NinJa

Domination on Invansion is an intense map filled with a myriad of challenges to overcome, and many enemies to take down. All types of combat will be tested here. Short, middle, and long range skills will be strained. In this guide I will do the best of my ability to earn another W for your team.

Important Notes: Domination is about taking flags as a team. This guide, and mode is NOT for you if you are there to get kills, and not contribute to your team by helping capturing enemy flags. You will die a decent amount. This guide is meant for team players, preferably in a party of 3 or more.

Table of Contents (Ctrl+F to jump to sections)
[i.] Map Overview
[ii.] General Tactics
[iii.] Attacking and Defending Flags
[iv.] Recommended Killstreaks
[v.] Recommended Setups
[vi.] Credits



As you can see, I labeled where each of the flags are located. Take a good note of the name of each location on the map, later on there will be some information on these areas and how they can contribute to, and against your team.

Right Click Here to open the map in a new tab or window, so you can follow along if you don't know which places are called what. Also if you open the image in a new tab, it's bigger and you can see the names of the locations more clearly.



In this section, you will find the general tactics and gameplay for this map, and Domination in general.

• Teamwork is key in everything Domination. It takes approximately 10 seconds to capture a flag alone. The amount of time to capture a flag significantly decreases with two people capturing the flag, those few seconds could mean the game shifting around in your favor, or giving the opposing team another killstreak to mow you down. Use teamwork to communicate with your team and call things out! See three enemies going for B? Call it out. See two guys on top of the Soda Shop camping A? Call it out. If you coordinate, you will dominate. Additionally, travel in groups. Your odds of survival are much greater if you have backup.
  
  
• Take control of the map and their spawn! Take your spawn flag, and then the B flag in the middle of the map. Smoke Grenades go a LONG way in covering your location. Once you have solid control of two flags, you not only have control of their spawn, but the stress. Controlling the battlefield puts the pressure on their team to come to you and attack the flags, and with the proper defense and coordination, the points won't be the only thing racking up, if you know what I mean. Controlling their spawn also means your team can push further up, thus trapping them inside, making it that much harder for the opposition fight back. Do NOT go directly into their spawn for any means necessary, as they will start spawning on the other side of the map. This is extremely common in Highrise and usually backfires quickly.
  
  
• Play smart, check those corners. Even though you are going to want to move quickly in getting those flags, be sure to take some time and often turn around, and check your surroundings. You never know when an enemy in sitting in a random corner waiting for someone to pass by. For example, say you and a teammate are flanking the right side to capture C at the U.S. Base. Instead of rushing straight into the General Store, check if someone is running down that alley to your left, eliminate a possible camper prone in the grassy Field, and make sure there is noone camping behind that car next to the store. Always be aware, you can rush, but be careful about it!
  
  
• Smoking is good for you! We all know that Smoke Grenades are non-lethal, however they provide excellent visual cover when attempting to capture that flag. Be sure not to overthrow it, aim a little under the flag since it bounces upon ground impact. Once the smoke layer is covering you, go prone and toss your Frag/Semtex in the direction you think an enemy might come from. This effect can be doubled by having a teammate throw Stuns and Flash Grenades as well. Take note that Smoke can be countered by Thermal users, Cold Blooded also counters Thermal.

In this section, you will learn good routes to obtain flags, and good strategies to defend the flags. Its crucial to note that all of the information below will require a teammate near you, or cooperating with you.


OFFENSE.

• Looking at the map overview above, we're going to go to the left, or the right directly facing the A flag. Carefully move past the Convoy's, then move up to the Bathrooms, your teammate should have your back here, checking the side streets near the Alcove and Cafe. Once at the Bathrooms, proceed to the Gas Station while taking a glance at any enemies going in or coming out of the Boutique. Be alert that there may be enemies on the Soda Shop roof, and inside the Shop itself. Grab that Smoke grenade and the flag is yours.
  
  
• Now that we have the left covered, let's look to the right flank, left looking towards the A flag. I strongly recommend having a teammate with you because there are sure to be at least two enemies around the Sniper Apartment and the Loft, so be sure to check these areas to avoid getting shot from behind. Always check the second floor of the Coffee Shop, and the Video Store, you might find a straggler trying to sneak out to the B flag. After advancing past the Coffee Shop, secure the Soda Shop and the Gas Station before getting that flag. Set down Smoke and obtain your flag.
  
  
• I do not recommend rushing the center through the Boutique, for there are many ways to get acquired from all sides. However, if you DO decide to cut through the center, I'd advise you toss a grenade to the Soda Shop roof, and check for any tangos inside of the shop, around the Gas Station, and near the Coffee Shop. Keep your gun aimed to your right, while your teammate guards the Gas Station. Smoke is recommended if you are alone.

