There is a new system in place for the ‘Black Market’ in Black Ops 4, using a tiered progression model which you can advance through by simply playing – but it will require some serious dedication.
Of course, you can pay for individual tiers, as this is Black Ops 4’s microtransaction system, but it is radically different to the Black Market we saw in Black Ops III, or any other Call of Duty for that matter.
The system will work on a cycle of in game events, currently the event is Operation: First Strike. Within this operation there are 200 tiers – but once you reach level 200, another 25 unlock, and then another 25 after that, taking the total to 250.
After tier 200 though, all the rewards are ‘Reserves’ (Black Ops 4’s equivalent to supply drops), granting an unknown, randomized item.
To reach level 200 with cash only would cost 20,000 CoD points, or $200. But, if you don’t want to spend this money, you can simply unlock the tiers through playing the game.
Treyarch hasn’t said exactly how fast the progression through tiers is through gameplay alone, but did roll out an update on October 23 stating: “players will now earn Tier progression both faster and more consistently across all modes of play in Blackout and Multiplayer.”
Some estimates from players suggest that it takes around 1-2 hours of gameplay to advance to a new tier, but this cannot be confirmed exactly.
According to the in-game message, there will be a new operation on December 11, meaning if you want to hit level 200 before the end of the event, you will need to put in some serious hours.
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Progressing Faster
The speed at which you progress cannot be influenced by any other factor other than time spent in game.
So, to move up through the tiers as fast as possible, you will want to survive as long as possible in Blackout, and stick out multiplayer matches to the end, to minimize time spent in menus.
Some reports from players suggest that multiplayer is by far the fastest way to progress, although this cannot be confirmed. Twitch streamer shroud, who almost plays Blackout exclusively, has noticed that progression is slower in Blackout, but this is purely anecdotal.
Special Orders
There are also new ‘Special Orders’, separate to the main Operation tiers. To get access to these Special Orders, you will have to pay CoD points.
Currently, there are two Special Orders available, the ‘Bombero’ and ‘Covert’, costing 800CP and 500CP respectively.
New Special Orders will rotate in every few days, but once you have purchased one, it will remain available to you so you can complete it.