Black Ops Cold War Guides: Multiplayer, Zombies, Warzone, & more

Liam Mackay

To get a head-start in Black Ops Cold War, we’ve put together all the information you need on weapons, maps, perks and more. Check out our full round-up of guides.

Black Ops Cold War has introduced many new elements to the Call of Duty franchise. With Warzone integration, a new Progression system, and updated Zombies, a lot has changed. Use this guide for everything you need to know about the latest addition to the Call of Duty franchise.

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Maps and Modes

How to complete the Nuketown ’84 Easter Egg in Black Ops Cold War

Black Ops Cold War’s version of the classic map, Nuketown ’84, carries on tradition by including an Easter Egg. Similar to previous titles, it’s to do with the mannequins. Check out this guide for how to complete the Easter Egg yourself.

How To Set Up Custom Games in Black Ops Cold War

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has many new weapons and features for you to experiment with. A custom game will give you the time to try these out without the hectic nature of a multiplayer match. This guide explains how you can create one. 

All Black Ops Cold War multiplayer maps

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War delivers multiple new maps that are played across a variety of modes. Some modes support large player counts, which means certain maps are exclusive to certain larger modes. Find the list of every map in Cold War in this article.

All Hardpoint Rotations in Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Hardpoint has returned, once again, with the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. We’ve compiled a list of all Hardpoint locations and will be keeping it updated as new maps are released. Check out the list to give you a competitive edge.

Weapons, Perks, Wildcards, and Scorestreaks

Best weapons and perks to use in Black Ops Cold War’s Nuketown ’84

The chaos of Nuketown has returned to Black Ops, so we’ve compiled a list of the most OP weapons and best Perks you should be running to dominate on Cold War’s Nuketown ’84.

How Killstreaks affect Scorestreaks in Black Ops Cold War

The new Scorestreak system can be quite confusing. While Scorestreaks don’t reset on death, killstreaks are vital to earning Scorestreaks. Here’s how much score you earn for going on Killstreaks in Cold War, and how this relates to earning Scorestreaks.

How to get the Nuketown Weapon Bundle in Black Ops Cold War

Activision has announced the new Nuketown Weapon Bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Included is a Shotgun blueprint, weapon charms, stickers, and calling cards. Find out how to get the Nuketown Weapon Bundle here.

Black Ops Cold War Scorestreak tricks: Armor, Combat Bow, more

There are some tricks you can pull off with Scorestreaks in Black Ops Cold War such as getting Care Packages through roofs and immediately equipping Armor. Take a look at the list of all of the Scorestreak tricks we’ve discovered so far, and use them to improve your game.

Best Wildcard to use in Black Ops Cold War

The Wildcard system in Black Ops Cold War allows players to alter the traditional Create-A-Class system. From equip multiple Perks to putting every attachment on your weapon, find out what the most useful Wildcard is in this guide.

How to level up weapons fast in Black Ops Cold War

Weapons level up considerably slower in Black Ops Cold War than other Call of Duty titles. If you want to acquire all of the camos, or just the best attachments quickly, follow this guide to level up your weapons as fast as possible.

Best Scorestreaks in Black Ops Cold War

Black Ops Cold War introduces an entirely new Scorestreak system where they don’t reset on death. This makes Scorestreaks easier to earn and more common in multiplayer matches. Check out this guide for the best Scorestreaks you can use in Black Ops Cold War, no matter your skill level.

How to unlock Gold, Diamond, and Dark Matter Ultra in Black Ops Cold War

With Black Ops Cold War comes Mastery Camos for weapons. As you rank up a weapon, complete challenges to earn new camos to use on it. Once you have completed all of the challenges for a weapon, you begin to work towards the Mastery Camos. Here are the objectives you need to complete to earn Mastery Camos.

Best Perks in Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War

Perks are a Call of Duty staple. Black Ops Cold War brings back some fan-favorite Perks, along with some we’ve never seen before. This guide helps you find the best Perks in Cold War to suit your playstyle.

Every weapon, perk & scorestreaks in Black Ops Cold War

Black Ops Cold War brings fan-favorite Weapons, Perks and Scorestreaks, and some that are entirely new. As you progress from rank 1-55, unlock weapons and more to build your class. Find the full list of weapons, Perks, Scorestreaks, and Field Upgrades here.

