The details of the online components of the first next-gen Call of Duty game are finally here. In the official multiplayer reveal for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, we got our first look at information regarding maps, modes, and how gameplay is different from the rest of the series. However, rather than being a continuation of Black Ops 4's multiplayer, Cold War feels more like an enhanced revival of the beloved original.
gameplay
Screenshot via ActivisionCold War really stands out from the latest installments in the Black Ops franchise, as the 10 point class system will no longer exist. Rather, the class system is a mirror of Modern Warfare, with players able to access the gunsmith to attach five of the 56 attachments to any weapon.
Also similar to the 2020 success, Field Upgrades will be accessible at certain points in a match. However, they appear to be a lot stronger this time around, as the reveal showed that a SAM turret was one of the few explosive upgrade options.
Of course, the perks and lethal effects will return as well, but the Wild Cards will re-enter as well. There will be one of four that players can enjoy when the game launches. Based on the descriptions presented in the reveal, these will certainly play a bigger role than in previous games. Check them out for yourself:
- Gunfighter: Unlocks three additional mounting slots for your primary weapon.
- Advantage greed: Equip three additional perks.
- Danger Close: Gear up with additional lethal and tactical gear, and start with maximum ammo.
- Law breaker: Equip any weapon in either slot and equip all perks.
The trends
Image via TreyarchWe can't believe it, but it looks like Black Ops Cold War will offer more multiplayer modes than in Modern Warfare - which says a lot. Not all of the modes were revealed, but there were enough to make your head spin. Starting with the basics, traditional modes like Search and Destroy, Team Deathmatch, Hardpoint, and Domination are confirmed in the game.
One of the new modes introduced appears to be Modern Warfare's cyberattack spin, but titled VIP Escort. Like Cyber Attack, players will only have one life and can revive their teammates at any time, but the catch is that the match ends when the VIP dies. There will only be one VIP per turn, but you will need to escort the teammate to a designated point on the map to win the game.
Combination weapons are another feature never seen before. It's a 12v12 experience, but each match will bring its own twist to traditional modes. For example, a combined weapons domination game will still have each team holding flags, but will include vehicles to assist you. The vehicles presented will be snowmobiles, waverunners, ATVs and tanks, among others not yet dissipated.
Plans
Image via ActivisionSo far, audiences are familiar with five maps in all modes and, like the past Call of Dutys, these are inspired by the game's campaign settings. In terms of size, nothing seems to stray from the fighting style of play. close for which the franchise is known. However, each develops interesting ideas partially presented in the previous cards.
- Satellite: Tucked away in the desserts of Angola, Satellite is a mid-sized map, where players battle various plane debris on top of a steep hill. However, there are many other hills where snipers can keep an eye out for gunners hiding behind the debris.
- Armada: This map is the largest to date and possibly the most unique. It sits off the North Atlantic, where you'll spawn on one of the many cargo ships. Players will either be able to swim and hide in the waters, or choose to zipline towards enemy ships on the map.
- Moscow: It wouldn't be a Cold War game without a Russian location, obviously. This takes place in the heart of the city, but players can also maintain underground metro stations.
- Ocean Drive: The map is set in the 80s in Miami, Florida, where players will primarily fight in the streets. As an average card, however, long-range shooters can hide in hotels or camp along beaches.
- Carrefour: This snowy map is really reminiscent of the Black Ops Summit. There are only a few buildings to hide in, but there is a whole open space that will surely conjure up a lot of fighting.
During the multiplayer showcase, the developers announced that users will be able to play all of these missions and modes with others from any console, whether current or next-gen. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War releases November 13 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (all available for pre-order), with launch dates for next-gen editions soon to be revealed.
