How to Drop a Nuke in Call of Duty: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to unleash the ultimate devastation and secure an instant win in Call of Duty? Dropping a nuke is the pinnacle of achievement, a display of skill and dominance that few players ever experience. While the specific requirements vary from game to game, the core principle remains the same: demonstrate exceptional skill and map knowledge. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to achieve nuclear glory in various Call of Duty titles.

Achieving Nuclear Detonation: A Game-by-Game Breakdown

While the allure of a tactical nuke is consistent across the Call of Duty franchise, the mechanics of acquiring one differ considerably depending on the specific title you’re playing. Let’s delve into the details:

• Modern Warfare (2019) and Modern Warfare II (2022): In these titles, the path to nuclear annihilation involves a brutal test of skill. You need to achieve a 30-kill streak using only your weapons and equipment. Kills obtained via killstreaks do not contribute to this streak. This demands exceptional aim, map awareness, and tactical decision-making.

• Modern Warfare III (2023): The requirement for a nuke remains the same as in the previous Modern Warfare titles: a 30-kill streak achieved purely through weapon and equipment kills. This focuses the challenge on individual gun skill and tactical prowess, discouraging reliance on scorestreaks or external assistance.

• Black Ops Cold War: Reaching the 30-kill streak still unlocks the nuke scorestreak, but its deployment differs slightly. Unlike Modern Warfare games, detonating the nuke in respawn modes doesn’t automatically end the match.

• Call of Duty: Mobile: Similar to other titles, a 20-kill streak unlocks the ability to plant a nuke. Reaching level 20 is a prerequisite.

• Warzone (Original and 2.0): The pathway to a nuke in Warzone is dramatically different, emphasizing strategic play and teamwork over individual kill streaks. Players must first achieve five consecutive wins. Following this streak, they can activate the “Champion’s Quest” contract, marked by a yellow crown on the map. This contract requires collecting three elements (Beryllium, Plutonium, and Tritium), delivering them to a designated bombsite, arming the nuke, and defending the site for two minutes. This complex process transforms the nuke from a solo achievement to a team-based objective.

• Older Titles (e.g., Modern Warfare 2, Black Ops II): These classic titles often require a 25-kill streak for a nuke (often called a Tactical Nuke or M.O.A.B.). Black Ops II also had unique scenarios, like “Turned” mode, where both humans and zombies could deploy a nuke with varying effects.

Essential Strategies for Nuke Acquisition

Regardless of the specific Call of Duty game you’re playing, some fundamental strategies will significantly increase your chances of achieving that coveted nuke:

• Master Map Knowledge: Learn every corner, choke point, and power position on your favorite maps. This will allow you to anticipate enemy movements and control key areas.

• Perfect Your Gun Skill: Practice your aiming, recoil control, and target acquisition. Consistent accuracy is paramount for maintaining a kill streak.

• Choose the Right Loadout: Select weapons and equipment that complement your play style and suit the map. Consider factors like range, rate of fire, and mobility.

• Play Tactically: Don’t blindly rush into engagements. Use cover, flank your opponents, and utilize tactical equipment like grenades and flashbangs to gain an advantage.

• Listen to Audio Cues: Pay attention to footsteps, gunfire, and callouts. These audio cues provide valuable information about enemy positions and movements.

• Manage Your Health and Positioning: Avoid taking unnecessary risks. Prioritize your survival and maintain a safe distance from potential threats.

• Communicate with Your Team (if applicable): Coordinate your movements, call out enemy positions, and support your teammates. Effective communication can significantly improve your chances of success.

• Stay Calm Under Pressure: As your kill streak grows, the pressure will mount. Remain calm, focused, and avoid making reckless decisions.

• Adapt to the Situation: Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the map, game mode, and your opponents’ play styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nukes in Call of Duty

1. What exactly is a nuke in Call of Duty?

A nuke is a hidden killstreak (or, in some cases, a scorestreak) that, when earned and activated, results in a game-ending explosion, automatically granting victory to the player’s team (or a significant advantage, depending on the game mode). It is the ultimate demonstration of skill and dominance.

