16/11/2021 Dozer’s shield has been re-enabled in-game after DICE disabled it. The article has been updated to reflect this.
Battlefield 2042‘s early access has now begun, but before it was even accessible to some players in certain time zones, DICE had to disable one of the main abilities for a Specialist. Dozer is one of the Assault specialists and his main ability is the SOB-8 Ballistic Shield – essentially a massive riot shield that protects him and his teammates. The only problem is that before DICE disabled the shield and fixed the issues with it, it was able to make those using Dozer almost impossible to kill.
Clips have been circulated online of players shooting at Dozer with a full mag from an LMG and not being able to land a hit, and there have also been reports that the shield could deflect tank shells and grenades as well.
Following these reports, DICE had temporarily disabled Dozer’s shield in all three modes: All-Out Warfare, Hazard Zone, and Battlefield Portal. However, now his shield has been re-enabled as DICE have fixed the issues with it.
While Dozer’s shield was sent back to the lab, you could still play as the specialist – however, with no kit at his disposal, he became the least valuable Specialist in the game. Now he should be able to hold his own once again.
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— ᴸⁱˡᴷᵃᵐᵇᵃʸ (@Kambay_) November 11, 2021
With Battlefield 2042’s specialists possessing abilities that allow you to see through walls, use EMP blasts to stun enemies, and automatically spot targets, this likely won’t be the last time we see DICE disable or nerf one of their abilities.