Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Call of Duty: Black Ops III

DLC & Expansions

Master Call of Duty: Black Ops III DLCs, from Awakening's Der Eisendrache bows to Gorod Krovi's Gauntlet of Siegfried. Learn new multiplayer maps like Spire and.

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DLC & Expansions

Welcome, seasoned Black Ops III operative! While the base game offers a robust experience, the DLC and expansions truly elevate your journey, introducing new challenges, powerful gear, and intricate storylines that expand the Black Ops III universe. This section will guide you through maximizing your experience with each major content drop, focusing on actionable strategies for both campaign and multiplayer enhancements.

Awakening DLC Pack

The Awakening DLC was the first major content release, bringing four new multiplayer maps and a thrilling new Zombies chapter. For RPG players, the multiplayer maps offer excellent opportunities to test new loadouts and earn valuable XP for character progression, while the Zombies map is crucial for specific weapon and perk unlocks.

Multiplayer Map Strategies

  • Gauntlet: This map is a three-lane environmental masterpiece.
    • Strategy: Utilize the distinct biomes (urban, jungle, arctic) to your advantage. The urban lane favors close-quarters SMGs like the VMP or Kuda, while the jungle offers cover for LMGs such as the Dingo. The arctic lane's long sightlines are perfect for snipers like the Locus. Consider equipping the Tracker perk to spot enemies moving between environmental transitions.
    • Key Locations: Control the central bridge in the urban lane for crucial sightlines, and the elevated jungle platform for flanking opportunities.
  • Rise: Set in a snowy research facility, Rise features a mix of open areas and tight corridors.
    • Strategy: Shotguns like the Haymaker 12 or Brecci 205 are devastating in the facility's interior. For exterior engagements, assault rifles such as the Man-O-War or HVK-30 excel. The Hardwired perk can be invaluable here to counter enemy equipment in the confined spaces.
    • Key Locations: The central control room is a high-traffic area; holding it provides excellent map control. The outdoor snow paths offer flanking routes but expose you to snipers.
  • Splash: A vibrant, abandoned water park map.
    • Strategy: This map is all about verticality and flanking. Specialist abilities like Ruin's Gravity Spikes or Prophet's Tempest can be devastating in the water slides and elevated platforms. SMGs and fast-firing assault rifles (e.g., Weevil, Razorback) are ideal for the rapid engagements.
    • Key Locations: The central pirate ship offers a commanding view but is easily flanked. The water slides provide quick movement but limit your weapon usage.
  • Skyjacked: A reimagining of the classic Hijacked map, set on a VTOL aircraft.
    • Strategy: Expect intense, close-quarters combat. Shotguns, SMGs, and fast-handling assault rifles are paramount. The Fast Hands perk is almost mandatory for quick weapon swaps and equipment use. Be mindful of the open sides; a well-placed Combat Axe or Thermite can catch unsuspecting players.
    • Key Locations: The central command room is a constant firefight. The lower deck offers some cover but can be easily overwhelmed.

Zombies: Der Eisendrache

Der Eisendrache introduces new Wonder Weapons, a complex Easter Egg, and challenging boss fights. Mastering this map is essential for unlocking specific weapon variants and earning significant XP.

  • Power Activation:
    1. Start in the Courtyard and open the door to the Undercroft (1250 points).
    2. Proceed through the Undercroft to the Pyramid Room (1500 points).
    3. Activate the three power generators located in the Undercroft, Pyramid Room, and the Launch Pad area.
  • Obtaining the Bows (Wonder Weapons): The primary objective is to obtain the Wrath of the Ancients bow and upgrade it into one of four elemental bows.
    • Wrath of the Ancients:
      1. Shoot the three dragon heads located in the Courtyard, Undercroft, and Pyramid Room until they consume enough zombies and glow red.
      2. Collect the bow from the pedestal in the Pyramid Room.
    • Elemental Bow Upgrades: Each elemental bow (Storm Bow, Wolf Bow, Void Bow, Fire Bow) has a unique questline. Focus on one per game for efficiency.
      • Example: Storm Bow Upgrade (Lightning Bow):
        1. Shoot the weather vane on the castle roof with the Wrath of the Ancients.
        2. Collect the three lightning arrow parts: one from the weather vane, one from the clock tower, and one from the rocket launch pad.
        3. Charge the arrow in the lightning orb near the Pyramid Room.
        4. Shoot the four electrical urns around the map to complete the upgrade.
  • Perk Locations:
    • Juggernog: Located in the Courtyard.
    • Speed Cola: Found in the Undercroft.
    • Double Tap II Root Beer: Situated near the Launch Pad.
    • Quick Revive: In the starting room (solo) or near the Pyramid Room (co-op).

Eclipse DLC Pack

The Eclipse DLC introduced another set of four multiplayer maps and the next chapter in the Zombies saga, Zetsubou No Shima. This pack emphasizes environmental interaction and strategic positioning.

