Objective: Investigate the Facility

Objective: Investigate the Facility

Welcome, Specialist. This guide will walk you through the treacherous "Investigate the Facility" objective in Call of Duty: Black Ops III, ensuring you navigate its frozen perils and uncover its secrets with maximum efficiency. Prepare for a challenging environment filled with advanced enemy combatants and strategic opportunities.

Mission Overview & Recommended Loadout

This objective takes place in a heavily fortified, snow-covered research facility. Expect close-quarters combat, long-range engagements, and encounters with various robotic and human enemy types. Stealth can be an option in some areas, but direct confrontation is often unavoidable.

• Primary Weapon: An assault rifle like the KN-44 or HVK-30 for versatility, or a submachine gun such as the VMP for CQC. Consider equipping a long-range optic for the exterior sections.
• Secondary Weapon: A pistol like the RK5 for quick swaps, or a launcher such as the XM-53 if you anticipate heavy robotic resistance.
• Tactical Rig: The Overdrive CyberCore (Control) is highly recommended for quickly repositioning or escaping dangerous situations. Alternatively, Remote Hijack (Control) is invaluable for turning enemy robots against them.
• Tactical Equipment: Concussion Grenades or Flashbangs are excellent for disorienting groups of enemies.
• Lethal Equipment: Frag Grenades or Thermite for clearing entrenched positions or dealing with robotic threats.
• Wildcards: Consider Perk 1 Greed (for Flak Jacket/Blind Eye) or Primary Gunfighter for additional attachments.

Walkthrough: Navigating the Exterior Approach

Upon deployment, you'll find yourself in a desolate, snow-covered exterior leading to the facility. This area is a sniper's paradise for the enemy, so proceed with extreme caution.

1. Initial Advance & Sniper Threat: Move forward along the main path. Immediately take cover behind the large rock formations or abandoned vehicles. There are at least two snipers positioned on elevated platforms overlooking the approach. Use your Tactical Rig's vision pulse (if equipped) or simply scan the high ground carefully. Prioritize eliminating these snipers with precise shots to avoid taking heavy damage.
2. Patrols and Ambush Points: As you advance, expect patrols of 3-4 standard enemy soldiers. They often use the snowdrifts and abandoned equipment for cover. Be particularly wary of the narrow pass between the two large, snow-covered structures; this is a common ambush point.
3. Exploiting the Environment: Keep an eye out for red explosive barrels scattered throughout the exterior. A well-placed shot can clear groups of enemies or destroy cover. There are also several frozen-over puddles that can be shattered to expose enemies hiding behind them, or to briefly slow down advancing foes.
4. Entering the Facility Perimeter: The main entrance is guarded by a turret and several soldiers. If you have Remote Hijack, this is an excellent opportunity to turn the turret against its allies. Otherwise, use grenades to suppress the soldiers and focus fire on the turret's weak point (usually the glowing core).

Inside the Facility: Corridors and Labs

Once inside, the environment shifts to tight corridors and interconnected labs. Expect a higher density of robotic enemies here.

1. Security Checkpoint: The first interior area is a security checkpoint. You'll encounter two standard soldiers and a P.A.W.N. robot. The P.A.W.N. is heavily armored; aim for its head or the glowing weak points on its chassis. Use cover effectively as the corridors are narrow.
2. Central Atrium & Robotic Hordes: Proceed into the central atrium. This large, open area will trigger a significant enemy wave. Expect multiple P.A.W.N.s, R.A.P.S. units, and 4-5 human soldiers.
   • Strategy: use the elevated walkways and cover points. If you have Remote Hijack, target the P.A.W.N.s first to create a diversion. Focus fire on the R.A.P.S. units as they are fast and can quickly overwhelm you. Grenades are highly effective here.
   • Common Pitfall: Don't get caught in the open. The R.A.P.S. units can quickly flank you. Maintain situational awareness.
3. Laboratory Section: After clearing the atrium, move into the laboratory section. This area features several interconnected rooms with scientific equipment. You'll encounter 2-3 human scientists (non-combatants, do not engage unless provoked) and 3-4 armed guards.
4. Data Core Access: Your objective is to access the facility's data core. This is located in the furthest lab, behind a reinforced door. The door will be guarded by a G.I. Unit – a heavily armed, bipedal robot.
   • G.I. Unit Strategy: The G.I. Unit is a mini-boss encounter. It has heavy armor and a powerful weapon.
     • Weak Points: Target the glowing red vents on its back (when it turns) or the head.
     • Recommended Approach: Use Thermite or Frag Grenades to strip its armor. If you have Remote Hijack, you can temporarily disable it or even turn it against any remaining soldiers. Keep moving and use the lab equipment for cover.
     • Loadout Tip: If you brought the XM-53 launcher, now is the time to use it.

Data Retrieval and Exfiltration

Once the G.I. Unit is destroyed, approach the console in the center of the room to initiate the data download.

1. Initiate Download: Interact with the glowing console. The download will take approximately 60 seconds.
2. Defend the Position: During the download, the facility will go into full lockdown, and waves of enemies will attempt to stop you. Expect waves of 2-3 P.A.W.N.s and 5-6 human soldiers from multiple entry points.
   • Defensive Strategy: Set up a defensive perimeter. Use the lab tables and equipment as cover. Place any deployable equipment (like a Sentry Gun if you have it) strategically. Prioritize enemies attempting to flank your position.
   • Rewards: Successfully defending the data core and completing the download will often grant bonus XP and potentially unlock new gear or intel.
3. Exfiltration: Once the download is complete, a new objective marker will appear, guiding you to an exfiltration point. This usually involves backtracking through a previously cleared area, which may now have respawned enemies or new patrols. Be prepared for a final push.

Collectible Intel Locations

Throughout this objective, there are several pieces of collectible intel that provide lore and bonus XP. Keep an eye out for glowing data pads or terminals.

By following these detailed steps and strategies, you will successfully navigate the "Investigate the Facility" objective, secure the critical data, and emerge victorious. Good luck, Specialist!