The Core Issue:
At a maximum of 12.7 BR in GRB, the differences between aircraft roles are largely ignored. For example, CAP fighters are pitted against CAS-capable aircraft that are also better at doing CAP role, in only 0.3 BR higher while requiring roughly the same spawn points. This compression in BR means that, despite their design operational roles, they end up fighting on nearly equal terms, making some aircraft pointless to use in GRB just because of the current matchmaking.
A few examples:
1. F-15C MSIP II vs F-15E (Both 12.7)
The F-15C MSIP II and the F-15E are currently sitting at the same BR. However, while the F-15C is largely restricted to CAP roles, the F-15E has the versatility to engage in both CAP and CAS missions. This imbalance forces CAP pilots in the F-15C to face adversaries with broader combat capabilities despite sharing the same battle rating.
2. Su-25SM3 vs Su-34 (Both 12.7)
The Su-25SM3, a subsonic aircraft optimized for close air support, shares its BR with the Su-34, which is designed for a more versatile and heavier strike role. The Su-25SM3 is limited in armament, carrying only 4 KH-38MT and 2 R73 missiles—while the Su-34 can carry a heavier loadout of 6 KH-38MT, 2 R77, and 2 R73 missiles. Such a payload and role capability discrepancy is problematic to justify when both are bunched together under the same BR.
3. Mirage 2000C-S4/5 vs Rafale C F3-R
(Only 0.3 br difference, SARH vs ARH)
The Mirage is rated only 0.3 BR below the Rafale yet is limited to carrying 4 AAMs with non-guided ordnance. In contrast, the Rafale has the option to equip 6 AASM-250 guided munitions plus an additional 6 AAMs—clearly a superior loadout for both CAS and CAP missions. The slight BR difference here hardly accounts for the significant gap in combat versatility and effectiveness.
4. Mig-29G vs EF-2000
(Only 0.3 br difference, SARH vs ARH)
In the same case as the Mirage 2000C and Rafale, the EF-2000 excels in every possible way but only 0.3 BR higher.
Why It Matters:
When SPAA can no longer defend the team from being wiped out by CAS in the current state, players are forced to use CAP aircraft. However, the gap between 12.3 (including below) and 12.7 aircraft is enormous. It is solely unfair for people playing in the 11.7-12.3 lineup, as more than 90% of their game results in a 12.7 uptier. When a 12.3 CAP-only fighter is forced to compete against a 12.7 CAS-capable opponent that also excels in a CAP role with negligible difference in spawn cost, it often makes those non-12.7 aircraft worthless and painful to play.
Potential Solutions:
- Decompression:
Increasing the max BR above 12.7 so that role-specific differences are more clearly reflected and can be useful again. - Differentiating spawn points or other parameters:
Adjusting spawn point requirements to better reflect the differences between CAP and CAS aircraft.
Thanks for reading, and I hope Gaijin will decompress and fix the whole thing one day.