Scorestreak Strategies for Multiplayer
Mastering Scorestreaks in Call of Duty: Black Ops II is crucial for dominating multiplayer matches. Unlike traditional Killstreaks, Scorestreaks reward players for objective play, assists, and defensive actions, not just kills. This guide will walk you through optimal Scorestreak selections and deployment strategies for various playstyles and game modes.
Understanding the Scorestreak System
The core of the Scorestreak system is earning points for actions beyond just eliminating enemies. Capturing objectives in modes like Domination, defending teammates, or even destroying enemy equipment contributes to your Scorestreak progression. This encourages a more tactical and team-oriented approach to gameplay.
Choosing Your Scorestreaks: Balanced Loadouts
Selecting the right combination of Scorestreaks is paramount. Consider a balanced approach that offers both offensive and supportive capabilities. We recommend categorizing your Scorestreaks into low, mid, and high-tier options to ensure you're always working towards something achievable.
Low-Tier Scorestreaks (Under 800 Score)
- UAV (350 Score): This is a fundamental Scorestreak. Always consider including it.
- Strategy: Deploy immediately upon earning. The mini-map reveal is invaluable for team coordination and anticipating enemy movements. In objective modes like Hardpoint, a well-timed UAV can pinpoint enemy rotations.
- Counter: Be aware of enemy Counter-UAVs. If your UAV is active and a Counter-UAV is called in, your team will lose mini-map intel.
- Hunter Killer (400 Score): A quick, autonomous drone that seeks out and destroys an enemy.
- Strategy: Best used when you know an enemy is isolated or to clear out a specific area. It can also be thrown towards common camping spots or objective points.
- Location: Can be thrown from almost anywhere on the map. Aim for open sightlines or areas where enemies are likely to be.
- Care Package (500 Score): Delivers a random Scorestreak.
- Strategy: High risk, high reward. Always deploy in a safe, defensible location away from enemy sightlines. Consider using the Engineer perk to reroll the contents if you get something undesirable.
- Location: Look for rooftops, enclosed spaces, or behind cover on maps like Plaza or Standoff.
Mid-Tier Scorestreaks (800 - 1200 Score)
- Lightning Strike (900 Score): Call in three precision strikes on designated locations.
- Strategy: Excellent for clearing objective points (e.g., B flag in Domination), chokepoints, or spawning enemies. Coordinate with teammates to maximize impact.
- Walkthrough: When earned, bring up your map and carefully select three target areas. Prioritize areas with high enemy traffic or where enemies are entrenched.
- Sentry Gun (800 Score): An automated turret that defends an area.
- Strategy: Ideal for defending objectives or covering flanks. Place it in a position with a clear line of sight but also some cover to prevent easy destruction.
- Location: On maps like Raid, placing a Sentry Gun overlooking the middle courtyard or near a contested objective can be highly effective.
- Death Machine (900 Score): A powerful minigun for a limited time.
- Strategy: Best used for aggressive pushes or defending a critical area. Be mindful of its slow movement speed and reload time.
- Walkthrough: Activate in close-quarters engagements or when pushing an objective. Combine with perks like Toughness to maintain accuracy under fire.
High-Tier Scorestreaks (1200+ Score)
- VSAT (1200 Score): An advanced UAV that cannot be shot down and reveals enemy direction.
- Strategy: A game-changer. Deploy immediately. This provides unparalleled intel, allowing your team to anticipate every enemy move. Combine with offensive Scorestreaks for maximum impact.
- Counter: There is no direct counter to the VSAT once deployed, making it incredibly powerful.
- Attack Chopper (1400 Score): A helicopter that patrols the map, engaging enemies.
- Strategy: Provides sustained air support. Best used on larger maps with open areas. Be aware that enemies can shoot it down with launchers.
- Walkthrough: Deploy when your team has map control or is pushing an objective. The chopper will target enemies automatically.
- Swarm (1900 Score): Deploys multiple Hunter Killer drones simultaneously.
- Strategy: The ultimate area denial and offensive Scorestreak. Best used when the enemy team is grouped up or pushing an objective. It can quickly decimate an entire team.
- Location: Effective on any map, but particularly devastating on smaller, more confined maps like Nuketown 2025.
Synergistic Perk and Wildcard Combinations
To maximize your Scorestreak potential, consider these perk and wildcard combinations:
- Hardline (Perk 1): Reduces the score required for all Scorestreaks by 125. Essential for players aiming for higher-tier streaks.
- Engineer (Perk 3): Allows you to reroll Care Packages and booby trap enemy equipment. Great for getting the Scorestreak you want from a Care Package.
- Primary Gunfighter (Wildcard): Allows a third attachment on your primary weapon, helping you secure more kills and thus more score.
- Perk 1 Greed (Wildcard): Equip two Perk 1 perks. Combine Hardline with another useful Perk 1 like Lightweight or Flak Jacket for added survivability or mobility.
Game Mode Specific Strategies
- Domination: Focus on capturing and defending flags. Scorestreaks like UAV, Lightning Strike, and Sentry Gun are incredibly effective for controlling objective points.
- Hardpoint: Holding the Hardpoint is key. Sentry Guns placed strategically, Lightning Strikes on incoming enemies, and VSATs for intel are invaluable.
- Team Deathmatch: While kills are the primary objective, assists and destroying enemy equipment still contribute. A balanced loadout with UAVs and offensive streaks like the Attack Chopper or Lightning Strike is recommended.
- Search & Destroy: Intel is paramount. UAVs and VSATs are extremely powerful here, providing critical information on enemy positions without revealing your own. Consider lower-tier streaks as rounds are short.
By understanding the Scorestreak system, carefully selecting your loadout, and deploying your streaks strategically, you'll significantly improve your performance and contribute more effectively to your team's success in Call of Duty: Black Ops II multiplayer.