DICE has instituted a change to the way RPGs work in Battlefield 4. In previous games in the series, players could lock onto their targets using a rocket propelled grenade launcher. This will be gone in the upcoming game, confirmed one of the game's developers, Darklord7854. Here's what he wrote in a chat, according to Reddit:
<AdrIneX> Just one more question DarkLord
<James_D_Sidious> can you tell the gameplay designers to remove the lock-ons at least for the RPG
<AdrIneX> lock-on for the RPG7 is a bit weird because there's no visor or indicator to look through
<AdrIneX> so the soldier can't know or hear when it locks on
<DarkLord7854> you can't disable lock-ons
<DarkLord7854> adrinex: we removed lockon for rpg
<DarkLord7854> though you're not supposed to know that yet
<DarkLord7854> so.. shhhhh
Just to clarify, there will be six different types of rocket launchers in Battlefield 4, two of which are RPG launchers—the RPG-7 and the SMAW. These two weapons will be dumb-fired and will be unable to lock onto targets. Here's how each of them works, as compiled by J0hn-Stuart-Mill on Reddit.
1.) Non Lock-on: RPG and SMAW: Dumb fired RPGs just like in BF3 (and every other Battlefield game ever)
2.) Wire Guided that can Lock on: SRAW (AT-4): Fires instantly like an RPG, but it's a wire guided rocket the shooter can keep steering into the target. It IS capable of locking onto designated targets.
3.) Lock on weapon: Stinger and Igla – Locking rockets vs air vehicles only.
4.) Lock on weapon: Javelin – Same as in BF3, but now the user must maintain the lock on the target until it is hit.
5.) Lock on weapon: MBT LAW – Like a Javelin from BF3, but fires much quicker doesn't need the shooter to maintain the lock, therefore it does less damage.
6.) Lock on weapon: Starstreak – Locks on to air and ground vehicles, with very limited ammo as it's a battle pickup.