Multiplayer Map Strategies

  • Spire: A futuristic airport high in the clouds.
    • Strategy: Verticality is key. Use wall-running to navigate quickly and flank enemies. Snipers (e.g., SVG-100) can dominate the long sightlines, but SMGs (e.g., Pharo) are effective in the interior terminals. The Awareness perk can help detect enemies above or below you.
    • Key Locations: The central control tower offers a commanding view but is a prime target. The lower cargo bays provide cover and flanking routes.
  • Rift: A military complex suspended over an active volcano.
    • Strategy: This map is characterized by tight corridors and dangerous environmental hazards. Shotguns and SMGs are highly effective. Avoid falling into the lava! The Engineer perk can help you spot enemy equipment placed in choke points.
    • Key Locations: The central bridge is a high-traffic area. The side passages offer safer, but longer, routes.
  • Stirkeout: A reimagining of the classic Verruckt map from World at War, set in a dilapidated asylum.
    • Strategy: Expect close-quarters chaos. Shotguns and SMGs are king. Utilize the broken walls and furniture for cover. The Ghost perk can help you remain undetected while navigating the tight spaces.
    • Key Locations: The central courtyard is a death trap. Control the hallways and individual rooms for tactical advantage.
  • Verge: A post-apocalyptic reimagining of the classic Banzai map from World at War.
    • Strategy: This map features a mix of open areas and dense jungle. Assault rifles and LMGs are strong in the open, while SMGs excel in the vegetation. The Cold Blooded perk can help you avoid detection from enemy scorestreaks in the open areas.
    • Key Locations: The central bridge is a critical choke point. The flanking jungle paths offer stealth opportunities.

Zombies: Zetsubou No Shima

Zetsubou No Shima introduces new plant mechanics, a unique enemy type (Thrasher), and a challenging Easter Egg. Mastering the plant system is vital for survival and progression.

  • Power Activation:
    1. Start in the Crash Site and open the door to the Lab A (1250 points).
    2. Proceed through Lab A to the Bunker (1500 points).
    3. Activate the power switch in the Bunker.
  • Plant Mechanics: Throughout the map, you'll find various plant pods. Interact with them to plant seeds (found around the map) and water them with different liquids (water, green water, purple water) to grow beneficial items.
    • Watering with Green Water: Often yields powerful weapons or perks.
    • Watering with Purple Water: Can spawn a friendly spider or a potent grenade.
    • Watering with Normal Water: Typically yields basic items or points.
  • Obtaining the KT-4 (Wonder Weapon):
    1. Collect the three parts: the Vial of KT-4 Serum (from killing a Thrasher), the Spider Venom (from killing a spider boss in the cave), and the Plant Seed (found in the Bunker).
    2. Craft the KT-4 at the workbench in Lab A.
  • Perk Locations:
    • Juggernog: Located in Lab A.
    • Speed Cola: Found in the Bunker.
    • Double Tap II Root Beer: Situated near the Crash Site.
    • Quick Revive: In the starting room (solo) or near Lab A (co-op).

Descent DLC Pack

The Descent DLC continues to expand the multiplayer map pool and delivers the next thrilling chapter in the Zombies storyline, Gorod Krovi. This pack focuses on intense, fast-paced combat and complex boss encounters.

Multiplayer Map Strategies

  • Empire: A luxurious Roman villa, reimagined from the classic Raid map.
    • Strategy: This map is a blend of open courtyards and intricate interiors. Assault rifles and SMGs are versatile. The Awareness perk can help you detect enemies moving through the many doorways and arches.
    • Key Locations: The central fountain area is a constant battleground. The surrounding rooms offer flanking routes and cover.
  • Cryogen: An isolated cryogenic prison.
    • Strategy: Expect close-to-medium range engagements. Shotguns and SMGs are highly effective in the prison cells and corridors. The Tactical Mask perk can be useful against enemy stun grenades in the confined spaces.
    • Key Locations: The central cryo-chamber is a critical control point. The outer walkways offer some breathing room but are exposed.
  • Berserk: A Viking village frozen in time.
    • Strategy: This map features a mix of open, snowy terrain and tight wooden structures. Snipers can dominate the long sightlines, while SMGs are effective in the buildings. The Hardwired perk can help counter enemy trip mines in the narrow passages.
    • Key Locations: The central longhouse is a key objective. The surrounding snow paths offer flanking opportunities.
  • Rumble: A gladiatorial arena where giant robots battle.
    • Strategy: This map is all about fast-paced, chaotic combat. SMGs and fast-firing assault rifles are ideal. Specialist abilities that clear areas, like Seraph's Annihilator or Nomad's H.I.V.E., are very effective.
    • Key Locations: The central arena floor is a constant firefight. The elevated platforms offer tactical advantages but are exposed.

