 +
|direct3d notes        = Can be run on DX10 hardware with limited features. For Windows Vista - the DX11 update (KB971512) must be installed
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              =
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  = 5
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app =
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app =
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            =
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        = Qt
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        =
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = Origin
 +
|multiplayer notes= Blaze backend<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://blog.nofate.me/?p=28|title=Blaze powered games « NoFaTe's Awesome Blog|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 +
|anticheat        = PunkBuster
 +
|anticheat notes  = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/games.php|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refsnip|url=https://www.evenbalance.com/|title=Even Balance, Inc. - PunkBuster Online Countermeasures|date=2018-09-04|snippet=Tue Aug 23 2011 12:00<br>Ubisoft has contracted with Even Balance, Inc. to integrate our PunkBuster™ Anti-Cheat software into the online game known as Ghost Recon Online.}}</ref>
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} Uses the [https://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/middleware/enlighten/en/ Enlighten] middleware for Global Illumination.
 +
 
 +
=== Playing on Venice Unleashed ===
 +
{{ii}} Venice Unleashed is an alternate launcher for Battlefield 3. It is separate from Battlelog and can be used alongside it.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Installing Venice Unleashed|fix=
 +
# Sign up for a [https://veniceunleashed.net/signup Venice Unleashed] account and download the client.
 +
# Log in with your Venice Unleashed Account.}}
 +
 
 +
===Console commands===
 +
{{ii}} Launch console with {{key|~}}.
 +
{{ii}} You can have these commands run automatically, whenever you start the game, by entering them in <code>user.cfg</code> in the Battlefield 3 installation folder (the file won't exist by default, you can create it through Notepad and save as a .cfg file).
 +
 
 +
{{Standard table|Command|Description|content=
 +
{{Standard table/row| Render.DrawFps 1 | Show FPS counter}}
 +
{{Standard table/row| Render.PerfOverlayVisible 1 | Show performance graph}}
 +
{{Standard table/row| GameTime.MaxVariableFPS # | Limit frame rate (where <code>#</code> is a positive number)}}
 +
{{Standard table/row| RenderDevice.TripleBufferingEnable 1 | Enable Triple-Buffering (only recommended if Vsync is on)}}
 +
{{Standard table/row| RenderDevice.ForceRenderAheadLimit 1 | Force rendering only 1 frame ahead (may remove stutter, default value is 3)}}
 +
{{Standard table/row| Screenshot.Render | Take a screenshot (into <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Battlefield 3\Screenshots\</code>)}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==System requirements==
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Windows
 +
 
 +
|minOS    = Vista SP2 32-bit with KB971512 update
 +
|minCPU  = Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz
 +
|minCPU2  = AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHz
 +
|minRAM  = 2 GB
 +
|minHD    = 20 GB
 +
|minGPU  = ATI Radeon HD 3870
 +
|minGPU2  = Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
 +
|minDX    = 10.1
 +
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
 +
|minaudio = DirectX compatible
 +
 
 +
|recOS    = 7 64-bit
 +
|recCPU  = Quad-core
 +
|recRAM  = 4 GB
 +
|recHD    =
 +
|recGPU  = AMD Radeon HD 6950
 +
|recGPU2  = Nvidia GeForce GTX 560
 +
|recDX    = 11
 +
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 +
|recaudio =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 14:41, 7 April 2024

Battlefield 3
Battlefield 3 cover
Developers
DICE
End Game Visceral Games[1]
Publishers
Electronic Arts
Engines
Frostbite 2
Release dates
Windows October 25, 2011
Reception
Metacritic 89
IGDB 85
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, DLC, Subscription gaming service
Microtransactions Boost
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives First-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, FPS, Shooter
Vehicles Automobile, Flight, Helicopter, Naval/watercraft, Tank, Transport, Truck
Art styles Realistic
Themes Contemporary
Series Battlefield
Icon overlay.png
Battlefield 3 on HowLongToBeat
Battlefield 3 on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
Battlefield 3 guide on StrategyWiki
Battlefield 3 on MobyGames
Battlefield 3 on Wikipedia
Icon overlay.png
Icon overlay.png
⤏ Go to series page
Battlefield 1942 2002
Battlefield Vietnam 2004
Battlefield 2 2005
Battlefield 2142 2006
Battlefield Heroes 2009
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 2010
Battlefield Online 2010
Battlefield Play4Free 2011
Battlefield 3 2011
Battlefield 4 2013
Battlefield Hardline 2015
Battlefield 1 2016
Battlefield V 2018
Battlefield 2042 2021

Battlefield 3 is a singleplayer and multiplayer first-person action, FPS and shooter game in the Battlefield series.

