How Many Times Can You Pack-a-Punch in Black Ops 2?
The Pack-a-Punch machine is a cornerstone of the Call of Duty Zombies experience, offering players the chance to drastically enhance their weapons. In Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, the mechanic takes on an interesting twist, with different rules applying to different weapon types. So, to answer the core question directly: most weapons in Black Ops 2 can be Pack-a-Punched only once for the initial upgrade, but some specific weapons can be Pack-a-Punched a second time.
The initial Pack-a-Punch upgrade, costing 5000 points, transforms your regular weapon into a significantly more powerful version. This first upgrade is universally available for almost all weapons in the game. However, the ability to double Pack-a-Punch (or “double PAP”) is where the mechanics get more nuanced. It’s crucial to understand that not every weapon can benefit from this second upgrade.
The key distinction lies in whether the weapon is also featured in the Black Ops 2 Multiplayer mode. If the weapon is a standard gun available in multiplayer, like the HAMR, MTAR, or M8A1, you can Pack-a-Punch it a second time for 2000 points. This second upgrade doesn’t increase damage output; instead, it randomly adds a real, equippable attachment to your gun. This could be anything from a reflex sight to a foregrip, altering its performance and feel.
Weapons that are exclusive to Zombies mode, such as the Ray Gun, the Python, and many others, cannot be Pack-a-Punched more than once. This means the first 5000-point upgrade is their maximum enhancement. The only exception here are Wonder Weapons which are their own unique beast. This restriction adds a layer of strategy, pushing players to consider which weapons are worth spending points on for a double upgrade. The second PAP isn’t always about pure power but about finding the right attachment to suit your play style.
The system is designed in a way that encourages players to utilize different weapons. While wonder weapons offer extreme power when they are available, there are times when the most effective combination is with a double PAP’d standard weapon. Understanding which guns can receive a second upgrade is crucial to maximizing your effectiveness in late-round survival scenarios.
Understanding the Pack-a-Punch Mechanics in BO2
Initial Pack-a-Punch Upgrade
The first Pack-a-Punch upgrade is available for nearly every weapon in Black Ops 2 Zombies. It costs 5000 points and offers a significant boost to damage, magazine size, and ammo capacity. This is a pivotal step in any game of zombies, and should be one of the main priorities when available, as the increased damage is essential for survival, especially in later rounds.
Double Pack-a-Punch (Double PAP)
The ability to double Pack-a-Punch is exclusive to multiplayer-available weapons. This means a second investment of 2000 points in the machine. However, this second upgrade does not increase the damage further. The primary benefit of the second Pack-a-Punch is the addition of a random attachment. This system can either make or break a setup for some players, as not every attachment fits every play style.
Weapons That Cannot Be Double PAP’d
Important to note, weapons like the Ray Gun, Python, and other zombie-exclusive weaponry cannot be double Pack-a-Punched. These guns are restricted to the standard initial upgrade. Knowing which guns to avoid for double pap purposes will save many points in the long run.
Limitations of Double PAP
It is very important to know that double PAP does not replenish ammo. Its only purpose is to provide the random attachment. Players should plan to resupply themselves after double pap, if need be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Pack-a-Punch machine in Black Ops 2 to further clarify its mechanics:
1. How much does it cost to Pack-a-Punch a weapon the first time in Black Ops 2?
The initial Pack-a-Punch upgrade costs 5000 points.
2. How much does it cost to double Pack-a-Punch a weapon in Black Ops 2?
Double Pack-a-Punch costs 2000 points on eligible weapons.
3. Does Double PAP increase weapon damage in Black Ops 2?
No, double Pack-a-Punch only adds a random attachment and does not increase damage.
4. Which weapons can be double Pack-a-Punched in Black Ops 2?
Only weapons that are also available in Black Ops 2 Multiplayer can be double Pack-a-Punched. This excludes weapons such as the Ray Gun, the Python and other wonder weapons.
5. Can the Ray Gun be Pack-a-Punched more than once in Black Ops 2?
No, the Ray Gun can only be Pack-a-Punched once.
6. Does Pack-a-Punching replenish ammo in Black Ops 2?
The first Pack-a-Punch upgrade will fully refill the gun’s ammo. However, double PAP does not replenish ammo.
7. Are attachments from double PAP permanent?
Yes, the attachment gained from double PAP is permanent for that weapon until you take it back to the pack a punch machine again.
8. What kind of attachments can you get from double PAP?
You can get random, realistically equippable attachments such as scopes, grips, and silencers.
9. Is it worth it to double Pack-a-Punch in Black Ops 2?
For multiplayer weapons, it can be worth it to get the random attachment that suits your play style, making it a worthwhile investment for serious players.
10. Is the Pack-a-Punch Machine the same across all Black Ops 2 maps?
The Pack-a-Punch machine’s functionality is consistent across all Black Ops 2 maps, but its location will vary.
11. Are there any ways to reduce the cost of the Pack-a-Punch in Black Ops 2?
During a Bonfire Sale event, the cost of the Pack-a-Punch can be temporarily reduced to 1000 points. This can be a game-changing event, allowing players to upgrade their weapons early and often.
12. Can you Pack-a-Punch grenades in Black Ops 2?
Yes, you can Pack-a-Punch grenades, which will give the grenades additional damage, and make them more powerful for the rest of the game.
13. Does Pack-a-Punch work differently in other Black Ops games?
Yes, the mechanics of the Pack-a-Punch system can be different in other Black Ops games. Some games, such as Black Ops 4, feature damage boosts for each time you Pack-a-Punch, up to four times, where in Black Ops 2, most weapons could only be upgraded twice.
14. What is the best gun to Pack-a-Punch in Black Ops 2?
While subjective, many players recommend the HAMR or MTAR because of their multiplayer status, which allows for double PAP and can make for a very powerful weapon depending on the random attachments.
15. Can you Pack-a-Punch ballistic knives to revive players in Black Ops 2?
Yes, when Pack-a-Punched, the ballistic knife becomes “The Krauss Refibrillator” and will instantly revive players hit by the blade. This is a very handy feature and an excellent way to support team mates.
By understanding these nuances, players can maximize their effectiveness in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies and better navigate its challenging gameplay. The double PAP system adds depth and strategy to the game, encouraging players to think beyond simply upgrading their weapons and look towards optimizing their loadout in the long run.