MW3 Zombies Guide – How to play CoD MWZ Mode as a Pro

Introduction

Welcome, brave survivor, to the relentless world of MW3 Zombie Mode, where chaos reigns and the undead hunger for your death.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, a title that resonates with millions of gamers worldwide, has expanded its universe to include a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping Zombies mode. This addition has sparked interest and excitement among the community, offering a new dimension of cooperative gameplay within the MW3 framework.

In this guide, we delve deep into the heart of the apocalypse, offering you a roadmap to navigate the treacherous landscapes of survival. We will explore Zombie's features, how to play MWZ, Zombies objectives, Zombies weaponry, and every aspect of your survival toolkit.

Steel your nerves, ready your weapons, and prepare to face the unrelenting wave of the undead. Your journey begins now, and only the strongest will arise triumphant in the face of apocalypse. Sounds good, right? So let's get started.

Table of Contents

Before we start, let’s present a little breakdown for our MW3 Zombies Guide:

• MW3 Zombie mode particularities
• Zombie mode Map
• MWZ Essence currency
• MW3 Zombies objectives
• Weapons rarity and quality
• CoD MW3 Zombies Types
• MW3 Zombies Rucksacks
• MWZ Dark Aether Rifts
• Dog House and Portals Location
• MW3 Zombies Camos
• MW3 Zombies Tips and Tricks
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

What is MW3 Zombies?

MW3 Zombies is a game mode separate from the main campaign and multiplayer competitive modes of Modern Warfare 3, released alongside the main game on November 10, 2023. It pits players against waves of undead enemies in a survival-style encounter. Players team up to combat relentless hordes of the undead across the map, utilizing an arsenal of increasingly powerful weapons and perks.

Survival becomes the ultimate objective, but you will also have others, such as completing story missions, looting valuable items, killing bosses, and finally the extraction.

How to play MWZ

Playing MW3 Zombies involves surviving endless waves of zombie attacks while managing resources like ammunition, weapons, and perks. For a smoother gameplay experience in the zombie mode, we recommend you follow these steps:

• Step 1: Gear up with the best loadout for your objectives.
• Step 2: Enter the game.
• Step 3: Get familiarized with the map.
• Step 4: Start completing contracts.
• Step 5: Pack a Punch your weapon.
• Step 6: Move on to the next threat zones.
• Step 7: Do many activities like: missions, killing bosses, dark aether rifts, and so on.
• Step 8: Collect useful gear during your journey.
• Step 9: Extract the items.

Who can play MW3 Zombies

MW3 Zombie mode is available on all platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Everyone who owns the CoD MW3 game can play the Zombie mode.

Is CoD Zombie mode free to play?

Unfortunately, MW3 Zombies mode isn't free to play. It requires owning the base Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 game. So, if you already bought the game, you have full access to all the available Zombie features.

How many people can play MWZ?

MW3 Zombies is designed to be a cooperative multiplayer experience. It supports up to 24 gamers in a match divided into 8 teams of 3. This setup allows friends to join forces and tackle the challenges together, making strategic decisions and supporting each other against the endless waves of zombies and other tasks.

Can you play MW3 Zombie mode solo?

Yes, Zombie mode can be tackled solo as well. However, be prepared for a significant increase in difficulty, as the waves of undead are designed for multiple players working together.

Can you matchmake in MWZ?

Absolutely! You can team up with two other players online through matchmaking to battle the zombie danger. Remember, teamwork is key to surviving the later rounds.

Zombies Strike Team

Each Strike Team Operator comes with five customizable Equipment Slots, which you can equip with Killstreaks, Armor, Gas Masks, and Medical Items.

You can choose any unlocked operator for your strike team, each equipped with unique On-soldier gear. All Operators from both Modern Warfare II and Modern Warfare III are at your disposal, with two additional Operators, Ripper and Scorch, unlocked upon completing specific challenges within the Zombies mode.

How long does a Zombie match take?

The maximum duration of a Zombie match in MW3 is 60 minutes. However, it can be shorter depending on your skills, teamwork, how far you progress, and your settled goals.

Zombie Map

MW3 Zombies takes place on a single, large map called Urzikstan.

The Map is more than just a battleground; it's a complex environment filled with secrets, challenges, and strategic depth. Players must navigate through the Urzkistan, utilizing the environment to their advantage while protecting them from waves of zombies.

Difficulty Levels

There are the following 3 Threat Zones on the Uzikstan map in MWZ:

• Low Threat (Grey Zone) - the easiest and largest part of the map where players complete common activities to prepare for real challenges.
• Medium Threat (Orange Zone) - the difficulty of the zombies increases, but the rewards are more valuable.
• High Threat (Red Zone) - this area represents the highest level of danger in MWZ. Red Zone is home to the deadliest zombies in the game, and having a good team is essential to complete any task.

