Does Black Ops 2 Have DLC? A Deep Dive into the Content and Legacy
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (BO2) has downloadable content (DLC). Treyarch released four major DLC packs throughout 2013, significantly expanding the game’s multiplayer and Zombies experiences. These packs included new maps, weapons, and storylines, making BO2 one of the most content-rich Call of Duty titles of its time.
Black Ops 2 DLC: A Comprehensive Overview
The BO2 DLC was a significant factor in the game’s lasting popularity. These packs not only added fresh content but also introduced innovative features that kept players engaged long after the initial release. Let’s explore each DLC in detail:
Revolution
Revolution was the first DLC pack for BO2, launching initially on Xbox 360 in January 2013 and later arriving on PC and PlayStation 3. This pack introduced four new multiplayer maps:
- Hydro: A large map featuring a hydroelectric dam.
- Downhill: A snow-covered map set in the French Alps.
- Mirage: A sand-swept map in the Gobi Desert.
- Grind: A skate park located in Venice Beach, California.
Revolution also included the Peacekeeper submachine gun, a versatile weapon that quickly became a favorite among players. The Zombies offering was the map Die Rise, which featured a crumbling skyscraper setting and introduced new mechanics like elevator traversal and slippery surfaces.
Uprising
Released in April 2013, Uprising brought another set of four multiplayer maps to the table:
- Magma: A map set in a volcanic environment with lava flows affecting gameplay.
- Encore: A small map set in an outdoor concert venue.
- Vertigo: A high-rise building under construction in India.
- Studio: A reimagining of the classic “Firing Range” map from the original Black Ops, themed as a Hollywood movie set.
The star of the Uprising DLC was undoubtedly Mob of the Dead, a Zombies map set in Alcatraz Prison. Featuring a compelling narrative, a star-studded cast of voice actors (including Ray Liotta, Chazz Palminteri, Michael Madsen, and Joe Pantoliano), and unique mechanics like Afterlife mode, Mob of the Dead is often considered one of the best Zombies maps in Call of Duty history.
Vengeance
Vengeance arrived in July 2013, continuing the trend of adding four new multiplayer maps:
- Cove: A small, tropical island map.
- Detour: A map set on a bridge that’s been destroyed.
- Rush: A paintball-inspired map that’s fast-paced and chaotic.
- Uplink: A remake of the Summit map from the original Black Ops.
Vengeance also introduced the Zombies map Buried (also known as Resolution 1295), set in an underground Western town. Buried featured unique elements like the Giant (Arthur), who could be manipulated to assist players, and a chalk mechanic that allowed players to purchase weapons off the walls anywhere on the map.
Apocalypse
The final DLC pack for BO2, Apocalypse, launched in August 2013 and included:
- Pod: A futuristic, abandoned housing complex.
- Frost: A snow-covered bridge map.
- Takeoff: A remake of the Stadium map from Call of Duty: Black Ops.
- Dig: A reimagining of the Courtyard map from Call of Duty: World at War.
Apocalypse concluded the BO2 Zombies storyline with Origins, a prequel map that explored the origins of the original four Zombies characters (Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen) in a World War I setting. Origins introduced new weapons, enemies, and a complex easter egg that tied together the entire Zombies storyline.
Black Ops 2 DLC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Black Ops 2 DLC to provide further insight:
-
How many DLC packs are there for Black Ops 2?
There are four main DLC packs for Black Ops 2: Revolution, Uprising, Vengeance, and Apocalypse.
-
What content is included in each Black Ops 2 DLC pack?
Each DLC pack typically includes four new multiplayer maps and one new Zombies map. Some packs also include additional content, such as new weapons.
-
Are the Black Ops 2 DLC packs still available for purchase?
Yes, the DLC packs are usually still available for purchase on the Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation Store, and Steam. However, availability may vary depending on your region and platform.
-
How much do the Black Ops 2 DLC packs cost?
The individual DLC packs typically cost around $14.99 USD each. There was also a season pass available that granted access to all four DLC packs for a discounted price.
-
Which Black Ops 2 DLC pack is considered the best?
This is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, Mob of the Dead (from the Uprising DLC) and Origins (from the Apocalypse DLC) are often cited as fan favorites due to their compelling narratives and unique gameplay mechanics.
-
Which Black Ops 2 DLC pack has Buried?
The Zombies map Buried is included in the Vengeance DLC pack.
-
Which Black Ops 2 DLC pack has Mob of the Dead?
The Zombies map Mob of the Dead is included in the Uprising DLC pack.
-
Which Black Ops 2 DLC pack has Origins?
The Zombies map Origins is included in the Apocalypse DLC pack.
-
Are the Black Ops 2 DLC maps available on all platforms?
Yes, the DLC maps were released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. However, they were initially released exclusively on Xbox 360 for a period of 30 days before becoming available on other platforms.
-
Does Black Ops 2 DLC add new weapons to multiplayer?
The Revolution DLC pack included the Peacekeeper submachine gun, which was a popular addition to the multiplayer arsenal. Other DLC packs did not include new weapons for multiplayer.
-
Can I play the Black Ops 2 DLC maps offline?
The availability of offline play for DLC maps may vary depending on the platform and game mode. Generally, Zombies maps can be played offline, while multiplayer maps require an online connection for matchmaking.
-
Are the Black Ops 2 DLC maps included in any newer Call of Duty games?
Some maps from Black Ops 2 have been remastered or reimagined in newer Call of Duty titles. For example, the Summit map was remade as Uplink in the Vengeance DLC, and Firing Range was reimagined as Studio in the Uprising DLC.
-
Why are Black Ops 2 and its DLC still expensive?
The high price of Black Ops 2 and its DLC can be attributed to several factors, including its popularity, backwards compatibility on Xbox consoles, and the continued demand from players who appreciate its classic gameplay.
-
Does Black Ops 2 have a Zombies season pass?
Yes, there was a season pass available for Black Ops 2 that granted access to all four DLC packs, including the Zombies maps.
-
Where can I find more information about Black Ops 2 and its DLC?
You can find more information about Black Ops 2 and its DLC on various gaming websites, forums, and online communities. You can also explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which provides insights into the educational aspects of gaming and game design.
The Lasting Impact of Black Ops 2 DLC
The DLC for Black Ops 2 not only provided players with a wealth of new content but also helped solidify the game’s legacy as one of the most beloved Call of Duty titles. The Zombies maps, in particular, are still widely discussed and appreciated for their innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, and memorable characters. The multiplayer maps added variety to the core experience, ensuring that players had plenty of options to keep them engaged for years to come. The Games Learning Society would appreciate how these DLCs fostered community and continuous learning within the game.
In conclusion, the BO2 DLC was a significant addition to the game, enriching both the multiplayer and Zombies experiences. While the game is now over a decade old, its DLC remains a testament to the quality and innovation that defined Call of Duty during its golden age.