Season 2 has had a bumpy start, and one of BULKHEAD's answers is a server type that strips out the late-game gear. This guide covers what has been announced, what hasn't, and how to prepare so you're ready when it arrives.
What has been announced
BULKHEAD's official post of 15 October listed "Limited Mode Servers (No Power Weapons & Vehicles)" as coming soon. Some outlets have also called it "Primitive Servers", but that name is provisional. Joe Brammer said the "limited" or "primitive" servers (name pending) are planned for the mid-season update 2.5. That update is also written as 0.25.
Here is what reporting says the mode will do:
- The servers will replace the current low-level servers and cap out late-game gear such as level four armour, heavy tanks and artillery.
- The cap limits weapons, equipment and vehicles to the lower end of the progression tree.
- Brammer's stated aim is to let players choose not to play with power weapons, so BULKHEAD doesn't have to nerf or overtune them for everyone.
- The developers are aiming for around the end of the month or early next month.
What is not confirmed
This matters if you're planning around it. As of 23 October, one tracking site reports that the opening of Primitive/Limited Mode remains unconfirmed. Several other details are also open:
- No published item list. The official wording is "No Power Weapons & Vehicles", but it doesn't say which weapons count as power weapons. Reports mention tanks and artillery, while the official line says vehicles in general. Expect the in-game server rules to be the final word.
- Level 3 gear. Only Level 4 armour is named as removed. Whether Level 3 armour and helmets are allowed is not stated.
- It's not a level cap. The wording describes equipment restrictions, not a numeric level cap.
- Existing server options. Infantry Mode and Low-Level servers already exist in Deploy, according to one wiki. Don't assume they have the same rules as Limited Mode. Check the server's rules before you buy a kit.
Why bother with it
Since 15 October, BULKHEAD has acknowledged that faster progression let some players reach Tier 4 armour and main battle tanks within days. A server that removes those items gives you the early and mid-game fights that many newer players enjoy most. It should also suit anyone who has levelled up and misses those fights.
Armour in a world without Tier 4
Season 2 already softened the top end. Level 3 armour and helmets dropped from 55% to 50% damage reduction, and Level 4 from 65% to 60%. Level 2 is the gear most players can afford every life. One source puts a Level 2 vest at 40% off every hit to the chest.
Without Level 4, the gap between a well-equipped player and a new one should narrow. Armour will still decide a lot of fights, so don't skip it.
| Item | Price | Weight | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Armor | $400 | 3 kg | Wardog level 3, then $10,000 |
| Level 2 Armor | $1,000 | 4.5 kg | Wardog level 30, then $50,000 |
| Level 1 Helmet | $200 | 1 kg | Wardog level 3, then $7,500 |
| Level 2 Helmet | $500 | 1.6 kg | Wardog level 30, then $37,500 |
Level 2 gear is a sensible target if the Level 3 question stays open. It's also much lighter than the heavy options, since Level 3 Armor weighs 10.5 kg and Level 4 Armor weighs 18 kg.
Loadouts to prepare
These use the in-game shop prices. Ammo is extra, and the final list of allowed items may change, so build them in the loadout builder and re-check on the day.
No unlocks needed
- AK74, $800
- Small Tac Vest, $100
- Scout Backpack, $350
- Bandage, $200
- M67 Frag Grenade, $200
That comes to $1,650 before ammo. It's a solid way to learn the mode while you work towards armour. The Small Tac Vest (per the shop list) is the cheapest way to open quickslots 5 and 6.
A typical mid-game kit
- T-21, $1,200
- Level 2 Armor, $1,000
- Level 2 Helmet, $500
- Medium Tac Vest, $250
- Field Backpack, $650
- Bandage, $200
That totals $3,800 before ammo. You'll need Assault role level 3 for the T-21, plus Wardog levels 14, 12 and 30 for the vest, backpack and Level 2 gear.
For medics
The MP5 ($1,800, Medic level 4) pairs well with the Field Resuscitator ($425, Medic level 2) and the Individual First Aid Kit ($800, Medic level 10). In a mode with weaker armour, fast revives and heals keep your squad in the fight. If you're unsure which weapon class suits you, see Assault Rifle vs SMG vs LMG.
How play changes without tanks and heavy armour
Choose ammo for people
Hollow Point is the standard choice against unarmoured players, since it's worth switching off hollow-point once someone is plated. If most players are in Level 1 or 2 gear, Hollow Point is a sensible default. Armor Piercing ammo has less value when heavy plates are rarer. Swap to it only if you keep running into well-armoured players.
Think about positioning
With no tanks, the fight is decided on foot, so cover and routes matter more. Use the safe zones guide to plan your approach. Squads that move together and hold a FOB usually do well, so see the FOB guide for stocking and placement.
Use the weather
Rain affects spotting and sound, which suits quieter infantry play. The rain guide covers it.
Don't rely on launchers
If power weapons are removed, you may not have the RPG-7, MAAWS or AMR 50 to fall back on. Build your loadout around dealing with infantry. If the rules leave them in, treat them as a bonus.
Common mistakes
- Buying a kit before checking the rules. The restrictions are still unconfirmed, so look at what the server allows first.
- Spending everything on one item. A cheap rifle and Level 2 armour usually beat an expensive rifle with nothing else.
- Dropping medical and utility gear. Bandages and a resuscitator are cheap and often decide a long fight.
- Treating it as a replacement for the whole game. It's a different pace, and the normal servers will still have tanks.
Checking back
We'll update this once Limited Mode goes live and the full rules are published. If you'd like to try it with others, squad nights are a friendly way to learn it together. For the wider context, see what's new in Season 2.
This guide was checked against Update 0.2.0 and BULKHEAD's announcements up to 24 October 2026.