Is There Pack-a-Punch on Ascension? Everything You Need to Know
Yes, absolutely! The Pack-a-Punch machine is indeed a crucial feature on the Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies map, Ascension. This upgrade station allows players to significantly increase the power and effectiveness of their weapons, making survival against the endless hordes of the undead much more manageable. However, unlike some other Zombies maps, accessing the Pack-a-Punch on Ascension involves a specific multi-step process. It isn’t immediately available upon starting the game, so understanding how to unlock it is essential for any player wanting to reach higher rounds.
Unlocking the Pack-a-Punch on Ascension
Getting to the Pack-a-Punch on Ascension requires a bit of effort and coordination, especially in multiplayer games. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary steps:
Using the Lunar Landers
The first step involves the use of the three Lunar Landers. These transport vehicles are located at different points across the map:
- Spawn Area: The first lander is located in the starting area near the centrifugation machine.
- Widow’s Wine: The second lander is up the stairs leading to the Widow’s Wine perk machine.
- Stamin-Up: The final lander is located in the courtyard facing the Stamin-Up perk machine.
You must call and use each Lunar Lander to travel back to the main launch area where you originally spawned. It’s imperative to use them in the order that they are found in the game (spawn, Widow’s Wine, Stamin-Up.) This might require some coordination, particularly in a multiplayer setting. Doing this is what the game requires to trigger the next step, not just hopping on them at random.
Launching the Missile
After all three Lunar Landers have been used, you need to head back to the power switch. Directly to the right of the power switch is a launch button. Pressing this button will activate the rocket on the launchpad at the centre of the map, leading to the next part of the Pack-a-Punch unlocking sequence.
Accessing the Pack-a-Punch Area
Once the rocket has launched, the area beneath the launchpad will open up, revealing the Pack-a-Punch machine. This is where you can upgrade your weapons for 5000 points a pop, increasing their damage, magazine size, and often, fire rate. Now you can successfully and repeatedly upgrade the same weapons as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that players often have about the Pack-a-Punch and other features related to Ascension:
1. What exactly does Pack-a-Punch do?
The Pack-a-Punch machine significantly upgrades your weapons. This includes increasing the weapon’s damage output, magazine size, and sometimes adds unique features or changes its firing mechanism. It’s crucial for surviving in later rounds of Zombies.
2. How much does it cost to Pack-a-Punch a weapon?
Each Pack-a-Punch upgrade on Ascension costs 5000 points. It’s essential to save up points for these upgrades to be able to progress to the later rounds.
3. Is Ascension on Black Ops 1?
Yes, Ascension is a Zombies map included in the First Strike DLC map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops.
4. Are there any special perks on Ascension?
Yes, Ascension introduces two new perks: Stamin-Up (which allows you to run for a longer duration) and PhD Flopper (which provides explosive damage immunity when diving). Though, PhD Flopper was replaced with Widow’s Wine in the Black Ops III remaster. Double Tap Root Beer is not available on the original map.
5. Can I get more than four perks on Ascension?
Yes, you can obtain a fifth perk, but it is not straightforward. You must defend all four of your purchased perk machines from monkey attacks. If they even touch your machines, you will not receive the extra perk.
6. What are the monkeys for on Ascension?
The monkeys are special enemies whose sole purpose is to steal your perks. During monkey rounds, they will target the perk machines and attempt to destroy them. If they successfully attack a machine, all players lose that perk. Guarding your perk machines, preferably Jugger-nog, is the key to stopping this.
7. How many players are needed for the Ascension Easter egg?
The Ascension Easter Egg requires four players to complete. It cannot be done with fewer players without using mods.
8. Can you triple Pack-a-Punch on Ascension?
No, in the original Black Ops 1 version of Ascension, you can only Pack-a-Punch a weapon once. The triple Pack-a-Punch feature is a mechanic introduced later in the series in games like Call of Duty: Vanguard.
9. Where are the landers on Ascension?
The three Lunar Landers are located in the following areas:
* The spawning room with the centrifugation machine.
* Up the stairs leading to Widow’s Wine.
* In the courtyard facing Stamin-up.
10. What is the best way to defend against the monkeys?
The best strategy to defend against the monkey rounds is to stay near your perks. Typically, the Jugger-nog perk is the one you want to stay close to and defend, as losing that perk can cripple a run the most. Killing them as fast as possible is vital, using upgraded weapons helps a lot here.
11. What is “Shi No Numa” and is it related to Ascension?
Shi No Numa, which means “Swamp of Death” in Japanese, is a different Zombies map from Call of Duty: World at War. It is not directly related to Ascension, which is set in a Russian Cosmodrome.
12. Is the ICR a wall gun on Ascension?
Yes, the ICR-1 is one of the many wall weapons available on Ascension. Other options include the RK5, Sheiva, KN-44, Kuda, L-CAR 9, Vesper, HVK-30, VMP, and the Argus.
13. Is Ascension a DLC map?
Yes, Ascension is part of the First Strike DLC pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops. It is available as both single and multiplayer modes.
14. What is the Pack-a-Punch process in other Call of Duty Zombies games?
The method to unlock Pack-a-Punch varies across the different maps in Call of Duty Zombies. Some maps have it immediately available, while others have a puzzle-like or multi-step process, just like Ascension. Always check online resources if you’re playing on a new map.
15. Is there an Easter Egg song on Ascension?
Yes, like many other Zombies maps, Ascension has an Easter egg that includes a song. The Easter egg here needs a full team of 4 players to be completed and isn’t as simple as most others to achieve.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking the Pack-a-Punch machine on Ascension is a crucial step for survival and progress. Understanding the order of the Lunar Landers and being ready for the monkey rounds will allow players to gain the maximum advantage when working their way through this infamous Black Ops Zombies map. Mastering these mechanics will enhance the enjoyment and success of players, especially when working towards achieving higher rounds or completing easter eggs.