Top 5 tips to dominate Satellite in Black Ops Cold War

Andrew Highton

Satellite is a unique map as its three channels are completely different from one another. This level requires an element of skill and strategy to excel, and these 5 top tips should help you master Satellite in BOCW.

Control of the Satellite map is heavily dictated by the middle part of the map and its crashed plane. If a team can get a firm grip on it, it can be tough to pull the game back.

This makes Treyarch’s Satellite map both desirable and undesirable at the same time. If you’re good enough, then it’s entirely possible to use the channels to advance and turn the tide in your team’s favor. Here’s how you can do this.

1. Use Satellite’s caves channel less

Of the three channels, this is the one we use the least. It doesn’t offer much in the way of visibility; it obscures most of the map, and while it can sometimes be a good spot to advance, there’s usually someone waiting for you.

Its best use is to pick off enemies whilst you control the middle. By having the advantage, you can easily take some cover and pick off enemies as they keep spawning in their attempt to overthrow you.

satellite channel in bocw

2. Watch out for spawn killing

For some reason, the issue of spawn killing is more noticeable on Satellite and sometimes completely unavoidable. There’s so much space at the back of the spawns, especially the side that features the C flag in Domination.

Long story short, move as soon as you spawn. Don’t hang around. If you know there’s someone spawn killing, then dash to a rock and hunt them out.

If you hide and multiple people can respawn in quick succession, then you’ll easily put that issue to bed. On the other hand, it would be very easy for you to be the one doing the killing if you want to take that dark road.

3. The key to the middle is speed

Sounds easy, right? Wrong. The natural instinct isn’t to dash in; it’s to cautiously approach and peek out to see what’s waiting for you on the other side. The element of surprise will work here more than you think. Once you’ve gained the edge, you can easily hold it for a while, maybe guard the area with a Sentry Turret too.

Also, the destroyed cockpit is probably not a great place to camp out either, as it’s just one of those spots that everyone instinctively goes for and checks. It’s not a spot that will merit your time or reward you sufficiently. Hiding behind, not in, the middle section is a good play.

middle of satellite in bocw

4. Make full use of the mini-channels

In some respects, Satellite actually does have about five channels or more. In between the desert and the middle section, you’ve got some protected routes that can still take you to the other side of the map.

These actually work out really well as a lot of the time, the central focus is on the main points of interest. If you’re someone who benefits from being quicker and stealthier, then these might benefit you more.

5. Satellite’s desert isn’t THAT dangerous

A common complaint aimed at Satellite is the exposed desert area that seeks to be a hunting ground for snipers. It’s actually a lot more than that if you choose the right approach. The channel provides a wealth of cover from well-positioned sand dunes to boxes to hide behind.

As long as you’re cautious, maybe have the Paranoia perk equipped, and a solid Assault Rifle with good range, then you can easily sneak up on the enemy here or pick them off.

So there you go, plenty of tips to dominate the desert and survive longer. Keep on the move, be accurate, and make the middle your best friend.

Image credits: Treyarch

About The Author

A content creator for Charlie INTEL / Dexerto that earned a degree, wrote for PlusXP, Twinfinite, and Keengamer, before finally securing his dream job of being a professional video game writer. When not writing about games, he's very busy playing every game in existence and adding to his 11,000+ PlayStation Trophies and 150+ Platinums. You can contact him at [email protected].