Call of Duty: Black Ops II – Top Multiplayer Tips and Strategies

Call of Duty: Black Ops II revolutionised the multiplayer landscape, offering deep customisation, fast-paced action, and a level of strategic depth that has kept fans coming back for years.

Whether you’re a newcomer or looking to elevate your game to the next level, these tips will help you dominate the battlefield, boost your kill-death ratio, and make smarter in-game decisions. From expert loadouts to mastering movement and tactics, here’s your comprehensive guide.

1. Choose the Right Weapon for Your Playstyle

In Black Ops II, your weapon is an extension of your playstyle. Each type of firearm has strengths that align with specific combat scenarios, so understanding how to match a weapon to your style is key to improving your gameplay.

• For Aggressive Players: SMGs like the MP7 and PDW-57 excel in close quarters. The MP7’s rapid-fire rate makes it a favourite for run-and-gun players. Pair it with Lightweight and Extreme Conditioning perks for maximum mobility, allowing you to dash around the map and catch enemies off-guard.
• For Tactical Players: Snipers like the DSR-50 and Ballista dominate in open areas. The DSR-50 provides one-shot kill potential at long ranges, while the Ballista excels in fast-paced quickscoping scenarios.
• Balanced Playstyles: For versatility, assault rifles like the FAL OSW or AN-94 are top choices. These weapons provide strong performance at mid-to-long range, making them ideal for players who want to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different weapons on various maps. The PDW-57 shines on smaller maps like Hijacked, while the AN-94 dominates open areas like Turbine.

2. Optimise Attachments for Performance

Your weapon’s attachments can make all the difference in combat. Whether you want speed, power, or range, tailoring your setup with smart attachments can elevate your game.

• For Speed: Equip Fast Mag for quicker reloads and Quickdraw to aim faster, perfect for high-mobility players who prioritise agility in firefights.
• For Power: FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) and Long Barrel increase bullet penetration and range, respectively, making them great for taking on heavily armoured or distant targets.

Pro Tip: On a map like Slums, using Quickdraw on an SMG helps you lock onto targets fast, while FMJ ensures you can shoot through cover and pick off hiding enemies.

3. Master Scorestreaks to Control the Game

Scorestreaks can tilt the battlefield in your favour, providing both offensive and defensive advantages. The key is picking streaks that align with your skill level and playstyle.

• For Consistent Points: Start with UAV and Counter UAV. These low-score streaks reward you for assisting teammates while still earning points yourself.
• For Battlefield Control: Once you’re more comfortable, aim for higher streaks like the Stealth Chopper or Orbital VSAT. These options offer lasting presence and help control the map, allowing your team to dominate critical areas.

Pro Tip: When playing Domination, cycle through UAV and Hellstorm Missile to clear objectives and make quick gains on the scoreboard.

4. Movement is Your Best Defence

Black Ops II rewards players who stay on the move. Standing still makes you an easy target, so mastering movement is essential for survival and success.

• Strafing in Gunfights: Always move laterally during one-on-one engagements. Strafing while shooting makes it harder for your opponent to land shots, giving you the upper hand.
• Use Cover: Combine strafing with smart use of cover to make yourself harder to hit. Peek out, take shots, then reposition to keep enemies guessing.

Pro Tip: Maps like Raid offer plenty of opportunities for this kind of movement. Use the central courtyard’s cover to dodge incoming fire while securing key choke points.

5. Choose Perks that Complement Your Playstyle

Perks in Black Ops II can define how effective your loadout is. Choosing the right combination of perks based on your playstyle and map choice can give you a serious edge.

• For Rushing: Use Lightweight to move faster and Dexterity to aim quicker after sprinting. Pair these with Scavenger to restock on ammo after each kill, ensuring you never run dry.
• For Stealth: Equip Ghost and Cold Blooded to stay off enemy radar and avoid being targeted by AI-controlled Scorestreaks.
• For Objective Play: Engineer lets you spot enemy equipment, while Tactical Mask makes you immune to stuns and flashes—vital in modes like Domination.

Pro Tip: On objective-heavy maps like Hijacked, Flak Jacket is crucial for surviving grenade spam while securing key points.

6. Utilise Equipment Like a Pro

Tactical and lethal equipment can turn the tide in any match. Combining equipment effectively maximises your killing potential and helps control the flow of battle.

• The Shock Charge + Bouncing Betty Combo: One of the most devastating combinations, the Shock Charge stuns enemies, while the Bouncing Betty finishes them off. Place them near choke points for maximum impact.
• Black Hat: This underutilised tool allows you to hack enemy equipment and even steal Care Packages from a distance. Using Fast Hands makes it even quicker, turning enemy defences against them.

Pro Tip: Use the Black Hat on maps with heavy Scorestreak play like Nuketown 2025 to disrupt enemy UAVs and Sentry Guns.

7. Game Mode Mastery is Key

While many players stick to Team Deathmatch, trying out other modes can help diversify your skills and lead to more consistent wins.

• Kill Confirmed: In this mode, collecting enemy dog tags after a kill boosts your score. It’s a great way to earn more points for your Scorestreaks, making it easier to hit higher-tier rewards.
• Hardpoint: A dynamic, objective-focused mode that forces you to adapt on the fly. By mastering spawn points and locking down high-traffic areas, you can gain a massive strategic advantage.

Pro Tip: In Hardpoint, use Scorestreaks like the Lightning Strike to clear objectives just as they become contested, ensuring your team can hold the point.

8. Map Control and Spawn Prediction

Understanding spawn points is one of the most critical but often overlooked aspects of multiplayer. By predicting where enemies will respawn, you can set up ambushes or avoid running into danger.

• Free For All: In modes like Free For All, enemies tend to spawn far from your position. Use this to your advantage by controlling high-traffic areas, forcing your opponents to spawn in predictable locations.
• Domination: In objective modes like Domination, controlling key points not only wins the game but also manipulates enemy spawns. Holding B-Flag often shifts spawns to less advantageous areas for the enemy, making it easier to hold your ground.

Pro Tip: On maps like Standoff, hold central buildings to dominate spawns and force enemies into unfavourable engagements.

Mastering Call of Duty: Black Ops II multiplayer isn’t just about reflexes, it’s about understanding the game’s mechanics, optimising your loadout, and playing smarter. Whether you’re grinding for Scorestreaks, predicting spawns, or fine-tuning your movement, these tips will help you rise through the ranks. Gear up, hit the battlefield, and start dominating!