It’s never too late to jump into Call of Duty: Black Ops 3’s competitive multiplayer scene.
Whether or not you have experience playing other Call of Duty games in the past, initially learning how to adapt to the newest installment in the series, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, can still prove to be a daunting task. With new movement mechanics, a wide variety of Specialists, and all-new maps to navigate, there’s a lot to take in. However, by utilizing the following 5 multiplayer tips, you will not only improve your overall gameplay, but also avoid throwing your controller across the room in frustration. Below are 5 tips for all of you newcomers to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3.

Master The Movement Mechanics

The best way to prepare yourself before jumping headfirst into the chaotic fray of multiplayer is a feature called Free Run. This mode enables you the opportunity to learn how to handle the various new movement mechanics in the game such as thrust jumps, wall running, power slides, and even swimming. These mechanics can be honed through 4 different obstacle courses that gradually increase in difficulty. Once you feel comfortable maneuvering in the game, you’ll be able to hit enemies on the move with more accuracy, and have an easier time evading dangerous scenarios.

Learn The Maps in Rotation

This may seem like a no-brainer, but knowing your way around the rotation of maps will help you no matter what game mode you decide to play. Every map is unique, varying in overall difficulty, size, and terrain. In addition, some maps offer far more cover (which many newcomers find particularly helpful) than others. Knowing where to go and where not to go will ultimately help you avoid running headfirst into a horde of enemies. An important tip to keep in mind is to use buildings and cover to your advantage, rather than darting haphazardly out into the open.

Running through the middle of the map will only make you an incredibly easy target for snipers. Additionally, when utilizing various buildings always remember to check your corners for hidden campers. To help with map mastery, we recommend starting out with a simple mode like Team Deathmatch. By playing a few rounds and focusing solely on taking out enemies rather than a particular objective will help you learn not only how to utilize the in-game weapons and movement mechanics, but also about each different Specialist and his/her unique abilities.

Pay Attention To Your Mini-Map

The mini-map is one of the most important components in a multiplayer match. Making proper use of your mini-map is crucial when determining where your enemies are located via red dot indicators. It can also prove extremely useful for figuring out where your enemies are not by paying attention to the direction of the blue arrows that represent your teammates. Doing this will help you safely determine the best direction to take in order to skirt around enemies and take them by surprise. Additionally, by following more-experienced teammates you can pick up useful tips and tricks all through the power of observation.

The mini-map will also give you a simplistic layout of the map you’re playing in, which is useful if you’re playing an unfamiliar map. Another way to keep track of your enemies is by equipping the Sixth Sense Perk, which will alert you when an enemy is nearby. For example, if the mini-map becomes blurred due to the opposing team making use of a Counter-UAV, this Perk will offer a little extra security. Sixth Sense is beneficial in a multitude of ways, from avoiding being knifed in the back, realizing when enemies are chasing after you, to knowing whether or not an enemy is currently located in the room you’re about to enter.

Figure Out What You’re Good At

Let’s face it, no one will enter this game an instant master of every Specialist, weapon, and style of play. In the beginning you will have limited access to weapons, Perks, and Specialists, which you must unlock by playing the game. Make sure you don’t waste your Unlock Tokens, as these will come in handy when you want to try out a particular Specialist or weapon. We recommend starting out with the Prophet if you prefer precision sniping, or Battery, who offers two extremely useful abilities for beginners.

Kinetic Armor, which helps you avoid damage and can be exceptionally handy if you find yourself facing off against more than one opponent, and War Machine. This grenade launcher is tons of fun if you enjoy watching your enemies explode, and is more than capable of taking out an unwary cluster of enemies. Best of all, it doesn’t require as much accuracy as the Outrider’s Sparrow bow or Seraph’s Annihilator, for example. In terms of weapons, once you learn the size of each map in rotation, it’ll be easier to select a weapon that compliments the map’s signature components.

Experiment With Loadout Customization

After completing several multiplayer matches you should have a better grasp of the guns, Perks, and Specialist abilities that work best for you. Using this newfound information, experiment even further with your loadouts and hone them toward your ideal playstyle. For example, if you prefer using submachines gun, stick with your gun of choice and level it up to gain attachments that will further improve the quality of the weapon. Experiment with Perks, and after testing out various Specialist abilities, stick to the one you feel most comfortable with.

With enough patience and constant practice you’ll be a master of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 in no time at all!