Multiplayer Prestige System Explained — Call of Duty: Black Ops II Guide

Multiplayer Prestige System Explained

Welcome, seasoned operatives, to the definitive guide on mastering the Multiplayer Prestige System in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. This system offers a rewarding path for dedicated players to reset their progress, unlock exclusive content, and showcase their commitment to the battlefield. Understanding its mechanics is crucial for maximizing your long-term multiplayer experience.

What is Prestige?

Prestige is a cyclical progression system that becomes available once you reach the maximum Military Rank (Level 55). Upon choosing to Prestige, your rank, weapon levels, challenges, and custom classes are reset. However, you retain certain permanent unlocks and gain access to unique rewards.

The Prestige Cycle: Step-by-Step

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of how to navigate the Prestige system:

1. Reach Max Military Rank: Your primary objective is to reach Level 55. This is achieved by earning XP through gameplay, completing challenges, and performing well in matches.
2. Access the Prestige Option: Once you hit Level 55, a new option will appear in the Barracks menu, typically labeled "Prestige Mode" or "Enter Prestige."
3. Review Prestige Rewards: Before confirming, the game will display the specific rewards you'll receive for entering that particular Prestige level. This usually includes a Prestige Token, a new Prestige Icon, and often an extra Custom Class slot.
4. Confirm Prestige: If you're ready to commit, select "Yes" to confirm. Be aware that this action is irreversible for that Prestige cycle.
5. Rank Reset: Your rank will immediately reset to Level 1. You will need to re-earn XP to progress through the ranks again.
6. Unlocks Reset: All weapon unlocks, perk unlocks, scorestreak unlocks, and equipment unlocks will be reset. You will need to unlock them again as you level up.
7. Challenges Reset: Most challenges (e.g., weapon challenges, perk challenges) will also reset, allowing you to earn XP for completing them again.
8. Custom Classes Reset: Your custom class slots will be wiped clean. You'll start with the default number of slots and unlock more as you progress through the ranks or use Prestige Tokens.

Prestige Rewards and Benefits

Each time you Prestige, you gain valuable rewards that enhance your gameplay and distinguish you from other players:

• Prestige Token: This is the most significant reward. A Prestige Token allows you to permanently unlock one item of your choice from the Create-a-Class menu. This means that even after prestiging, that specific weapon, perk, scorestreak, or piece of equipment will be available to you from Level 1 in all subsequent Prestige cycles. Choose wisely!
• Prestige Icon: Your player card will display a unique icon corresponding to your current Prestige level. There are 10 Prestige levels, each with its own distinct icon, culminating in the Master Prestige icon.
• Extra Custom Class Slot: For most Prestige levels, you will unlock an additional custom class slot, up to a maximum of 10. This allows for greater strategic flexibility in your loadouts.
• Calling Cards and Emblems: Certain Prestige levels may also unlock exclusive calling cards and emblems to further customize your player identity.
• Fresh Start Option: After reaching Master Prestige (Prestige 10, Level 55), you gain the option for a "Fresh Start." This completely wipes all your multiplayer progress, including stats, unlocks, and challenges, as if you were starting the game for the very first time. This is purely for players seeking the ultimate challenge.

Strategic Use of Prestige Tokens

Choosing which item to permanently unlock with your Prestige Token is a critical decision. Consider these strategies:

• Early Game Dominance: Unlock a powerful weapon like the AN-94 or MSMC, or a crucial perk like Lightweight or Hardline, to give you an edge from Level 1 in subsequent Prestige cycles.
• Essential Equipment: If you rely heavily on a specific piece of equipment, such as the Semtex or Tactical Mask, permanently unlocking it can streamline your early gameplay.
• High-Level Scorestreaks: For players who consistently earn high scorestreaks, unlocking something like the UAV or Hunter Killer Drone can ensure you always have access to these vital tools.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, unlock what you enjoy using the most or what you find most essential to your playstyle. There's no single "best" unlock, as it depends on your individual needs.

Tips for Efficient Prestiging

• Focus on Challenges: Many challenges reset with Prestige, offering significant XP bonuses. Prioritize completing these to level up faster.
• Double XP Events: Take advantage of any Double XP weekends or events to maximize your rank progression before and after Prestiging.
• Weapon Leveling: Try to level up your preferred weapons to unlock attachments before Prestiging, as weapon levels also reset. However, attachments for permanently unlocked weapons will still need to be re-earned.
• Embrace the Grind: Prestiging is a commitment. Enjoy the process of re-unlocking items and experimenting with different loadouts as you climb the ranks again.

By understanding and strategically utilizing the Prestige system, you'll not only unlock a wealth of exclusive content but also deepen your mastery of Call of Duty: Black Ops II multiplayer.