TL;DR
- Operation Excision serves as narrative prologue for Mauer der Toten map
- Complete world events in first two rounds to build essential resources
- Navigate red rift sequence to obtain Beacon Listening Device
- Final boss fight requires strategic positioning and high-tier weaponry
- Mission is solo-friendly but benefits from coordinated squad tactics
Operation Excision represents the crucial narrative bridge leading into the highly anticipated Mauer der Toten round-based experience, providing essential context for Call of Duty’s expanding Dark Aether storyline. This comprehensive walkthrough ensures you navigate every challenge with maximum efficiency.
With Season 4’s June 17th launch, Black Ops Cold War Zombies continues its compelling Dark Aether narrative through this new Outbreak storyline quest. The introduction of Zoo Outbreak map complements the Operation Excision mission with additional gameplay elements specifically designed for narrative progression.
This operation functions as the direct narrative precursor to Mauer der Toten, establishing critical story elements that will carry forward. Its relatively straightforward design makes this an ideal entry point for players new to Zombies main quests, while our enhanced guide provides advanced tactical insights beyond basic completion.
Essential Reading: Mauer der Toten Power Activation Guide
Given the mission’s accessible design, rigid loadout specifications aren’t mandatory. However, strategic preparation during initial rounds significantly impacts success rates. Prioritize completing all available world events across the first two map rotations to accumulate substantial points and resources. Field upgrade selection should align with your playstyle, while weapon choices benefit from considering final encounter requirements.
Squad composition flexibility stands as one of Operation Excision’s key advantages. The mission accommodates solo operators effectively while scaling appropriately for duo and full squad configurations, making it accessible regardless of team size.
Veteran players familiar with Orda encounters from Outbreak Round 4+ will recognize similar mechanics in the final confrontation. This familiarity provides strategic advantages in positioning and resource allocation during the climactic battle.
For those encountering Orda for the first time, specialized takedown strategies prove invaluable. While Wonder Weapons aren’t strictly necessary, their inclusion dramatically simplifies boss engagements. The D.I.E Shockwave Wonder Weapon offers particularly effective crowd control capabilities when properly upgraded. Additionally, the Aether Tool item accelerates weapon rarity progression, providing crucial damage output increases. Deploying Chopper Gunner killstreaks at strategic moments can decisively shift battle momentum in your favor.
Therefore, methodical resource accumulation during initial Outbreak rounds remains paramount. Ensure weapons reach maximum Pack-A-Punch levels and secure all available perk benefits before advancing to Round 3, where Operation Excision properly commences.
Upon reaching Round 3, your primary objective becomes locating the distinctive red rift manifestation on the current map. These anomalies present as crimson variations of the standard purple dimensional tears scattered throughout Outbreak zones, emitting pronounced audible frequencies that aid detection. Entering the initial red rift propels you airborne, requiring immediate identification of subsequent portals while managing descent.

Strategic parachute deployment enables precise navigation into the secondary red rift, which again launches you skyward to identify the third and final portal. Successfully linking this sequence of three interdimensional jumps triggers the appearance of a descending object during your final descent phase.

The falling device leaves a luminous trajectory as it plummets, creating easily trackable visual markers. Proceed directly to its impact location to retrieve the critical Beacon Listening Device, essential for advancing the mission narrative.
While the rift navigation phase presents moderate challenge levels, completion by any single squad member satisfies progression requirements. However, coordinated team attempts increase success probability and distribute learning opportunities across all participants.
Following beacon acquisition, proceed to locate the crash site where the narrative continues unfolding. This investigation phase introduces new environmental interactions and potential zombie threats requiring tactical awareness.
The subsequent red aethereal orb encounter demands careful observation of movement patterns while managing incoming enemy pressure. Position team members to cover multiple angles during this objective.
The mystery box bunny Easter egg provides optional but valuable rewards for thorough exploration. This hidden element can significantly enhance your team’s combat capabilities if discovered and activated.
Rover escort duties introduce dynamic defense mechanics where team coordination becomes critical. Establish clear roles for escort protection versus zombie clearance to maintain objective progress.
Locating the missing scientists advances the storyline while presenting new tactical considerations. Their protection requires strategic positioning and awareness of approaching threats from multiple directions.
The ultimate confrontation with Orda demands everything you’ve accumulated throughout the mission. Strategic exfiltration planning should begin well before the final confrontation to ensure successful mission completion.
Mastering Operation Excision requires understanding nuanced gameplay mechanics that separate basic completion from mastery. These advanced tactics significantly improve success rates while optimizing resource expenditure.
Solo Operator Considerations: Individual players should prioritize mobility and sustained damage output. Ring of Fire field upgrade provides crucial damage amplification during boss phases, while tactical rifles offer optimal balance between accuracy and firepower. Always maintain escape routes and utilize terrain features for zombie funneling.
Squad Tactical Formations: Coordinated teams benefit from role specialization. Designate members for crowd control, elite enemy focus, and objective progression to maximize efficiency.
Resource Management Excellence: Beyond basic point accumulation, strategic timing of purchases dramatically impacts late-game performance. Delay high-cost acquisitions until immediately before critical encounters to ensure maximum utility.
Boss Encounter Optimization: Orda’s attack patterns follow predictable sequences. Position team members at varying distances to create overlapping fields of fire while minimizing collective exposure to area attacks.
Common Execution Errors: Many teams fail by rushing progression without adequate preparation. The most frequent mistake involves advancing to Round 3 with underpowered weaponry. Ensure at least one weapon reaches tier 3 Pack-A-Punch before initiating the quest sequence.
Time Investment Planning: Allocate approximately 45-60 minutes for complete mission execution. Preparation phases consume 15-20 minutes, while the active quest sequence typically requires 30-40 minutes depending on team coordination and difficulty adjustments.
Mechanical Depth Analysis: The red rift sequence incorporates momentum conservation physics. Understanding how your movement speed affects trajectory enables more precise portal navigation and reduces failed attempts.
Action Checklist
- Complete all world events in Rounds 1-2 to maximize resources
- Upgrade primary weapon to maximum Pack-A-Punch level
- Navigate three red rift sequence with precise parachute control
- Retrieve Beacon Listening Device from crash site location
- Execute final Orda confrontation with strategic positioning
- Complete exfiltration sequence to finish mission
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » CoD: Black Ops Cold War Zombies Outbreak: How To Complete Operation Excision Storyline Quest Complete guide to Operation Excision with advanced strategies for solo and squad play
