The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The official multiplayer reveal for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War took place last night, letting fans know what's in store.
A live stream was held to go through all the multiplayer features, maps and more, that will be coming to Black Ops Cold War when it launches.
Explained during the showcase, the maps available will be rooted in the "game's realistic and historical setting", which, of course, the 1980s Cold War serving as the narrative for the game.
Maps available will range from the Angolan desert, Miami, Moscow, the frozen lakes of Uzbekistan, to Moscow and more.
We also got a look at the gameplay of Cold War during the show, which more or less looks exactly like the typical Call of Duty gameplay we're all used to by now: running, gunning, earning Killstreaks (or Scorestreaks) and no-scoping people with sniper rifles.
You can watch the entire four-hour stream right here:
Infinity Ward said that all the maps mentioned and shown in the stream will be available at launch.
Here is a rundown of the maps:
- Armada: This map will take place in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. There are zip lines to utilise and gunboats to commandeer to help give you an advantage over your foes.
- Crossroads: This one is set in Uzbekistan. You'll be able to use vehicles like tanks and snowmobiles dotted about the map.
- Miami: Taking place on Miami’s famed South Beach, this map will also be set during the night.
- Moscow: Fight your way through the heart of the USSR.
- Satellite: Taking place in the deserts of Angola, the map will feature a grounded reconnaissance satellite known as the KH-9. These satellites were an important factor in determining Soviet movements and capabilities, as well as providing overall intel for the US during the Cold War.
Black Ops Cold War game modes
All the classic CoD game modes like Team Deathmatch, Control, Domination, Kill Confirmed and so on will be present in Black Ops Cold War, along with some new additions known as Fireteam and VIP Escort and more.
Another new mode called Combined Arms is a 12v12 map, which will also have vehicles available to use.
Fireteam is a new large-scale 40-player mode, with 10 teams of four competing against each other. Within Fireteam games, there is a mode called Dirty Bomb, but Infinity Ward hasn't shared any more details on this new game type.
VIP Escort is a 6v6 mode and, well, pretty much what you'd expect from the title. You will have to lead another player, who is the designated VIP, to the safety area. While this is nothing more than ever escort quest we hate in gaming, it's sure to have a fun dynamic taking the other team out first.
Read More
If you die during the round, you'll be out of action until the next one begins, but if you're just knocked down you can still be revived and keep going.
Create a class
Of course, you'll be able to mix and match your own loadouts with the create a class system, but some aspects of it are different from other CoD games.
For instance, it is now slot-based and Field Upgrades are in-game items that you can find which will help your team or hinder the enemy. This means that, unlike in Modern Warfare, you won't be able to equip Field Upgrades into your loadout and you will have to find them spawned on the map.
Loadouts also can now be equipped with class-changing Wildcards, which will do a number of things:
- Give you eight attachments for a primary weapon
- Carry more Perks
- Double the number of lethal and tactical equipment available when you spawn in.
- Carry three Perks from any category, as opposed to being limited to one from each.
As with Modern Warfare, there's the option of the Gunsmith which allows you to customise your weapons.
That's all the key points from the multiplayer reveal. We also know that there will be a Zombies mode coming to Black Ops, but it is unclear if this will come with the game at launch or if it will be an extra addon to buy and download.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War will be released on November 13 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Pre-order it here to get access to the beta.