Uncover the Secrets: A Deep Dive into Intel in Call of Duty Games
Ever felt like a digital archaeologist in Call of Duty? You’re not far off. Let’s discuss “Intel.” These collectibles hide in Call of Duty campaigns. They serve as digital breadcrumbs for achievement hunters and lore enthusiasts.
What Exactly IS “Intel” Anyway?
“Intel” in Call of Duty games refers to in-game files. These files hide within campaign levels. They aren’t clutter. They offer world-building details waiting to be uncovered. Consider them similar to rummaging through desk drawers in a spy flick, with more explosions and fewer papercuts.
Intel Through the Ages: From Modern Warfare to Black Ops
The Intel role shifted across different Call of Duty titles. Let’s explore game by game.
Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) and Modern Warfare 3 (MW3): Achievement Hunters’ Paradise
In Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3, Intel served to unlock achievements or trophies. Finding those laptops was not just for bragging rights. It was your key to PlayStation or Xbox glory.
For instance, in MW2’s “Team Player” mission, you can find Intel inside the school. Clear the second floor, follow Sergeant Foley, and listen closely. When he says, “I saw one of them head into the classroom,” bingo! Laptop located. For detailed Intel locations in MW2, IGN’s guide is helpful.
Note for completionists: once you grab an Intel laptop, it s to your Gamertag or PlayStation ID. It disappears for good in that level. No respawns. It’s a one-time hunt.
Black Ops (BO1): Laptops and Legacy
Call of Duty: Black Ops mimicked its Modern Warfare counterparts. Collecting all Intel laptops in each mission, except U.S.D.D., earned achievements or trophies. These digital trinkets showcased your dedication. Like MW2 and MW3, collected Intel would not reappear. Digital collectibles are serious.
Advanced Warfare: More Achievements Await
In the futuristic setting of Advanced Warfare, Intel continued to play the achievement/trophy game. Collecting data throughout the campaign unlocked more achievements and trophies. Because who doesn’t enjoy a digital pat on the back?
Operation Anchorage (Fallout): A Crossover Curiosity
Now, let’s head to the snowy battlegrounds of Operation Anchorage from Fallout. This DLC isn’t Call of Duty, but offers an interesting parallel. Intel appears as suitcases that hum electronically, aiding location. Collect all ten, and General Chase rewards your skills with the Covert Ops perk. Intel gathering can lead to in-game benefits beyond virtual badges.
Black Ops 6 (BO6): Zombie Intel – Rewards? Not So Much.
In Black Ops 6‘s Zombies mode, specifically Liberty Falls, things are less rewarding. No in-game reward exists for obtaining all Zombie Intel here. Sometimes the thrill of the hunt serves as its own reward. Or not. Maybe this Intel only caters to lore enthusiasts piecing together the zombie narrative.
Modern Warfare 2 (2009) Deep Dive: Rewards Beyond Intel?
Returning to Modern Warfare 2 (2009), the text notes no direct in-game reward for collecting all Intel. Does this mean efforts are in vain? Not quite.
Intel might yield only achievements/trophies, but finishing the entire MW2 campaign unlocks other items. Completing the campaign grants you “Base Operator: Hutch” and Captain Price’s “Union Guard Weapon Blueprint.” So, while Intel might be its own reward, completing campaigns unlocks tangible in-game items too, like iconic characters including Price, Ghost, and Soap. More on unlocking these characters can be found in this guide.
So there you have it. Intel in Call of Duty: digital collectibles that span from achievement fodder to world-building nuggets. Whether for virtual badges, lore, or just exploration’s thrill, happy hunting! If diving into Warzone for a different kind of Intel, check Eurogamer’s guide to Warzone Fractured Intel. That’s a different rabbit hole for another day.
