Not every soldier is created equally. Some are more powerful. Some are more... Elite. In Battlefield 1, you're able to battle as one of three Elite Classes, destructive forces that – if played well – can change the course of the battle.

First up is the Flame Trooper, who you might have seen a sneak peek at during the first trailer we released. Wrapped in fire-resistant gear and carrying a powerful flamethrower, the Flame Trooper brings with him chaos. He's far from indestructible, though. Part of his kit has him permanently affixed with a gas mask, slowing him down and keeping his vision lowered. Attack from afar, and you might escape un-scorched

Distance won't help you as much when the Sentry, who is strapped with thick armor plating. The Sentry moves like a human tank, equipped with a water-cooled machine gun at his hip. He can shower enemy positions with lead while still being able to withstand a lot of damage, but unlike the Flame Trooper, he can't wear a gas mask at all. You know what to do about that.

Meanwhile, laying prone at a safe distance away and carrying a weapon taller than most men is the Tank Hunter. This Elite Class has mastered the use of the 1918 Tankgewehr, an absolute beast of a weapon that can lay waste to enemy infantry and vehicles alike (so long as the Tank Hunter is prone). A well-placed shot from this weapon is capable of knocking out a vehicle's tracks, machine guns, or cannons on armored vehicles. They don't call it the Tankgewehr for nothing.

You'll be able to try these Elite Classes for yourself when the Battlefield 1 Open Beta rolls out on August 31, or when you pick up Battlefield 1 on October 21.