Anti-Drone Technology
With the recent infantry updates and growing interest in drones, I’m starting a discussion focused on drone counterplay and how it could be implemented in-game.
The goal here is to explore equipment and mechanics that create both play and counterplay, rather than making drones either overpowered or useless.
There are three main approaches to anti-drone systems:
1. SOFT KILL (Electronic Warfare)
Doesn’t destroy the drone, but disrupts or disables it.
Examples:
- Anti-drone jammers / EW rifles (“anti-drone guns”)
- Signal disruption devices (area-based jamming fields)
- GPS spoofing or interference
Possible in-game effects:
- Loss of control (drone drifts or lands)
- Delayed input or reduced responsiveness
- Camera/static interference or temporary blackout
Gameplay role:
Great for area denial and support roles stops drones without outright removing them. Can be avoided but also overcome AKA fiber optic drones or special radio control
2. HARD KILL (Direct Destruction)
Physically destroys the drone using weapons or specialized systems.
Examples:
- Small arms with anti-drone ammo types
- Shotguns (close-range counter)
- Dedicated anti-drone launchers
- Directed energy / laser systems (higher-tier concept)
Possible in-game effects:
- Immediate destruction on hit
- Lock-on or assist mechanics for balance (optional)
Gameplay role:
Fast, direct solution but requires accuracy, positioning, or resource investment. Sometimes up to the skill of the user or requiring a specialized member like a field engineer.
3. PASSIVE DEFENSE (Protection & Denial)
Doesn’t target the drone directly, but reduces its effectiveness.
Examples:
- “Cope cages” / overhead protection on vehicles or positions
- Deployable nets or mesh structures
- Camouflage or concealment systems
- Buildable cover that blocks top-down attacks
Possible in-game effects:
- Reduced damage from drone strikes
- Drones unable to lock or deploy payloads in certain zones
- Physical obstruction of drone paths
Gameplay role:
Defensive and strategic rewards preparation and positioning. There is a cost and a good drone pilot can avoid them.
So with the understanding of what drones are and how annoying they are lets find equipment that can be added in game to solve this issue.
Have fun and leave your idea!