Hardpoint is one of the more difficult multiplayer modes in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War thanks to frequent firefights and an objective that embodies the mantra, “united we stand, divided we fall.” Working together with your team is crucial to holding the Hardpoint.

This mode, along with Search & Destroy and Control, are the three competitive settings used in the Call of Duty League.
Here’s a handy guide to help your team improve and eventually dominate series veterans.

Everything you need to know about Hardpoint

Hardpoint is deceptively simple and completely treacherous all at once. Two teams battle it out to control a specific position on the map. Players earn points by staying inside the Hardpoint, which lasts for a short amount of time before rotating to another area on the map.

The first team to reach the score limit, or whoever has the most points when the timer runs out, wins. Players respawn shortly after death. This mode is fast, chaotic, and requires a high level of concentration to succeed.

While you can play Hardpoint on any map, the CDL runs it exclusively on Cartel, Checkmate, Crossroads, Garrison, and Moscow.

Tips and Tactics to win Hardpoint

Map management. The hardpoint rotates through a number of set points on the map. Learn these locations to better plan ahead throughout the match. When there’s about ten seconds left on the Hardpoint timer, start moving toward the next one. Even just a few extra points from arriving early can make all of the difference.

All CDL Hardpoint Map Rotations

Here are the ordered points for:

• Cartel: Upper Crops, Sheds, Lower Riverbed, Garage, and Hangar.
• Checkmate: Plane, Containers (Northeast), Under Plane, Containers (North), Hangar (Southeast).
• Crossroads: Munitions Storage (Tank), Annex, Munitions Storage (Warehouse), Munitions Storage, (Near Big Rock).
• Garrison: Walkway, Radar, Generators, Main floor (Northeast), Main Floor (Center West)
• Moscow: Metro, Kiosk, Fountain, Boulevard (Southwest).

Pick a position. Only one player on the team needs to be in the Hardpoint to get points, so consider flanking, and moving to lines of sight overlooking key choke points or junctions necessary to access the hill. Even if you don’t kill approaching enemies, you’ll at least know what to expect.

Spawn Knowledge. Learn where you spawn after death depending on the Hardpoint and the enemy rotation. That knowledge should help your team properly position and anticipate enemy actions. Players will not spawn in an area where a player is looking, so use that information to your advantage when storming and defending positions.

Pay attention to the waypoint. When there are ten seconds left the game will indicate the location of the next zone. Waypoints are especially helpful for beginners learning the Hardpoint rotation. Test different routes from the prior hill and experiment with various methods to determine the best positions and tactics for that particular section of the map.

Watch out for throwables. You’ll need to use everything in your loadout to secure the win. Charging straight into an enemy-occupied hill without throwing grenades is a shortcut to death. Play smart, well rounded, and remember defense. Kills don’t mean a lot when you’re hunting down enemies far from the Hardpoint.

Field Upgrades. The Trophy system, which destroys launcher missiles and enemy equipment within 10 meters, is an excellent option. Put them in places where they’re not easily destroyed around the Hardpoint to benefit your team the most. Conversely, shoot as many trophy systems as possible.

Perks. Defensive Perks like Tactical Mask (resistance to flashbangs, stun grenades, and gas mine immunity) and Flak Jacket (take less explosive damage) are guaranteed to help you defend and capture Hardpoints.

Know your role. The most successful teams in Hardpoint each have a designated role. One person secures the hardpoint, one does the killing, one picks a vantage spot to pick off players, and one anchor for the next spot. Don’t expect perfect synchronization on the level of pros with randoms or even your buds, but still work with different variations and have a plan to always stay in the game.

The AK is OK. Make sure you use the best attachments to decrease recoil and increase firepower for the AK, which works well in this mode because of its versatility. Use the VDV 50 RND Fast Mag magazine, the KGB Eliminator muzzle, the Spetsnaz Grip underbarrel, the 18.2” VDV Reinforced barrel, and the GRU Elastic Wrap handle.

Bait and trade. This is a more advanced move but basically involves one player rushing into an area to get information about where the enemy is. The rush could be a push or even just a shoulder look. A second player then follows from behind and uses that information to take out the enemy.

Use your throwables for information. If you throw a grenade into an area and no one is there, use that information. Teammates now know they don’t need to worry about it for the moment.

Smoke ‘em out. Use smokes to break an enemy’s line of sight, distract foes with smoke diversions away from your team, or cover traps like mines. Be creative to have more fun and results.

Image Source: Activision