The PC version features 64 player multiplayer, unlike the console versions which support up to a maximum of 24 players only.[2]

General information

Official forums

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Origin
 Executable on disk contains SecuROM DRM Release Control[3]
Windows
Amazon.co.uk
Origin
Windows
Microsoft Store
Microsoft Store
Origin
 Premium Edition. Included exclusively with Xbox Game Pass for PC as part of its version of EA Play.
Windows
Origin
Origin
 Included with EA Play.
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Origin
 Premium Edition. Included with EA Play (Steam).
Windows
Amazon.com
Origin
 Premium Edition also available.
Windows
Gamesplanet logo.svg (unavailable)
Origin
 Premium Edition also available.
Windows
Green Man Gaming (unavailable)
Origin
Windows
Humble Store (unavailable)
Origin
Windows
All versions require Origin DRM.

Monetization

Type Notes
DLC Additional content.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
Subscription gaming service Available via EA Play.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Aftermath Included with EA Play Pro.
Windows
Air Vehicle Shortcut
Windows
Armored Kill Included with EA Play Pro.
Windows
Assault Kit Shortcut
Windows
Back to Karkand Included with EA Play Pro.
Windows
Close Quarters Included with EA Play Pro.
Windows
Co-op Weapons Shortcut
Windows
End Game Included with EA Play Pro.
Windows
Engineer Kit Shortcut
Windows
Ground Vehicle Shortcut
Windows
Kit Shortcut Bundle
Windows
Promotional Items
Windows
Recon Kit Shortcut
Windows
SPECACT Kit & Dog Tag Bundle
Windows
Support Kit Shortcut
Windows
The Ultimate Shortcut Bundle
Windows
Vehicle Shortcut Bundle
Windows

Essential improvements

TweakGuides has created a comprehensive guide for fixing issues in this game.

Performance boost

This command disables the engine's deferred compute shader lighting path. This may give a large FPS boost in open, outdoor areas, but possibly may reduce performance in heavily lit scenes. Most users report only the performance boost, including inside closed areas.
This command provides no graphical change.
WorldRender.DxDeferredCsPathEnable false or DxDeferredCsPathEnable 0[citation needed]
  1. Open the console (~).
  2. Input either WorldRender.DxDeferredCsPathEnable false or DxDeferredCsPathEnable 0

Notes

You can create a text file called user.cfg in the installation folder containing this command, so that it's permanently enabled.

Optimal video settings

You may use any configuration with-which you are satisfied. The following tips serve to balance graphical fidelity, function and performance.
Setting textures to High may eliminate texture pop-in, if it is happening to you.
Setting effects to Low is recommended. Other levels show no particular improvement, it only adds a little bloom around fire sparkles.[4]
Settings mesh to Ultra is recommended as it allows you to spot enemies at a greater distance.
Set anisotropic filtering to the maximum value your PC can handle. Better AF comes as a minimal (or none) performance cost and significantly improves graphical fidelity.

Play the game without Origin

Warning: no official word from EA, proceed at your own risk.
Patch your parameter file[5]
  1. Look in the installation folder for a file with .par extension
  2. Upload it to NoFaTe's Origin Requirement Remover
  3. Replace the original file with the one returned from the procedure.

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Battlefield 3\settings\
Microsoft Store
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/1238820/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Battlefield 3\settings\
Microsoft Store
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/1238820/pfx/[Note 1]
meta.xml, PROF_SAVE_body, PROF_SAVE_header and PROF_SAVE_profile are the save files.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Origin
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud
Xbox Cloud

Video

In-game video settings.
In-game video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
Multi-monitor
 
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
 In-game UI elements scales poorly with resolutions larger than 1280 pixels wide, making them too small in very high resolutions.
Field of view (FOV)
Between 60° and 90°; for higher settings use BF3 Settings Editor or Flawless Widescreen or Widescreen Fixer. Can also be edited directly in the PROF_SAVE_profile file in the config folder.
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Use -noBorder as a shortcut parameter or use BF3 Borderless.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Up to 16 samples.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Low to High Post AA and 2x or 4x MSAA options. MSAA can be enhanced with TrSSAA on Nvidia systems; requires setting Antialiasing - Behavior Flags to none with Nvidia Profile Inspector and value must equal MSAA value (thus 8x is not available).
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.
Color blind mode

Input

In-game control settings.
In-game control settings.
In-game key/button map settings.
In-game key/button map settings.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Quick Time Events keys cannot be rebound from the default layout.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
In-game prompts refer to mouse and keyboard keys. Quick Time Events can only function using a keyboard and mouse.
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Tracked motion controllers
Razer Hydra works with Sixense MotionCreator bundled profile.[6]
Button/gesture prompts
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Button prompts
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

In-game audio settings.
In-game audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Up to 5.1
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio
IndirectSound copied to the game directory can be used to enhance audio quality and spatialization. Consider also enabling enhanced stereo mode in game options.