MWZ Essence currency

Essence is the lifeblood of MW3 Zombies, which is the primary currency in this mode. Understanding how to get and spend Essence effectively is vital to maximize your chances of survival.

How to get Essence in MW3 Zombies

The best way to get Essence in MWZ is to complete Contracts in the Low Threat zone. However, there are some other methods to obtain Essence, such as:

• Killing different types of zombies
• Find the currency in caches throughout the map
• Sell useless items at the Buy Station
• Use Tombstone Soda to save your items and Essence on the map for the next game

How to spend Essence in MWZ

Now that we found out how to farm this currency, let's discover what to spend Essence on in MWZ:

• Pack-a-punch weapons
• Upgrade gear and weapons
• Buy Perk-a-colas schematics
• Activate the Mystery Box
• Obtain weapons imprinted on the walls
• Purchase other useful stuff from the Buy Station

MW3 Zombies objectives

The primary objective in MW3 Zombies is survival. Players face waves of zombies, with each map zone increasing in difficulty. Beyond survival, players should use teamwork and quick thinking to complete various objectives such as story missions, contracts, boss kills, extraction, and so on.

In the following sections, we will review the main objectives that can be achieved in MWZ mode.

Zombies Story Missions

Story missions in MW3 Zombies mode twist a narrative thread through the gameplay, allowing players to dive deeper into the game's lore. These missions involve specific tasks contributing to the overarching story, providing context and motivation beyond surviving the next wave.

There are 4 acts with different tiers in the MWZ story, offering players unique rewards such as: blueprints, double xp tokens, acquisitions, schematics, stickers, etc.

Zombies Contracts

Contracts in Zombies mode are side objectives for players to obtain additional rewards. They stand out easily on the mini-map, being represented by light blue icons. Once you accept a contract, you'll be assigned a specific task that can be completed through the Urzikstan map.

There are the following 8 contracts to fulfill in MWZ that award players with Essence currency and different perks:

• Eliminate The Bount
• Raid Weapon Stash
• Aether Extraction
• Deliver Cargo
• Defend Ground Station
• Spore Control
• Outlast
• Escort

Zombies Strongholds

Strongholds are fortified locations within the map where players must fight against zombie waves. These areas can be defended, providing a temporary respite from the relentless undead. Successfully protecting a stronghold offers more significant challenges and rewards compared to standard Encampments.

There are 2 types of Strongholds in MWZ:

• Infected Strongholds: These are larger versions of Aether Nests.
• Mercenary Strongholds: These resemble larger Encampments and are occupied by heavily armed mercenaries.

MWZ Bosses

Players will encounter powerful boss zombies with unique abilities and attacks throughout their journey. Beating them requires teamwork, coordination, and strategic use of weapons and equipment. Each boss defeat grants players exclusive rewards and contributes to completing specific missions or contracts.

Players can encounter the following 8 bosses on the MW3 Zombies map:

• The Knight
• The Bishop
• The Rook
• Warlord
• Stormcaller
• Dokkaebi
• Legacy
• Keres

How to exfil in MW3 Zombies?

Extraction in MW3 Zombies is the process of safely evacuating from the map after achieving specific objectives, items, or reaching a point where further survival becomes untenable.

To successfully exfil in MWZ, players must go through the following steps:

1. Reach the Exfil point and stand within the blue circle.
2. Interact with the prompt to call for extraction.
3. A 60-second timer will begin. Defend your position against waves of zombies until the timer reaches zero.
4. Once the timer ends, a helicopter will arrive.
5. Board the helicopter by running towards it and jumping in.

Weapons rarity and quality

MW3 Zombies introduces a dynamic weapon system where guns are not just tools for survival but key to your strategy. Each weapon has a rarity level, affecting its damage output, accuracy, magazine size, and sometimes special abilities. Higher rarity weapons are significantly more powerful and can include unique modifiers that make surviving easier and more thrilling.

How to Pack-A-Punch Weapons in MWZ?

The Pack-A-Punch machine is a legendary feature in Zombies mode, allowing players to upgrade their weapons into more powerful versions. In the following list, we present how to pack-a-punch weapons in MW3 zombies:

1. Locate the Pack-a-Punch Machine.
2. Approach the machine with the desired weapon equipped.
3. Check the Upgrade Cost - to pack-a-punch your weapons, you must pay a certain amount of essence as follows: for level 1 - 5000 essence, for level 2 - 10000 essence, and for level 3 - 15000 essence.
4. Interact with the Upgrade Prompt
5. Wield your Upgraded Weapon - once complete, your gun will have a higher rarity with increased damage, and potentially unique effects based on the upgrade level.

