Call of Duty: Black Ops intel locations guide

Since Call of Duty: Black Ops is set during the Cold War – an era synonymous with the word "secrecy" – you should expect to reach the credits with a few unanswered questions. Don't worry. All the information needed to piece together the game's conspiracy theories is readily available.

Hidden within each of Black Ops' 14 main missions – "U.S.D.D." doesn't count – are three recording boxes known as intel. That's 42 in total, and the more you collect, the more censored black bars will disappear when you access the intel section of the main menu. Plus, you'll unlock an Achievement /Trophy.

So, ready to search? Pick a mission and we'll show you exactly where to look.

Operation 40
Vorkuta
Executive Order
S.O.G.
The Defector
Numbers
Project Nova
Victor Charlie
Crash Site
WMD
Payback
Rebirth
Revelations
Redemption

OPERATION 40

Operation 40 - Intel 1

You’ll follow Woods and Bowman through an arched stone gate and then up a set of stone stairs as they talk about the U.S. trying to kill Castro for the past three years. When you reach the storage building pictured above, check the crates on the wall opposite where you entered. The first intel is right next to the rocket launcher.

Operation 40 - Intel 2

Start looking for this intel after you’ve killed the Castro lookalike and his mistress. You’ll move through a short outdoor section, then into the large, fiery hall with balconies pictured above. The intel is through the first door on the right, past an unmade bed and television.

Operation 40 - Intel 3

The final intel in this mission can be found once you slide down the muddy hill and enter the airplane hangar. Just climb the portable metal stairs on the left and grab the intel on top.

VORKUTA

Vorkuta - Intel 1

Wait until Sergei is breaking down the door to the arms locker and you’re climbing the tower stairs with Reznov. Halfway up, he’ll split off to commandeer a broadcast station. The intel will be on a cabinet to the right of his back.

Vorkuta - Intel 2

Sergei is trapped! Slide under the door! Directly ahead will be the control room with a panel to free him, while in the back right corner of the warehouse will be a dark hallway leading to a desk with the intel. Make sure to grab it before climbing the stairs and continuing the mission.

Vorkuta - Intel 3

When you wake up next to the motorcycles, turn around 180 degrees and search the area a few yards behind Reznov. The intel is on a bottom shelf, illuminated by a nearby lamp. This intel must be grabbed before approaching your motorcycle and triggering the chase sequence.

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Executive Order - Intel 1

Once you’ve broken cover by shooting the guards - in the mission’s first interior section - make your way up the stairs until you reach the third floor, helpfully labeled with the number “3” painted on the walls. The intel is located under a gold insignia and four TV monitors.

Executive Order - Intel 2

Plant the C4, blow a hole in the wall, then - as the launch room crashes and sparks around you, but before leaving to shoot down the rocket - run towards the computer console in the corner and take the intel.

Executive Order - Intel 3

The third intel can be found in a series of underground bunkers at the end of this mission. Look for a portrait of Vladimir Lenin on the wall to know when you’re in the correct room, then check the top of the computer console near the window for the intel.