Co-op Campaign Strategies
While the Black Ops III campaign can be a challenging solo endeavor, tackling it with a co-op partner transforms the experience, opening up new tactical possibilities and demanding coordinated teamwork. This section will guide you through optimizing your co-op playthrough, focusing on synergy, loadout choices, and objective-specific tactics.
General Co-op Principles
- Communication is Key: Always call out enemy positions, incoming threats, and your intentions. Use the in-game ping system for quick target marking.
- Role Specialization: While all players are capable, consider having one player focus on close-quarters combat (SMG/Shotgun) and another on long-range engagements (Assault Rifle/Sniper).
- Shared Resources: Be mindful of ammo and tactical equipment. If one player is low on grenades, and another has a surplus, communicate and share.
- Revive Priority: Always prioritize reviving a downed teammate. A single downed player significantly reduces your combat effectiveness. Use your Tactical Rig abilities to create cover or quickly reach them.
Loadout Synergy
Effective co-op play starts with complementary loadouts. Consider the following combinations:
Aggressive Frontline & Support Fire
- Player 1 (Frontline):
- Primary Weapon: Kuda (SMG) or Argus (Shotgun) for close-quarters dominance.
- Secondary Weapon: RK5 (Pistol) for quick swaps.
- Tactical Rig:
Ruin: Gravity Spikes for clearing groups or Overdrive for rapid advancement and revives.
- Tactical Equipment: Concussion Grenade to stun enemies before pushing.
- Lethal Equipment: Frag Grenade for clearing entrenched positions.
- Player 2 (Support):
- Primary Weapon: HVK-30 (Assault Rifle) or Dingo (LMG) for sustained fire and suppressing enemies.
- Secondary Weapon: L-CAR 9 (Machine Pistol) for close encounters.
- Tactical Rig:
Prophet: Tempest for chaining electrical damage or Glitch for repositioning and escaping danger.
- Tactical Equipment: Smoke Grenade to provide cover for revives or advances.
- Lethal Equipment: Trip Mine or C4 for area denial and flank protection.
Defensive Hold & Flank
- Player 1 (Defensive):
- Primary Weapon: Gorgon (LMG) or Haymaker 12 (Shotgun) for holding chokepoints.
- Secondary Weapon: MR6 (Pistol).
- Tactical Rig:
Outrider: Sparrow for clearing multiple targets or Vision Pulse for revealing enemy positions.
- Tactical Equipment: Trophy System to protect against incoming grenades.
- Lethal Equipment: Claymore for setting up defensive traps.
- Player 2 (Flanker/Sniper):
- Primary Weapon: SVG-100 (Sniper Rifle) or M8A7 (Assault Rifle) for precision shots.
- Secondary Weapon: KRM-262 (Shotgun) for close-range emergencies.
- Tactical Rig:
Seraph: Combat Focus for faster scorestreak acquisition or Annihilator for high-damage takedowns.
- Tactical Equipment: Shock Charge to disable enemies around corners.
- Lethal Equipment: Thermite for area denial and burning out cover.
Mission-Specific Co-op Tactics
Mission 2: New World
- Data Retrieval Segment: When retrieving data from the server room, one player should focus on defending the entrance while the other interacts with the terminal. Use a Trophy System near the terminal to counter incoming grenades.
- Jungle Ambush: During the jungle section with the Warlords, have one player use a long-range weapon to pick off enemies from a distance, while the other pushes forward with an SMG, clearing immediate threats and drawing fire.
Mission 4: Provocation
- Train Yard Encounter: The train yard can be overwhelming. Designate one player to focus on the elevated walkways and snipers, while the other clears ground-level enemies and pushes objectives. Use Smoke Grenades to cross open areas.
- Corvus Drone Fight: When facing the Corvus drones, prioritize taking down the smaller drones first to reduce incoming fire. One player can focus on sustained fire on the main drone while the other handles the smaller threats.
Mission 7: Demon Within
- Nightmare Sequences: These sections are disorienting. Stick together closely. If one player has Vision Pulse (Outrider), activate it frequently to reveal hidden enemies. Communicate enemy locations constantly.
- Final Stand: During the final defense, establish clear firing lanes. One player can hold a primary chokepoint with an LMG, while the other covers flanks and uses abilities like Gravity Spikes (Ruin) or Tempest (Prophet) to clear groups.
Advanced Co-op Maneuvers
- Crossfire Tactics: Position yourselves to create overlapping fields of fire, catching enemies in a crossfire and reducing their effective cover.
- Bait and Switch: One player draws enemy fire and attention, while the other flanks and eliminates the distracted enemies. This is particularly effective against heavily armored foes or turrets.
- Synchronized Ability Use: Coordinate the use of your Tactical Rig abilities. For example, a Prophet's Tempest can stun a group, allowing a Ruin to follow up with Gravity Spikes for a devastating combo.
- Buddy Healing: Always be aware of your partner's health. If they're taking heavy fire, provide suppressive fire or use a Smoke Grenade to allow them to reposition or heal.
By implementing these strategies and fostering strong communication, you and your co-op partner will conquer even the most challenging sections of the Black Ops III campaign with ease.