Welcome to the 1980s, agent. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War throws you into the shadowy world of espionage during the Cold War. You'll play as a newly recruited operative, tasked with hunting down a dangerous Soviet agent known only as Perseus. Expect intense first-person shooter action as you navigate a globe-trotting campaign, making critical choices that impact the narrative and lead to multiple endings. Whether you're a fan of tactical firefights or branching storylines, this FPS will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This guide is your all-access pass to mastering Black Ops Cold War. We'll break down everything you need to know, from nailing fundamental controls and optimizing weapon loadouts to executing advanced multiplayer tactics. We'll also help you conquer crucial campaign missions and achieve those coveted Steam Achievements, ensuring you don't miss a single detail in your fight against Soviet influence.
About This Guide
Dive into the ultimate guide for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's Dead Ops Arcade 3. Learn strategies, mechanics, and more from a dedicated fan.
This guide provides a complete walkthrough for Dead Ops Arcade 3, a game mode within Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. It is designed to offer a deep understanding of the game, aiming to help players achieve longer and more successful games. The author, a long-time fan of the Dead Ops Arcade series, has meticulously compiled information, drawing from previous guides while incorporating all new content and changes specific to DOA3.
The guide encourages readers to go through it entirely, especially if new to Dead Ops. It acknowledges the extensive information but emphasizes the game's depth. The author is committed to continuously updating the guide with new information and correcting inaccuracies, inviting community feedback for improvements. Special thanks are extended to Rambo (TheMoZProject) for organizing a community Discord that aided in information sharing and verification among high-level players. Gratitude is also expressed to John Rafacz, Director of PR at Treyarch, for providing essential overhead arena map images, and to David King, CTO of Treyarch and creator of Dead Ops Arcade, for making the game possible.
Contact information for feedback and recommendations is provided, including Discord, Email, and PSN details. The guide aims to be the most complete and complete resource available for Dead Ops Arcade 3.
New in Dead Ops 3
Discover the new features in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's Dead Ops Arcade 3, including 64 levels, new weapons, and radar.
- 1Dead Ops Arcade 3 in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War features 64 basic levels.
- 2A new weapon type, the crossblade shooter, has been added.
- 3New item pickups are available.
- 4Radar is now available, showing enemy locations in first-person and The Wild.
- 5New bonus room types have been introduced.
- 6Expect new enemy types to challenge you.
- 7New level types, including The Wild, are present.
- 8New game modes include first person and advanced start.
- 9Multiple Underboss battles await you.
- 10A new main boss has been added.
- 11New music tracks enhance the experience.
Removed Features:
- Silverback Challenges have been removed.
- The Flame Thrower weapon has been removed.
- Lean on the new radar (a display on your HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap), or Heads-Up Display, showing enemy positions) to track enemies, especially in first-person mode or The Wild.
- Experiment with the new crossblade shooter weapon to find its strengths.
- Be prepared for new enemy types and boss encounters.
Controls / How to Play
Master the controls for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's Dead Ops Arcade 3. Learn button mappings for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and understand the HUD elements.
Dead Ops Arcade 3 (DOA3) is a top-down, twin-stick shooter where players battle hordes of zombies. The game uses a control scheme similar to SMASH TV, with additions for first-person mode and vehicle interaction. Controls may vary slightly between PC and home consoles.
NOTE: First-person mode controls are standard for Call of Duty gameplay, including underwater movement.
Player HUD (Heads-up Display)
The DOA3 HUD displays key information for each player:
- First Place: Indicates the player with the highest score.
- Lives: Starts at 3, maxes at 9 (10 with Divine Chalice). Icon shows damage level; a full red icon means a life is lost. Traps, hazards, elites, and bosses kill instantly.
- Bolts: Represents speed boosts. Starts at 2, maxes at 9 (10 with Furious Feet).
- Nukes: Indicates bombs. Starts at 1, maxes at 9 (10 with Divine Shield).
- Keys: Used for locked doors and chests. Max 10. In solo, a key can grant an extra life.
- Score: Your total points. Each zombie kill is 100 points. Earn a free life every 200,000 points.
- Weapon Power: Indicates secondary weapon tier. Disappears as weapon is used, returning to the base LMG. Tiers: Gray Gun (1st), Red Gun (2nd), Purple Gun (3rd).
- Multiplier Bar: Shows progress to the next score multiplier level.
Game Mode Types
Explore Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Dead Ops Arcade modes: traditional, First Person, and Advanced Start options with unique pros and cons.
Dead Ops Arcade (traditional overhead)
This is the main and preferred way to play, mirroring a traditional arcade game. The camera is fixated overhead unless you find a first-person mode (FPM) pickup. Most enemies and all hazards kill you in one shot. Playing on the extra high camera setting can help visibility. You cannot jump or sprint in this mode. It is more difficult than first-person mode and is recommended if you enjoy top-down shooters or want to be taken seriously in the community.
Dead Ops Arcade First Person
This mode mirrors traditional Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War gameplay, including sprinting and jumping. You can take multiple hits from most zombie types before dying and run through hazards (poles, floggers) without immediately dying. The FPM applies to all aspects of the game, including bonus rooms and arcade machines. Separate leaderboards exist for rounds and scores. This mode is significantly easier than the regular overhead gameplay and is recommended for a change of pace, a different perspective, or if you find the traditional gameplay too difficult.
Dead Ops Arcade Solo Advanced Start
This mode uses the traditional camera view but starts you at the first round of the last arena you reached. For example, if you reached round 43 in the Bloodpool (rounds 41-44) and died, you will start on round 41. You are given one fate immediately at the start, with a chance to get a second fate after round 65 in the Room of Judgement. You also start with more bombs and boosts than normal. This mode provides an opportunity to practice high rounds (65+) sooner. Rounds and scores do not count on the leaderboards. This is the method to try if you want to beat the Mamaback but lack the skill to play traditionally or do not have others to play with, and it can also be useful for practicing high-round games.
Dead Ops Arcade First Person Solo Advanced Start
This mode combines the First Person (FPM) gameplay with the Advanced Start feature. You start at the first round of the last arena reached and are given one fate immediately, with a second available after round 65. You begin with more bombs and boosts. The controls mirror traditional Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War gameplay with sprinting and jumping, and you can withstand multiple hits and run through hazards. FPM applies to all game facets. However, you cannot earn trophies or calling cards in this mode, and rounds and scores do not count on the leaderboards. This mode is intended for players who want an easier way to achieve goals like the Mamaback trophy or practice higher rounds.
- If you want to be taken seriously in the community, play the traditional overhead mode.
- First Person mode is significantly easier due to increased survivability and mobility.
- Dead Ops Arcade Solo Advanced Start and First Person Solo Advanced Start are ideal for practicing high rounds (65+) or attempting to beat the Mamaback.
- Dead Ops Arcade First Person Solo Advanced Start is the easiest mode for achieving specific in-game goals, though it does not contribute to leaderboards, trophies, or calling cards.
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