Weapon Guides

Best Krig 6 Loadout to dominate enemies in Black Ops Cold War

The Krig 6 is one of the most accurate weapons in Black Ops Cold War. Paired with the right attachments, the weapon is deadly at range. Check out this loadout guide to dominate enemies with the Krig 6.

How to build an AK-47 with ‘negative recoil’ in Black Ops Cold War

In the current Gunsmith system for Black Ops Cold War, the AK-47 can be built to have no recoil. It remains so steady that it appears to have ‘negative recoil’ with bullets sometimes landing below the initial shot without having to manually control the kick. This article explains how it works, and how you can make the AK-47 incredibly accurate yourself.

Best secondary weapons in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Secondary weapons are especially powerful in Cold War. For the first time since Modern Warfare 2, shotguns are secondary weapons in multiplayer. Check out our list of the best secondary weapons you can be using, and what attachments maximize their potential.

Best AK-47 loadouts to use in Black Ops Cold War

The AK-47 is a Call of Duty staple. With its high damage, it has long been a fan-favorite. Through Black Ops Cold War’s gunsmith system, the AK-47 can be built with low recoil and decent range. To turn this classic weapon into one of the most powerful rifles on the map, try out this loadout guide.

Best loadout for the Milano 821 in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

The Milano 821 is a formidable SMG that proves very useful in short-range combat. The weapon is most effective at close range but with the right attachments can deal decent damage at range. Find out how to improve the Milano 821 in this guide.

Best AUG Loadout to use in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

The AUG has been an Assault Rifle and SMG in previous CoDs, but in Black Ops Cold War, it’s a burst-fire tactical rifle. This rifle is extremely strong, capable of downing enemies in one burst with great accuracy. To dominate multiplayer with the AUG, check out these attachments.

Best XM4 Loadout to use in Black Ops Cold War

Although being the first Assault Rifle unlocked in Black Ops Cold War, the XM4 is an extremely viable choice. With the right attachments, it can be extremely effective at all ranges. To make the XM4 the best it can be, check out this guide.

Best FFAR class setup in Black Ops Cold War

The FFAR, or FAMAS, is one of the strongest weapons in Black Ops Cold War. This full-auto assault rifle as a fast fire-rate and equally fast TTK, making it one of the most viable choices for multiplayer. Here’s the best class setup for FFAR.

Best Pelington 703 Loadout for Black Ops Cold War

Pelington BOCW

The Pelington 703 has quickly become the most popular sniper rifle in Black Ops Cold War. This weapon is capable of eliminating players from long-range and can hold its own up close. To maximize its range and speed, check out this weapon build.

The best MP5 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

The MP5 is one of the strongest weapons in Black Ops Cold War. Minimal recoil, high movement speed, and a fast time-to-kill mean that this weapon is the most popular in Cold War. To get you started with the MP5, here are the attachments you should equip as you rank up the weapon.

Best M16 Loadouts to use in Black Ops Cold War

The M16 has returned in Cold War. This classic burst-rifle is capable of eliminating enemies in only 1-2 bursts. Combined with low recoil and great range potential, this is one of the strongest weapons in multiplayer. To maximize its potential, here are the attachments you should be running.

Operators

How to unlock all Operators in Black Ops Cold War

There are 13 Operators available in Cold War at launch. Operators are grouped into either the NATO or Warsaw Pact factions and like Modern Warfare are cosmetic only. Each Operator comes with a challenge to unlock them, so find out the challenges for each Operator here.

Warzone

Black Ops Cold War & Warzone: Progression, Content & Battle Pass

Black Ops Cold War and Warzone are fully integrating on December 10. Cold War’s Weapons, Operators, and more will be useable in Verdansk. Check out this article for full details on the integration, including details on weapon unlocks and progression.

Verdansk map to remain in Warzone after Black Ops Cold War launch

Call of Duty has confirmed that Warzone will continue to play on the Verdansk map after the integration with Black Ops Cold War in December. A new island location has also been teased, which is discussed in this article.