Localizations

Some regions do not include all languages; see Change game language.
Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
GDFBinary_en_US.dll, en_US
Traditional Chinese
Czech
GDFBinary_cs_CZ.dll, cs_CZ
French
GDFBinary_fr_FR.dll, fr_FR
German
GDFBinary_de_DE.dll, de_DE
Hungarian
Fan translation, link #1, link #2.
Italian
GDFBinary_it_IT.dll, it_IT
Japanese
GDFBinary_ja_JP.dll, ja_JP
Korean
Polish
GDFBinary_pl_PL.dll, pl_PL
Brazilian Portuguese
Fan translation.
Russian
Spanish
GDFBinary_es_ES.dll, es_ES

Change game language

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 3
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 3
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Origin Games\DGR01609244
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Origin Games\DGR01609244
Instructions[citation needed]
If you've purchased a foreign version of the game and would like to play it in English, you can either download a complete package:
  • Download the complete package here.

Or follow these steps:

  1. Download the BF3 Language Pack and extract the files to <path-to-game>\Data\Win32\Loc\.
  2. Download the second BF3 Language Pack for the 5 March 2013 patch and extract the files to <path-to-game>\.
  3. Download the December patch archive and extract only the "en.toc" file from Update\Patch\Data\Win32\Loc\ in the archive to <path-to-game>\Data\Win32\Loc\
  4. Update this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 3
  5. Update this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Origin Games\DGR01609244
  6. Replace the circled keys (to the right on this page) with those provided above.

Network

Update PunkBuster using the PBSetup utility to fix most issues.

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
Online play
64

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
May not be reliable.
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Servers must be rented from approved providers (archive.org).
Direct IP

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 80, 443, 9988, 17502, 20000-20100, 22990, 42127
UDP 3659, 14000-14016, 22990-23006, 25200-25300
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

VR support

3D modes State GG3D Notes
Native 3D
AMD HD3D
Nvidia 3D Vision
TriDef 3D
iZ3D
vorpX
G3D
Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list.
Devices
Novint Falcon

Issues fixed

"Game disconnected: something went wrong" error

Replay Mission[citation needed]
  1. From the main menu, select Replay Missions.
  2. Select the mission you would like to continue from.

Notes

This will overwrite your latest checkpoint.

"You are not allowed to login to Battlelog" error

See Games activation or login fail despite owning them

"Battlefield 3 has stopped working" error

Find PROF_SAVE_body[citation needed]
  1. Go to the save game data location.
  2. Find a file called PROF_SAVE_body. If its size is 0KB, it is corrupted.
  3. Overwrite the file through re-installation or get a replacement from a verified source (friend, reputable website).
  4. If prompted by Origin, opt to use your local data instead of the version stored on the cloud.

Game crashes when trying to open video settings

Avoid non-standard refresh rates
  1. Download Custom Resolution Utility and run it.
  2. Open for edit the detailed resolution(s).
  3. Set a 60.000 Hz frequency to them.
  4. Save and restart your GPU drivers or PC.

Game crashes with a sound loop using an ASUS Xonar sound-card

Disable GX Mode[citation needed]
  1. Open the Xonar Audio Center.
  2. Disable GX Mode.

Crashes on 32-bit Windows

Increase user-mode virtual address space to 2500MB[7]

Nvidia GeForce GTX 500-series freezing or displaying bad graphics

Turn off various options, etc[citation needed]
  1. Turn off Antialiasing Deferred, Vertical Sync and Motion Blur in the options menu.
  2. Close overclocking and/or monitoring software such as RivaTuner.
  3. In the Nvidia Control Panel, set Power management mode to Prefer maximum performance.
  4. Uninstall TeamViewer and any associated drivers and services.
  5. Uninstall or disable FFSplit.

Black screen (AMD/ATI)

Edit PROF_SAVE_profile[citation needed]
  1. Go to the save game data location.
  2. Edit the file PROF_SAVE_profile using Notepad.
  3. Modify the entry GstRender.FullscreenEnabled to 0
  4. Modify the entry GstRender.FullscreenScreen to 1
  5. Save the file, then change its properties to Read only.
  6. Launch the game. Go to the Video menu in the options menu.
  7. Change the undefined monitor number to 1
  8. Modify the screen resolution option to a resolution lower than your normal/native resolution.
  9. Modify Fullscreen to ON. Apply the changes.

