In Battlefield 4, two prevalent anti-vehicle devices utilized primarily by the Engineer class are the M15 AT Mine and the M2 SLAM (Selectable Lightweight Attack Munition). Each device possesses distinct characteristics and tactical applications that can significantly impact gameplay, particularly in countering enemy vehicles.

M15 AT Mine
– Design and Functionality: The M15 AT Mine is specifically engineered to disable and destroy armored vehicles. It necessitates that the vehicle passes directly over the mine—within a 2-meter radius—to trigger an explosion.
– Damage Output: It inflicts substantial damage: approximately 50 damage to heavily armored vehicles like tanks and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), around 75 damage to armored cars, and it can be lethal to lighter vehicles.
– Immobilization: A notable feature of the M15 is its ability to immobilize the targeted vehicle for up to 10 seconds post-detonation. This immobilization renders vehicles vulnerable to follow-up attacks from other weapons or teammates.
– Placement Strategy: Given that the M15 must be placed directly in the path of vehicles, its visibility makes it somewhat easier for enemies to detect. Strategic placement is vital to ensure effectiveness, often using the environment to conceal its location.

M2 SLAM (Selectable Lightweight Attack Munition)
– Versatility: The M2 SLAM is a more adaptable device that functions as both a mine and an explosive similar to C4. This dual functionality allows for multiple tactical uses.
– Damage Output: The damage dealt by the M2 SLAM is lower than that of the M15, dealing about 35 damage to armored vehicles, 47 to armored cars, and remaining fatal to lighter vehicles.
– Range and Triggering: Unlike the M15, the SLAM has a triggering range up to 5 meters, with damage effectiveness diminishing significantly beyond that distance (negligible at 6.1 meters). This capability allows players to deploy SLAMs not just directly beneath vehicles but also on surfaces near anticipated vehicle paths.
– Detonation Methods: The SLAM can be thrown onto surfaces, stuck onto enemy vehicles, or placed strategically. Detonation can be remotely activated by shooting it with specific guns, such as RPGs or certain pistols, enhancing its tactical deployment.

Tactical Implications
– Deployment Limits: Without leveling up to the third tier of the Anti-Tank specialization, Engineers are limited to deploying a maximum of three mines at once, despite possessing a total capacity of six. This limit encourages strategic planning regarding mine placement.
– Combining Mines: Engineers can effectively use both types of mines in harmony, such as positioning an M15 AT Mine alongside multiple M2 SLAMs. This combination can catch enemies off guard and maximize damage potential to incoming vehicles. For instance, the M15 can immobilize a vehicle, making it easier for follow-up SLAM explosions or other attacks to finish it off.
– Soft Counters: Vehicles in Battlefield 4 can use specializations like Active Protection to mitigate damage from mines. Nevertheless, effective mine usage often relies on tactics and team coordination to outsmart active vehicle defenses.

In summary, while the M15 AT Mine excels in dealing heavy damage and immobilizing enemy vehicles, the M2 SLAM offers greater flexibility and tactical options. Mastering the use of these devices, particularly in conjunction, can significantly enhance an Engineer’s effectiveness against enemy vehicles in Battlefield 4.