All the New Maps in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Operation Dark Divide
Operation Dark Divide, the sixth season of post-launch content for Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is now available. Alongside the new Zombies experience and a wealth of new Black Market content, the season is also bringing two new maps to the game; Lair and Launch. Plus, the season is also reshaping Blackout and Alcatraz to fit with the new ‘heroes vs. villains’ theme.
The New Operation Dark Divide Maps: Lair
The first of the new Operation Dark Divide maps is Lair, set in an archetypal villainous headquarters on a volcanic island. “Lair is a smaller-sized map that takes place primarily indoors,” explains Treyarch; “The centre of the map houses the death laser surrounded by a moat and a continuous circular lane for agile engagements on the move.”
The map has a single vantage point which allows players to activate the aforementioned laser. However, accessing this area isn’t necessarily easy. There are two elevators which permit access, although Ruin can also use the Grapple Gun to get to it. “Lair’s small play space provides opportunities for tactical gameplay,” continues Treyarch; “Utilise the levels, waterways, and environment to outsmart enemies to secure victory.”
The New Operation Dark Divide Maps: Launch
Following on from Lair is Launch, the second of the two new Operation Dark Divide maps. Described by Treyarch as a “Black Ops flashback map,” Launch is set in and around a Soviet missile launch platform. Like Lair, Launch’s central point is likely to be fiercely contested by players. “The centre lane is a long hump where players can make decisions on which lanes to attack, mantle up the gantry for vertical gameplay, or find and eliminate players in power positions along the southern side.”
The Soviet missile itself isn’t merely a setpiece. It can be launched during a match, which may well have devastating and fatal results for any players in the blast radius. Stay clear of the missile launch by sticking to the stairwells which can be found on the sides of the missile, although these areas will favour frenetic, close-quarters fighting.
Changes to Existing Black Ops 4 Maps in Dark Divide
With the end of the apocalypse in the last Operation, both Blackout and Alcatraz have been given a visual overhaul. Both maps are now much sunnier and brighter, with no trace of the undead. Additionally, a new mode is available in Blackout called Heavy Metal Heroes, which emphasises the superhero aesthetic of Dark Divide while focusing on vehicle combat; more vehicles will be on the map than normal, and players can also call new vehicles in with Flare Guns. However, players can better combat vehicles with the use of a double jump -style thrust ability. The Blackout map has also gained several ramps.