Multiplayer Maps

Welcome, Specialist, to the ultimate guide for dominating the diverse battlegrounds of Black Ops III Multiplayer. Understanding the intricate layouts, key power positions, and optimal routes for each map is paramount to securing victory. This section will break down several prominent maps, offering actionable strategies and highlighting critical areas to exploit or defend.

Combine

Combine is a compact, three-lane map set in a remote Egyptian research facility, notorious for its fast-paced, close-quarters engagements. Its central courtyard and flanking routes make it a hotbed for SMG and Shotgun users, but skilled AR You can still thrive by controlling sightlines.

Central Courtyard: This open area is a high-traffic zone and a frequent objective point (e.g., Hardpoint, Domination B flag). Utilize the scattered crates and the central rock formation for cover. Be wary of enemies pushing from the Side Building or the Upper Walkway overlooking the courtyard.
Side Building (Left Lane): This building offers a direct route to the enemy spawn or the central courtyard. The narrow corridors are ideal for shotguns or SMGs. Flanking through here can catch unsuspecting enemies off guard. Always check the corners and be prepared for close-range encounters.
Upper Walkway (Right Lane): Providing elevated sightlines over the central courtyard and parts of the enemy spawn, this walkway is a prime location for snipers or assault rifle users. However, it's exposed from multiple angles, so constant awareness is key. Use the small barriers for partial cover.
Water Feature: The small pool area near one spawn offers a less direct, but often overlooked, flanking route. It's quieter but leaves you vulnerable if caught in the open.
Strategy Tip: For objective modes, consider dedicating one or two players to hold the Upper Walkway, providing overwatch for the central objective, while the rest of the team pushes through the Side Building or directly into the courtyard.

Evac

Evac transports you to a flooded, overgrown research facility in Singapore. This medium-sized map features a mix of open areas, tight corridors, and verticality, encouraging diverse playstyles.

Central Bridge: A major choke point and often a contested objective. It offers clear sightlines across the map but leaves players exposed. Use the overturned vehicles and debris for cover. Grenades are highly effective here.
Research Labs (Left Side): These interconnected buildings provide excellent cover and multiple entry points. They are perfect for SMG and shotgun users looking to flank or engage in close-quarters combat. Be mindful of enemies pushing from the Courtyard or the Upper Walkways within the labs.
Outdoor Courtyard (Right Side): This more open area features a large tree and some scattered cover. It's a good route for longer-range engagements, but also susceptible to aerial scorestreaks. Watch for enemies pushing from the Central Bridge or the Research Labs.
Underwater Passages: Evac uniquely features flooded sections that allow for stealthy movement. While slower, these passages can be used to bypass heavily contested areas or execute surprise flanks. Remember you cannot fire while submerged.
Upper Catwalks: Several elevated pathways within the Research Labs and overlooking the Central Bridge offer tactical advantages. Control these for superior sightlines, but be aware of enemies climbing up or pushing from below.
Strategy Tip: In Domination, securing the B flag (often on the Central Bridge) is crucial. Use the Research Labs to push and hold, while a sniper or AR user provides cover from the Courtyard.

Fringe

Fringe is a rural, dilapidated farmstead in rural America, characterized by its distinct three-lane structure and numerous flanking opportunities. It's a balanced map, supporting both close-quarters and medium-range engagements.

Barn (Central Building): The iconic Barn is the heart of Fringe, often hosting objective points. It has multiple entry points, including ground-level doors and an upper window. Controlling the Barn provides excellent map control, but it can become a grenade magnet.
Train Tracks (Left Lane): This open lane runs alongside a stationary train, offering limited cover. It's a common route for snipers and long-range AR users. Be cautious of enemies pushing from the Barn or the Warehouse across the tracks.
Warehouse (Right Lane): This large industrial building provides a more enclosed route with several rooms and elevated platforms. It's ideal for SMGs and shotguns, allowing for aggressive pushes and flanks. Watch out for enemies camping in the corners or on the Upper Walkway.
Farmhouse (Spawn Area): One of the spawn areas, the Farmhouse, offers a good vantage point over parts of the map. It's a safe place to regroup but can be pushed by aggressive teams.
Side Alleyways: Numerous small alleys and pathways connect the main lanes, offering crucial flanking routes. Learning these shortcuts can give you a significant advantage in repositioning or surprising enemies.
Strategy Tip: For Search & Destroy, controlling the Barn is often key. Plant the bomb inside and defend from the upper window or the surrounding cover. Alternatively, a well-coordinated push through the Warehouse can catch defenders off guard.

Nuk3town

The classic, chaotic, and beloved Nuketown returns, reimagined for Black Ops III's futuristic setting. This tiny, symmetrical map is pure mayhem, designed for non-stop, frantic action.

Yellow House & Green House: These two identical houses dominate the map, serving as primary spawn points and central battlegrounds. Each house has multiple windows, a garage, and an upper floor, all offering vantage points and entry points. Expect constant close-quarters combat inside and around these structures.
Central Street: The open street between the two houses is a death trap if not crossed with extreme caution. It's a magnet for grenades, scorestreaks, and direct fire. Use the iconic bus and truck for limited cover, but don't linger.
Backyards: The small backyards behind each house offer a slightly safer, but still contested, flanking route. They are often used to push into the enemy house or to escape the central street.
Upper Windows: The second-story windows of both houses provide excellent, albeit exposed, sightlines over the central street and parts of the enemy spawn. Snipers and AR users can rack up kills here, but are vulnerable to grenades and counter-sniping.
Garage: The ground-floor garage of each house offers a direct, but often heavily contested, push into the enemy house. It's a prime location for shotguns and SMGs.
Strategy Tip: In almost any game mode on Nuk3town, aggression is rewarded. Don't be afraid to push. Utilize specialist abilities like Rejack or Kinetic Armor to survive pushes, or Gravity Spikes and War Machine to clear rooms. Grenades are your best friend.