Intel Card — Domination

Mode Details

Team Size: 1–6 Players

Mission Parameters: Two teams compete for control of three zones on the map marked by lettered waypoints – A, B, and C – as icons on the HUD and minimap.

Teams spawn on opposite sides of the map — usually they will be near either the A flag or the C flag, but not always.

A team takes control of the zone by standing near its flag. When that happens, a “Capture Meter” will appear for those on the zone. Those outside the zone will see the lettered waypoint begin to fill with red if an enemy is taking the flag and blue if a teammate is. Once the meter is filled, the zone is captured. The time needed to capture a flag is reduced if multiple Operators on the same team are standing in the same zone.

Flag 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 flag they control.

After a zone is captured by one team, the opposing team can steal it.

Match Win Conditions: In Public Matches, the first team to reach a specific number of points — 200, usually — 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.

Flag/Zone: Used interchangeably to describe the objective scoring zones in Domination. Flag is more common in the community.

Triple Cap/Total Domination: The state where one team has control of all three zones.

Topline Tactics: A winning Domination player:

• Eliminates enemies near objectives.
• Helps capture and maintain control of at least two of three zones.
• Communicates with squadmates about zone capture and defense.

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 flag 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 games are usually won by holding two of the three flags for most of the match. 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. 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).

Beware of 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 flag 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 this guide for each Multiplayer map. Here’s a general tip for each type:

• Standard: A straight line means capturing A-B or B-C. This is a good strategy for victory. Pin the opposition in that unmarked zone to trap them on defense.
• Triangular: These three flags form a somewhat equilateral triangle on the map, making it more possible 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 flag in relation to B. If the other team has a positional advantage, take their spawn flag and make the area yours.

Killstreak and equipment focus: Domination games are won and lost by the use of Killstreaks, Equipment, and Field Upgrades. Try using Claymores, Shock Sticks, the Breacher Drone and other mine-like devices 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 flag. Fighting for the B flag indoors in Skidrow? Head in with a Shotgun or SMG. Braving the long sightlines on Derail? Pick up a Sniper Rifle or Battle 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 player advantage or if there is too large of a deficit to win, even when holding two of the three available zones.

Pacifist route: Since its inception, Domination has become a popular sport for skilled teams to win without earning a single elimination. For a challenge, try having the whole squad use only Riot Shields and nonlethal equipment to wrest control of zones. You can learn from these pacifist tactics: smoke-related tools are great for obscuring captures, and moving in tandem with teammates helps you capture flags more quickly.

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