Understanding Supply Drops
At the heart of the Black Ops III experience lies a system designed to reward consistent play and offer a degree of chance. Supply Drops are essentially randomized loot boxes, containing an assortment of items. These range from cosmetic modifications that allow players to personalize their character and weapons, to powerful new weapons and weapon variants that can significantly shift the balance of power on the battlefield. The acquisition of these drops fuels player engagement and injects a constant stream of excitement into the game.
There are several types of these coveted containers. The most common are the Common Supply Drops, available to nearly everyone with modest requirements. These generally contain cosmetic items, such as weapon camos, calling cards, and emblems. Then, there are Rare Supply Drops. These are more challenging to obtain, often carrying a higher chance of awarding rarer cosmetic items or even a new weapon. Within each type, the potential prizes and the odds of acquiring those prizes may fluctuate.
These drops are more than just window dressing. The items contained within directly influence the gameplay, offering players opportunities to customize their experience, express their individuality, and gain a competitive edge. The strategic element is subtle but impactful: a rare weapon can make all the difference in a close-quarters firefight, while a stylish camo can psychologically intimidate opponents. It is this combination of fun, personalization, and tactical advantage that makes Supply Drops such a crucial element of the Black Ops III ecosystem.
Methods for Obtaining Supply Drops
Embarking on the journey to acquire Supply Drops is a multifaceted endeavor, with different paths to success. Let’s explore the primary methods players can use to fill their inventories.
Playing Multiplayer Matches
The heart of the Black Ops III experience is its fast-paced multiplayer mode. A substantial portion of your Supply Drop acquisition comes directly from participating in these intense online battles. A primary method for gaining these drops revolves around leveling up. As you progress through the ranks, earning experience points, and increasing your level, the game will periodically reward you with Supply Drops. The higher your level, the more frequently you’ll get them, incentivizing consistent and skilled gameplay.
Beyond the traditional level-up rewards, completing daily and weekly challenges offers a reliable method for earning extra Supply Drops. These challenges usually involve specific objectives, like getting a certain number of kills, completing a round of a particular game mode, or using a particular weapon. These challenges refresh regularly, providing a consistent stream of opportunities to earn drops. Paying attention to these challenges and prioritizing their completion is an excellent strategy for maximizing your Supply Drop earnings.
Sheer playtime is another crucial element. The more matches you play, the more chances you have to be rewarded. Black Ops III rewards active players, ensuring that those who invest time in the game reap the benefits. Even if you aren’t always winning, the time spent in matches still contributes to the overall system.
Playing the Zombies Mode
Black Ops III features a robust Zombies mode, offering a unique and thrilling experience. This mode gives an additional pathway to acquiring Supply Drops. Similar to the multiplayer mode, leveling up and completing challenges in Zombies can contribute to earning Cryptokeys, the in-game currency used to acquire Supply Drops. These challenges range from surviving for a set number of rounds, completing certain Easter eggs, or achieving specific objectives.
Special Events and Promotions
Activision, the publisher of Black Ops III, occasionally hosts special events and promotions. These events often introduce unique opportunities to earn Supply Drops, such as event-specific challenges or exclusive loot pools. Staying informed about these events is essential to ensure that you don’t miss out on the chance to obtain rare items and extra Supply Drops.
Promotional events can also offer players chances to acquire Supply Drops. These may involve giveaways, contests, or partnerships with other companies. Keeping an eye on official Black Ops III channels, such as their social media and website, is the best way to be aware of any active promotions that can boost your Supply Drop haul.
The Black Market and Currency
The Black Market in Black Ops III is an in-game marketplace. Cryptokeys are earned through gameplay. These Cryptokeys can then be used to purchase Common, Rare, or Special Supply Drops. The system rewards players for their dedication, allowing them to exchange their accumulated Cryptokeys for a chance at valuable items.
Call of Duty Points (COD Points) are another form of currency available in Black Ops III. These points are typically purchased with real-world money. Players can then use COD Points to buy Supply Drops directly. This option provides a quicker way to obtain these drops, but it comes with a financial cost.