Campaign

How to get all endings in Black Ops Cold War

Black Ops Cold War’s campaign features multiple endings determined by player choice. This spoiler-filled guide will help you unlock all of the endings in Cold War’s campaign.

How to unlock ZORK terminal & Arcade in Black Ops Cold War campaign

You can unlock the ZORK terminal in the Black Ops Cold War campaign, much like the original Black Ops game. In the Zork Terminal, you can play ZORK games as well as classic Activision games such as Pitfall and Chopper Command. Follow this guide to unlock the ZORK terminal and Arcade yourself.

Zombies

How to get massive Weapon XP in Black Ops Cold War Zombies

Progression is now linked between Zombies and Cold War’s multiplayer, meaning your weapons level up no matter what mode you play. To help grind up your weapons, follow this guide to get a massive amount of Weapon XP in Zombies.

How to get all streaks in Black Ops Cold War zombies

Scorestreaks have been included in Zombies for the first time. From Chopper Gunners to Sentry Turrets, players can take a variety of streaks into the game to help them fight the undead. Check out this guide to find out how to unlock all Scorestreaks in Cold War’s Zombies.

Best wall weapons to use in Black Ops Cold War Zombies

Weapons purchased from walls has been in Call of Duty Zombies since its inception. They are even more powerful in Black Ops Cold War Zombies, so here are the best three weapons you can purchase.

How to unlock the song Easter Egg in Die Maschine

Black Ops Cold War’s Die Maschine map is filled with easter eggs, including the signature Treyarch music easter egg. Instead of the traditional teddy bear, the music easter egg is unlocked through tapes. Here are the locations of all three tapes.

How to get the D.I.E. Shockwave wonder weapon in Die Maschine

The D.I.E. Shockwave is a powerful weapon for taking out large groups of Zombies. It’s recharged through collecting zombie souls, and then fires a powerful blast that kills every zombie it comes into contact with. Follow this guide to get the Shockwave yourself.

How to get the Ray Gun in Black Ops Cold War Zombies

The Ray Gun is a Call of Duty zombies staple, offering superior damage and excellent crowd control, making it the best weapon to use when taking on waves of the undead. Here are the ways you can unlock the Ray Gun in Cold War’s Zombies.

How to Pack A Punch in Black Ops Cold War Zombies Die Maschine map

The Pack-A-Punch machine has been a consistent presence in every version of Zombies. It has also returned in Black Ops Cold War. Here is how you build the Pack-A-Punch Machine in Black Ops Cold War’s Die Maschine map.

How to do the Coffin Dance Easter Egg in Die Maschine

In the new zombies map, Die Maschine, Treyarch added a funny easter egg that awards you with a free Perk and a show of zombies performing the Coffin Dance. To see the easter egg for yourself in game, check out this guide.

How to build the Aetherscope in Black Ops Cold War Zombies

The Aetherscope in Cold War’s Zombies detects anomalies in the Dark Aether such as boss zombies and intel. Follow these steps inside Die Maschine to build the Aetherscope in Black Ops Cold War Zombies.

How to unlock all Zombies Camos in Black Ops Cold War

In Black Ops Cold War, multiplayer and Zombies have separate weapon camos. By playing Zombies, you can unlock new mastery camos: Golden Viper, Plague Diamond and Dark Aether. Here’s how to unlock the mastery camos.

Black Ops Cold War Zombies: Intel System & Learning Curve

Treyarch has brought a new layer to the Zombies experience in Black Ops Cold War. To make Zombies more accessible and bring more content to the world, Treyarch has introduced a new Intel System and more. Find out all the details here.

Black Ops Cold War PlayStation Zombies Onslaught mode details & maps

PlayStation players, whether on a PS4 or PS5, will gain exclusive access to a new Zombies mode for an entire year. Zombies Onslaught is a brand new mode played on multiplayer maps. For a list of all supported maps and full details, check out this article.

How loadouts work in Black Ops Cold War Zombies

In Black Ops Cold War, players will bring their loadouts to Zombies mode for the first time. Load in with a weapon of your choice and two attachments to help survive those early rounds. If you’re concerned about how this will change Zombies, find all the information in this article.

