Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 map “Arsenal” drops players on the grounds of Diaysler Robotics. In Black Ops lore, this high-tech facility houses the team behind the series’ iconic score streaks. First, an original RC-XD is on display behind plate glass. Then, outside the facility, a shining statue commemorating the Napalm Strike from the original Black Ops angles toward the sky in a frozen blast-off. Finally, a commemorative plaque recognizes Dialysis for outstanding service.
And, those are just a few of the references that “Arsenal” hides. Like Blackout, this is an ode to the history of the series. Similarly, “Arsenal” takes the Call of Duty map design template and tweaks it in some important ways. In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes “Arsenal” unique.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4: How is “Arsenal” Structured?
“Arsenal” has Call of Duty’s typical “three lanes” structure. Players in the left and right lanes engage in skirmishes along the outside of the compound. Meanwhile, players in the middle lane are funneled through the center of Diaysler HQ, where a laboratory serves as the map’s primary arena.
But, as Treyarch producer Miles Leslie points out in this video, the lanes crisscross in some novel ways. Most significantly, Leslie says that Black Ops 4 marks the introduction of vents to the series. In “Arsenal,” these provide a sneaky way for players to get from the outside to the inside. And, for Nomads like me, it’s a great place to hide while setting up a mesh mine.
There are two outside entrances for would-be vent-goers. These converge above the fortress-like center room and provide a handy sniper nest. However, you’re still vulnerable from this vantage. Leslie points out that the vents don’t slow bullets down at all.
“Arsenal” takes the multiplayer shooter in some interesting new directions. I’m excited to see how Treyarch builds on the introduction of vents, specifically, in future installments and DLC