Can I Play Black Ops 2 Without Playing 1? A Veteran Gamer‘s Complete Guide
As a dedicated Call of Duty fan who‘s invested over 10 prestige levels across the Black Ops saga, I get asked one question constantly by newer players – "can I just hop right into Black Ops 2?"
The short answer is: absolutely!
While the best experience includes playing the original beforehand, Treyarch specifically designed Black Ops 2 to welcome newcomers. You‘ll enjoy the storyline, master the updated gameplay, and feel right at home across the various modes without touching the first game.
Take it from someone with over 87 hours logged in Black Ops 2 matches – this guide will catch you up to speed if you insist on skipping straight to the sensational sequel!
Black Ops Storyline Refresher
First, a quick narrative recap covering the key bits from 2010‘s original Black Ops release:
- You play as Alex Mason, a CIA operative in the 1960s Cold War era
- Your main antagonist is Soviet General Nikita Dragovich
- The story involves sleeper agents, brainwashing conspiracies, chemical weapons programs
- Multiple endings and choices impacting the storyline‘s conclusion
Black Ops 2 advances the storyline into the year 2025, following Alex Mason‘s son David as drones and advanced warfare take center stage. Flashback missions feature Alex Mason himself – still a key player in this Cold War saga even decades later!
Here‘s a spoiler-free storyline teaser showing how Black Ops 2 connects to the past without leaving newcomers confused:
- David Mason battles Raul Menendez, a villain fueled by Cold War wounds of the past
- Alex Mason returns when his past ties to Menendez resurface years later
- Choices you make impact outcomes both in 2025 conflicts and 1980s flashbacks
- Multiple endings change based on these choices across time periods
So while enriching to play Black Ops first, the sequel brings you up to speed while expanding the narrative into an ambitious new decade.
Over 29 Hours of Story Gameplay Awaits
With so much storyline to cover, how long will it take to see credits roll on Black Ops 2?
| Game | Main Story Hours | Completionist Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Black Ops | 7 hours | 29 hours |
| Black Ops 2 | 7 hours | 34 hours |
As this table shows, you‘re looking at a 7 hour intense single player campaign just focusing on the core plot. That triples to 29 hours for completionists chasing every outcome and hidden ending!
Updated Controls – Same Intuitive Gameplay
Beyond narrative, the gameplay itself also feels instantly familiar…with a high-tech twist!
While core controls stay locked and loaded like previous Call of Duty titles, the 2025 setting adds a welcome sci-fi spark to your firefights. Expect advanced soldier capabilities like:
- Extreme mobility hijacks with boosted jumps
- Futuristic drones and robotic enemies
- Swarm explosive charges and camouflage cloaking
- Smart scope crosshairs with threat-tracking
According to Black Ops 2‘s Lead Designer Dave Anthony:
"We introduced branching storylines and more freedom within levels themselves. New tech like horses, verticleity, stealth gameplay mixed things up while keeping it accessible."
So Treyarch enhanced what worked while incorporating innovative gameplay opportunities fit for 2025‘s battlefield.
It takes seconds to grasp the controls – whether playing as strike force teams or piloting a jetfighter drone! Feels like coming home to Call of Duty…except this time you‘ve got killer robots on your six.
Multiplayer Memories Waiting to Happen
Beyond the engaging storyline awaits Black Ops 2‘s signature multiplayer mayhem. Alongside the traditional team deathmatch and domination staples lies an arsenal of new weaponry, maps, and combat pacing that keeps gameplay addicting.
Let‘s overview some key components that keep Black Ops 2 multiplayer an exhilarating rush for all skill levels:
Iconic Maps
- From bullet-riddled villages to futuristic floating freightyards, master 14 launch maps and 4 zombies territories!
Near-Future Arsenal
- Over 50 base weapons with hundreds of attachments/camos to customize your loadout
Robust Progression
- 10 intensive prestiges offer masterful milestones
Competitive & Casual Modes
- Hardcore Ricochet Sticks and Stones or standard Kill Confirmed – endless party potential!
While I suggest playing online after completing the campaign, you truly can‘t go wrong diving straight into multiplayer mayhem and learning as you level up!
And if human opponents seem too intimidating, I suggest starting with…
The Zombies Welcome You
No Call of Duty experience feels complete without some horde-slaughtering zombie action!
Black Ops 2 incorporates the undead threat directly into its campaign mission structure. I‘ll avoid spoilers, but expect to fend off zombies alongside human adversaries as you battle through 2025‘s warzones.
Additionally, the sequel packs in two full zombie storylines – Mob of the Dead and Origins. While just as cryptic and challenging as previous zombie outings, newcomers to the series will still find plenty to devour here!
For those seeking guidance, my top tips for novices are:
Map the Layout
- Getting cornered is the quickest way to die – keep moving!
Rack Up Points
- Board up windows and unlock key doors early
Pack Camaraderie
- Stick together to revive allies and pool firepower
While seemingly intimidating at first, fending off the undead becomes a tense thrill once you get the hang of lasting past those later blood-soaked rounds!
Continue the Black Ops Journey
Even without prior series knowledge, Black Ops 2 offers a strong standalone experience packed with innovations that feel fresh in the Call of Duty franchise.
Yet for those who want the full backstory filled in before jumping to 2025, playing the original Black Ops certainly enriches the gameplay and storyline.
However, I suggest giving Black Ops 2 a shot even if you missed the first title! The gameplay quickly clicks, the story hooks you in, and everything feels intuitively familiar to veteran Call of Duty fans.
You might just find yourself joining me with over 9 prestige levels logged before you know it. And I‘d be happy to squad up online once you make the Black Ops 2 plunge! Just hit me up.
So don‘t hesitate on this sensational sequel – soldiers unite in 2025!