DEFENSE.

• Getting the flag is more than half the battle. Defending the A flag is simple, and easy with teamwork. One of the best ways to cover A, is having two teammates hang back on the roof of the Soda Shop. Watching both sides not only gives you an excellent view of the area, you also have the elevation advantage. One common mistake I see is that nobody checks the exits of the Boutique, so be sure to cover that, additionally, place a Claymore there.

OFFENSE.

• Taking the B flag is probably the most difficult part of this map if you lost it in the earlier stages of the round. You will most likely never take this flag alone, since there is an abundance of enemies running around the Cafe and the Video Store, as well as inside the Cafe. Two or more teammates, along with Smoke Grenades will give you a good chance in securing B. The smoke will provide visual cover, and in case one of you die, there will be at least one survivor to take the flag. Remember, Domination is about getting the flags, you should NOT care about dying an X amount of times to obtain a flag.
  
  
• Clearing out the Cafe and Video Store is a must, since there will almost always be someone in there with a CQB gun. Additionally, make sure the Courtyard is clear, then go for the flag. Stay out of sight by crouching behind the block right outside the cafe door, that way enemies spawning from C can't see you. If the enemy is spawning at A, there is some block cover facing A, use it and Smoke to your advantage.

DEFENSE.

• Defending the B flag is as hard as you make it to be. I recommend at least three players in the middle vicinity of the map. Hovering around the Video Store, Cafe, and flanking the alleyway before the Field is usually a good way to survey the area, and quickly jump to B before the enemy takes the flag. Laying down Claymores by the block to the left of the Cafe door can net you a few kills, as well as using the Grenade Launcher when the flag is out of your reach. Shotguns inside the Cafe work very well for rushing out and blowing the competition away, especially the AA-12, and Spas for earlier ranked players, and M1014's and 1887's for the higher ranked.

OFFENSE.

• If the enemy has put you in a position where you have to take C, try flanking them from both sides. The U.S. Base may seem like an impenetrable stronghold, but there are plenty of entrances to flush any defenders out. Make your way up to the Field, while checking the small alley before it to prevent you getting shot from behind. After securing the General Store, move in to the base, and go up the stairs in the right-back area. When in doubt toss a Stun/Flash grenade and make sure the Courtyard is clear, as well as the Convoy area before dropping down to take C. Remember, it takes 10 seconds to capture it alone, but since you have a teammate with you, securing the flag quickly should give you enough time to setup a defense.
  
  
• The left flank may be the easier route, since most of the action will be focused around the B flag. Checking and making sure there's noone hiding in the Alcove will save you from a backshot, and checking left of the Convoys will save you as well, since it's one of the two spawn points they have. You now have the option to climb the ladder on the side of the base, but beware of claymores and people lurking inside. Have your teammate run in front of the base, engaging anyone on the ground while you make sure things are clear upstairs. Drop down and take your objective.

DEFENSE.

• Defending C is pretty easy if you have an extra pair of eyes working with you. Setting a claymore on the ladder on the top-right of the base will get any sneaky enemies attempting to crawl up on you. You should have a teammate around the General Store, that way the right flank is covered. C isn't going to be a top priority, so don't expect too much traffic, I recommend have a mid-long range gun with you to take out enemies with near the Courtyard. You can assist the B defenders by using a grenade launcher, and if you don't, just call them out.

The following killstreaks are recommended to give your team the highest benefit possible. Make an attempt to choose different killstreaks than your teammates, always be diverse and giving the opposition more challenges to overcome.

UAV (3): The UAV can be an invaluable killstreak during Domination. It shows all of your enemies that aren't using Cold Blooded as a red dot on your radar. Keeping track of where your enemies are can give you the chance to quickly set up a good defense, find weaknesses in their defense to flank, and have an overall location on your enemies whereabouts.

Care Package (4): This drops a random killstreak or ammunition for you to pick up. The most common items collected in the CP are the UAV, Counter-UAV, Ammo, and Sentry Guns. All valuable assets. If you don't want to choose the UAV, try this, chances are you will have numerous UAV's in your CP's. Click here for CP rates.

Predator Missile (5): Saving one of these can mean saving your flag. If you hear that one of your flags is being captured, you can call in your PM and take out whoever is attacking your flag.

Sentry Gun (5): Since this has a moderately high rate in the Care Package, you may want to pass up this killstreak. However Sentry Guns can provide excellent cover on a flag, or even help spawn trap the enemy team. The Sentry Gun will disable itself after 90 seconds, however it can be destroyed with one melee or throwing knife.

