"Call of Duty: Black Ops": How to Effectively Use Killstreaks - a Guide and Review

There is no doubt that the Call of Duty series made a splash in the First Person Shooter world with the inclusion of killstreaks, perks, and deep customization, and their newest title - Call of Duty : Black Ops -is no different. In this article there's a brief description and guide to help players maximize their killstreak's potential, as well as a rating of each one.

Click Here to See A List of Killstreaks and their Descriptions

3-Kill KillStreaks
-Spy Plane - 9/10
-RC-XD - 7/10

The 3-kill killstreaks are the killstreaks that need the least amount of kills to acquire, but that doesn't make them the less valuable, per say. For this killstreak value there are two available killstreaks - the Spy Plane that comes free, and the RC-XD that must be purchased with CoD currency. Each of these killstreaks can be utilized differently, meaning that choosing which one is better is dependant on an individualistic basis.

The Spy Plane is a much more team-oriented killstreak, as it shows all of the enemies (except those using Ghost) positions on the mini-map for your whole team to see. This killstreak is great for flanking enemies and for showing where to lay down airstrikes. With such a low investment to get the Spy Plane is seems worth it for a whole team to use it so you constantly see where the enemies are. Use the Spy Plane whenever you can, except when one is already in place by a team member. Also, if there is a Black Bird killstreak up don't use a Spy Plane either, as it will be wasted. (See a Spy Plane being utilized in a Free For All Match Here)

The RC-XD is an RC car strapped with C4. Just like the Predator Missle in Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 2, this killstreak is controlled by the user, making them vulnerable while in use. If the player is killed while using the RC-XD they continue on if they haven't been killed at all. Once the player is done using the RC-XD they will be respawned like normal. The RC-XD is a much less team-oriented option and is used to net kills. If you're looking to boost your kill-death ratio with a killstreak that almost always nets at least one kill, sometimes more, use the RC-XD. When using the RC-XD look for clusters of enemy players to get a double, triple, or even a multikill. (Click here to someone get a Multi Kill with an RC-XD)

Keep in mind that both of these killstreaks can be destroyed by enemy players.

4 Kill Killstreaks
-Counter Spy Plane - 8/10
-SAM Turret - 6/10

Four kill killstreaks are just that - one more kill is needed compared to the Spy Plane/RC-XD options. But is it worth it? In my opinion - not really. The Counter Spy Plane is great, but not many people rely on the mini-map too often, but it's still a viable killstreak. The SAM Turret seems like a waste, although I personally thought it was a great idea. However, many people carry launchers making this a waste of a killstreak, honestly.

The Counter Spy Plane is still a viable killstreak. Not everyone relies on their mini-map, so it may not effect enemy players. Also, using this Counter Spy Plane may prompt enemies to camp since they are unsure where the action is going on, creating a negative impact overall. To maximize it's usage use it while the enemy has a Spy Plane up, essentially wasting their Spy Plane. The Counter Spy Plane is also good for objective games, too.

The SAM Turret, as stated before, is kind of a waste of a killstreak. Yes, it looks cool. Yes, it's nice to have. But no, it's not necessary. Many players carry launchers which are able to take down enemy air support, so your killstreak slot is better off with another option. Also, with Hardened Pro, Spy Planes and Counter Spy Planes aren't THAT hard to take down, and they're the bulk of air support throughout the game for both teams. (Click here to see the popular video "Black Ops: SAM Turret Epic FAIL!" on YouTube)

Both of these killstreaks can also be destroyed by enemy players.

5 Kill Killstreaks
-Care Package - 8/10
-Napalm Strike - 7/10

The Care Package was always a controversial killstreak as it may grant a player a much higher killstreak than they deserve. For example, on my first day of playing I obtained dogs and a Chopper Gunner within about five games. But don't worry, there are a few downfalls of the Care Package. First off, it has to be air dropped, making you vulnerable and on edge while the crate is being dropped and while you're picking it up. There have been times where I have been getting a great care package, that little white bar filling up, but then got shot by an enemy just to have it stolen. I'd rather have a killstreak acquired automatically as soon as I get the alotted amount of kills. Secondly, the Care Package may contain Ammo - basically a waste of your time, although it can be used as a trap, which is probably it's best use. Third, Care Packages laying around may be rigged by someone with Hacker Pro, so it'll blow up as soon as you get it. Keep this in mind when picking up stray Care Packages. To safely use the Care Package go to corner of the map where most players don't go and drop the marker. Run to a corner and wait for the drop, then pick up the Care Package once it's safely on the ground. Luckily in Black Ops the Care Packages don't bounce around like they did in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, where many players were brutally killed by their own packages. (Click here to see someone getting a kill in the Final Killcam with a Care Package)

The Napalm Strike is an innovative idea that seems great on paper, but lacks the kills acquired to push for it's use. Personally, I use it since it's a pretty low amount, and I enjoy seeing the flames dance around for a good ten seconds of so. Plus, if you get lucky, novice players will run into the fire even after the initial drop for more kills. Sadly, in most cases, the Napalm Strike lacks power. Sometimes the napalm will get into houses, and sometimes the napalm will seem diminished almost all the way and still net some kills some enraged players who stepped on the fire load equivalent of a match, but that hardly ever happens. The worst part is that this one has killed me numerous times when I've called it in, and I thought I was being careful. To best use the Napalm Strike use it during a Spy Plane or Black Bird to get the locations of enemies. Try not to use it over buildings, as it works better in the open (as I stated before it still will get into buildings sometimes, though). The best locations to use it are on enemy spawn points and objective locations such as Domination points. (See a player getting a Multi Kill with a Napalm Strike here)

