Mastering Dog Tag Customization In Battlefield 1 A Step By Step Guide

In Battlefield 1, your dog tags are more than just digital trinkets—they’re symbols of identity, achievement, and progression. Unlike traditional shooters where dog tags serve only as respawn markers, Battlefield 1 integrates them into its core reward system. Customizing your dog tags isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of your playstyle, milestones reached, and mastery of the game’s mechanics. With the right approach, you can unlock rare designs, personalize your battlefield presence, and even gain insight into how DICE designed progression around player engagement.

This guide walks through every aspect of dog tag customization—from unlocking criteria to strategic choices that enhance your sense of accomplishment. Whether you're a new recruit or a seasoned veteran looking to complete your collection, understanding the nuances behind each tag will deepen your connection to the war-torn world of World War I.

Understanding Dog Tags in Battlefield 1

Dog tags in Battlefield 1 appear when an enemy kills you, displaying their soldier name, class, and a customized tag design. These tags are earned through specific in-game achievements and act as both rewards and status indicators. Each faction—Entente and Central Powers—has its own unique set of tags, and unlocking them requires fulfilling precise conditions across various gameplay modes.

The customization system is tied directly to your overall progression. You cannot manually change the appearance of your tag until you’ve unlocked additional options through milestones such as score thresholds, medal acquisitions, or completing assignment chains. Once unlocked, players can select from available designs via the \"Customization\" tab in the main menu.

“Dog tags were designed not just for flair, but as tangible proof of combat experience.” — Karl Magnus Olsson, Senior Designer at DICE (2016 Interview)

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking and Customizing Dog Tags

Follow this structured process to systematically unlock and apply custom dog tags:

1. Access the Customization Menu: From the main screen, navigate to 'Customization' under your soldier profile. Select 'Dog Tags' to view current and locked options.
2. Earn Your First Tag Automatically: Upon creating a new soldier, you receive the default tag based on your initial faction choice (e.g., British Army or Imperial German Army).
3. Reach Score Milestones: The first set of unlockable tags becomes available at 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 total score. Focus on playing consistently across Conquest or Operations to accumulate points quickly.
4. Complete Assignment Chains: Certain elite tags, like the “War Pigeon” or “Gas Mask,” require finishing multi-tier assignments linked to specific weapons or classes. For example, the Medic-based “Angel of Mercy” tag demands healing teammates over time and reviving numerous downed allies.
5. Unlock Elite Assignments: Some assignments only become active after earning particular ribbons or medals. Track progress in the ‘Collections’ menu to identify prerequisites.
6. Select Your Preferred Design: Once unlocked, return to the Dog Tags section and choose which design you want displayed when eliminated by enemies.

Tip: Play with friends or stay active in high-intensity servers to increase encounter frequency—this accelerates kill/death cycles and boosts assignment completion rates.

Available Dog Tag Types and Unlock Criteria

Battlefield 1 features over 15 distinct dog tag variations, categorized by difficulty and theme. Below is a breakdown of key tags and how to obtain them:

Tag Name	Faction	Unlock Requirement	Difficulty
Standard Issue	Entente / Central Powers	Default upon account creation	Easy
Trench Raider	Entente	Reach 5,000 total score	Easy
Iron Cross	Central Powers	Reach 10,000 total score	Easy
War Pigeon	Entente	Complete Scout assignment chain using bolt-action rifles	Moderate
Gas Mask	Central Powers	Complete Support class assignment involving ammo drops and suppression kills	Moderate
Final Salute	Entente	Earn the \"War Hero\" medal (top-tier weekly award)	Hard
Honour Before Glory	Central Powers	Complete all Assault elite assignments	Hard

Note that some tags are region-locked during early access periods but become universally available post-launch. Additionally, special community event tags (like those from Turning Tides or Apocalypse DLCs) may have limited-time requirements.

Strategic Tips for Faster Unlocks

• Stick to One Class Per Session: Assignment progress is often class-specific. Jumping between roles slows advancement. Dedicate full matches to one kit to maximize efficiency.
• Use High-Efficiency Weapons: For example, pairing the M1907 SL with scoped optics increases long-range accuracy, helping complete Scout-related headshot objectives faster.
• Play Objectives, Not Just Kills: Many dog tag-linked assignments emphasize support actions—revives, repairs, resupplies. Prioritize team contribution over K/D ratio.
• Track Progress Regularly: Check the Collections menu daily to monitor near-complete tasks. Nothing is more frustrating than missing a final objective by a narrow margin.

“Players who focus on role consistency unlock elite gear—and tags—up to 40% faster than casual switchers.” — Battlefield Insider Report, 2017

Mini Case Study: Earning the “War Pigeon” Tag

James, a mid-tier player with roughly 20 hours in Battlefield 1, wanted to unlock the elusive “War Pigeon” dog tag tied to the Scout assignment line. His initial attempts failed because he frequently switched to Assault for close-quarters engagements.

After researching the exact requirements—10 long-distance sniper kills, spotting 25 enemies, and securing five match-winning shots—he committed to playing only Scout for three consecutive nights. He joined Operation-focused squads, used the Scoped Lee-Enfield, and prioritized elevated positions. Within 8 hours of focused play, he completed the chain and unlocked both the weapon charm and the “War Pigeon” tag.

His takeaway? Consistency beats random effort. By aligning his goals with deliberate strategy, James transformed a daunting task into an achievable milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different dog tags for different kits?

No. Dog tag selection applies globally across all classes and loadouts. Your chosen tag appears regardless of whether you're playing Medic, Tanker, or Pilot.

Do dog tags affect gameplay or provide bonuses?

No, they are purely cosmetic and symbolic. However, certain tags signal expertise (e.g., seeing “Final Salute” might indicate a top-ranked player), influencing opponent behavior psychologically.

What happens if I don’t complete an assignment before switching factions?

Progress carries over. If you start a British assignment but later play primarily as Germany, your completion data remains saved. You’ll still unlock the Entente tag once objectives are met.

Checklist: Mastering Dog Tag Customization

• ✅ Access the Customization menu regularly
• ✅ Identify target tag and review unlock conditions
• ✅ Commit to a single class for focused progression
• ✅ Monitor Collections tab for live assignment tracking
• ✅ Reach cumulative score thresholds (1K, 5K, 10K)
• ✅ Complete elite assignments linked to medals or ribbons
• ✅ Select preferred tag design once unlocked

Conclusion: Leave Your Mark on the Battlefield

Dog tag customization in Battlefield 1 transcends vanity—it's a narrative device, a badge of honor, and a testament to perseverance. Every tag tells a story: of patience behind the scope, courage under artillery fire, or dedication to team survival. By mastering the systems that govern their unlock paths, you don’t just change your appearance—you validate your journey through the chaos of war.

💬 Ready to make your mark? Pick one uncompleted assignment today, commit to it, and wear your next dog tag with pride. Share your favorite tag or hardest unlock in the comments below.