Zombies: Gorod Krovi

Gorod Krovi introduces dragon mechanics, a powerful new Wonder Weapon (the Gauntlet of Siegfried), and challenging boss fights against dragons and manglers. This map demands excellent teamwork and strategic use of specialist weapons.

  • Power Activation:
    1. Start in the Dragon Command and open the door to the Armory (1250 points).
    2. Proceed through the Armory to the Supply Depot (1500 points).
    3. Activate the power switch in the Supply Depot.
  • Dragon Strike Controller: Essential for activating various objectives and the Easter Egg.
    • Location: Found in the Dragon Command area after activating power.
    • Usage: Use it to call in dragon strikes on specific locations, clear debris, and activate certain mechanisms.
  • Obtaining the Gauntlet of Siegfried (Wonder Weapon):
    1. Collect the Dragon Egg from the Dragon Command area.
    2. Place the egg in the incubation chamber in the Armory.
    3. Complete the three trials (killing zombies near the egg, surviving a round with the egg, and feeding the dragon head near the egg).
    4. Collect the hatched Dragon Egg and take it to the workbench in the Supply Depot to craft the Gauntlet of Siegfried.
  • Perk Locations:
    • Juggernog: Located in the Dragon Command.
    • Speed Cola: Found in the Armory.
    • Double Tap II Root Beer: Situated near the Supply Depot.
    • Quick Revive: In the starting room (solo) or near the Dragon Command (co-op).

Salvation DLC Pack

The final DLC pack, Salvation, concludes the multiplayer map offerings and brings the epic finale to the Zombies storyline with Revelations. This pack is crucial for players invested in the overarching narrative and offers unique gameplay mechanics.

Multiplayer Map Strategies

  • Citadel: An ancient, overgrown castle.
    • Strategy: This map features a mix of tight corridors and open courtyards. Shotguns and SMGs are excellent for the interior, while assault rifles can pick off enemies in the open. The Dead Silence perk is useful for stealthy movements through the castle.
    • Key Locations: The central courtyard is a constant battleground. The flanking towers offer elevated positions.
  • Micro: A miniature battlefield set on a giant picnic table.
    • Strategy: This unique map offers a fresh perspective on combat. SMGs and fast-firing assault rifles are ideal for the close-quarters engagements. Specialist abilities that cover wide areas, like Firebreak's Purifier, can be devastating.
    • Key Locations: The central sandwich is a high-traffic area. The surrounding condiments and utensils offer cover and unique vantage points.
  • Outlaw: A Western-themed reimagining of the classic Standoff map.
    • Strategy: This map offers a balance of open areas and tight buildings. Snipers can dominate the long sightlines, while SMGs are effective in the saloons and general store. The Tracker perk can help you follow enemy footsteps in the dusty streets.
    • Key Locations: The central street is a critical choke point. The flanking buildings offer cover and elevated positions.
  • Rupture: A futuristic facility built on a volcanic caldera, reimagined from the classic Outskirts map.
    • Strategy: This map features a mix of open areas and industrial structures. LMGs and assault rifles are strong in the open, while SMGs excel in the interior. The Engineer perk can help you spot enemy equipment in the industrial zones.
    • Key Locations: The central caldera is a dangerous but rewarding area to control. The surrounding facilities offer cover and flanking routes.

Zombies: Revelations

Revelations is the culmination of the Zombies storyline, bringing together elements from all previous maps. It features multiple Wonder Weapons, a complex Easter Egg, and a final boss fight against the Shadow Man. This map is a true test of your Zombies skills.

  • Power Activation: Power is automatically active in the starting area, Nacht der Untoten.
  • Accessing Areas: The map is a mashup of previous Zombies locations. You'll need to open doors to access areas like Verruckt, Kino der Toten, Mob of the Dead, and Origins.
  • Apothicon Servant (Wonder Weapon): This powerful weapon can be obtained early.
    1. Collect the three parts: the Apothicon Servant Egg (found in a random location), the Tentacle (dropped by a Margwa), and the Worm (found in the Origins section).
    2. Craft the Apothicon Servant at a workbench.
  • Upgrading the Apothicon Servant: This involves a complex process of feeding souls to specific altars and completing challenges.
  • Keeper Protector Summoning: Essential for the Easter Egg and for providing powerful assistance.
    • Location: Summoning altars are found in various locations (e.g., Kino der Toten stage).
    • Cost: Requires 5000 points and a specific ritual item (e.g., Keeper Skull).
  • Perk Locations: Perks are scattered throughout the various map sections, often in their original locations from previous maps.
    • Juggernog: Found in the Verruckt section.
    • Speed Cola: Located in the Kino der Toten section.
    • Double Tap II Root Beer: Situated in the Mob of the Dead section.
    • Quick Revive: In the starting room (solo) or near the Nacht der Untoten section (co-op).