Strategic Considerations
To get the most out of your Supply Drop strategy, consider the cost, the value of the items, and whether you are willing to spend your money. While COD Points provide an instant way to get drops, consider the value against the random nature of the prizes. A strategic player carefully considers all these factors before committing to purchases.
Strategies for Maximizing Supply Drop Acquisition
To effectively maximize your Supply Drop acquisition, adopting a strategic approach is key. Some basic, but highly valuable strategies can significantly increase your chances of obtaining drops.
Playing Regularly
Consistency is paramount. The more you play, the more opportunities you will have to earn both Cryptokeys and the potential for direct Supply Drop rewards through the level-up system. Dedicate a portion of your time regularly to the game to consistently build a collection.
Focusing on Challenges
Make a habit of checking daily and weekly challenges. These missions are often designed to be attainable, and completing them is a dependable way to earn extra Cryptokeys or even directly acquire Supply Drops. Prioritize these challenges, and incorporate them into your gameplay strategy.
Playing Multiple Modes
Don’t limit yourself to just one game mode. Playing both Multiplayer and Zombies allows you to capitalize on all available earning opportunities. It also diversifies your gameplay, preventing burnout, and keeping the experience fresh.
Effective Time Management
Efficiently manage your playtime. Consider the game modes, challenges, and any ongoing events to make your playtime count. Maximizing the amount of progress you can achieve in any given session will contribute to your overall success in accumulating Supply Drops.
Tips and Tricks
There are also some practical tips and tricks that can further enhance your Supply Drop hunting endeavors. These are small but can make a big difference in your gameplay.
Checking In-Game Notifications
Always pay attention to the in-game notifications and news feeds. This is how Activision communicates about special events, new challenges, and potential promotions that could offer extra Supply Drops.
Being Aware of the Supply Drop Cycle
While not fully transparent, there may be subtle patterns to the drop system. The frequency with which you receive Supply Drops may be influenced by various factors, such as playing specific game modes. Keeping an eye on the activity around your rewards can help you find patterns.
Knowing Drop Rates
While the exact drop rates of items are not always fully revealed, keeping yourself informed about community experiences can give you an idea of which items have a higher probability of appearing.
Utilizing Prestige
Black Ops III utilizes a prestige system in the multiplayer mode. When you reach the maximum level, you can choose to prestige, which resets your level. When you do this, you’ll gain prestige, which offers cosmetic rewards and potentially other rewards over time. Understanding the benefits of the prestige system will contribute to your Supply Drop endeavors.
Rewards & Expectations
Supply Drops, and the items within, are a fundamental part of the Black Ops III experience. It is helpful to understand what you can expect.
The contents of the drops are diverse. You can expect to obtain a variety of items, including cosmetic customizations, like weapon camos, outfits for your specialist characters, gestures, calling cards, and emblems. Supply Drops also carry a chance of new weapons, weapon variants, and specialist gear and items, adding a tactical dimension to your arsenal.
Understanding the element of chance is crucial. The anticipation of opening a Supply Drop is part of the appeal. Keep your expectations in check. Not every drop will contain the item you desire.
Dealing with duplicates is a regular part of Supply Drop mechanics. The game will often grant you items you already own. While frustrating, these duplicates may contribute towards a system of in-game currencies, allowing you to earn keys for new drops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of acquiring Supply Drops in Black Ops III is a blend of skill, knowledge, and persistence. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the battlefield, understanding the different methods for obtaining Supply Drops – from leveling up in multiplayer and Zombies to completing daily and weekly challenges and participating in special events – is critical.
Remember that consistency is key, so be sure to play regularly, focus on challenges, and explore the various game modes. Keep a close watch on the Black Market, events, and the news for opportunities to enhance your chances of obtaining the best rewards.
By adopting these strategies and understanding the fundamentals of Supply Drop acquisition, you’ll significantly increase your chances of expanding your inventory with sought-after items. Embrace the excitement of the hunt, and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing those digital rewards appear, allowing you to customize your experience, and take your game to the next level.