Tips for Winning Domination Mode in Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer

Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer can be quite fun and challenging at the same time. While there are several game types to choose from, one of the most difficult to master is Domination mode. It not only requires players to kill the enemy but also capture and hold three points in the map. Points are distributed by the amount of time that a team holds on to a capture point. Teams earn one point for every five seconds a capture point is held. The first team to 200 points wins the match. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Domination mode gameplay in Modern Warfare 2.

Modern Warfare 2: Domination Mode Tip #1 - Create Diverse Custom Classes

Your pre-game preparation can be just as important as what you do during the match. Depending on the role that you are playing in domination mode, you will need to have the right weapon sets. There are essentially three types of roles in domination mode - offense, defense, and survival.

Offensive players primarily focus on taking capture points for their team. When taking on an offensive role, you should focus on lightweight weapons such as submachine guns - the UPM45 works great - and perks such as Lightweight or Marathon that will help you move quickly across the map.

Defensive players focus on defending capture points that their team already has. This is important since your points are calculated by how long you hang on to each capture point. Depending on the placement of the flag, you may need different weapons. If the capture point is in the open and you have the ability to see your enemy coming from a distance, a sniper rifle would be perfect. However, if it is in a tight space such as inside a building, you should rely on close-quarter weapons like a shotgun or tactical knife.

A survival position is when the enemy has control of all capture points. This is a dangerous situation since it can bring a quick end to the game. If this happens, your main focus should be on eliminating as many enemy players as possible so that your team can recapture some of the flags. A light machine gun works great because of its ablity to deliver a ton of rounds without needing to reload.

Tip - Set up a class for each one of these situations. This gives you the ability to handle just about any situation during the match. Start out with an offensive weapon set at the beginning of the round. Once your team has captured at least two capture points, switch over to a defensive set. If needed, your survival set will be ready to use.

Modern Warfare 2: Domination Mode Tip #2 - Riot Shields

Riot shields are a great way to win capture points while staying almost completely protected.There are two tactical uses for the riot shield in domination mode. The first method allows your team to find and eliminate enemy players who are hidden and watching overt a capture point. Send one of your riot-shield-weilding players out to the capture point while the other players lay low and watch from a distance. If everything goes as planned, enemy troops nearby will fire on your teammate giving away their positions. Once your team has eliminated the defending enemy, they can move in and claim the capture point.

If your team works well together, you may be able to coordinate multiple teammates to form a protective hedge of protection. This concept is very similar to the Spartan battle formation featured in the film 300. From behind the protective barrier, one or two teammates can pick off any enemy players safely. The downside to this tactic is how close your entire team is together. One sticky grenade could easily kill your entire formation.

Modern Warfare 2: Domination Mode Tip #3 - C4 Charges

C4 charges are one of the best tools for remotely defending capture points. This is especially useful if you are under sniper fire and need to retreat from the area. You can also use this technique to protect one capture point while moving on to capture another. When an enemy tries to claim the capture point for his team, the game will anounce "We're losing A!" or "Enemy taking Bravo!". When you hear this, your enemy is within detonation range. If you were successful, you will see points appear on the HUD (heads up display) to indicate a confirmed kill.

Tip - The C4 strategy is not always effective. If the enemy sees the charge laying on the ground near the capture point, they may try to destroy it with a grenade. To avoid this, try to hide the charge behind bushes, on a nearby wall, or ceiling directly above the capture point.

Tip - Be cautious of opposing players using the same strategy. If you notice a C4 charge on the ground near an enemy capture point and you don't want to waste your grenades, run through the flag quickly, triggering the capture notification to the enemy, and get out of range before the charge detonates. Unless your opponent has ninja-like reflexes, this should work every time.

Modern Warfare 2: Domination Mode Tip #4 - Don't Take all Three Capture Points

Say what? At first thought, this doesn't seem to make sense, but let's look at the benefits of only holding down two points. First, since there are only three total capture points, holding down two will allow your team to earn double the points as your opponents. This is more than enough to get your team a win. Also, the team with only one capture point will always respawn near that capture point. This helps you predict what direction the enemy will be coming. If you have all three flags, enemies will respawn randomly around the map, and you will be unable to take good defensive positions.

Domination mode in Modern Warfare 2 is definatly one of the best multiplayer modes. These tips should give you a great advantage on the battlefield. In addition to these tips, try and learn from your opponents. If you see them employing a strategy that seems successful, try it out yourself. Most of all, have fun and good luck!