INVASION
Awakening Extinction map
Scan the obelisks, breach the gates, defend the Ark terminals while the Cortex charges, then carry it back through three barriers to extraction.
From my notes. This objective flow is based on the Call of Duty Wiki map description and community achievement guide evidence. Side-room schematic positions vary each match, so no fixed detour is implied.
Objective and new enemies
Use the drill on the obelisks to scan them and push through the defensive gates into the next cave areas. Defend the drill during each scan, then move onward when the gate opens. Hidden side rooms can contain schematics and parts, but their placements are randomized; Mammoths may appear in those rooms. ARK attachments found in some rooms convert compatible weapons to laser fire.
At the Ancestor Ark, interact with the Cortex to start the terminal-defense phase. Cryptids attack four terminals; keep them online and repair any disabled terminal before all four are down. Kills charge the Cortex, which can be triggered when available to clear active enemies. Once fully charged, take the Cortex and begin the return route.
During the escape, one player carries the Cortex. At each of three barriers, place it at the marked point, fight the spawned wave (including a Rhino), charge it through kills, then trigger it to break the barrier. Continue back to the starting circle; the map completes when the Cortex and every surviving player reach the extraction circle. Sources: Call of Duty Wiki: Awakening; XboxAchievements Ghosts guide.
What the ending of the map says
The team leaves with the Cortex and Cross appears. The character Godfather says humanity has lost 80% of the surface. That line is the bridge into Exodus, not a real-world claim.
Relics added in this pack are documented on the relics page.
Questions
Which DLC is Awakening?
Invasion. Xbox 3 June 2014, other platforms 3 July 2014.
What is the Cortex?
The squad retrieves it from the Ancestor Ark, charges it during terminal defense, and carries it back to the starting circle through three barriers.
Does Venom-X's seeder variant return?
No. Awakening has fire and lightning variants. There is no seeder on this map.
Keep reading
Looking for the Modern Warfare character? See Simon "Ghost" Riley and Ghost vs Ghosts.
Sources checked 23 October 2026
Updated .