Besides, players can earn pack-a-punch as a random reward after completing contracts.

Note: Packing a Punch your weapon twice in a single zone is unavailable in MWZ. To reach level one, you must utilize the Pack a Punch in a Grey zone; for level two, access the Orange Zone; and for level three, use the Red Zone's Pack a Punch machine.

MWZ Weapons Rarity Tiers

Modern Warfare 3 Zombies features six weapon rarity tiers, each offering different damage bonuses and different perks:

• Common (Gray): Starting weapons and most commonly found.
• Uncommon (Green): 50% damage bonus.
• Rare (Blue): 100% damage bonus, equivalent to Pack-a-Punching a common weapon once.
• Epic (Purple): 200% damage bonus.
• Legendary (Orange): 300% damage bonus.
• Ultra (Wonder Weapons): the most wanted weapons in MWZ. There are 4 Wonder Weapons in MWZ currently: Wunderwaffle DG-2, The Scorcher, Ray Gun, and V-R11.

How to improve your weapon rarity?

Improving your weapon's rarity is crucial in MWZ. By doing it, you can quickly achieve your goals in the Zombie mode with a more powerful gun.

Below, we present how players can increase their weapon's rarity in MW3 Zombies:

• Pack-a-Punch - The primary way to upgrade weapon rarity is through the Pack-a-Punch Machine.
• Aetherium Tools - These are unique schematics found within the game or earned through challenges. They can be used to directly upgrade the rarity of a weapon without needing the Pack-a-Punch Machine.

CoD MW3 Zombies Types

MW3 Zombies offers numerous enemies on the battlefield. To achieve your goals, you must know in advance who you are dealing with in a match. Below, we present all zombie types you will face in MWZ:

• Regular Zombie: A standard, slow-moving infected enemy.
• Hellhound: Fast, leaping, and ferocious zombie dogs that attack in groups.
• Mangler: A hulking brute with explosive armor and a powerful charge attack.
• Mimic: Blends in with the environment, waiting to ambush players with a surprise attack.
• Disciple: Throws grenades and revives fallen zombies, making them a priority target.
• Aether Worm: A massive, segmented worm boss with multiple attack phases.
• Dokkaebi: One of three Warlord bosses found in Zaravan City that drops a unique blueprint for the KVD Enforcer Marksman Rifle.
• Legacy: The second Warlord boss in MWZ found at the Legacy Fortress that drops a unique blueprint for the Haymaker Shotgun.
• Keres: The last Warlord boss introduced in Season 2 Reloaded found at Orlov Military Base.

MW3 Zombies Rucksacks - What to equip in the backpack?

In MW3 Zombies, your rucksack is your portable storage, allowing you to carry essential gear across matches. Choosing the right equipment to pack in your backpack is crucial for maximizing your survival and success. Personalizing your loadout to match your play style and the expected zombie types can significantly enhance your effectiveness on the field.

How to get a larger rucksack in MW3 Zombies?

There are 2 types of backpacks in MWZ: Small and Large rucksacks. Having a large rucksack increases your Carrying Capacity with 4 slots, which means you can stock more valuable items and tools that help you survive and kill zombies more quickly.

There are two ways to acquire a Large Rucksack in MW3 Zombies:

1. Purchase at Buy Stations - you can find a Buy Station in the red zone and buy it for 10 000 Essence currency.
2. Get it through Random Loot - Look for them in Hidden Caches, Reward Chests, or Supply Crates.

In the following sections, we present what to consider equipping in your backpack in MWZ:

Aetherium Schematics

Aetherium Schematics are blueprints for crafting game-changing upgrades and items that can turn the tide in your favor against the undead hordes. These schematics allow players to enhance their weapons and unlock special abilities.

Acquiring Aetherium Schematics involves:

• Completing contracts to get Reward Rifts.
• Opening loot caches on the map.
• Destroying Harvester Orbs tools.

Below, we present all the Aetherium Schematic Items along with their effects in MWZ:

In the picture below, you can see the different types of Aetherium Schematics:

Classified Schematics

Classified Schematics are a rare and powerful type of item in CoD MW3 Zombies that can provide players with various benefits. These coveted schematics help enhance your survival and efficiency in eliminating zombies. Players can obtain Classified Schematics in the Elder Dark Aether by completing specific contracts.

