Get better by learning about the Hardcore Multiplayer Mode in COD BO4. Get to know the mode's overview, tips, recommended class setups and specialists, & more!
Table of Contents
Hardcore Mode Overview
Fight With Limited Information and HUD
Hardcore mode brings the challenge up a notch by turning off all elements of the HUD (Heads Up Display). Thus, you'll have to rely more on your instincts and audio cues instead of relying on the map and other on-screen information.
All Weapons Can Instantly Kill
In Hardcore more, all weapon damage have been bumped up to enable one-shot, one-kill. Be the first to fire and get an instant kill! So it's better to be patient and do not rush in this game mode.
Friendly Fire
Exercise extreme care when playing Hardcore mode, as friendly fire is turned on. A player who gets three friendly fires will be automatically kicked from the match so be careful!
Recommended Specialists
Some specialist suit Hardcore mode well. Here are some recommended specialists you can use for Hardcore.
NOMAD
How to Use This Specialist in Hardcore
Place your mesh mines in map chokepoints or to protect your camping spots and make sure they're well hidden for an easy kill. Dispatch your trusted K9-Unit companion for even easier kills.
RECON
How to Use This Specialist in Hardcore
Use your Sensor Dart to gain information advantage, especially for objective based games. Your Vision Pulse is also a crucial skill to activate to help your team see enemies.
AJAX
How to Use This Specialist in Hardcore
Ajax allows you to rush in to your enemies using the 9-Bang grenade. Your Ballistic shield also protects you from quickly dying but watch your flank as 1 or 2 well placed shots can instantly kill you.
Check Out All Specialists HereRecommended Weapon & Class Setups
These class setups are designed to make the most out of Hardcore mode's restrictions, while prioritizing certain gun advantages such as accuracy and ADS speed.
MADDOX RFB
MADDOX RFB Setup Loadout
| Primary | Maddox RFB |
|---|---|
| Secondary | Hellion Salvo |
| Optic | ELO or Reflex |
| Attachments | Quickdraw I and II |
| Gear | Comsec Device |
| Perks | Engineer, Dead Silence, Tracker |
| Wildcards | Perk 3 Greed |
| Scorestreaks | UAV, CUAV, Snipers Nest |
Tips To Use Maddox RFB Setup
This maximizes the Maddox's accuracy and improving its ADS speed significantly to ensure you get the first shot. Your perks allow you to silently rush and scout around the map, while allowing you to hide or even take out UAVs.
Check Out The MADDOX RFB HereICR-7
ICR 7 Setup Loadout
| Primary | ICR-7 |
|---|---|
| Secondary | Hellion Salvo |
| Optic | NVIR |
| Attachments | Quickdraw |
| Gear | Comsec Device |
| Perks | Engineer, Lightweight, Dead Silence, Tracker |
| Wildcards | Perk 3 Greed |
| Scorestreaks | UAV, CUAV, Snipers Nest |
Tips To Use ICR-7 Setup
This loadout frees up the need for attachments given the high accuracy of ICR-7 and focuses on perks instead. The perks allow you to rush the map and gaining as much info as you can with the Tracker perk. The NVIR also allows you to see enemies easily.
Check Out The ICR-7 HereSG12
ICR 7 Setup Loadout
| Primary | None |
|---|---|
| Secondary | SG12 |
| Optic | Reflex |
| Attachments | Long Barrel, Extended Mags |
| Gear | Comsec Device |
| Perks | Engineer, Lightweight, Dead Silence, Tracker |
| Wildcards | Perk 3 Greed |
| Scorestreaks | UAV, CUAV, Snipers Nest |
Tips To Use The SG12 Setup
If you're comfortable with aggresive play even on hardcore, then you'll enjoy this setup. You can even take out two enemies with a single well placed shot. Works best with Ajax's 9-Bang for easy rush kills.
Check Out The SG12 HereGeneral Hardcore Mode Tips
There are a few ways to overcome the increased difficulty of Hardcore mode. Here are some tips for playing any Hardcore playlist mode.
Wear Headphones and Equip Accoustic Sensor
In Hardcore mode, it's a must to listen in to audio cues given the limited information you have on-screen and to be aware of enemies. This is improved with the accoustic sensor, which makes footstep sounds clearer.
Learn to Identify Teammates from Enemies
Teammates will have a name tag above them. Enemies won't have any tags above them so be careful where to aim and who you attack.
Equip UAVs and Counter UAVs to gain advantage!
Information is key in Hardcore mode. The team who has information on enemy position will definitely have an advantage. Wait for the right timing before using them. And always be on the lookout for enemy scorestreaks and take them out when you can.
Hardcore Playlist Tips
As with the core playlist, each Game Mode has a different set of rules and stipulations to win. Learn each game mode well to help you master Hardcore mode.
Hardcore Team Deathmatch
Rules
A Hardcore version of the Standard Team Deathmatch. Kill players on the opposing team to score points for your team. The team that reaches the score limit first, or has more points when time expires, wins the match!
How To Win
In Hardcore Team Deathmatch, space yourselves adequately to avoid friendly fire. Players will likely stick to safer spots of the map like its edges. Be on the lookout as well for potential ambushes as Hardcore players will tend to camp.
Check Out How To Win On Team DeathmatchHardcore Kill Confirmed
Rules
A Hardcore version of Kill Confirmed. Collect dog tags from fallen enemies to earn points for your team, and deny the enemy team points by collecting fallen teammates' dog tags. The team that reaches the score limit first, or has more points when the time limit is reached, wins.
How To Win
As with core Kill Confirmed, do not immediately run for dog tags as these can be bait. Listen to audio cues well to check if it's safe to claim a tag. Watch out for campers.
Check Out How To Win On Kill ConfirmedHardcore Free For All
Rules
Hardcore version of Free For All. No teams, every soldier for themselves! Earn points by eliminating any soldier you see. The first player to reach the score limit, or who has the most points when the timer expires, wins the game!
How To Win
This mode requires pure instinct and mastery of each map. Do not rush and be patient. Watch out for spawn traps in each map, or areas where you can "force" an enemy to spawn in, and move around that spot to get quick kills.
Check Out How To Win On Free For AllHardcore Domination
Rules
Hardcore version of Domination. There are three points on the map that two opposing teams can capture. Taking over, and holding these objectives will earn points for the team. The first team to reach the score limit, or have more points when time expires, wins!
How To Win
Focus on capturing only 2 flag points and be patient. Hold your flag points by positioning yourself in hiding spots that give you a view of the flag point.
Check Out How To Win On DominationHardcore Search And Destroy
Rules
Hardcore version of Search and Destroy. Teams take turns defending, and destroying an objective to win a round. Completely eliminating the opposing team will also earn a win. First team to win 4 rounds will win the match!
How To Win (Attackers)
In Hardcore Search & Destroy, it now becomes a lot harder for attackers to rush in. Carefully pick off defenders. Peek around corners and aim towards potential enemy camp spots along the way towards the objective.
How To Win (Defenders)
Set up ambush points around the shortest path towards the objective. Watchout for flankers who may try to sneak their way in. Make sure that someone in your team secures the closest door or pathway towards the objective.
Check Out How To Win On Search & Destroy
