Is There a Pack-a-Punch Machine? A Deep Dive into Zombie Upgrades
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Yes, the Pack-a-Punch Machine is a cornerstone feature of the Call of Duty Zombies experience, appearing in many maps across different titles in the franchise. This iconic machine allows players to significantly upgrade their weapons, turning them into devastating tools against the undead hordes. However, its implementation and mechanics vary slightly from map to map, making understanding its nuances crucial for survival. Let’s dive deeper into this essential feature, answering common questions and providing a comprehensive guide for both new and veteran zombie slayers.
Understanding the Pack-a-Punch
The core function of the Pack-a-Punch Machine is to enhance your weapons for a price. Typically, this involves paying a substantial amount of points, the in-game currency earned by defeating zombies and repairing windows. After paying, your weapon receives a significant boost in damage, magazine size, and often gains additional effects, such as increased fire rate or elemental damage. This upgrade is typically a one-time transformation of a specific weapon; you cannot upgrade a weapon multiple times with the Pack-a-Punch.
Accessing the Pack-a-Punch machine is not always straightforward. Many maps require players to perform specific actions, such as turning on the power, activating switches, or completing puzzles. On some maps, the machine even appears in different locations or only for a short time.
Pack-a-Punch Variations and Mechanics
The specific mechanics of the Pack-a-Punch can vary between different maps and games. Here’s what to expect:
- Cost: The initial cost to Pack-a-Punch a weapon is typically around 5000 points, although this can change during special events such as a Bonfire Sale, where the price might drop to 1000 points. Additionally, Black Ops II allowed attachment changes for 2000 points (on some weapons), and Black Ops III offered adding or changing modules for 2500 points.
- Ammo: Once a weapon has been Pack-a-Punched, you can purchase upgraded ammo at an additional cost, often around 4500 points. However, this option is generally only available for weapons that were originally purchased off the wall, not those obtained from the mystery box.
- Location: The Pack-a-Punch machine is often located in central or inaccessible areas, requiring a certain degree of map progression and puzzle solving to get to it. For example, on the map “Five,” it’s located in the Pentagon; on “Die Maschine” in Cold War, it’s accessed after using the Aether tunnel; and on “Call of the Dead,” it appears temporarily after being revealed by the Lighthouse beam.
- Upgraded Effects: Upgraded weapons not only have higher damage but often come with unique or more potent effects, sometimes with explosive rounds, elemental damage, or other special attributes, making them invaluable for reaching high rounds.
The History of the Pack-a-Punch
In the lore of the Aether Story, the Pack-a-Punch Machine was created by Jebediah Brown, a blacksmith in the late 1800’s. His creation adds a rich history to the game and ties it into the larger narrative of the Call of Duty zombies universe.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pack-a-Punch
Here are 15 commonly asked questions about the Pack-a-Punch Machine to further clarify its mechanics and uses:
Q1: Can you Pack-a-Punch a weapon more than once?
No, you can only Pack-a-Punch a weapon once. There is no option to re-upgrade a weapon at the same machine.
Q2: Is there a Pack-a-Punch on “Call of the Dead”?
Yes, on the map “Call of the Dead,” the Pack-a-Punch Machine is brought into play periodically when the Lighthouse shines its light onto one of three rocks located around the map. This makes it a temporary, moving Pack-a-Punch that you must use quickly.
Q3: How much does Pack-a-Punch cost?
The initial cost to Pack-a-Punch a weapon is typically 5000 points. However, this cost may be reduced during certain in-game events, like a Bonfire Sale, where it could be as low as 1000 points.
Q4: What is the best Pack-a-Punch upgrade?
While weapon preferences can be subjective, some of the most powerful Pack-a-Punch upgrades include Dead Wire, Blast Furnace, Turned, Fire Works, and Thunder Wall.
Q5: What weapons are best to Pack-a-Punch?
For the best results, weapons with a large magazine capacity, like the M16 or AK74u, are recommended for sustained damage. Also, wall weapons are generally preferred as you can purchase ammo after upgrading them.
Q6: Can the Pack-a-Punch take my gun?
Yes, there’s a very rare glitch where the machine may take your weapon, especially if you use other glitches like a three-weapon exploit. If this happens, it is best to search YouTube for fixes.
Q7: What does Mule Kick do?
Mule Kick allows you to carry three weapons, adding another level of tactical flexibility. The third weapon will be the one you last pick up. If you lose the Mule Kick perk, the third weapon is also lost.
Q8: What does Double Tap do?
“Double tap” refers to liking a post on social media platforms like Instagram. It has no effect on the Pack-a-Punch machine or your gameplay.
Q9: Who created the Pack-a-Punch Machine in the Aether Story?
In the Aether Story, the Pack-a-Punch Machine was first created by Jebediah Brown, a blacksmith.
Q10: How do you access the Pack-a-Punch on “Die Maschine”?
On the map “Die Maschine”, you access the Pack-a-Punch machine after using the Aether tunnel and arriving at a machine.
Q11: Can you buy Pack-a-Punch ammo for Box weapons?
No. Upgraded ammo can only be bought for wall weapons that have been Pack-a-Punched. Box weapons do not have that ability, making it essential to use wall weapons when progressing into higher rounds.
Q12: Is the Pack-a-Punch the same across every Zombies map?
No, the implementation of the Pack-a-Punch machine varies across maps, including its cost, location, and requirements for access. It’s crucial to research each specific map’s mechanics.
Q13: Is there a Pack-a-Punch machine on Nacht der Untoten?
Nacht der Untoten, being the first zombies map, does not have a Pack-a-Punch. The core gameplay loop focuses on survival using weapons found on the walls and in the mystery box, without upgrades.
Q14: Is the Pack-a-Punch always in the same location?
No, the location of the Pack-a-Punch can vary. In some maps, like “Call of the Dead,” it changes; in others, it requires you to unlock rooms or access a different part of the map.
Q15: Why is the Pack-a-Punch such an important feature?
The Pack-a-Punch is crucial because it enhances weapons, allowing players to survive much longer by increasing their damage output and ammunition capacity. Without it, reaching high rounds is incredibly difficult.
Conclusion
The Pack-a-Punch Machine is a fundamental and iconic part of the Call of Duty Zombies experience. Its ability to transform ordinary weapons into formidable tools of destruction makes it essential for survival. By understanding its mechanics, costs, and variations across different maps, you can significantly improve your performance and extend your survival in the face of relentless zombie hordes. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new player, mastering the Pack-a-Punch is key to thriving in the challenging world of Call of Duty Zombies.