In the following table, we present all the Classified Craftables along with their effects in MW3 Zombies:

Perk a Colas Schematics

Perk-A-Cola Schematics are different types of cans that can be used to craft vital perks in CoD MW3 Zombies. These schematics can provide players various benefits, such as increased health, increased damage, or special abilities to help them survive against zombies. To get Perk-A-Colas Schematics in MWZ, players have to drop them from Perk-a-Cola Machines or obtain them from Reward Rifts at the end of Tier Contracts.

In the following table, we present all the Perk-A-Colas craftable Items along with their effects in MW3 Zombies:

Wonder Weapons

Wonder Weapons are the embodiment of firepower in MW3's Zombie mode, offering devastatingly powerful guns that can eliminate even the most challenging zombies. Players can earn Wonder Weapons in MWZ by completing contracts in the higher threat areas, completing the Act 3 Tier 4 story mission, opening Mystery Boxes, and dropping them from the new Dark Aether Rifts.

In the following table, we present all the Wonder Weapons Schematic Items along with their effects in MW3 Zombies:

Field Upgrades

There are 6 Field Upgrades available in MW3 Zombies. These are unlocked by leveling up your military rank and serve as a rechargeable tactical device. In the table below, we present all 6 field upgrades in MWZ, along with their effects:

MWZ Dark Aether Rifts

Dark Aether Rifts are end-game content in a Zombie match where players can earn valuable rewards such as the best schematics and many more. In the following sections, we present all you have to know about Dark Aether Rifts in MW3 Zombies.

What are Dark Aether Rifts

Dark Aether Rifts are an exciting addition to the MWZ game mode, offering players a fresh challenge and the opportunity for great rewards. During one run, players have a maximum of 30 minutes to complete various objectives and challenges.

How to open Dark Aether Rifts?

In MW3 Zombie mode, there are 2 types of Dark Aether Rifts, and players must complete some tasks to unlock them, followed by farming some sigils to open the Rifts.

How to unlock the Season 1 Dark Aether Rifts?

To get access to Season 1 Dark Aether Rifts, you must go through the following steps:

1. Obtain Locked Diary - by completing Act 4 Bad Signal Story Mission.
2. Get Surveillance Camera - by killing a harvester orb with the Dead Wire mode equipped and completing the purple bounty contract.
3. Receive Pill Bottle - by defeating an elite enemy and completing another purple contract.
4. Loot Dog Collar - go to any dog house and kill it.
5. Kill Mega Abomination - place all 4 artifacts obtained to their spots and face Mega Abomination.

How to unlock the Season 2 Dark Aether Rifts?

To get access to Season 2 Dark Aether Rifts, you must go through the following steps:

1. Complete Countermeasures Mission (Act 4)
2. Receive the Legendary Drum - by collecting 4 keys from the countermeasures mission.
3. Upgrade Tattered MMA Gloves - go to the Gym found in the Zaravan Suburbs, put the gloves in the middle of the boxing ring, and hit the punching bags only once from left to right.
4. Upgrade Perforated Target - head to the Shooting Range in Shahin Manor, offer the key to the target in the middle to spawn, and headshot the spawned zombies.
5. Upgrade Pristine Mirror - move to the Graveyard, place the mirror in one of them, and kill the spawned zombies with different Ammo Mods.
6. Kill the Mimic - place all 4 keys obtained to their spots and face Mimic.

How to get Sigils

Sigils are the essential items in MWZ that open Dark Aether Rifts. Two types of Sigils are available in the game: Normal and Elder. Players can obtain Sigils as random drops after completing contracts in the Red Zone.

To enter Dark Aether Rifts, players must place the sigil on the surface of the triangular portal.

Dog House and Portals Location

Let’s move forward and discover some particularities about two important aspects of Modern Warfare Zombies mode: Dog Houses and Portals.

How to find Dog House Locations?

Dog Houses are scattered around the Urzikstan map in a MWZ match. They house a friendly Hellhound that can be your companion if you befriend it. Look for a doghouse that says "Feed Me" above the entrance. You must give the Hellhound a Chunk of Flesh to befriend it. Flesh is obtained by killing zombies with a Pack A Punch weapon or with explosives.

Once you've fed the Hellhound, it will become your loyal companion, following you around and even reviving you if you go down!

How to find Portal Locations?

Portals are gateways found throughout the map that function as a fast travel system in MW3 Zombies. These are called Rune Portals because you need to activate them with specific rune combinations.

In the following list, we present how to activate a Rune Portal in MWZ:

1. Find the Hidden Portal
2. Locate the Rune Code - Explore the surrounding area for a set of three glowing rune symbols.
3. Activate the Portal - Shoot each rune symbol in the exact order you found them on the wall.
4. Enter the Portal - Using this portal will cost 1,000 Essence.