Origin error - "Could not activate"

Delete License files[8]
  1. Close Origin (right click tray symbol > Exit)
  2. Go to %PROGRAMDATA%\Electronic Arts\EA Services\License
  3. Delete any files named 71067.dlf, 70619 or 70169.dlf
  4. Go to %PROGRAMDATA%\Origin\DownloadCache
  5. Delete all of the files in this folder
  6. Restart your computer and launch Origin
  7. Log into your Origin account and launch Battlefield 3 to force a license update

Weak performance on Intel Core i3/i5/i7 CPUs (especially Laptops)

Deactivate Intel TurboBoost using this trick[citation needed]
  1. Open Control Panel-> Power Options → Change Plan Settings (on current plan) → Change advanced power settings
  2. On Processor power management change the maximum CPU usage to 99% instead of 100%. This will disable TurboBoost, which is the reason for weird performance issues in connection with Battlefield 3.
  3. ATTENTION: You might also have to turn down minimum CPU usage if it is set to 100% (eg Max performance mode often has this). Also your performance will get steadier with both minimum and maximum settings set to 99%, but at the cost of battery life.

PunkBuster kicked player 'xxx' (for 0 minutes) ... No Packet Flow

Update PunkBuster manually[citation needed]
  1. Close Battlefield 3, and ensure PnkBstrA.exe and PnkBstrB.exe aren't running in Task Manager.
  2. Download and run the PunkBuster Setup utility (PBsetup.exe)
  3. Once you see the main PBSetup window, click "Add a Game" and select and add Battlefield 3. It's install path should be automatically determined through the Windows registry.
Dual WAN router - use one WAN for both BF3 and PunkBuster[citation needed]
  1. Find the user manual for your router
  2. Route all connections to/from your PC through one WAN connection
  3. You may need to restart your router/ your PC

Cannot go FullScreen

Identify the cause below[9]

This bug has three or more possible causes:

TeamViewer

If you have TeamViewer installed:

  1. Uninstall TeamViewer, or
  2. Disable its virtual graphics adapter when playing BF3, following step 4 below:

Virtual graphics adapters are commonly used for remote viewing apps, so check with your app provider or check the Device Manager in Windows:

  1. Click Start and search for Device Manager, or
  2. type Windows-key + R and then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter
  3. Look under Display adapters to verify that you have a virtual adapter installed
  4. To disable the adapter, right click on it, and select Disable device

Hybrid Graphics

If you have a laptop with hybrid graphics (integrated graphics + discrete graphics) that are programmed to switch on and off depending on when a game is running, do these steps:

  1. Right click on desktop and run Graphics Properties
  2. Click on the Power tab
  3. Click on Switchable Graphics Method
  4. Click on Select the graphics processor manually based on power source

nVidia Scaling

If you have an nVidia GPU and none of the other criteria are met, follow these instructions:

  1. Right click on Desktop and click NVIDIA Control Panel
  2. Click on Adjust Desktop Size and Position under the Display section
  3. Click on the Scaling tab
  4. Set the scaling mode to Full-screen

Mouse not working in game, even if it works in the menus

Disable the Origin in-game overlay[10]
  1. Open Origin
  2. Go to Application Settings
  3. Disable Origin In-Game

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 11 Can be run on DX10 hardware with limited features. For Windows Vista - the DX11 update (KB971512) must be installed
Shader Model support 5
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Interface Qt
Multiplayer Origin Blaze backend[11]
Anti-cheat PunkBuster [12][13]
Uses the Enlighten middleware for Global Illumination.

Playing on Venice Unleashed

Venice Unleashed is an alternate launcher for Battlefield 3. It is separate from Battlelog and can be used alongside it.
Installing Venice Unleashed
  1. Sign up for a Venice Unleashed account and download the client.
  2. Log in with your Venice Unleashed Account.

Console commands

Launch console with ~.
You can have these commands run automatically, whenever you start the game, by entering them in user.cfg in the Battlefield 3 installation folder (the file won't exist by default, you can create it through Notepad and save as a .cfg file).
Command Description
Render.DrawFps 1 Show FPS counter
Render.PerfOverlayVisible 1 Show performance graph
GameTime.MaxVariableFPS # Limit frame rate (where # is a positive number)
RenderDevice.TripleBufferingEnable 1 Enable Triple-Buffering (only recommended if Vsync is on)
RenderDevice.ForceRenderAheadLimit 1 Force rendering only 1 frame ahead (may remove stutter, default value is 3)
Screenshot.Render Take a screenshot (into %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Battlefield 3\Screenshots\)

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Vista SP2 32-bit with KB971512 update 7 64-bit
Processor (CPU) Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz
AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHz		 Quad-core
System memory (RAM) 2 GB 4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 20 GB
Video card (GPU) ATI Radeon HD 3870
Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
512 MB of VRAM
DirectX 10.1 compatible 		AMD Radeon HD 6950
Nvidia GeForce GTX 560
1 GB of VRAM
DirectX 11 compatible
Sound (audio device) DirectX compatible

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References