Cracking the Code: How Many Players Do You Need for the Moon Easter Egg?

The short answer is: You need a minimum of two players to complete the full Easter Egg quest on the “Moon” Zombies map in Call of Duty: Black Ops. While the initial “Cryogenic Slumber Party” stage can be tackled solo, progressing beyond that requires at least two players, with one absolutely needing to play as Richtofen. Let’s dive into the specifics, the nuances, and everything else you need to know about player requirements for this iconic, mind-bending Zombies experience.

Unveiling the Lunar Mystery: A Deep Dive into Player Requirements

The Moon Easter Egg, officially known as “Completing the Cycle,” is a complex and multi-stage quest line that culminates in a dramatic event affecting the entire Zombies storyline. The need for two players stems from specific steps within the Easter Egg that require coordinated actions and player roles.

Richtofen’s Presence is Crucial: A key element for completing the Moon Easter Egg is having one player controlling the character Richtofen. The game recognizes character roles and requires a player to be Richtofen to proceed with specific steps related to the story. This is a non-negotiable requirement.

The Solo Intro: The initial part of the Easter Egg, referred to as “Cryogenic Slumber Party”, can be started and even completed solo. This involves acquiring the Wave Gun and setting up the various systems needed to access the moon. However, this is just the preparatory stage. The real quest begins once you leave Earth.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Several steps within the Moon Easter Egg involve timed events and simultaneous actions that are difficult, if not impossible, for a single player to manage. Having a partner allows for better coordination, division of labor, and increased survivability, particularly during challenging horde waves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Moon Easter Egg and Player Requirements

Let’s address some of the most common questions surrounding the Moon Easter Egg, providing clear and concise answers to help you and your team conquer this iconic Zombies challenge.

1. Can I start the Moon Easter Egg solo?

Yes, you can begin the “Cryogenic Slumber Party” stage solo. This involves getting set up on the map, acquiring essential items, and prepping for the main quest. But remember, you’ll need at least one other player to proceed further.

2. What happens if I try to do the entire Moon Easter Egg solo?

You’ll hit a roadblock. Certain steps, like hacking specific panels and triggering events requiring multiple activations, are simply impossible to complete alone. The game mechanics are designed with cooperative gameplay in mind.

3. Does the difficulty setting affect the player requirements for the Moon Easter Egg?

No, the difficulty setting does not change the minimum player requirement of two players to fully complete the Moon Easter egg.

4. Is it easier to complete the Moon Easter Egg with more players?

While technically possible with two, many players find it easier with three or four. More players mean more firepower, better division of labor, and a higher chance of survival. The steps that require timing are easier when divided with more people.

5. What are the specific steps in the Moon Easter Egg that require multiple players?

Several steps demand cooperation, including hacking panels to launch missiles, defending locations while events are triggered, and the final step involving Richtofen. Specific tasks will be easier for players to divide and conqure in cooperation.

6. Do all players need the “Ensemble Cast” and “Time Travel Will Tell” achievements to participate?

Yes, to begin the “Completing the Cycle” Easter Egg on Moon, every player participating must have the “Ensemble Cast” (from Call of the Dead) and “Time Travel Will Tell” (from Shangri-La) achievements. This is a hard requirement to start the egg.

7. What if we have two players, but neither of us is playing as Richtofen?

You’re out of luck. The Easter Egg requires at least one player to be Richtofen. You’ll need to either restart the game and get Richtofen as a character or invite another player who gets that character.

8. Does the order in which we complete the steps matter?

Generally, yes. The Moon Easter Egg follows a specific sequence. You can’t skip steps or do them out of order.

9. What weapons and equipment are essential for the Moon Easter Egg?

The Wave Gun, Gersch Devices, and the QED (Quantum Entanglement Device) are critical. Also, pack-a-punching your weapons is highly recommended for increased firepower.

10. Are there any glitches or exploits that allow me to complete the Moon Easter Egg solo?

While glitches may exist, relying on them is unreliable. Patches can render them useless, and they often require a high level of skill and precision to execute successfully. Focusing on teamwork and proper strategies is a more consistent approach.

11. How long does it typically take to complete the Moon Easter Egg?

The duration varies depending on your team’s skill, coordination, and luck. Expect it to take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours.

12. Where can I find reliable guides and tutorials for the Moon Easter Egg?

YouTube is an excellent resource for video guides. Search for “Moon Easter Egg tutorial” to find numerous walkthroughs and tips.

13. What are some common mistakes that players make when attempting the Moon Easter Egg?

Failing to communicate effectively, not prioritizing essential equipment, and rushing steps without proper planning are frequent errors. Focus on team coordination, and prepare ahead of time by knowing the plan and the steps.

14. How important is communication during the Moon Easter Egg?

Communication is paramount. Use headsets to coordinate actions, call out zombie spawns, and relay critical information. Effective communication can easily be the make or break factor to completing the egg successfully.

15. Are there other Zombies maps where player requirements are crucial for Easter Egg completion?

Yes, several other Zombies maps have specific player requirements or character roles that affect Easter Egg completion. For example, the Buried Easter Egg is best done with 4 players to achieve full completion, even though the initial steps can be completed solo.

Mastering the Moon: Strategy, Teamwork, and Perseverance

The Moon Easter Egg is a challenging but rewarding experience. Understanding the player requirements, mastering the map, and developing effective teamwork are essential for success. The Games Learning Society explores how games like Call of Duty can foster collaboration and problem-solving skills. For more information about the intersection of games and learning, check out GamesLearningSociety.org. Don’t be afraid to seek out experienced players, watch tutorials, and practice your strategies. With dedication and a solid team, you can conquer the lunar challenge and unravel the mysteries of the Zombies universe.