All confirmed Perks and how to upgrade them in Black Ops Cold War Zombies

Perks are returning with Black Ops Cold War Zombies, and for the first time, they are permanently upgradeable. Juggernog and Speed Cola make a return, along with some we haven’t seen before. For the full list of Perks and how the new upgrading system works, check out this article.

How Scorestreaks & Armor work in Black Ops Cold War Zombies

You will be able to use Scorestreaks and Armor in Black Ops Cold War Zombies. Chopper Gunners, Sentry Turrets, and more will help you fight the undead. This article details all the confirmed Scorestreaks for Zombies and how to earn them.

Prestige and Progression

How to Prestige in Black Ops Cold War

Black Ops Cold War has brought back the Prestige system. It has changed slightly in Cold War due to Seasonal and Unified Progression, such as having both a season rank and Prestige rank. Here’s how to Prestige in the lastest Call of Duty.

Fastest way to level up in Black Ops Cold War

Black Ops Cold War features a unified progression system, meaning as you play either Zombies or multiplayer, your Cold War rank will increase. This allows you to unlock weapons, Perks, etc for use in either mode. To help you rank up fast, here’s the best way to gain XP through Double XP Codes, Challenges, and more.

Every Dark Ops Challenge in Black Ops Cold War

Treyarch is bringing back Dark Ops Challenges in Black Ops Cold War! Dark Ops Challenges will be available across the campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies. Here is a list of all the challenges and how to complete them.

Black Ops Cold War Prestige System: Seasonal, Master Ranks

The new Prestige system features Seasonal Prestige ranks, Prestige Master Ranks, and more combined together for an ultimate experience. This system is totally new to Black Ops Cold War, so check out this article for how it all works.

Black Ops Cold War progression: Prestige system combined with Warzone & MW

Black Ops Cold War will share progression with both Warzone and Modern Warfare. Once Cold War’s first Season drops in December, as you play any of these three games, your level will increase in all of them. This article explains how Activision is bringing unified progression to Call of Duty for the first time.

Settings, download, and PC Specs

How to install & uninstall Cold War modes on PlayStation, Xbox, & PC

Black Ops Cold War will take up at least 90GB of hard drive space, meaning you may not have room for many other games. Cold War gives players the option of installing and uninstalling the game’s different modes. This guide tells you how to uninstall different modes, no matter your platform.

How to switch from PS4 to PS5 version of Black Ops Cold War on PS5

When loading up Black Ops Cold War on the PS5, both the PS4 and PS5 versions are installed. Sometimes the console will default to the PS4 edition, so you can be missing out on all of the next-gen benefits without realising. Check out this guide to make sure you’re running the correct edition.

How to upgrade Black Ops Cold War from Xbox One to Xbox Series X

Black Ops Cold War has arrived around the same time as the new generation of consoles. The next-gen versions of the game include ray-tracing, improved graphics and quicker load times. If you have Cold War for the Xbox One, here’s how to upgrade it to the Xbox Series X|S edition.

Best PC specs & graphics cards to play Black Ops Cold War

Activision recently updated its list of minimum and optimal specifications to play Black Ops Cold War on PC. As games get more advanced, they also get more intensive. No matter your budget, this guide will help you choose the graphics card that’s right for you.

Roadmaps and post-launch content

Black Ops Cold War Post Launch Roadmap: Nuketown & Gunfight

Black Ops Cold War Season 1 begins December 10. Check out the new Roadmap which provides us with a look at how the team will finish the year with Black Ops Cold War. It wouldn’t be a Black Ops game without Nuketown, and Modern Warfare’s gunfight mode makes a return.

Black Ops Cold War PlayStation advantages: Loadouts, Tiers, XP

PlayStation players will receive exclusive benefits per an exclusivity deal with Activision. On top of the year-long exclusive game mode ‘Zombies Onslaught,’ there are a number of other benefits. If you play on the PS4 or PS5, check out the additional content you will receive.


Keep an eye on this page as we update it with more guides and information.

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About The Author

Liam is CharlieIntel's Editor. After graduating in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University, Liam made use of his passion for FPS games, including Call of Duty, by writing for sites such as The Nerd Stash, Red Bull Gaming, and GAMINGbible before joining CharlieIntel in November 2020. You can contact Liam at [email protected].