Surviving the Undead Apocalypse Solo: A Guide to Playing Outbreak Offline

So, you want to brave the hordes of the undead in Outbreak without an internet connection? You’ve come to the right place. The good news is that it’s absolutely possible to play Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s Outbreak mode offline, though the process isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. Here’s your complete guide to facing the zombie threat on your own terms.

Getting Started: Setting Up Offline Outbreak

The key to playing Outbreak offline lies in leveraging the custom games functionality within Black Ops Cold War’s Zombies mode. Here’s how to do it:

1. Update and Log In First: This is crucial. Before disconnecting from the internet, ensure your Black Ops Cold War is fully updated. You’ll also need to log in at least once while online so the game can verify your ownership and download necessary files for offline play. This is a vital step!

2. Go Offline: Once you’re sure the game is updated and you’ve logged in, disconnect your console (PlayStation or Xbox) from the internet. This can be done by disabling your Wi-Fi or unplugging the Ethernet cable.

3. Launch Black Ops Cold War: Boot up the game. You might receive a message indicating you’re not connected to the internet, but that’s perfectly fine.

4. Navigate to Zombies: From the main menu, select the “Zombies” game mode.

5. Find Games (Custom Games): Within the Zombies menu, look for the “Find Games” tab. This is where the magic happens. Note that, depending on updates, this may be worded slightly differently. Look for anything that indicates custom games or private match settings.

6. Create a Match: Select “Create a Match”. This will take you to the custom games setup screen.

7. Select Outbreak: You should now be able to choose Outbreak as your game mode. If Outbreak isn’t showing up, double-check that you followed Step 1 (update and initial online login) correctly.

8. Choose Your Map: Once Outbreak is selected, you’ll be able to choose from available maps. Popular choices for offline play include Alpine, Ruka, and Golova.

9. Customize Settings (Optional): Feel free to tweak other custom game settings to your liking. You can adjust difficulty, starting round, and various other parameters to tailor the experience to your skill level.

10. Start the Game: Hit “Start” and prepare to face the undead hordes!

Why Play Outbreak Offline?

There are several compelling reasons to play Outbreak offline:

• No Internet Required: This is the obvious one! If you have a spotty internet connection or simply prefer to play without being online, offline Outbreak is a fantastic option.

• Customization: Custom games allow you to fine-tune the experience to your liking. Want to start on a higher round for a greater challenge? Go for it! Prefer to play with specific weapons or perks? You have the freedom to experiment.

• Solo Practice: Offline play provides a great environment to hone your skills and learn the maps without the pressure of playing with others. You can experiment with different strategies and weapon combinations at your own pace.

• Preservation of Gameplay: Some players prefer to keep the game they purchased even if the online service is discontinued in the future. Playing offline guarantees that you can continue to play Outbreak on your own for years to come.

Important Considerations

• Updates: Keep in mind that you’ll need to connect to the internet periodically to download game updates. These updates may include bug fixes, new content, or changes to gameplay.

• Progression: While you can play offline, your progression (such as weapon levels and battle pass progress) may not always sync seamlessly with your online profile. Be aware that you might miss out on certain rewards or challenges that require an internet connection. Aetherium Crystals that are used to upgrade your skills may not be available offline.

• DLC: Ensure any DLC content is downloaded while you’re online before switching to offline mode.

Mastering the Offline Outbreak Experience

• Learn the Maps: Familiarize yourself with the layouts of Alpine, Ruka, and Golova. Knowing the locations of key resources, objectives, and escape routes will significantly improve your chances of survival.

• Experiment with Weapons: Try out different weapon combinations to find what works best for you. Some weapons are more effective against certain types of zombies, so it’s good to have a variety of options.

• Master Perk Usage: Perks provide valuable boosts to your abilities. Learn which perks are most useful for your playstyle and prioritize acquiring them early in the game.

• Practice Objective Completion: Outbreak involves completing a variety of objectives, such as escorting scientists, defending research stations, and eliminating high-value targets. Practice these objectives to become more efficient at completing them under pressure.

• Resource Management: Managing your resources effectively is crucial for survival. Scavenge for ammo, armor, and equipment whenever possible. Use your resources wisely and avoid wasting them.

Embrace the Challenge

Playing Outbreak offline presents a unique and rewarding experience. It allows you to explore the zombie-infested landscapes at your own pace, experiment with different strategies, and challenge yourself to survive against overwhelming odds. So, disconnect from the internet, load up Black Ops Cold War, and prepare for an epic battle against the undead! Whether you’re a seasoned zombie slayer or a newcomer to the world of Call of Duty Zombies, offline Outbreak offers something for everyone. And, if you find yourself wanting to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society website for valuable resources and insights. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore their research and initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can all Call of Duty Zombies maps be played offline?

No, not all Call of Duty Zombies maps can be played offline. The ability to play offline depends on the specific game and the map in question. Black Ops Cold War allows for offline play with Outbreak, but other games may have different restrictions. Black Ops 3 is a great title for playing offline zombies.

Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play Outbreak offline?

No, you do not need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play Outbreak offline, as you are not connecting to online servers.

Will I earn XP and level up my weapons offline?

Yes, you can earn XP and level up your weapons while playing Outbreak offline, but the progression might not immediately sync when you go back online. Also, you may not get Aetherium Crystals.

Can I play Outbreak split-screen offline?

Whether you can play Outbreak in split-screen offline depends on the specific game and its capabilities. Unfortunately, Black Ops Cold War does not support split-screen in Outbreak mode.

Does playing Outbreak offline affect my online stats?

Playing Outbreak offline should not directly affect your online stats, but there might be some discrepancies in progression or unlocks due to the offline nature.

Can I unlock calling cards and emblems while playing offline?

Some calling cards and emblems might be unlockable offline, but many are tied to online challenges and progression, so you may not be able to unlock everything offline.

Does the difficulty change when playing Outbreak offline?

Yes, you can adjust the difficulty in custom games when playing Outbreak offline, allowing you to tailor the experience to your skill level.

Can I use custom loadouts in offline Outbreak?

Yes, you can typically use custom loadouts in offline Outbreak custom games, allowing you to equip your preferred weapons and attachments.

What happens if the game receives an update while I’m playing offline?

If the game receives an update while you’re playing offline, you won’t be able to access the updated content until you reconnect to the internet and download the update.

Are there any differences between playing Outbreak online and offline?

Yes, there are some differences. Online play allows for co-op with other players, access to certain challenges and rewards, and real-time progression syncing. Offline play offers a solo experience without the need for an internet connection.

Can I pause the game in offline Outbreak?

Yes, you can pause the game in offline Outbreak, giving you the ability to take breaks or strategize without being interrupted by the undead hordes.

Does the zombie behavior differ in offline mode?

The zombie behavior is generally the same in both online and offline modes, though minor variations might occur due to the absence of other players influencing the zombie’s AI.

Will I still encounter special zombies in offline Outbreak?

Yes, you will still encounter special zombies like Mimics, Manglers, and Krasny Soldats in offline Outbreak.

Is it possible to complete Easter eggs in offline Outbreak?

Yes, it is possible to complete Easter eggs in offline Outbreak, but it may be more challenging without the assistance of other players.

How do I save my progress in offline Outbreak?

Your progress in offline Outbreak is typically saved automatically at regular intervals or when you complete an objective. Make sure to exit the game properly to ensure your progress is saved.

Enjoy your offline Outbreak experience! It’s time to face the zombie horde on your own terms!