Which CoD Let You Vault? Unveiling the Vaulting Revolution
The Call of Duty franchise introduced vaulting – the ability to climb over obstacles – in Call of Duty: Ghosts. This seemingly small addition fundamentally changed gameplay, impacting movement strategies and tactical options across the series.
The Dawn of Verticality: Vaulting’s Introduction
The introduction of vaulting in Call of Duty: Ghosts marked a significant departure from the franchise’s traditional movement mechanics. Prior to Ghosts, traversing obstacles often involved clunky jumps or restricted paths. Vaulting offered a smoother, more fluid, and ultimately more versatile means of navigating the game’s environments. This addition wasn’t just about aesthetics; it opened new avenues for tactical gameplay, allowing players to quickly gain positional advantages and surprise opponents.
The Benefits of Vaulting: Tactical Advantages
Vaulting’s impact on gameplay extends far beyond simple traversal. The ability to quickly and efficiently clear obstacles provides several key tactical advantages:
- Enhanced Mobility: Players can move more freely and quickly through the environment, making it easier to flank enemies or escape dangerous situations.
- Positional Advantage: Vaulting allows players to reach elevated positions that would otherwise be inaccessible, providing a significant advantage in firefights.
- Surprise Attacks: Vaulting can be used to quickly move into unexpected locations, catching opponents off guard.
- Escape and Evasion: Vaulting provides a quick and reliable method for escaping enemy fire or breaking line of sight.
- Map Control: Reaching strategic areas faster gives players and their teams improved map control.
The Vaulting Process: Simple and Intuitive
The vaulting mechanic in Call of Duty is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Generally, the process involves simply approaching an obstacle and pressing the jump button while moving towards it. The character will then automatically vault over the obstacle, provided it is within the height range and parameters designated by the game. Some games, particularly later entries, allow for variations like mantle climbing on taller objects, giving players additional options.
Evolution of Vaulting Across CoD Games
While Call of Duty: Ghosts pioneered vaulting, the mechanic has evolved and been refined in subsequent titles. Early implementations were somewhat clunky, but later games have introduced smoother animations, faster vaulting speeds, and more context-sensitive vaulting actions.
| Game | Vaulting Implementation |
|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Ghosts | Initial implementation, basic vaulting mechanics. |
| Advanced Warfare | Boost jump and boost slide augmented vaulting. |
| Black Ops III | Wall running and parkour heavily integrated with vaulting. |
| Infinite Warfare | Similar to Black Ops III, emphasizing fluidity and speed. |
| WWII | Simplified vaulting, less emphasis on advanced movement. |
| Modern Warfare (2019) | Tactical sprint and mantling added layers of complexity. |
| Black Ops Cold War | Refined movement mechanics, faster and more responsive vaulting. |
| Vanguard | Return to a more traditional, but still polished, vaulting system. |
| Modern Warfare II (2022) | Focus on realism and weight in movement, affecting vault speed. |
| Modern Warfare III (2023) | Builds upon MWII’s mechanics, with improvements in responsiveness. |
Common Mistakes When Vaulting
Despite its simplicity, players can still make mistakes when vaulting, especially in the heat of battle:
- Vaulting into Open Fire: Vaulting directly into the line of sight of an enemy is a common mistake, leaving the player vulnerable.
- Misjudging Distance: Failing to accurately judge the distance to an obstacle can result in a failed vault attempt, leaving the player exposed.
- Not Considering Surroundings: Vaulting without checking for nearby enemies can lead to unexpected engagements.
- Over-reliance on Vaulting: Vaulting should be used strategically, not as a default movement option. Using it too frequently can make the player predictable.
- Forgetting Obstacle Height: Not all obstacles are vaultable. Trying to vault over objects that are too high can slow you down and leave you vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Was Vaulting Present Before Call of Duty: Ghosts?
No. While earlier Call of Duty games allowed players to jump over very low obstacles, the vaulting mechanic, where the character realistically climbs over objects of significant height, was introduced in Call of Duty: Ghosts.
Does Vaulting Make You Louder in the Game?
Generally, yes. Vaulting produces audible sounds that can alert nearby enemies to your presence, especially when using headsets. This is a key tactical consideration.
Can I Cancel a Vault Animation Mid-Action?
This depends on the specific Call of Duty game. Some titles allow you to interrupt the vault animation with actions like shooting or sprinting, while others lock you into the animation until it’s complete.
Does Vaulting Affect My Aim or Accuracy?
In most Call of Duty games, your aim is significantly affected while vaulting. It’s generally not recommended to try and shoot accurately during the animation unless you have a perk or attachment specifically designed to mitigate this.
How Can I Improve My Vaulting Technique?
Practice makes perfect! Spend time in private matches or bot lobbies to familiarize yourself with the timing and range of vaulting. Pay attention to the obstacles on each map and identify opportunities for strategic vaulting maneuvers.
Is Vaulting the Same As Mantling?
While related, they are not identical. Vaulting refers to climbing over a relatively low obstacle. Mantling, often introduced in later titles, usually refers to pulling oneself up over a taller object, often requiring a more deliberate action.
Do All Weapons Affect My Vaulting Speed?
Heavier weapons can indeed impact your vaulting speed. Using a lightweight weapon like a pistol or SMG will generally result in faster vaulting compared to a heavy machine gun or sniper rifle. This ties into the game’s mobility mechanics.
How Does Vaulting Interact with Tactical Sprint?
In games like Modern Warfare (2019) and later, tactical sprint can significantly enhance vaulting speed and distance. Using tactical sprint before initiating a vault can allow you to clear obstacles more efficiently.
Does Vaulting Differ Between Multiplayer and Campaign?
The core mechanics remain consistent, but the context and strategic importance of vaulting can vary between multiplayer and campaign. In campaign, vaulting is often used to navigate environmental puzzles or scripted sequences.
Can I Vault Through Windows?
Yes, typically. Vaulting is a common way to enter buildings through windows. In some cases, the game may require you to break the glass first, while in others, the vault animation will automatically break the glass.
How Does Vaulting Relate to Slide Canceling?
Slide canceling is a more advanced movement technique that allows players to cancel a slide animation for increased mobility. While distinct from vaulting, both techniques contribute to overall movement fluidity and tactical positioning.
What are the Best Maps to Utilize Vaulting Effectively?
Maps with verticality and numerous obstacles tend to favor players who are adept at vaulting. Maps like Shipment (in certain iterations), Rust, and Shoot House often provide ample opportunities for strategic vaulting maneuvers.