The Hellriegel 1915 Defensive is a new level 10 weapon variant introduced in Battlefield 1’s spring patch. While not a completely new weapon, this upgraded version of the Hellriegel 1915 brings new attachments and a larger magazine, making it a versatile and powerful choice for Assault players.

---

Unlocking the Hellriegel Defensive

To obtain the Hellriegel Defensive, players must:

1. Reach Assault Level 10
2. Unlock the Hellriegel 1915 Factory Variant
3. Achieve 300 kills with the Hellriegel Factory
4. Earn 25 kills using Anti-Tank Mines

While racking up 300 kills with the Hellriegel Factory is straightforward, the anti-tank mine kills can be more challenging.

Tips for Completing the Anti-Tank Mine Challenge:

• Play on Conquest maps with high vehicle presence.
• Flank tanks and place mines underneath them.
• Place mines near objectives frequently captured by enemy vehicles.
• Utilize smoke grenades to avoid being detected while deploying mines.

---

What Makes the Hellriegel Defensive Unique?

The Hellriegel Defensive retains the same high rate of fire and damage model as the Factory variant but comes equipped with additional features:

• Bipod for increased accuracy when deployed.
• Optical Sight for better aiming precision.
• Larger 120-round magazine, doubling the Factory variant’s capacity.

These changes make it a formidable weapon for players who prefer mid-range engagements and sustained firepower.

---

Performance Breakdown: Hellriegel Defensive vs. Factory Variant

Stat	Hellriegel 1915 Defensive	Hellriegel 1915 Factory
Damage	23 (max) – 13.5 (min)	23 (max) – 13.5 (min)
Fire Rate	650 RPM	650 RPM
Magazine Size	120 rounds	60 rounds
Muzzle Velocity	380 m/s	380 m/s
Vertical Recoil	0.4	0.3
Horizontal Recoil	0.475	0.35
Attachments	Bipod, Optical Sight	None

The increased recoil makes the Defensive variant less effective for run-and-gun combat compared to the Factory version. However, using the bipod mitigates this drawback significantly, allowing for more accurate and stable fire.

---

Best Playstyle for the Hellriegel Defensive

When to Use the Bipod

• Deploy the bipod on flat surfaces, low cover, or even on the ground to improve stability.
• This is ideal for holding objectives and engaging enemies at mid-range.

Effective Engagements

• The Hellriegel Defensive retains its strong close-range capabilities, but excels when firing from a stationary position.
• Use cover to deploy the bipod and engage enemies at a distance where most Assault weapons struggle.

Controlling the Recoil

• The Hellriegel Defensive has 30% more vertical recoil and 20% more horizontal recoil than the Factory version.
• Short bursts are recommended when engaging at mid-range.
• The bipod eliminates recoil issues, making this weapon deadly when used properly.

---

Comparison to Support Weapons

The Hellriegel Defensive bridges the gap between Assault weapons and Support-class LMGs:

• It fires faster than most LMGs, allowing for quicker eliminations in close-quarters combat.
• The 120-round magazine allows for extended engagements without frequent reloads.
• However, low bullet velocity (380 m/s) makes it harder to hit moving targets at long distances compared to LMGs.

---

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Unlocking?

The Hellriegel 1915 Defensive is an excellent weapon for players who want a high-capacity, mid-range Assault weapon. While it does require a grind to unlock, its bipod, optical sight, and large magazine make it one of the most versatile weapons for Assault players.

Pros: ✅ Massive 120-round magazine ✅ Bipod for increased stability ✅ Faster fire rate than LMGs ✅ Great for mid-range combat

Cons: ❌ Higher recoil than the Factory variant ❌ Not ideal for aggressive run-and-gun play ❌ Unlocking requires anti-tank mine kills

For players who prefer holding objectives, engaging at mid-range, and controlling engagements with suppressive fire, the Hellriegel Defensive is an absolute beast on the battlefield.

If you can master the bipod mechanics and recoil control, you’ll have one of the most dominant weapons in Battlefield 1!