In this series, we’re going to take a deep dive into every multiplayer mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War available so far. We’ll offer an overview, strategy, and tips to give you the upper hand against your enemies. Let’s slide into the first.

How Fireteam: Dirty Bomb works

This mode is the big kahuna, and it has it all. Forty players (10 teams of four) attempt to kill other teams, get uranium caches, and hunt down dirty bombs around the map.

Teams can score in three different ways: detonations, eliminations, and deposits. The first method is detonating dirty bombs, which leaks radiation in a radius surrounding the blast site. Teams also score by killing enemies and depositing uranium. The first team to 500 points wins.

Each player can carry up to 5 pieces of uranium at a time, or 10 if they find a pouch. Bombs need 20 pieces to explode. Anyone can add to that total, but the key is to be the team that detonates the bomb. Every deposited piece nets 5 points.

There are 6 dirty bombs scattered around the map. The detonation speeds up when teammates are nearby. Once the original 6 are detonated, a new set will spawn. The fewer bombs on the map, the more hectic things become.

The explosion grants 50 points and eventually kills everyone in the area. The area is then off-limits, meaning that any players who stay in the radiation cloud will die. Shrinking the map adds to the strategic chaotic nature, but is also part of the fun.

Fireteam: Dirty Bomb is played on large maps unavailable in traditional multiplayer: Ruka and Alpine. The ability to spawn on teammates outside of battle and deploy from the air further differentiates the mode from the norm.

How to win Fireteam: Dirty Bomb

One at a Time

An easy way to get overwhelmed is to try and do too much. Basically, go after one objective at a time. Stick with your team so you can fill up a bomb and then defend it. When you venture out on your own, you’ll get overrun, especially against a well-organized enemy.

Communication is Key

Teamwork is super important. Call for back-up when needed and keep your offense organized. It’s important to have someone watch your back. Coordination and communication are going to win the day every time regardless of if you're playing with friends or randoms.

Custom Classes

This mode offers custom loadouts for a reason. A well-oiled team will have different loadouts for different purposes. For example, if someone is going to be the designated detonator, give them defensive Perks like Flak Jacket and Field Upgrades like the Trophy System.

Don't be Afraid to Drop-in from the Air

If your teammates are engaged in a firefight and your redeploy counter is ready, drop in from the air instead of waiting for a chance to spawn with them. If they get wiped out, then it will take far longer (20 seconds) for the whole team to redeploy.

Be Smart Against Vehicles

Use rocket launchers when vehicles pressure you and the objective. Don’t rely on grenades, and change classes when a vehicle is approaching.

Reciprocity when Reviving

When you’re down, crawl toward a teammate so they have an easier time reviving you. The same goes for when a teammate is down, fight toward them to revive them. It is a simple tip, but the amount of time saved reviving a teammate vs. a respawn is significant.

Know your Weaknesses

There are three stages of radiation sickness, and they all have effects. The first is weakness, which disables all of your perks. The second stage is fatigue and slows health regeneration. The third stage is internal bleeding. Expect steady damage and eventually death.

Pick up Where Others Left Off

When an enemy is killed, they’ll drop any collected uranium. A good strategy is to find a lookout point and pick off enemies that come your way.

Look for Caches

Keep an eye out for caches around the map. They have useful items like armor, scorestreaks, the uranium pouch, and self-revives.

Let Your Enemies Do the Dirty Work

Once you plant a bomb, allow the other teams to add uranium before you take them out. This will speed up the time it takes to get the bomb fully functioning.