Objective: Eliminate Key Targets

Objective: Eliminate Key Targets

In Call of Duty: Black Ops III, missions frequently task you with eliminating specific high-value targets (HVTs) crucial to the enemy's operations. These aren't your standard grunts; they are often heavily armored, possess unique abilities, or command significant forces. Successfully neutralizing them requires strategic planning, optimal loadouts, and precise execution. This section will guide you through identifying, engaging, and eliminating the various types of key targets you'll encounter throughout the campaign.

Understanding Key Target Types & Weaknesses

Key targets in Black Ops III come in several distinct forms, each with specific strengths and vulnerabilities. Recognizing these will be your first step towards efficient elimination.

• Heavily Armored Commanders (e.g., Warlords, Elite Troopers): These human enemies are often equipped with advanced body armor, riot shields, or even personal energy shields. They typically wield powerful weapons like LMGs or shotguns and can withstand significant damage.
  • Weaknesses: Headshots are always effective. Flanking maneuvers can expose unarmored backs. Explosives (grenades, grenade launchers) can strip armor or bypass shields. Cybernetic abilities like Firefly Swarm or Immolation can bypass physical defenses.
  • Example Encounter: In the mission "Provocation," you'll face Elite Troopers with heavy armor in the Singapore Safe House. Prioritize taking them out to reduce incoming fire.
• Advanced Robotic Units (e.g., RAPS, G.I. Unit, ASP): These mechanical foes range from small, agile drones to massive, weaponized platforms. They possess high durability and often carry devastating weaponry.
  • Weaknesses: Energy weapons (e.g., Dingo, Gorgon) can be highly effective against robotic armor. EMP grenades or the Electro-Shock Cyber Core ability can temporarily disable them, allowing for critical hits. Certain robotic units, like the ASP, have exposed weak points (e.g., glowing vents, weapon mounts) that take increased damage.
  • Example Encounter: The G.I. Unit encountered in "Demon Within" is a prime example. Focus fire on its head or the glowing core on its back when exposed.
• Specialized Drones/Aircraft (e.g., Talon, Cerberus): Fast-moving aerial or ground-based drones that can provide heavy fire support or deploy other units.
  • Weaknesses: Lock-on launchers (e.g., Blackcell, XM-53) are ideal. High-rate-of-fire weapons can track and destroy them. The Remote Hijack Cyber Core is exceptionally powerful, allowing you to turn them against their allies.
  • Example Encounter: Talons frequently appear in "Vengeance." A well-placed XM-53 rocket or a quick Remote Hijack can neutralize them instantly.

Recommended Loadouts for Target Elimination

Optimizing your weapon and Cyber Core selection is crucial for effectively neutralizing key targets. Here are some highly effective combinations:

Weapons

• Primary Weapon (Versatility/Damage):
  • Assault Rifles (e.g., HVK-30, KN-44): Good all-around choice for sustained fire and accuracy. Equip with High Caliber for headshot damage or Extended Mags for longer engagements.
  • LMGs (e.g., Dingo, Gorgon): Excellent for suppressing heavily armored targets and robotic units due to their high damage output and large magazines. Pair with FMJ to penetrate cover.
  • Shotguns (e.g., KRM-262, Haymaker 12): Devastating at close range, ideal for quickly eliminating armored human targets. Equip with Long Barrel to extend effective range slightly.
• Secondary Weapon (Specialized):
  • Launchers (e.g., XM-53, Blackcell): Absolutely essential for dealing with robotic units, vehicles, and clusters of enemies. Always carry one if facing mechanical threats.
  • Pistols (e.g., RK5, L-CAR 9): Useful as a quick swap for finishing off weakened targets or conserving primary ammo.
• Lethal & Tactical Equipment:
  • Lethal: Frag Grenade / Semtex: Good for flushing out enemies or dealing splash damage to armored foes.
  • Tactical: EMP Grenade / Flashbang: EMPs are invaluable against robotic units, temporarily disabling them. Flashbangs can disorient human targets, making them easier to hit.

Cyber Cores

Your Cyber Core abilities are game-changers. Select them based on the mission's expected threats.

Tactical Approaches for Engagement

Engaging Single Key Targets

1. Identify & Prioritize: Use your tactical overlay (D-Pad Up) to mark the target. Understand its type and potential threats.
2. Create Space/Flank: If it's a heavily armored human target, use cover to maneuver around them and expose their unarmored back. For robotic units, maintain distance if they have close-range weapons.
3. Initiate with Abilities:
   • Robotic: If available, use Remote Hijack or Electro-Shock immediately. Follow up with a launcher shot or sustained LMG fire.
   • Armored Human: Use Firefly Swarm or Immolation to apply damage over time, or a well-placed grenade to stun/damage.
4. Focus Fire: Concentrate all available firepower on the target. Aim for headshots on human targets and weak points on robotic units.
5. use Specialist Weapon: If your specialist weapon is charged (e.g., Annihilator, Scythe), deploy it for maximum impact. The Annihilator is particularly effective against all target types.
6. Maintain Cover & Movement: Never stand still. Use slides, jumps, and cover to avoid incoming fire and reposition for better angles.

Engaging Multiple Key Targets

When faced with more than one HVT, careful prioritization and crowd control are essential.

1. Assess Threat Level: Identify which target poses the most immediate danger (e.g., a G.I. Unit with a minigun, or a Warlord with a grenade launcher).
2. Crowd Control with Abilities:
   • Use Firefly Swarm or Immolation to damage multiple targets simultaneously.
   • If there are multiple robotic targets, consider using Remote Hijack on the most dangerous one, then focus fire on the others while your new ally distracts them.
   • Electro-Shock can stun multiple robots in a radius.
3. Isolate & Eliminate: Try to draw one target away from the group or use environmental cover to create a one-on-one engagement.
4. Explosives: use frag grenades or launcher shots to damage multiple targets at once, especially if they are grouped.
5. Prioritize Weakest/Most Dangerous: Sometimes it's better to quickly eliminate a weaker but highly annoying target (like a Talon) before focusing on a heavily armored G.I. Unit. Other times, taking out the biggest threat first will reduce overall incoming damage. Adapt to the situation.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

• Tunnel Vision: Focusing solely on the key target while ignoring lesser enemies can lead to being overwhelmed. Clear out immediate threats before committing fully to the HVT.
• Wasting Abilities: Don't use your powerful Cyber Core abilities or specialist weapon on standard enemies. Save them for the key targets.
• Ignoring Cover: Standing in the open against a heavily armed HVT is a death sentence. Always use the environment to your advantage.
• Wrong Weapon Choice: Trying to take down an ASP with a shotgun from long range, or a G.I. Unit with a pistol, will be inefficient and dangerous. Ensure your loadout is appropriate for the expected threats.
• Lack of Ammo: Always check your ammo count before engaging a key target. Replenish at ammo caches or pick up enemy weapons if necessary.

Quick Tips for Eliminating Key Targets

• Always mark targets with your tactical overlay (D-Pad Up) for better visibility.
• Headshots are king for human targets.
• Exploit weak points on robotic units (glowing parts, exposed components).
• EMP grenades and Electro-Shock are invaluable against robots.
• Remote Hijack can turn the tide against robotic threats.
• Use your Specialist Weapon for maximum burst damage.
• Stay mobile and use cover to avoid sustained damage.
• Prioritize threats when facing multiple HVTs.
• Don't forget your lethal and tactical equipment!