MW3 Zombies Camos

Camos represent the ultimate challenge in MW3 Zombies mode. MWZ features a unique camo system for your weapons, rewarding players for killing zombies and completing specific challenges. These camos offer a visual upgrade to your weapon, showcasing your mastery and dedication in the face of the undead onslaught.

The following sections present the two types of Camos in MWZ – Zombie Camos for MW3 weapons and Zombie Camos for MW2 weapons:

MW3 Zombies Camo Challenges

In the Zombie mode, each MW3 weapon offers Base and Mastery camos earned only by slaying the undead.

In the following list, we present all 4 mastery camos available for MW3 weapons, along with the camo challenges needed to unlock them.

• Golden Enigma - Get 100 zombie kills and successfully extract in a single match.
• Zircon Scale - Get 300 Pack-A-Punch zombie kills with all weapons in a category.
• Serpentinite - Get 10 special or elite Zombie kills with 36 weapons.
• Borealis - Complete 36 Serpentinite Camo Challenges.

MW2 Zombies Camo Challenges

Also, for the MW2 exclusive weapons, players can obtain four base and mastery camos in MWZ.

In the following list, we present all 4 mastery camos available for MW2 weapons, along with the camo challenges needed to unlock them.

• Golden Ivory - Get 100 zombie kills and successfully extract in a single match.
• Spinel Husk - Get 300 Pack-A-Punch zombie kills with all weapons in a category.
• Arachnida - Get 10 special or elite Zombie kills with 51 weapons.
• Bioluminiscent - Complete 51 Arachnida Camo Challenges.

To discover more information about camos in MWZ and multiplayer, we recommend you read our COD MW3 Camos Guide.

MW3 Zombies Tips and Tricks

To elevate your gameplay in MW3 Zombie Mode, mastering a blend of strategy, skill, and teamwork is crucial. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you excel, making your zombie-slaying sessions more effective and enjoyable:

• Set your goal - Always enter a Zombie match with a plan. For example, you might want to farm a specific schematic or run Dark Aether Rifts.
• Know the Map - Familiarize yourself with every nook of the map. Knowing where you are and where you can go in a bit is vital for maneuvering around hordes and finding strategic holdout spots.
• Manage Your Money - Early rounds are crucial for building your loadout without overspending.
• Weapon Selection and Upgrade - Choose your weapons based on the situation and your team's needs. Always look to upgrade your weapons at the Pack-a-Punch machine when possible.
• Perk Strategy - Perks can significantly enhance your abilities, so remember to use them.
• Revive Wisely - Reviving teammates is crucial, but doing so at the wrong time can lead to both of you getting down.
• Practice Makes Perfect - Like any game mode, training is essential. Each session will help you improve your reaction times, map knowledge, and strategic thinking.

MW3 Zombies – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does MW3 Zombies work?

Players must survive waves of increasingly difficult zombies, kill them to earn essence, schematics, perks, and finally exfill.

2. Is MW3 Zombies free-to-play?

Yes, MWZ is free-to-play if you own the CoD MW3 game.

3. Can you play Call of Duty Zombies solo?

Yes, you can play MW3 Zombies alone.

4. Is it hard to play MW3 Zombie mode?

Yes, MWZ is a challenging game mode, but it can be handled with a good tactic and practice.

5. What is the best gun in MWZ?

The best guns in MWZ are Wonder Weapons: Ray Gun, The Scorcher, Wunderwaffe DG-2, and V-R11.

6. What is Pack-A-Punch in MWZ?

Pack-a-Punck is a system that upgrades your weapon for more damage, ammo capacity, and perks.

7. What are Schematics in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies?

Schematics are useful tools that can help players survive and get kills in the zombie apocalypse.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Zombie mode in CoD Modern Warfare 3 stands as a thrilling and challenging addition to the franchise, providing gamers with an intense cooperative experience that demands both strategy and quick reflexes. With its open-world elements, unique weapon upgrades, and intense action, MWZ offers a fresh take on the undead apocalypse that will keep you coming back for more.

This article covers everything you need to know about Call of Duty Zombie mode. By reading our guide, you should now have a clear image of the MWZ particularities, your objectives in a Zombie match, what challenges you will face, or tips and tricks to enhance your gaming experience.

So, grab your weapons, gather your squad, and dive into the thrilling world of MWZ!

Related Guides

Stay tuned and check out our related guides for Modern Warfare 3:

• HOW TO GET ALL MASTERY CAMOS
• MW3 RANKED PLAY GUIDE - HOW TO RANK UP FAST IN COD
• BEST MW3 LOADOUTS IN CALL OF DUTY

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