Treyarch shipped Black Ops III in November 2015 with three games in one box: a four player co-op campaign, a Specialist driven multiplayer suite, and the Zombies arc that opens in Shadows of Evil. Movement is the through line, because thrust jumps, wall runs and power slides all stay available while you fire and reload. A decade later the PC version still fills lobbies, mostly for Zombies and the Workshop custom maps that came with the mod tools.
Boss fights are where Call of Duty: Black Ops III tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Role | Key Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuk3town | Easy | Outrider | Man-O-War |
| Combine | Moderate | Outrider | Man-O-War |
| Hunted | Hard | Ruin | KN-44 |
| Shadows of Evil | Very Hard | Ruin | KN-44 |
| Der Eisendrache | Extreme | Ruin | KN-44 |
Nuk3town Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Any rank Recommended role: Outrider with Man-O-War
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Thrust jumps, wall runs and power slides all draw from one thrust meter, and you keep full weapon control through every one of them. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Chain based movement to create safe windows.
- Man-O-War is enough to handle everything here.
Combine Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Any rank Recommended role: Outrider with Man-O-War
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Specialist weapons and abilities. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Specialist weapons and abilities is critical for these fights.
- Farm Man-O-War upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Outrider if your current setup isn't working.
Hunted Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Any rank Recommended role: Ruin with KN-44
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Chain based movement and Pick 10 Create-A-Class mastery.
- KN-44 makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Shadows of Evil Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Rounds 1 to 30 plus Recommended role: Ruin with KN-44
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- KN-44 at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Der Eisendrache Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Rounds 1 to 40 plus Recommended role: Ruin with KN-44
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your weapons: A max-upgraded KN-44 trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Chain based movement: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Call of Duty: Black Ops III Guides
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Call of Duty: Black Ops III Overview
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Best Builds
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Tier List
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Walkthrough
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Beginner's Guide
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Tips & Tricks
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Weapons Guide
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Combat Guide
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Maps & Locations
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Crafting Guide
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III Classes & Characters
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