Don't Go Prone Unless You Have to
I'll repeat this. Do not go prone unless you absolutely have to.
I kill so many people that are lying prone thinking no one knows they are there. Hint: I know they are there. I call them freebees cause its free loot.
When you are prone you can not dodge, turn quickly, and most importantly you can't shoot while moving. All you've done is reduce you profile by about 2 feet. If you DO move you make a very loud sound that anyone nearby hears as well. And know they know you are moving slowly and prone, as well.
In third person you look much more visible to others than you are. The ground and foliage is very good at hiding you if you are crouching. One trick I use is I hold the E key down while I'm crouched to move my hear even further down, but keep my camera in the same position. Try it. It works.
There are only four reasons to go prone.
- To improve the accuracy of your gun and reduce recoil (so you can shoot faster).
- The only cover available is a 1 foot high wall.
- You need to hide, can't move to a better location, and going prone is literally the only options available.
- Quick dodge to avoid gunfire. (I personally never remember to do this in a fight, but I've had it used against me and its quite effective).
- In all four of the above situations you should leave prone status as quickly as possible.