Call of Duty (COD) has long been a staple in the gaming world, known for its intense battles, iconic maps, and thrilling multiplayer modes. Among these modes, Prop Hunt stands out as one of the most entertaining and unique additions to the franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned COD player or a curious newcomer, Prop Hunt offers a refreshing break from the traditional run-and-gun gameplay. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes COD Prop Hunt so special, how to excel at it, and why you should give it a try.
What is COD Prop Hunt?
A Unique Game Mode
Prop Hunt is a party-style game mode that first gained popularity in Garry’s Mod before making its way to the Call of Duty series. The premise is simple yet ingenious: players are divided into two teams, the “Hunters” and the “Props.”
- Props: This team disguises themselves as in-game objects—anything from barrels and chairs to signs and plants.
- Hunters: Their job is to seek out and destroy the props before time runs out.
This hide-and-seek format is not only fun but also a test of creativity and observation skills.
History in Call of Duty
Prop Hunt made its debut in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered as a limited-time mode but quickly became a fan favorite. Due to its popularity, it has been featured in several other COD titles, including Black Ops 4, Modern Warfare, and Cold War. Each iteration adds its own flavor to the mode, keeping it fresh and exciting.
Why Players Love It
- Hilarious Gameplay: The absurdity of hiding as a random object and trying to blend into the environment is a constant source of laughter.
- Creative Strategies: Whether you’re hiding or hunting, the game encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Compared to the intensity of other COD modes, Prop Hunt is more lighthearted and casual, making it perfect for unwinding.
How to Play COD Prop Hunt
Setting Up the Game
To play Prop Hunt, you’ll need access to a Call of Duty title that includes the mode. Here’s how you can get started:
- Choose the Mode: Navigate to the multiplayer menu and select Prop Hunt. If it’s not available, check for limited-time events.
- Select a Map: Maps are a crucial aspect of Prop Hunt. Some maps are easier for props to hide in due to their cluttered environments, while others favor hunters with wide-open spaces.
- Join a Lobby: Once you’re in a lobby, you’ll be randomly assigned to either the Hunters or the Props team.
Basic Rules
- Props:
- You have a limited amount of time to find a hiding spot.
- Use your mimic ability to disguise yourself as any object in the environment.
- Move around or change forms if you think a Hunter is onto you.
- Use distractions like sound cues to confuse the Hunters.
- Hunters:
- Carefully inspect the environment and look for objects that seem out of place.
- Use your weapons to destroy suspicious props.
- Be mindful of your ammo and health, as shooting the wrong objects can penalize you.
Winning Conditions
- The Props win if at least one prop remains undetected when the timer runs out.
- The Hunters win if they eliminate all props before time runs out.
Tips for Playing as a Prop
1. Blend In Seamlessly
The key to surviving as a prop is to blend into your surroundings. Choose a hiding spot where your object seems natural. For example, if you’re a trash can, hide near other trash cans or in a corner where one might logically be placed.
2. Use Movement Strategically
Props have the ability to move, but this should be done sparingly. If a Hunter is closing in, repositioning yourself can throw them off. However, make sure you’re not too obvious, as moving props are easy targets.
3. Utilize Sound Decoys
Some Prop Hunt modes allow props to emit sound cues or taunts. While this can seem risky, it’s a great way to mislead Hunters and divert their attention from your actual hiding spot.
4. Change Objects
Many versions of Prop Hunt allow you to switch your prop form a few times per round. Use this feature wisely if you feel your current disguise isn’t convincing enough.
Tips for Playing as a Hunter
1. Memorize the Map
Knowing the layout of the map is crucial for Hunters. Familiarize yourself with the environment so you can spot out-of-place objects more easily.
2. Look for Suspicious Arrangements
Props often hide in groups of similar objects to blend in. Look for clusters of items that seem unusual, such as a chair facing the wrong way or a barrel out of alignment.
3. Listen Closely
Pay attention to sound cues. Props can taunt Hunters, and these audio hints can guide you to their location. Use headphones for a more immersive experience.
4. Conserve Ammo
Randomly shooting objects is tempting but inefficient. Focus on areas where you’re more likely to find props to avoid wasting ammo and losing health.
Popular Maps for COD Prop Hunt
1. Nuketown
A fan-favorite map, Nuketown’s compact size and abundance of hiding spots make it a thrilling choice for Prop Hunt. Props can disguise themselves as mannequins, furniture, or even random debris, while Hunters have to think quickly to uncover them.
2. Shipment
Known for its tight layout and chaos, Shipment is both a blessing and a curse for props. While it offers plenty of objects to mimic, the limited space makes it harder to evade Hunters.
3. Raid
This classic map offers a mix of indoor and outdoor areas, giving props a wide range of hiding options. From blending in with kitchen furniture to hiding as garden ornaments, the possibilities are endless.
Why COD Prop Hunt is So Addictive
Lighthearted Fun
Unlike the high-stakes gameplay of modes like Search and Destroy or Domination, Prop Hunt is all about having a good time. The comedic elements, like Hunters chasing a runaway chair, make it endlessly entertaining.
Replayability
Every round of Prop Hunt is unique. The combination of different maps, props, and strategies ensures that no two games feel the same. This unpredictability keeps players coming back for more.
Team Dynamics
Whether you’re collaborating with fellow props to find the perfect hiding spot or strategizing with Hunters to flush out the props, the team-based aspect adds another layer of enjoyment.
Conclusion
COD Prop Hunt is more than just a game mode; it’s an experience that brings players together for laughs, strategy, and creative problem-solving. Whether you’re hiding as a plant in the corner or meticulously searching for a suspiciously placed crate, every round offers a unique thrill. So grab your controller, join a lobby, and dive into the whimsical world of Prop Hunt. It’s a game mode that promises fun for players of all skill levels.
