Master Call of Duty: MW3 Zombies with These Essential Tips

MW3 Zombies is an extraction mode

First and foremost, it is vital to grasp the fact that the Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has undergone significant changes. Instead of the traditional round-based gameplay, this year's edition features a large-scale extraction mode. Additionally, it is important to note that this mode differs from the objective-style modes found in recent releases such as Black Ops Cold War or Vanguard. To assist you in adapting to this new gameplay and surviving in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies, we have compiled several useful tips.

MW3 Zombies offers a challenging trios mode in a PvE setting, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience. This includes scavenging for valuable items and equipment, as well as embarking on story-driven missions known as Operation Deadbolt.

Safely exfil to keep your weapons and gear

In contrast to other game modes, death in Zombies mode carries more consequences in Modern Warfare 3. While successfully extracting from the match allows players to retain their weapons and gear, failing to do so will result in the loss of everything in their inventory, except for their Insured weapon. For a comprehensive understanding of how Insured weapons function and the various types of weapons available, refer to our detailed guide.

To ensure a successful escape, it is crucial to monitor the timer on your HUD during this non-endless zombie scenario. Each match lasts 45 minutes, and as time dwindles, a gas collapse resembling a battle royale or DMZ-style situation will gradually eliminate you unless you reach an exfiltration helicopter promptly.

Your map displays three random exfil markers. At any given moment, you have the option to choose any extraction point and leave the match. You are not obligated to stay for the entire duration - feel free to join, accomplish a mission or collect loot, and depart whenever you are prepared.

What you can and cannot keep from extraction

Escape with Your Gear: The Final Exfil

In the dwindling moments of your match, as the gas permeates the battlefield, an opportunity for escape presents itself. The encroaching gas will gradually engulf the entire map, rendering your initial three exfil points inaccessible. However, a final exfil point will materialize with approximately five minutes remaining in the match. To locate this last lifeline, consult your Tac-Map where the position of the exfil chopper will be marked. Remember, its location will be randomized for every match. Waste no time and make your way to the chopper immediately. Failure to catch this final ride will result in certain death and the loss of all your belongings.

What you can and cannot keep from extraction

Gear Up Your MWZ Operator

Similar to the DMZ, you have the opportunity to select an active operator for your match. Each operator possesses backpack slots, allowing you to unload weapons, equipment, perks, killstreaks, and other valuable gear onto your chosen operator. This feature proves invaluable when preparing an operator with an enhanced loadout, fortifying them before embarking on a formidable mission or stepping foot into a high-threat zone.

On the map, you can find various items like toothpaste, batteries, comic books, and electronics that have a sell value. These items can be sold at Buy Stations in exchange for points. Alternatively, you can choose to extract with these items and the points will be converted into XP. The XP can then be used to decrease the cooldown of any Insured weapon that may have been lost in a previous failed mission.

It is important to keep in mind that when you extract, your weapons lose their rarity levels and Pack-a-Punch levels. So, if you don't plan on using your upgraded weapons in the current match, it's best not to upgrade them. Additionally, all the points accumulated in the current match will be lost upon extraction. Therefore, it is advisable to spend your points at Buy Stations to acquire any needed gear before initiating the exfil.

Work the outskirts of the map

In the new Warzone area called Urzikstan, MW3 Zombies takes place. Although this version of Zombies does not have the usual progressive rounds of difficulty, you still encounter various threat levels.

Initially, you are spawned on the outskirts of the map, which is designated as a low-threat zone. As you venture further inward, the threat level increases to a medium level. Finally, the center of the map becomes an intense high-threat zone. To keep you informed, a threat indicator will be displayed above your minimap on the HUD, ensuring that you always know which zone you are in.

Working the outskirts of the map will allow you to equip yourself before venturing into higher threat levels. It is not advisable to venture into the center of the map without adequate gear. In the high-threat zone, you will encounter zombies and special enemy types with health equivalent to extremely high-round, level 55+ zombies. These enemies are highly resilient to bullets.

Don't go alone

Zombies is a PvE match played with 24 players in trios. If you prefer, you can select the "No Fill" option when searching for a match, allowing you to play without teammates. However, there will still be other friendly trios participating in the same match.

However, it can be extremely challenging to complete challenges and venture into higher threat zones on your own, especially in the early stages before you acquire proper gear. It is strongly advised to form a team and explore the map together.

Complete contracts

Accumulating a substantial amount of points is crucial to equip yourself and enhance your firearms. A highly effective method to achieve this is by completing contracts, which function similarly to DMZ contracts. Your map will display various objective types, including bounty contracts, cargo delivery, and area defense.

Gear up

Spend your time exploring the world and looting buildings and completing contracts in order to obtain the necessary resources for Zombie mode. This way, you can acquire better weapons, accumulate points to increase your chances of obtaining Wonder Weapons from the Mystery Box, and acquire all the perks you need. It is worth noting that unlike most traditional Zombies modes, there are no limitations on the number of perks you can consume.

Perk-a-Cola drinks, represented by the iconic Zombies perk machines, can be acquired in various ways. These include purchasing them from designated perk machines on your map, receiving them as random rewards, or discovering soda can items that can be looted. These perk cans can be stored in your backpack, allowing you to choose when to utilize them. While they can only be used once, you can consume them at any point during your match or save them for later use. Additionally, you have the opportunity to find schematics for permanent perk crafting, which will be further explored in the following section.

To enhance your weapons, make sure to visit the Pack-a-Punch machine, which operates differently in MW3. For complete Pack-a-Punch details, refer to the respective section.

Loot and use schematics

When packing your backpack, make sure not to forget the schematics. These valuable crafting blueprints grant you the permanent ability to create essential items like ammo modifications, an Aether Tool for instant weapon upgrades, and even rare Wonder Weapons. It is crucial to successfully exfil with a schematic in order to preserve it for long-term use.

Despite their incredible benefits, schematics do come with limitations. Each blueprint has a cooldown timer, preventing you from instantly and endlessly accessing all the powerful items. Some craftables even require an 8-hour or longer cooldown period. Remember to plan accordingly and manage your resources wisely.

First- or Third-Person

In addition, you have the ability to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives in Zombies. Simply hold down the button on the D-pad to make the transition. This option can be toggled on and off during your gameplay. While it may not necessarily be a life-saving strategy, it does allow you to keep an eye on your surroundings.

These are just a few basic tips to help you get started and increase your chances of surviving and successfully exfiltrating in your matches.

To learn more about Modern Warfare 3, be sure to refer to our comprehensive guide on accelerating your progression, which covers both player rank and weapon advancement. In this guide, we showcase all the mastery camos in MW3 and provide instructions on unlocking them.

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of the Call of Duty franchise, I was thrilled to hear about the release of Modern Warfare 3 Zombies. The new extraction mode is a refreshing change of pace from the traditional round-based gameplay, and it offers a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.

One of the things I appreciate most about MW3 Zombies is the emphasis on teamwork. Players must work together to survive the onslaught of zombies, and they must coordinate their efforts to complete objectives and reach the exfil helicopter. This mode encourages communication and cooperation, and it can be a lot of fun to play with friends or other players online.