Unlocking The A Beginning Dog Tag In Battlefield 1 A Complete Guide For Players

In Battlefield 1, dog tags are more than just digital souvenirs—they represent milestones, challenges overcome, and dedication to mastering the game’s mechanics. Among the most iconic and emotionally resonant is the \"A Beginning\" dog tag, awarded upon completing the single-player prologue mission, \"Storm of Steel.\" While it may seem straightforward, many players—especially those who jump straight into multiplayer or miss key triggers—fail to unlock it. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how to earn it, common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and why this small token carries significant weight in the Battlefield community.

Understanding the Significance of “A Beginning”

The \"A Beginning\" dog tag is not earned through combat prowess or leaderboard rankings. Instead, it marks the player's entry into the world of Battlefield 1. It is automatically awarded after completing the opening campaign mission, \"Storm of Steel,\" which follows Private Edwards of the British Army during the Battle of the Somme. The mission serves as both a tutorial and a narrative anchor, immersing players in the chaos and emotional gravity of World War I.

Earning this dog tag signifies that you’ve taken your first steps into the broader experience of the game—not just as a shooter, but as a participant in its historical storytelling. As DICE designer Daniel Berlin once noted:

“We wanted players to feel the weight of war from the very first moment. ‘A Beginning’ isn’t just a checkpoint—it’s a rite of passage.” — Daniel Berlin, Senior Narrative Designer at DICE

This context makes the dog tag meaningful beyond aesthetics. For collectors and completionists, missing it can feel like skipping the prologue of a novel and trying to understand the plot afterward.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Dog Tag

To ensure you receive the \"A Beginning\" dog tag, follow this precise sequence of actions. Deviating from these steps—such as skipping cutscenes or exiting prematurely—can prevent the achievement from registering.

1. Launch the Campaign Mode: From the main menu, select “Campaign” and choose “Storm of Steel.” Do not skip this via multiplayer or Operations.
2. Play Through the Entire Mission: Control Private Edwards as he advances through trench warfare, uses grenades, operates a mortar, and engages in close-quarters combat. Follow all on-screen prompts.
3. Do Not Skip Cutscenes: The final cutscene, where Edwards reflects on surviving the battle while others did not, is essential. The dog tag is tied to this cinematic trigger.
4. Let the Mission End Naturally: After the last explosion and fade to black, wait for the results screen. The game will display your score, ribbons, and—if successful—the “A Beginning” dog tag notification.
5. Verify in Your Profile: Exit to the main menu, go to “Soldier,” then “Dog Tags.” Confirm the tag appears under “Campaign.”

Tip: If you're playing on console, ensure your save data is syncing properly. On PC, verify game files through Origin or Steam if the tag doesn’t appear despite completing the mission.

Common Reasons Players Fail to Unlock the Tag

Despite the simplicity of the task, thousands of players report not receiving the dog tag. Most issues stem from technical oversights or misunderstandings about game progression. Below is a breakdown of frequent causes and solutions.

Issue	Description	Solution
Skip Cutscenes	Manually skipping the final cinematic bypasses the trigger.	Replay the mission and let all cutscenes play fully.
Exit Before Results	Quitting the game before the end screen loads interrupts reward processing.	Stay in the session until the soldier stats appear.
Played Multiplayer First	Some assume campaign unlocks are automatic; they’re not.	You must actively complete “Storm of Steel.”
Corrupted Save File	Rare, but possible—especially on consoles after updates.	Restart campaign or reinstall progress if needed.

Mini Case Study: Recovering a Missing Tag

Mark, a long-time Battlefield fan, purchased Battlefield 1 during a Steam sale. Excited to jump into multiplayer, he skipped the campaign entirely. Months later, while browsing his dog tag collection, he noticed \"A Beginning\" was missing. He assumed it was a glitch. After researching forums, he replayed \"Storm of Steel,\" this time allowing every scene to finish without interruption. Immediately after the final cutscene, the notification popped up: “You've unlocked a new Dog Tag: A Beginning.” His profile updated within minutes. The fix wasn’t complex—just a matter of following intended gameplay flow.

Checklist: Did You Earn the Dog Tag?

Use this checklist to confirm whether you’ve met all conditions for unlocking the tag:

• ✅ Completed “Storm of Steel” from start to finish
• ✅ Did not skip any cutscenes (especially the ending)
• ✅ Remained in the game until the post-mission stats screen
• ✅ Checked the “Campaign” section in Dog Tags (not Multiplayer)
• ✅ Verified game files or cloud saves if on PC/console

If all boxes are checked and the tag still doesn’t appear, consider restarting the campaign or contacting EA Support with your Origin/Steam ID and proof of completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unlock “A Beginning” through multiplayer or Operations?

No. The dog tag is exclusively tied to finishing the “Storm of Steel” campaign mission. No multiplayer action, no matter how extensive, will grant it.

Does dying during the mission prevent me from earning the tag?

No. As long as you respawn and complete the mission—even multiple times—you’ll still earn the tag upon final completion. Progression, not performance, matters here.

Is “A Beginning” available on all platforms?

Yes. Whether you’re playing on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, the unlock criteria are identical. However, cross-platform save issues may delay visibility. Allow up to 24 hours for synchronization if using cloud saves.

Tip: If you're streaming or recording gameplay, disable auto-skip features that may interfere with cinematic sequences.

Why This Dog Tag Matters Beyond the Game

While some players view dog tags as cosmetic collectibles, “A Beginning” holds symbolic value. It represents the transition from casual player to engaged participant in Battlefield 1’s historical narrative. Unlike unlockable weapons or skins, this tag cannot be earned through grinding or microtransactions. It requires intentional engagement with the game’s story—a deliberate design choice by DICE to encourage players to experience the emotional core of the title.

For veterans of the series, it also serves as a nostalgic callback. In earlier Battlefield titles, dog tags were earned through daring feats like killing an enemy who had just killed you (a “revenge kill”). “A Beginning” shifts that paradigm, rewarding narrative completion over combat metrics—a subtle but powerful evolution in game design philosophy.

Conclusion: Take the First Step

Unlocking “A Beginning” takes less than 30 minutes, yet it opens the door to a deeper appreciation of Battlefield 1’s legacy. Whether you’re a completionist, a story-driven gamer, or simply curious about what you might have missed, revisiting “Storm of Steel” is time well spent. The dog tag itself is simple—one line of text on a metal plate—but what it represents is profound: the start of a journey through one of the most atmospheric shooters ever made.

🚀 Ready to begin? Launch the campaign, let the story unfold, and claim your place in the Battlefield roster. Share your experience or help others troubleshoot in the comments below.