Can Multiple Players Wield the Apothicon Servant on Shadows of Evil? A Definitive Guide

The short answer, sadly, is generally no. Under normal circumstances, in Call of Duty: Black Ops III’s Zombies map “Shadows of Evil,” only one player can possess the crafted Apothicon Servant at a time. While it was once possible, due to a glitch, for multiple players to wield this devastating Wonder Weapon, that loophole was swiftly patched by Treyarch, ensuring only one player benefits from the weapon’s black hole-generating capabilities.

However, there is a slight caveat. The Apothicon Servant can be placed in a buildable table. With teamwork, one player can have the Apothicon Servant and the T gun by placing one in the buildable table.

Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics, history, and related intricacies of this coveted weapon in “Shadows of Evil.”

The Apothicon Servant: Power and Limitations

The Apothicon Servant is a truly game-changing weapon in “Shadows of Evil”. Its ability to instantly eliminate hordes of zombies makes it essential for high rounds and navigating tight spots. The ability to upgrade the Apothicon Servant using the Pack-a-Punch machine, transforming it into the Estoom-oth, further amplifies its power, making it an even more crucial asset for survival. However, its availability is deliberately limited.

The fundamental design of the map ensures that only a single crafted Apothicon Servant exists at any given time. The parts – the Margwa Tentacle, Margwa Heart, and Xenomatter – can only be assembled into one weapon initially. This design choice was likely implemented to maintain balance and encourage teamwork, rather than individual dominance.

Briefly on the Patched Glitch

Before the patch, clever players discovered a glitch that allowed multiple team members to acquire the Apothicon Servant. This often involved exploiting certain in-game mechanics or manipulating the Mystery Box. While these glitches were fun while they lasted, they were, naturally, unintended. Treyarch acted quickly to remove these exploits.

The focus shifted back towards earning the weapon through legitimate means, with only one player benefiting from its power. The patch reinforced the importance of resource management, player roles, and strategic gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Apothicon Servant

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Apothicon Servant, along with detailed answers to expand your knowledge of this powerful weapon within “Shadows of Evil.”

1. How do you initially obtain the Apothicon Servant in “Shadows of Evil”?

   You must collect three parts: the Margwa Tentacle (found randomly in purple pods), the Margwa Heart (dropped by the first Margwa), and Xenomatter (dropped by Parasites or Insanity Elementals after round 12). Then, assemble these parts at a buildable table to craft the weapon.

2. Can the Apothicon Servant be found in the Mystery Box before it’s crafted?

   No. The Apothicon Servant can only appear in the Mystery Box after it has been crafted at the buildable table. This is the key to potentially sharing the weapon after the initial owner is done with it.

3. What is the upgraded version of the Apothicon Servant called, and how do you get it?

   The upgraded version is called the Estoom-oth. You obtain it by using the Pack-a-Punch machine on the Apothicon Servant after completing the necessary steps to unlock it.

4. Does the Estoom-oth have increased power compared to the un-upgraded version?

   Yes, the Estoom-oth has a dramatically increased range and damage. It’s substantially more effective at clearing large groups of zombies.

5. What are the parts needed to build the Apothicon Servant, and where can you find them?

   • Margwa Tentacle: Harvest grown, purple pods around the map. It’s a random drop.
   • Margwa Heart: Dropped by the very first Margwa that spawns in the game.
   • Xenomatter: Dropped by Parasites or Insanity Elementals, but only after round 12.

6. Is the Apothicon Servant considered the best weapon in “Shadows of Evil”?

   While subjective, many players consider the Apothicon Servant to be the most powerful due to its instant-kill capabilities. However, other weapons like the HVK-30 and ICR-1 are also excellent choices due to their high ammo capacity and effectiveness against zombies.

7. Why is the Apothicon Servant so effective against zombies?

   It creates a black hole-like vortex that sucks in and instantly destroys nearby zombies. This makes it ideal for crowd control and escaping dangerous situations.

8. What is the “T Gun” you mentioned earlier?

   The “T Gun” refers to the Thundergun, another incredibly powerful Wonder Weapon. It creates a blast of compressed air, knocking back and often killing zombies. It can be obtained from the Mystery Box.

9. If one player has the Apothicon Servant, can they give it to another player?

   Not directly. Once crafted, the Apothicon Servant is bound to the player who built it. The only way for another player to acquire it is if the original owner puts it in the Mystery Box.

10. What is the significance of the Shadow Man in the Apothicon storyline?

    The Shadow Man is a corrupted Keeper who was banished to the Dark Aether and transformed into an Apothicon. He serves as a primary antagonist in the Zombies storyline, seeking to control the Aether and its realms.

11. Are there any easter eggs directly related to the Apothicon Servant in “Shadows of Evil”?

    While the Apothicon Servant is integral to the overall gameplay and high-round strategies, it doesn’t have any specific, unique easter eggs tied directly to its use. It is vital for completing the main easter egg, however.

12. What is the “Apothicon Sword”, and how does it relate to the Apothicons?

    The Apothicon Sword is a Wonder Weapon obtained separately from the Apothicon Servant. The player must then kill 10-12 zombies, whose souls will flow into the egg. It can be upgraded into the Keeper Sword. It is a powerful melee weapon.

13. How important is teamwork in “Shadows of Evil,” especially considering the limited availability of the Apothicon Servant?

    Teamwork is crucial. Effective communication, strategic planning, and coordinated actions are necessary to complete the easter egg and achieve high rounds. Players must collaborate to manage resources, revive downed teammates, and defend against increasingly challenging waves of zombies.

14. Given the difficultly of the Shadows of Evil EE, why can’t Treyarch make it so everyone can complete it even with 3 or less players???

    The design decision to require four players for the Shadows of Evil Easter egg was likely intentional, aimed at fostering collaboration and teamwork among players.

15. What role does Dr. Monty play in the overall Apothicon saga?

    Dr. Monty, despite initially appearing as a benevolent figure, is later revealed to be more complex. He is revealed to be corrupted by the Dark Aether, seeking to manipulate events and exert control over the dimensions. Players can learn more about Games Learning Society through the educational research and insights available at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Mastering the Shadows

While the Apothicon Servant may be limited to a single player at a time, its strategic use can benefit the entire team. Understanding its mechanics, mastering the map, and collaborating effectively are the keys to surviving the horrors of “Shadows of Evil.” This makes the “Shadows of Evil” map and the Zombies game a prime example of how video games can foster collaboration and strategic thinking. The Games Learning Society explores these concepts in depth. The study of games helps us understand how people engage with complex problems, learn new skills, and collaborate to achieve shared goals. Learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.