2. How many kills do I need for a nuke?

The required number of kills varies by game. Most Modern Warfare titles require a 30-kill streak achieved solely with weapons and equipment. Older titles often require 25 kills, while Call of Duty: Mobile requires 20. Warzone requires winning five consecutive matches and then completing the Champion’s Quest.

3. Do killstreaks count towards a nuke?

Generally, no. In most Modern Warfare titles and others focusing on pure weapon skill, kills earned from killstreaks (or scorestreaks) do not contribute to the nuke killstreak. The kills must come from your weapons and equipment.

4. Can you get a nuke in Warzone?

Yes, but the process is significantly different than in traditional multiplayer modes. You must win five consecutive Warzone games, then activate and complete the Champion’s Quest contract in your sixth game. This involves collecting elements, delivering them to a bombsite, and defending the arming process.

5. What happens when you drop a nuke?

In most traditional multiplayer modes, the nuke detonation immediately ends the game, awarding the victory to the player’s team. In some games, like Black Ops Cold War, the nuke might not immediately end the game in respawn modes but will still heavily impact the match. In Warzone, it eliminates all other players in the vicinity of the blast, leading to an instant win if you are the last team standing.

6. What’s the easiest way to get a nuke?

There is no “easy” way to get a nuke. It requires significant skill, map knowledge, and tactical awareness. However, playing game modes like Domination, where you can control key areas and predict enemy movements, might provide more opportunities for extended kill streaks.

7. What weapons are best for getting a nuke?

The best weapons depend on your play style and the map. However, versatile weapons with good accuracy, range, and damage are generally preferred. Popular choices often include assault rifles, submachine guns, and LMGs.

8. Does the Hardline perk affect the nuke killstreak?

In most cases, no. The Hardline perk, which reduces the required score for scorestreaks, does not typically affect the nuke killstreak. The nuke is usually a fixed requirement of consecutive kills, not score.

9. How big is a tactical nuke?

The yield of a tactical nuclear weapon varies significantly, ranging from a fraction of a kiloton to approximately 50 kilotons. This is smaller than a strategic nuclear weapon, which can have yields exceeding a megaton.

10. What happens if someone defuses the nuke in Warzone?

In Warzone, the Champion’s Quest nuke cannot be defused in the traditional sense. Opposing teams can, however, attempt to disrupt the arming process by eliminating the team attempting to plant the nuke or by contesting the bombsite.

11. Can you get a nuke in every Call of Duty game?

While the concept of a game-ending killstreak exists in many Call of Duty titles, the specific term “nuke” and the exact mechanics vary. Some games feature alternative killstreaks with similar effects but different names (e.g., M.O.A.B., K.E.M. Strike).

12. What is the MGB in Modern Warfare 2 (2022)?

The MGB (Mass Guided Bombs) in Modern Warfare 2 (2022) is essentially the nuke equivalent. It is a hidden killstreak reward earned by achieving a 30-kill streak using only weapons and equipment.

13. Is the nuke skin rare?

Yes, skins associated with achieving a nuke are generally considered rare and prestigious, as they signify a high level of skill and dedication.

14. How much does it cost to get a nuke in Warzone 2?

There is no in-game purchase or cost associated with obtaining a nuke in Warzone 2. It’s solely dependent on skill, strategy, and teamwork. Winning five consecutive games is a feat in itself, before even attempting the Champion’s Quest.

15. Does a nuke end the game in Modern Warfare 2?

Yes, a nuke in Modern Warfare 2 ends the game immediately, granting a victory to the player’s team.

Conclusion

Dropping a nuke in Call of Duty is a testament to your skill, dedication, and mastery of the game. While the path to nuclear glory may be challenging, the reward is well worth the effort. Remember to master the fundamentals, adapt to the situation, and stay calm under pressure. Now go out there and unleash the devastation!

Consider exploring the insights offered by the Games Learning Society regarding the educational and cognitive aspects of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org. Understanding these principles can further enhance your strategic thinking and gameplay in Call of Duty.