The Dark Aether story continues with the unexpected introduction of Outbreak in Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War Season 2. Learn more about the story, lore, and tips for how to make the most out of this high risk, high reward experience.

What is Outbreak?

The objective-focused mode features zombie gameplay for up to four players with a twist. Tackle randomized objectives at your own pace in massive maps. Unlike traditional zombies, you aren’t held back by locked doors and waves to upgrade your loadout. Players instead roam an open map with multiple ways to travel: Vehicles, launch pads, and on foot. Loot buildings, grab armor, and build an effective loadout prior to completing the main objectives. More objectives means more rewards, but die before you can exfil and you'll lose everything.

Players start with just one weapon and a field upgrade selected from a loadout. All of the Zombie mode favorites return: Mystery Box, Wunderfizz, and the Pack-A-Punch machine. 

Ch0pper’s ultimate guide to COD’s new mode literally features everything you need to know to stay alive, navigate the map, and complete more objectives.

Outbreak Map

Outbreak takes place in the Ural Mountains of Russia. You’ll see some familiar sights from Fireteam modes.
There’s a large map called Golova that’s been added to the rotation. You can portal around, so you might start in Ruka and end up in a snowy area like Alpine.

How do objectives differ in Outbreak compared to normal Zombies? 

There are five different objectives in Outbreak.

• Defend. Players need to get a zombie sample to an analysis machine and then defend it from hordes of creatures.
• The Escort objective requires the player to keep an eye on a slow-moving rover as it tries to exit.
• In Retrieve, players are tasked with collecting Aetherium crystal canisters. 
• For Holdout, players basically just need to survive.
• Finally, in Eliminate, players have to take out a high value target. 

Players will receive notifications to go to a spot on the map and level up after completing one of the Outbreak challenges.

When should you exfil?

Players can either exfiltrate or keep playing for better rewards. The rewards get better as the difficulty gets higher. Whether you play solo or with friends, get a feel for how far you can go before exiting. If you’re really struggling, then chances are you won’t complete the next objective.

There’s no rush to move to the next difficulty, so replenish your armor, find ammo, and upgrade your loadout before cranking up the challenge. Remember, the difficulty curve from level 1 to 2 is far more drastic than moving from one way to the next in traditional zombies.

How do you speed up progress in Outbreak?

Outbreak’s pace might not feel as fast for some coming from other zombie modes. The open-world feel is unique for zombies, especially since there’s no time limit. One way to speed up progress is to complete sidequests. These can be found on the map and provide rewards.

Zombie miniboss weaknesses 

There are five different zombie minibosses in Outbreak:

• The Krasny Soldat is weak to shatter blast ammo.
• The Tempest will teleport around and needs to be targeted right at the beginning of a fight.
• Mimics are weak to brain rot poison.
• Megaton is weak to dead wire electric ammo.
• The Mangler is susceptible to napalm burst ammo and arm shots.

Best Outbreak weapons

Prioritize LMGs and Shotguns. You’ll have a lot of space to take out large numbers of enemies with the LMG from afar, while the shotgun will give you the powerful punch up close.

If you’re going to go with an assault rifle, the M16 or the Krig-6 are good picks. Also, keep an eye out for the Ray Gun Wonder Weapon from a mystery box. 

General Tips

• Take you time. There’s no need to rush since there’s no time limit. Spend as much time as you need exploring each area and finishing side quests. If exploring brings you joy then loot every house.
• Squad up. It’s easier to play this mode with other players. They can protect you and watch your back, although that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed alone. Outbreak is possible solo. Start on a lower difficulty before ramping up the challenge.
• Conserve your vehicle. Vehicles are especially helpful in later levels. It’s tempting to go ham and mow down as many zombies as possible, but keep an eye on the health of your ride. Running over enemies deals damage.
• Horde points early. Early levels are a breeze and then things get harder quickly. Get as many points as you can in the earlier levels so you can upgrade your weapons and equipment. 
• Melee enemies early for extra points. You’ll also get bonuses for stuns and long-range kills. Capitalize on every advantage you can get, just like in traditional zombies.

What is Dark Aether?

Dark Aether enables portals to a dark dimension where zombies and monsters exist or however you categorize the living dead.