If you want to be a true asset to your team in Battlefield 1, learning how to use binoculars is essential. This simple tool can change the course of a match, turning chaos into coordinated victory. Many players overlook them, but mastering their use will make you a powerful force on any battlefield.
Binoculars, officially called the “Periscope” in-game, are a gadget available primarily to the Scout class. They do a lot more than just let you see far away. Their primary function is to spot enemies, marking them with a red icon visible to your entire team. This shared intelligence is invaluable for planning attacks, defending objectives, and supporting your squad.
How To Use Binoculars In Battlefield 1
Let’s break down the exact steps to equip and use this powerful tool effectively.
Equipping and Basic Spotting
First, you need to have the Periscope gadget equipped in your loadout. You can access this from the “Customize Soldier” menu before spawning or during gameplay. Once in the game, switch to the Periscope just like you would any other gadget.
- Press the corresponding button/key to switch to your gadget slot containing the Periscope.
- Hold the right mouse button (or left trigger on console) to look through the lenses.
- Simply aim the center reticle at an enemy soldier, vehicle, or even an elite kit pickup.
- The game will automatically mark the target with a red icon and a class name (like “Assault” or “Tank”).
Spotted targets remain visible through walls and terrain for a short time, giving your team a huge tactical advantage. You can spot targets from incredible distances, as long as you have a clear line of sight.
The Flare Gun Combo
For the Scout, the Periscope works incredibly well with the Flare Gun. Here’s the strategy:
- Use your Periscope to spot a group of enemies hiding in a building or behind cover.
- Switch to your Flare Gun and shoot it near their position.
- The flare will reveal live minimap pings of all enemies in its radius.
- Your team can now see both the live minimap pings and the red 3D spots from your Periscope, making enemy positions crystal clear.
This combination is devastating for clearing objectives and halting enemy pushes before they even begin.
Advanced Tactics: Range Finding and Zeroing
The Periscope has a brilliant secondary feature: it’s a precision rangefinder. This is a game-changer for long-range sniping.
- Look through the Periscope at a distant target.
- Notice the number (in meters) that appears at the bottom of the view. This is the exact distance.
- Switch to your sniper rifle. On many rifles, you can adjust the zeroing distance (usually with the ‘V’ key by default or the D-pad on console).
- Set your rifle’s zeroing to match the distance you just measured.
- Now, when you aim at the spotted target, your bullet will land exactly where your crosshair is placed, without needing to aim high to compensate for bullet drop.
This makes hitting those extreme long-range shots much more consistent. It’s a technique that seperates good Scouts from great ones.
Supporting Vehicles and Assaults
Your role isn’t just for other infantry. Spotting for vehicles is one of the most impactful things you can do.
- For Friendly Tanks: Spot enemy assault players trying to sneak up with dynamite or AT rockets. Also, mark enemy tanks so your armor knows the threat location.
- For Attack Planes: Pilots have a limited view. Spotted enemies show up clearly for them, making strafing runs and bombing attacks far more effective.
- During an Advance: Sit slightly behind the front line and constantly spot for your pushing teammates. They’ll know exactly where the enemy is peeking from.
Defensive and Counter-Sniping Use
On defense, the Periscope is your best friend. You can safely spot from behind hard cover.
- Find a good position overlooking a chokepoint or objective.
- Use the Periscope while remaining completely concealed. Enemy snipers cannot see your lens glint from the Periscope!
- Mark every enemy that appears. This gives your defenders the upper hand in every gunfight.
- If you see an enemy sniper’s glint, spot them immediately. Your team’s snipers can then engage them with the exact distance provided by your spot.
This makes you the ultimate counter-sniper, without even firing a shot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a great tool, errors can reduce your effectiveness.
- Not Using It Enough: Make spotting a constant habit. Scan horizons and objectives regularly.
- Exposing Yourself: Remember, you don’t need to be in the open. Spot from windows, behind rubble, or on a hillside.
- Forgetting the Range Finder: If you’re sniping, always range your target first. It’s a step you shouldn’t skip.
- Ignoring Vehicles: A spotted tank is a dead tank. Always mark vehicles as your top priority.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll maintain a high level of usefullness throughout the match.
Best Game Modes for Binoculars
While the Periscope is good in any mode, it shines brightest in a few specific scenarios:
- Operations: The large, linear battles are perfect for spotting large enemy pushes and supporting your team’s advance or defense across big sectors.
- Conquest: Great for holding down a key objective and monitoring approach routes. You can help your team control the map from a central location.
- Frontlines: The back-and-forth nature of the mode means knowing where the enemy is clustered is critical for breaking through their lines.
FAQ Section
What button do I press to use binoculars in Battlefield 1?
You first need to equip the “Periscope” gadget in your Scout loadout. In-game, you switch to it like any other gadget (usually the 3 or 4 key on PC, or the right/left D-pad on console). To look through them, hold the Aim Down Sights button (right mouse button/LT).
Do binoculars have a scope glint in BF1?
No, this is a major advantage. The Periscope does not produce a scope glint, unlike sniper rifles. This allows you to spot safely without giving away your position to enemy snipers.
Can you spot with binoculars in Battlefield 1?
Yes, that is their main function! When you look at an enemy through the Periscope, it will automatically mark them for your entire team. This spotting is crucial for team awareness and winning fights.
How does the binocular rangefinder work?
The distance to whatever you’re aiming at is displayed at the bottom of the Periscope view. You can then adjust your sniper rifle’s zeroing to that exact range, allowing for accurate shots without guessing the bullet drop. It takes the guesswork out of long-range shooting.
Mastering the binoculars, or Periscope, in Battlefield 1 fundamentally changes how you contribute. You become a source of vital intel, a force multiplier for your team, and a strategic player who controls the flow of battle. It’s not just about your kill count; it’s about enabling your team to secure the victory. Next time you play Scout, give the Periscope a serious try—your team will thank you for it, even if they don’t say so directly. The impact you have will be obvious on the scoreboard and in the match result.