6 Kill Killstreaks
-Sentry Gun - 6.5/10
-Mortar Team - 3/10

The Sentry Gun, which was also in Modern Warfare 2, has the potential to be a great killstreak. However, many people don't use it since there are better options. The Sentry Gun should be placed in high traffic areas and in areas where the enemy will have a hard time destroying it. Try leaving the Sentry Gun on objective or near objective areas for a nice boost in defense. Also, try placing Sentry Guns in a corner or near a wall, basically a place where enemy players will have a hard time coming from behind it to destroy it. (See a player using the Sentry Gun to help cap a flag point)

The Mortar Team was a great idea, however it lacks the power to be worthy of choosing. I've used the Mortar Team many times and I've accrued five kills or so, which is nothing. If you're going to use the Mortar Team then placement is key - put the markers on pinch points on the map and spawn areas. However, I highly suggest just using the Napalm Strike over this or waiting for a later option. (See a player get multiple kills with the Mortar Team here - *WARNING* Laggy)

7 Kill Killsteaks
-Attack Helicopter - 8.5/10
-Valkyrie Rockets - 5/10

The Attack Helicopter has been in the Call of Duty series since Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Although it was pretty terrible in the previous title, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, it packs a decent punch in this game, especially for the kills needed to obtain it. I have netted a nice amount of kills, and the best part about this killstreak is that you set the initial patrol marker. For maximum use put the marker over the enemies spawn area, or where most of the enemies are if you have a Spy Plane or a Black Bird. Most players, from what I've experienced, won't bother shooting the Attack Helicopter down. For players looking for a killstreak that packs a punch and doesn't require too many kills, I suggest the Attack Helicopter. (See a player taking down an Attack Helicopter with a Ballistic Knife here)

The Valkyrie Rockets, in my opinion, are terrible. They're hard to control and they leave you vulnerable while in use. The Attack Helicopter should be the option chosen between these two, but that call is up to you. From what I've seen and read, the best way to use these rockets are to shoot them upward and have them crash down like a Predator Missle in Modern Warfare 2. Maneuvering these rockets on the ground level are way too hard with their stiff handling. (Click here to see a player get a triple kill with a Valkyrie Rocket)

8 Kill Killstreaks
-Rolling Thunder - 9/10
-Black Bird - 10/10

Both of these options are phenomenal altogether, but you can only choose one.

Rolling Thunder is basically the same thing as the Stealth Bomber from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. To maximize it's use wait for a Spy Plane/Black Bird, or use on an enemies spawn area or on an objective point. Also, be cautious when placing the airstrike. For example, if you know which way enemies are most likely to go, move the marker in that direction somewhat slightly. (Click here to see a player get a Multi Kill with Rolling Thunder)

The Black Bird is nothing short of amazing - it overrides Ghost, it shows enemy locations, it cannot be shot down, and it even shows the directions in which enemies are facing, making it easy to flank the enemy team. This is the best team-oriented killstreak in the game, hands down. Try not to use it over a Spy Plane since it'll override it, which isn't terrible, but why waste a perfectly good Spy Plane? The only downfall is that a Counter Spy Plane can override your Black Bird, which rarely happens anyway. The best part about the Black Bird is that it cannot be shot down by the enemy team. (Click here to see a game of Domination where a Black Bird is used)

9 Kill Killstreak(s)
-Chopper Gunner - 9/10

Get to the chopper - the chopper gunner that is. The Chopper Gunner is a great killstreak, as it has been for the past couple of games. This Chopper Gunner is especially good on maps where there is minimal places to hide such as the map "Jungle". The only downfalls to this killstreak are that it can be shot down, people using Ghost are hidden, and the high amount of kills needed to get it. There is no way to "maximize" this killstreak - simply aim and shoot. Your best bet for high amounts of kills is to shoot for clusters of players, which have netted players double, triple, and even multikills. (See a Chopper Gunner being used in game on Nuke Town here)

11 Kill Killstreaks
-Attack Dogs - 9.5/10
-Gun Ship - 9.5/10

Obviously the killstreak rewards get better (usually) with the higher amount of kills necessary to acquire them, so these are the cream of the crop.

The Attack Dogs are brought back from Treyarch's last Call of Duty game they created - Call of Duty: World at War . Basically you hit a button to call them out and they do the rest of the work - a great killstreak. However, compared to the last game they were in, these dogs are on steroids. I've seen dogs jump through windows and over claymores, and they take tons of damage before dying. The best way to utilize these pups are to follow one - they'll lead you to an enemy so you can help take them out. (Click here to see a player going 30-0 on Nuke Town using the Attack Dogs killstreak)

The Gun Ship may be "better" to some, but I prefer the Attack Dogs. Just like when using the Chopper Gunner, try to shoot for clusters of enemies to maximize the amount of kills you get. (Click here to see the Gun Ship in action).