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

Intermission

Navigate the Intermission in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. Optimize loadouts and grasp the narrative before Mission 3: In Darkness for battlefield success.

·Multi-source verified (81/81)

Intermission

Welcome to the Intermission, a crucial period after the intense events of Mission 2: New World. This segment serves as a hub for character development, equipment management, and uncovering hidden lore before diving into Mission 3: In Darkness. Don't rush through this; optimizing your loadout and understanding the unfolding narrative here will significantly impact your success in future missions.

The Safe House: Your Sanctuary

Upon completing "New World," you'll automatically return to your Safe House. This is your primary base of operations for the Intermission. Take the time to explore and interact with your squadmates.

  • Interact with Hendricks: He'll be near the main console. Speaking with him will advance some plot points and offer insights into the current situation.
  • Access the Data Vault: Located on the wall opposite the entrance, the Data Vault is a treasure trove of lore. New intel files, audio logs, and character dossiers become available after each mission. check it for new entries marked with a green indicator. Collecting all data vault entries contributes to the "Historian" achievement/trophy.
  • Customize Loadouts: The Armory, accessible via the main console, is where you can fine-tune your weapons, Cybernetic Abilities, and Tactical Rigs.

Armory Management & Upgrades

This is your prime opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead. You'll likely have accumulated some Fabrication Kits and Weapon XP from the previous missions.

Weapon Customization

Invest your Weapon XP wisely. For the upcoming missions, consider upgrading the following:

  • Assault Rifles (e.g., KN-44, HVK-30): Focus on attachments that improve accuracy and recoil control, such as the Foregrip and Quickdraw Handle. The High Caliber attachment is excellent for increasing headshot damage against armored enemies.
  • Shotguns (e.g., KRM-262): If you prefer close-quarters combat, upgrading your shotgun with an Extended Mag and Long Barrel can be highly effective against unarmored targets and certain robotic units.
  • Specialist Weapons: Ensure your chosen Specialist Weapon (e.g., Annihilator, Gravity Spikes) is fully upgraded with any available Fabrication Kits. These can turn the tide in tough engagements.

Cybernetic Core Upgrades

The Cybernetic Core is where you unlock and upgrade your powerful abilities. After "New World," you should have enough Fabrication Kits to unlock or upgrade several key abilities. Prioritize these:

  • Control (Yellow Core):
    • Remote Hijack: Essential for disabling and turning enemy robots against their allies. Upgrade to Advanced Hijack for increased range and duration.
    • Tether: Useful for crowd control, linking multiple enemies and damaging them simultaneously.
  • Martial (Red Core):
    • Rapid Strike: Increases melee attack speed and damage, invaluable for close-quarters takedowns.
    • Unstoppable: Provides temporary damage resistance, crucial when pushing objectives or facing heavy fire.
  • Chaos (Blue Core):
    • Firefly Swarm: Excellent for area denial and damaging groups of enemies. Upgrade for increased swarm size and damage.
    • Electrostatic Burst: Disorients and damages nearby enemies, providing breathing room in tight situations.

Strategy Tip: Consider specializing in one or two core trees initially. A balanced approach can be effective, but mastering a few key abilities will often yield better results than spreading your Fabrication Kits too thin.

Optional Activities

While not mandatory, these activities can provide additional context and sometimes even small bonuses.

  • Visit the Training Simulator: Located in the Safe House, this allows you to test out new weapons and abilities in a controlled environment without risking mission failure. Experiment with different loadouts here.
  • Review Mission Debriefs: Re-read the debriefings for "Black Ops" and "New World" in the Data Vault. Pay attention to any subtle hints or recurring themes that might foreshadow future events.

Once you feel adequately prepared and have explored all available options, interact with the mission console to proceed to Mission 3: In Darkness. Remember, preparation during these intermissions is key to surviving the increasingly difficult challenges ahead.