Capture, hold, and defend objectives to earn score for your team.
Prebrief
A classic mainstay of the Call of Duty® franchise, Domination is the ultimate test of teamwork and endurance. You’ll need to pay attention to every angle, every rotation, and as much as the map as you can to secure a win in a match of Domination. Virtually everything you equip onto your Black Ops 6 Loadout can be used in some way during this mode and it’s up to you, with the support of this guide, to use everything you can to dominate the enemy team.
// INTEL CARD
- BO6
Domination
// MULTIPLAYER MODE // CORE
Deciding domination: Yes, total domination of a map is glorious and will score your team plenty of points for a time. However, it is sometimes more difficult to predict spawn points and defend powerful positions when there are three zones to worry about. Controlling two zones is plenty and will give all players a chance to read the battlefield.
Set and secure: Domination is a perfect Multiplayer mode to support the utilization of Blast Traps, Prox Alarms, and the Watchdog Helo. Whether they eliminate enemies or not, you’ll at least be supporting your team in damage or information whenever an enemy runs into them, likely around the objective.
Ultimate utilization: Domination Zones cover a significant enough area of a POI that it allows you to move around and cover different angles while still being able to capture the zone. It also means that there is more room to contest the zone without having to fully clear it beforehand.
Mode Details
Team size: 1-6 players
Domination is a 6v6 core Multiplayer mode. Domination is Call of Duty’s basic objective-based mode and your job is to control more zones than the enemy team for as long as possible until your team reaches the score limit.
Operator Brief
Two teams compete for control of three zones on the map marked by letters — A, B, and C — indicated on the HUD and minimap.
Teams spawn on opposite sides of the map — usually they will be near either the A zone or C zone, but not always. Refer to the relative map guide to brush up on some recommended Initial Spawn Strategies and support the beginning of a match.
A team takes control of the zone by standing in the zone. When that happens, a “Capture Meter” will appear for those in the zone. Those outside the zone will see the lettered waypoint begin to fill with red if an enemy is taking the zone and blue if a teammate is capturing the zone. Once the meter is filled, the zone is captured. The time needed to capture the zone is reduced if multiple operators on the same team are standing in the same zone.
A zone capture is contested and halted if there are friendly and enemy operators on the objective at the same time. Every few seconds, each team is awarded one point per zone they control.
After a zone is captured by one team, the opposing team can steal it.
Match Win Condition
The first team to reach a specific number of points — 200, in public matches — wins the match.
Main XP Gains
- Capturing objectives.
- Eliminating enemies on or near objectives.
Key Terms and Definitions
A/B/C
Each of these letters corresponds to a zone in this mode.
Contested
The state of a zone when players from both teams are in it. When this happens, no progress is made, and no points are earned if the zone is neutral. If the zone is captured and contested, the zone will continue to score for the team that controls the zone.
Zone
Used to describe the objective scoring zones in Domination. A, B, and C are more commonly used within the COD community as ways of calling out each particular zone.
Triple Cap/Total Domination
The state where one team has control of all three zones.
Recruit Tactics
Play the fundamental objective (PTFO)
The easiest way to become a troublesome teammate is to ignore the Domination zones. Even just focusing on one zone and defending it is better than running around like it’s Team Deathmatch.
Listen and Look
How do you know which objective to capture? Domination matches are usually won by holding two of the three zones for most of the match as this provides a predictable read on where the enemy is approaching from. Pay attention to voice comms and in-game pings to see what your squadmates are targeting next, as well as the friendly arrows on the Tac Map. Additionally, use the on-screen Objective Widget to see if your or the other team is attempting to capture the zone you’re entering. If you don’t know which objective your team is focusing on, assume that the team wants to hold your initial spawn zone (A or C) and the central zone (B).
Pushing players to B
Those looking to play at a slower pace may not wish to advance toward the B zone on most maps — usually this is the central-most area and a hotbed for engagements. If you aren’t yet ready for this level of action, try sitting back at the first zone your team captures, proving your worth by working in and around the area to defend it.
Advanced Tactics
Know those zones
Domination zone setups come in several flavors — look at the layout on your Tac Map or in the Maps section of the Guides for each Multiplayer map. Here’s a general tip for each type:
- Standard: A straight line means capturing A-B or C-B. This is a good strategy for victory. Pin the opposition in that unmarked zone to trap them on defense.
- Triangular: The three zones form a somewhat equilateral triangle shape on the map, making it easier to execute an A-C strategy. These maps tend to feature more frenetic gunfights, so be ready to engage.
- Uneven: Some setups favor either the A or C zone in relation to B. If the other team has a positional advantage, take their spawn zone and make the area yours.
Scorestreak and equipment focus
Domination matches are won and lost by using Scorestreaks, Equipment, and Field Upgrades. Try using UAVs, Interceptors, Thermo Grenades, and Trophy Systems to defend objectives, especially ones near initial spawns.
Team composition
With fixed objective points and unlimited lives, Domination gives players the chance to take on specialized roles for each zone. Fighting for the B flag indoors on Rewind? Head in with a Shotgun or SMG. Braving the long sightlines on SCUD? Pick up a Sniper Rifle or Marksman Rifle and get to work.
Total domination — when to triple cap
Because of how hard it is to maintain control of all three zones in Domination, triple capping is only advisable when your team has a flipped spawns by pushing too far into the enemy territory. It is also recommended to go for a triple cap when your team is losing by a lot and it’s time for a big push.
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