Harrier Strike (7): This is basically a Precision Airstrike on steroids. The select area gets bombed upon twice, and a Harrier will hover over the area for 45 seconds. This is a power killstreak that can quickly take out multiple enemies within seconds. I highly recommend this killstreak places near the B flag.

Emergency Airdrop (8): An airplane will fly by and drop four random killstreak rewards. This can come in handy, as it can provide you with better air support, except in common cases where you will get Counter UAV's, and Ammunition. It's worth the try. Click here for EAD rates.

Pave Low (9): Again, Attack Helicopter on steroids. A heavily armored attack helicopter will fly around for 90 seconds, often racking up 10+ kills, lasting longer than the Chopper Gunner. It takes two stinger shots to down the Pave Low. Strongly recommended.

Stealth Bomber (9): A B2 Bomber, which is invisible on your enemies radar will carpet bomb the area, and direction of your choice. Setting it to go up to B and C will probably net you 2+ kills. UAV in correlation with any form of airstrike will guarantee you better judgement when using these.

Chopper Gunner (11): This can be a devastating killstreak to use to spawn trap your enemy, and provide cover for your teammates. This can easily turn the game around if there is no-one to shoot it down. It lasts for 40 seconds and takes two guided missile shots to destroy, the 25mm gun doesn't need to be reloaded, unlike the three AC-130's guns.

Killstreak rewards such as the: Counter-UAV, Precision Airstrike, Attack Helicopter, EMP, and the Tactical Nuke were omitted because there are either better choices, or could be obtained in a different way, than wasting a killstreak reward. The AC-130 can be effective when used properly since the flags are in the open, however I feel that the Chopper Gunner has the reload advantage here, to spawn trap people easier since in both spawns, cover is a short distance away.



This map caters to many playing styles, I will give recommended classes for what role you will have in the team. Because of this, we will do things a little different, I'll give you a general idea of what is best for each play-style. Since this is not a weapon(s) guide, there will not be extensive class information, only general, correct links will be provided!


Assault Rifles
For this map, I recommend using a mid-to-long range Assault Rifle if you plan on staying around the outskirts of the map, defending, or attacking the A and C flags.

You're going to want an accurate gun, with a shotgun as your secondary in case you get caught up inside the buildings next to B, the Cafe, and Video Store. If you aren't highly ranked yet, I recommend the AA-12, or Spas. If you are up there in the ranks, try Akimbo Rangers, the M1014, or the deadly 1887's. Most of the assault rifles are pretty spot on accurate, just remember to burst fire at long ranges.

Recommended AR Setup:
Attachments: Grenade Launcher, Red Dot Sight, Silencer, Holographic Sight, Heartbeat Sensor, FMJ.
T1: Scavenger Pro, Sleight of Hand Pro, Bling Pro.
T2: Stopping Power Pro, Hardline Pro, Danger Close Pro.
T3: Commando Pro, Steady Aim Pro, Ninja Pro.

Notes: Thermal, and ACOG are not recommended on this map. The visibility is pretty clear for the map, and it's in the afternoon. ACOG isn't recommended because if you find yourself in a situation where switching to your Shotgun is not fast enough, the ACOG will just be a nuisance, and inaccurate in close quarters combat.



Sniping
If you are planning on Sniping, then the best places to pick off enemies would be the Sniper Apartment, second floor of the Coffee Shop, near the Gas Station, looking through the Convoy windows, and inside of the U.S. Base. Be sure to protect your behind with Claymores.

Recommended SR Setup:
Attachments: Regular Scope, ACOG Scope, FMJ, and Heartbeat Sensor.
T1: Marathon Pro, Sleight of Hand Pro, Bling Pro.
T2: Stopping Power Pro, Hardline Pro for the more accurate.
T3: Commando Pro, Ninja Pro, SitRep Pro.

Notes: In my opinion there isn't a need for a Silencer on this map unless you will be using a WA2000, or the M21 EBR, you want to be as powerful as possible, ensuring that each of your kills is with one-shot, because in Invasion, it's easy to pick off a bad sniper. ACOG is recommended if you plan to push forward and snipe more close to your enemies, but not recommended at long range, as the regular scope is best for most situations. Thermal is unnecessary for reasons above.



Sub-Machine Gunning
Sub-Machine guns are recommended if you are constantly patrolling the B area. Zipping in and out of the Cafe and Video Store can neat you quick kills with SMG's that have a high fire rate. The MP5K, P90, Vector, and Mini-Uzi shine in these areas. The UMP is basically a pocket assault rifle, it's beastly when Silenced.

