How Many Times Can You Pack-a-Punch the HAMR in Black Ops 2?
The short answer is: the HAMR in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 can be Pack-a-Punched an unlimited number of times. However, it’s essential to understand what “unlimited” means in this context and the specific mechanics that govern Pack-a-Punching in Black Ops 2. While the HAMR can be put into the Pack-a-Punch machine repeatedly, the benefits differ after the initial upgrade.
The Initial Pack-a-Punch Upgrade
The first time you Pack-a-Punch the HAMR, it transforms into the SLDG HAMR. This initial upgrade costs 5000 points and provides several significant enhancements:
- Increased Magazine Size: The magazine capacity increases to 150 rounds.
- Increased Reserve Ammo: The total reserve ammo is boosted to 625 rounds.
- Damage Boost: The weapon’s damage is noticeably increased.
- Rate of Fire Increase: The SLDG HAMR fires at a faster rate.
- Improved Reload Speed: The reload time is reduced, allowing for quicker engagements.
This first upgrade is a game-changer, significantly improving the HAMR’s performance, making it a formidable weapon against hordes of zombies.
Re-Pack-a-Punching the HAMR
After the initial upgrade to the SLDG HAMR, you can continue to re-Pack-a-Punch it for 2000 points each time. But here’s the crucial part: subsequent upgrades do not increase the weapon’s damage. Instead, the following happens:
- Attachment Change: Each re-Pack-a-Punch provides the HAMR with a random attachment. These attachments are based on what’s available in Black Ops 2 multiplayer, like a Red Dot Sight, Foregrip, or Laser Sight.
- Ammo Refill: Each re-Pack-a-Punch fully replenishes your ammo, both in the magazine and the reserve.
This means that while you can keep re-Pack-a-Punching the HAMR indefinitely, you’re primarily doing it for the random attachments and ammo refills. This can be particularly useful in later rounds when ammunition becomes scarce.
Understanding the Unlimited Nature
The statement that the HAMR can be Pack-a-Punched an “unlimited” number of times refers specifically to the ability to continue putting it in the machine, not to an endless stack of damage or stat increases. Each time you put the SLDG HAMR in, you’re paying to refresh ammo and roll the dice on a new attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Pack-a-Punch mechanics in Black Ops 2, focusing on the HAMR and related aspects:
1. Can other weapons be Pack-a-Punched multiple times?
Yes, many weapons in Black Ops 2, specifically those found in the multiplayer mode, can be Pack-a-Punched a second time to change attachments. However, Wonder Weapons and some other weapons like the Python can only be upgraded once.
2. Does Pack-a-Punching increase damage after the first upgrade in Black Ops 2?
No, Pack-a-Punching a weapon again in Black Ops 2 after the initial upgrade does not increase its base damage. The secondary re-Pack-a-Punch is primarily for changing attachments and refilling ammo.
3. How does the attachment change work when re-Pack-a-Punching?
Each subsequent Pack-a-Punch for 2000 points grants a random attachment, drawn from the range of attachments available for that weapon in multiplayer. This can include scopes, grips, and laser sights.
4. What does the initial Pack-a-Punch upgrade do?
The initial upgrade transforms a weapon into its stronger, “upgraded” form, usually giving it a unique name, increased damage, rate of fire, larger magazine size, increased reserve ammo, and improved reload speed. For the HAMR, the initial upgrade turns it into the SLDG HAMR.
5. Can you Pack-a-Punch Wonder Weapons multiple times in Black Ops 2?
Generally, no. Wonder Weapons, such as the Ray Gun or the Ray Gun Mark II, can only be Pack-a-Punched once. The Ray Gun Mark II was initially exclusive to DLC maps but was later made available across other maps through the mystery box.
6. How much does the first Pack-a-Punch cost in Black Ops 2?
The initial Pack-a-Punch upgrade costs 5000 points.
7. How much does it cost to change attachments through Pack-a-Punching?
Re-Pack-a-Punching to change attachments costs 2000 points.
8. Does the Pack-a-Punch location ever change?
On some maps, like Nuketown Zombies, the Pack-a-Punch machine spawns randomly. It becomes available when the population of the zombies reaches zero on a sign.
9. What are some of the best guns to Pack-a-Punch in Black Ops 2?
Popular choices for Pack-a-Punch include the Ray Gun, Mustang and Sally, the HAMR, MTAR and weapons like the FAL DSW.
10. Does the Pack-a-Punch machine replenish ammo?
Yes, each re-Pack-a-Punch will completely refill your ammo reserves, and the magazine of the weapon. This is a significant benefit during long rounds.
11. What is the burst pistol in Black Ops 2?
The B23R is a three-round burst handgun featured in Black Ops 2, and can also be upgraded in the Pack-a-Punch machine.
12. Which DLC map has the Buried map?
The Buried map, also known as Resolution 1295, is featured in the Vengeance Map Pack.
13. What is special about the Pack-a-Punched Ballistic Knives?
When Pack-a-Punched, the Ballistic Knives become the Krauss Refibrillator, which revives downed players when hit by the blade.
14. Can you revive teammates with Pack-a-Punched knives in Black Ops 2?
Yes, when using the Krauss Refibrillator, you can instantly revive downed teammates. However, if a player is down, and the player using the knives is also downed, the thrown knives will down the downed player, and will not revive.
15. Does the Pack-a-Punch increase damage in later Black Ops games?
In later Black Ops games, such as Black Ops 4, Pack-a-Punching often does increase damage, sometimes up to a certain number of times. For instance in Black Ops 4, you get a 25% increase in damage for each pack, up to a total of 200% damage after 4 upgrades. However, this does not apply to Black Ops 2.
Conclusion
While the HAMR in Black Ops 2 can be Pack-a-Punched an unlimited number of times, it’s crucial to remember that this refers to the number of times it can be put in the machine, not continuous damage increases. After the first upgrade to the SLDG HAMR, subsequent re-Pack-a-Punches will provide you with random attachments and a full ammo refill, making it a valuable tool for extended zombie survival. Understanding these mechanics is essential for mastering the game and making strategic use of the Pack-a-Punch machine.