Does Call of Duty: Black Ops Have Co-Op? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether Call of Duty: Black Ops has co-op is a common one among fans of the franchise. The short answer is: yes, but with significant caveats. While Call of Duty: Black Ops does not feature a co-operative campaign mode, it does offer co-op experiences in other areas of the game, namely through its Zombie mode and Combat Training mode. It’s important to understand these nuances, as the absence of campaign co-op was a significant point of discussion when the game was released. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Co-Op Modes in Call of Duty: Black Ops
Zombie Mode
The most prominent co-op experience in Call of Duty: Black Ops is undoubtedly its Zombie mode. This mode allows up to four players to team up locally or online to battle against hordes of undead. The appeal of Zombie mode lies in its intense, wave-based gameplay, requiring teamwork and strategic planning to survive. Players work together to unlock new areas, purchase weapons, and ultimately fight off increasingly difficult waves of zombies. The mode’s complex maps, hidden secrets, and unique power-ups create a replayable and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more. This is where the game truly shines for co-op enthusiasts.
Combat Training
In addition to the popular Zombie mode, Call of Duty: Black Ops also includes Combat Training. This mode is essentially the game’s versus modes against AI-controlled bots. This mode allows up to six players to participate, creating opportunities for team-based battles without the competitive pressures of online multiplayer. While not as unique or deep as Zombie mode, Combat Training still offers a fun co-op experience for players looking to hone their skills or simply enjoy playing with friends against bots.
Why No Campaign Co-Op?
The absence of co-op campaign in Call of Duty: Black Ops is a notable omission, particularly when compared to later entries in the series that would embrace this feature. Although Call of Duty: World at War had co-op campaign, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III would later reintroduce it, Black Ops 1 did not. This decision was likely made to prioritize other aspects of the game, such as its narrative focus and intricate level design. It remains one of the most discussed “what ifs” regarding this title. It’s also important to note that while the game case may have stated 1-4 players, this was only in reference to Zombie mode and multiplayer, not the single-player campaign.
Split-Screen Considerations
Call of Duty: Black Ops does allow for split-screen play, but its implementation is limited. You can play 2-player split-screen in both Zombie mode and Combat Training. However, when playing split-screen online, you are limited to only one additional online player, meaning only two players are on the same system. This is important to note as it differs from other entries in the franchise which would later allow for more players on the same system. The inability to do split-screen in Campaign was also a disappointment for many gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the co-op experience in Call of Duty: Black Ops, designed to further clarify its limitations and capabilities:
1. Does Call of Duty: Black Ops have a co-op campaign?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops does not have a co-op campaign. This was a feature notably absent from the game, despite being present in some other Call of Duty titles.
2. What are the co-op modes available in Call of Duty: Black Ops?
The co-op modes in Call of Duty: Black Ops include the Zombie mode (for up to four players) and Combat Training (up to six players against bots).
3. Can you play split-screen in Call of Duty: Black Ops?
Yes, you can play 2-player split-screen in both Zombie mode and Combat Training. However, split-screen onlie is limited to only 2 players, not 4.
4. How many players can play Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies?
Zombie mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops allows for up to four players to play cooperatively.
5. Can you play Call of Duty: Black Ops campaign in split-screen?
No, the campaign in Call of Duty: Black Ops does not support split-screen play. It is a purely single-player experience.
6. Is there offline multiplayer in Call of Duty: Black Ops?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops does have offline multiplayer against bots, but the game requires an update to enable this functionality.
7. Can you play 3 or 4 player split screen on Call of Duty Black Ops?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops does not support 3 or 4-player split screen. Split-screen is strictly limited to 2 players.
8. Is Black Ops 3 split-screen only?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops III is not split-screen only. It supports both online multiplayer and zombies in split-screen, with local split-screen support for up to 4 players.
9. Can you play co-op on Black Ops 4?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has a co-op experience in its Zombies mode, with new protagonists travelling through time.
10. Does Modern Warfare 3 (2023) have split-screen?
Modern Warfare 3 (2023) will have split-screen upon release on November 10th. It was absent during the beta testing phase, similar to how Modern Warfare 2 (2022) was handled.
11. Can you play split-screen online in Modern Warfare 2?
Yes, Modern Warfare 2 supports 2-player split-screen in Private Matches, but not in all online game modes. Free For All, Ground War, and Spec Ops do not support it.
12. How many players can play split-screen on Call of Duty: Black Ops 2?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 allows 4 players to play split-screen locally on one system, and 2 in online multiplayer.
13. Is Black Ops Cold War campaign split-screen?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s campaign does not support split-screen. Split-screen is only available in Multiplayer and Zombies mode with only 2 players.
14. Is Black Ops 3 campaign co-op?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3’s campaign is designed for up to 4-player online co-op. Two players can also team up locally in split-screen.
15. Why doesn’t Black Ops have co-op campaign?
The absence of co-op campaign in Black Ops 1 was likely due to a focus on its narrative, gameplay, and specific level design considerations. It’s a feature that many gamers wished had been included.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Call of Duty: Black Ops does not offer a co-op campaign, it compensates with engaging co-op experiences in its Zombie mode and Combat Training mode. The lack of campaign co-op might be disappointing for some, but the available co-op modes provide hours of entertainment for those seeking to team up with friends. By understanding the nuances and limitations, players can fully appreciate the co-op options that Call of Duty: Black Ops does provide.