Recommended SMG Perks:
Attachments: Silencer, Red Dot Sight, Holographic Sight.
T1: Marathon Pro, Scavenger Pro, Sleight of Hand Pro.
T2: Lightweight Pro, Stopping Power Pro, Hardline Pro.
T3: Commando Pro, Ninja Pro.

Notes: With the Silencer, the UMP works wonders if you can handle it's recoil. Since the SMG's are supposed to be used for CQB, the ACOG and Thermal Scopes will not be used.

Click Here for a complete list of perks, their descriptions, and the Pro additions. The website also has the attachments for each type of weapon.



[vi.] Credits

I'd like to give thanks to:

• MW247 - Clarity on Attachments for different gun types.
• Den Kirson - Stats info about certain killstreaks.
• Fenny's Guide Tutorial - Great reference guide for structure.
• MW2Blog - Map diagrams.

This is my first guide ever written for MW2, I'm welcome to all feedback. Thanks for taking the time to review it.

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Nibbles

Nicely written guide with an insane amount of detail - perhaps a bit too much?

I'm not sure how I missed this when you posted it a few weeks back, but thanks - I'm looking forward to going over it later on today.

Forgotten

"The UAV can be an invaluable killstreak during Domination. It shows all of your enemies that aren't using Cold Blooded or a Silencer as a red dot on your radar."

I think you made a slight mistake/typo. a Silencer will NOT hide you from UAV unless you have cold blooded on. it only hides you from the Radar when you fire.

BTW: Very nice guide! very detailed!

Edit:Also, the AC130 can be extremely useful if they taking multiple flags at once, and your team can't get to them in time, it also allows you to defend ALL of your flags. since you can see the entire map. Not to mention the moment you use it, you can begin firing. and you don't have to wait for it to arrive.. Also you can just launch random rounds onto the flag sites. and is unlikely to be shot down

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NinJa

Thanks for pointing that out. I'll edit it in.

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Forgotten

Also, you MIGHT want to add this in

While Smoke grenades can't be seen through normally. Any weapon with a Thermal Scope. can see through smoke EASILY! so smoke grenades are useless against people that are using thermal unless! you have cold blooded on.. But that works both ways. you can toss smokes, and have some Teammates use a thermal and provide cover fire through the smoke

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BuuGh0st

Oooor you can throw smoke. use termal yourself, and make them think they are superman with an bullet trough their head.

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kll131

there is a place to defend B on invasion in the bar, you can jump on top of it and noobtube on B with OMA.
I have a video showing it on my youtube: YouTube - How to get a killstreak on Invasion mw2 secret camping spot

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davebar01

Great guide Ninja

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SgtJoo

Bump for a decent guide. Nothing I didn't already know but it will help some newer players out there.

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KDirt

Wow, alot of nice detail and time went into this one, Very nice job. Im not so sure chopper gunner is good for this map though, alot of buildings to camp in. I would go predator and harrier instead.

RTIGERELITE

If you spawn on the gas station side put one guy on the roof the soda shop.

Then the rest of the team goes to secure B. The basic idea is to hold A & B the entire time. Once A & B are secure, put at least 2 guys around the Cafe/Boutique area, 2 guys around the Coffee Shop area, and 1 guy on top of the soda shop.

From his perch, the Soda Shop guy can attack B which is a bonus.

blub212212

you should include spawn noob tube spots to piss people off =D
then again we dont want everyone doing it. so ..... shhhh

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Marle

Why do u say thermal scope is bad when u also say to use smoke

NinJa

Becuase on this map, thermal really isn't as necessary, since the environment is clear, and not dark like Estate or Underpass.

Smoke is recommended for hiding yourself and your teammates when capturing a flag.

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pantstofry

Also, thermal is just bad in general. Let's not use it okay? Lol but if the team is always using smoke then i wouldn't blame you

ArsenalNutter14

Good solid guide. Loads and looooads of info. Keep them coming these could help loads of people

Blackdoor17

Thanks for the guide! it has helped me soo much playing domination on invasion! anywayz thanks again!

ThanatosRising

Awesome guide, NinJa! Thanks for all the info.

xRpMx13

wow nice guide o.0

Alphabuster187

Nice guide Ninja, I just came accross it.

I always try to get Charlie no matter what, then take Bravo and defend it from the second story of the embassy with OMALOL.

I can take care of the alley where the tank is, people coming through the courtyard from Bravo and the right side alley where the tank and humvees are. I place claymores on the second floor where people are going to inevitably come for me.

I usually have a high success rate doing that.

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Prestige: 10 / Rank: 70 / Kills: 97,285 / KDR: 2.68