How to Get Past Level 55 in Black Ops 3: A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for many Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 players is: how do you move beyond the seemingly hard cap of level 55? The answer lies in the Prestige system, a core mechanic that allows dedicated players to continuously progress and unlock new content even after reaching the initial maximum level. So, to directly answer the question, to get past level 55 in Black Ops 3, you must enter Prestige Mode. This action resets your level back to 1 but elevates your status to Prestige 1, letting you start the climb again, with each Prestige unlock adding further customization and progression opportunities.
Understanding the Prestige System in Black Ops 3
What is Prestige?
Prestige in Black Ops 3 isn’t just a cosmetic change. It’s a reset of your level progress that signifies your commitment and skill within the game. Upon reaching level 55, the option to “Prestige” becomes available. Choosing this option will set your level back to 1, but it won’t mean starting entirely from scratch. Instead, you gain a Prestige emblem, signifying your new status. You start anew on your path to level 55 again, but now as Prestige 1, level 1. Each time you hit level 55 again, you have the option to Prestige again, moving on to Prestige 2, Prestige 3, and so on.
How to Prestige
The process of entering Prestige is quite straightforward:
- Reach Level 55: This is the initial requirement. You must max out your experience bar at level 55.
- Navigate to Barracks: In either Multiplayer or Zombies mode, access the main menu, and find the Barracks section.
- Select Prestige Mode: Within the Barracks menu, you’ll find the Prestige Mode option. Select this to initiate the prestige process.
What Happens When You Prestige?
When you decide to prestige, several changes occur:
- Level Reset: Your multiplayer level is reset to level 1.
- Unlock Reset: All unlocked weapons, perks, and equipment are re-locked (with exceptions, see below).
- Prestige Emblem: You gain a new Prestige emblem, which visually represents your Prestige level.
- Permanent Unlock Token (Zombies): In Zombies mode, each Prestige gives you a Permanent Unlock Token which allows you to permanently unlock one item of your choosing so that it is available from the beginning of your prestige journey.
- Fresh Start (Zombies): When you prestige in zombies, you have the option to completely Fresh Start.
The game does offer certain rewards for your dedication, like permanent unlock tokens in Zombies mode, to ease the grind slightly.
Prestige in Multiplayer vs. Zombies
While the core concept of Prestige is similar, there are slight differences between the two game modes:
- Multiplayer: Prestige is available after hitting level 55. You reset to level 1, unlock items again and gain a visual prestige marker.
- Zombies: Prestige is available after hitting level 35. You also reset to level 1, and are offered the permanent unlock token.
In zombies, there is a level 35 cap and the prestige level works in the same way as the multiplayer but at a different max level.
The Path to Master Prestige
The prestige system in Black Ops 3 goes beyond the initial few resets. You can continue to prestige multiple times. Eventually, you reach Master Prestige. Once you reach Master Prestige, the level cap is removed and you can continue to level all the way to 1000, if you wish. Once you are Master Prestige, the visual level cap is removed.
Why Prestige?
Beyond the obvious desire to keep progressing and playing, there are reasons why players opt into the prestige system.
- Continued Progression: It provides a sense of ongoing achievement and allows you to continue earning rewards.
- Visual Status: The Prestige emblems are a mark of experience and dedication.
- Permanent Unlock Token in Zombies: It allows you to permanently unlock items and gear to use throughout future prestiges.
- Fresh Start in Zombies: This can be ideal if you wish to start the game fresh.
- Master Prestige and Beyond: The removal of the level cap at Master Prestige allows for unlimited level progression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum level in Black Ops 3?
The initial maximum level is 55 for Multiplayer and 35 for Zombies. After prestiging, you start at level 1 again but with a new Prestige rank. Once you reach Master Prestige, the level cap is removed, and you can level up to 1000.
2. How many Prestige levels are there in Black Ops 3?
The number of prestige levels in Black Ops 3 isn’t explicitly defined by the game, but there are many levels to complete before you reach Master Prestige, after which the levels go up to 1000.
3. Do I lose my weapons when I prestige?
Yes, you will lose access to all your unlocked weapons, equipment, and perks when you prestige in Multiplayer, except for weapons that you use a permanent unlock token for in zombies. However, they can be unlocked again as you level up. In Zombies, you can use the permanent unlock token to retain specific items.
4. How do I get a Permanent Unlock Token?
Permanent Unlock Tokens are gained in Zombies mode when you prestige. You will get one token per prestige.
5. Can you prestige in Zombies?
Yes, you can prestige in Zombies. You unlock Prestige mode once you reach the max level of 35.
6. Why can’t I get past level 35 in Zombies?
Level 35 is the maximum level in Zombies. To progress past level 35, you must enter Prestige Mode.
7. What does Master Prestige mean?
Master Prestige is the highest prestige level you can reach, achieved by prestiging multiple times. After you attain this, the level cap is lifted, allowing you to reach Level 1000.
8. How long does it take to reach Master Prestige?
The time taken to reach Master Prestige varies significantly depending on playing style, skill, and the frequency of gameplay. It’s a significant time investment.
9. Do I lose all my progress when I Prestige?
While your levels, weapons, and regular unlocks are reset, your overall game progress, like challenges and camos you have unlocked, remain. In Zombies, you have the option to do a ‘Fresh Start’ which will completely reset your zombies progress.
10. Is it worth it to prestige in Black Ops 3?
It depends on what you look for in the game. If you enjoy the progression system and the challenge of leveling up again, then prestiging is worth it. If you are aiming for Master Prestige and unlimited levels it is required. The permanent unlock tokens can make prestiging beneficial to ensure you can use your favourite weapons when beginning a new prestige in zombies.
11. What happens when I reach level 1000?
Reaching level 1000 in Black Ops 3 is purely for bragging rights. There are no additional unlocks at this point, but it signifies your commitment to the game.
12. Can you lose your Prestige level?
No, you cannot lose your Prestige level once you have achieved it. Once you’ve prestiged, your emblem will always represent your achieved prestige.
13. Does prestige give you an advantage?
No, Prestige does not grant any gameplay advantage. It is purely a visual marker of your progression and time invested in the game.
14. What is the benefit of the Fresh Start in Zombies Mode?
The Fresh Start option in Zombies completely resets all of your zombies progress. This includes all camos, weapons, and levels and can be ideal for those who wish to completely start anew.
15. What is the ‘Black Hat’ mentioned in the article?
The Black Hat is a piece of equipment in the game that allows players to hack enemy equipment, score streaks, and care packages. It is useful for disrupting enemy gameplay.
Conclusion
The Prestige system in Black Ops 3 is a testament to the game’s longevity and replayability. It allows players to continuously progress, unlocking new emblems, perks, and rewards. By understanding how the Prestige system works, you can effectively move beyond level 55 and continue to enjoy all the game has to offer, pushing towards that ultimate Master Prestige title and the coveted level 1000. It adds a unique dynamic to both the multiplayer and zombies experience and provides long term players with content and rewards to work for.