The Ultimate Guide to the Best Guns in Black Ops 3 Zombies
Choosing the right weapon in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies is crucial for survival. While the game boasts a diverse arsenal, some guns consistently outshine others, making the difference between a glorious stand against the undead horde and a frustrating early demise. So, what are the best guns in Black Ops 3 Zombies? The answer isn’t a single weapon, but rather a collection of versatile and powerful options that excel in different situations. Top contenders include the Ray Gun, Drakon, Haymaker 12, XM-53, and Wonder Weapons unique to each map. Each weapon brings something unique to the table and understanding their strengths will significantly improve your performance in Black Ops 3 Zombies. Let’s dive deep into why these guns are so effective and discuss other top-tier options to ensure you dominate the undead.
Top Tier Weapon Choices in Black Ops 3 Zombies
The Ray Gun
The Ray Gun is a classic zombies weapon, and its reputation is well-deserved in Black Ops 3. Firing powerful blasts of energy, it’s effective against hordes of zombies and can down even the toughest enemies quickly. The splash damage it inflicts is crucial for handling tight corridors and groups of enemies. The Ray Gun’s consistent damage output makes it a reliable option from the early to the later rounds. Its availability in the mystery box makes it a coveted weapon, and most players will seek it out as soon as possible.
The Drakon
The Drakon sniper rifle is often underestimated in zombies, but it can be a real game-changer. Its semi-automatic fire rate, coupled with its high damage, makes it effective at thinning out hordes and taking down special enemies with ease. Paired with the right attachments, the Drakon can be a precision tool in the hands of a skilled player, giving you an advantage at long to medium ranges. For players who like playing with a more ranged and calculated approach, the Drakon is a must-have.
The Haymaker 12
The Haymaker 12 shotgun is a brutal close-quarters weapon in Zombies. With its fast firing rate and significant damage per shot, it can quickly eliminate hordes of zombies swarming toward you. The wide spread makes it forgiving, and perfect for when zombies get up close and personal. The Haymaker works incredibly well when paired with mobility, allowing you to dash through the map while clearing paths. It’s the perfect weapon to pull out when your back is against the wall.
The XM-53
The XM-53 launcher is a fantastic addition to any Zombies loadout. While not always reliable against individual zombies, it has some of the highest damage potential in the game, which makes it exceptional against heavy enemies like the Panzer Soldat. Its ability to clear large areas of zombies makes it a great option for both high-round play and map exploration. Keep in mind the limited ammo and slow reload time, so it’s important to use this weapon strategically.
Wonder Weapons
Wonder Weapons are unique to each map and are often crucial to surviving the higher rounds. These weapons usually possess special abilities like the Apothicon Servant from Shadows of Evil, capable of creating a black hole, or the Thundergun on maps like Der Reise and Moon, which is capable of clearing entire areas. Obtaining these Wonder Weapons should be a top priority. They not only make you more powerful, but provide some unique gameplay mechanics.
Other Noteworthy Weapons
While the previously mentioned weapons are top-tier choices, several others are worth considering:
- Kuda: The Kuda is a well-rounded submachine gun that offers great mobility and decent damage. It’s a solid option for players who prefer an aggressive style of play.
- Man-O-War: This assault rifle has a high damage output and is effective at medium to long ranges. While not as mobile as an SMG, it offers better accuracy.
- VMP: As a fast firing submachine gun, the VMP excels at close quarters and melts through hordes of zombies. It’s a great all-around weapon.
- M8A7: This burst assault rifle packs a significant punch and is accurate at medium ranges.
- Sheiva: A semi-automatic rifle with a high damage output, the Sheiva is a solid option for skilled players.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best weapon to start with in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
The starting pistol is not great, so you’ll want to get an early game weapon from the mystery box. Weapons like the Kuda or VMP are solid options, but really anything that isn’t the starting pistol will help you early on. The Ray Gun is one of the best guns, so try and get it if possible.
2. Is the Ray Gun still good in high rounds?
Yes, the Ray Gun is still effective in high rounds. Though its damage doesn’t scale as well as some other weapons, its splash damage makes it very useful for clearing out groups of zombies, as well as slowing them down. When used strategically it can still help you get through high rounds.
3. How do I get Wonder Weapons?
Wonder Weapons are typically acquired through the mystery box or by completing specific map challenges or quests. The process can vary between maps, so look up guides specific to each map to get the unique wonder weapon.
4. Are shotguns viable in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
Yes, shotguns like the Haymaker 12 are excellent for clearing zombies in tight spaces due to their high damage output at close range. They can also make a great secondary if you need a gun for a sticky situation.
5. What’s the best SMG for zombies?
The VMP is often cited as one of the best SMGs due to its high rate of fire and good damage output. The Kuda is also a solid choice, providing a more balanced mix of accuracy and mobility.
6. How important are attachments?
Attachments are vital in Black Ops 3 Zombies. Attachments such as Quickdraw, Extended Mags, and Fast Mags make you much more efficient. Attachments are just as important as picking the correct weapon for your needs.
7. Is the M8A7 still useful in high rounds?
While not the best at high rounds, the M8A7 is still effective due to its high burst damage and accuracy, but can be easily outclassed. It’s an excellent weapon for beginners and can take players well into the higher rounds with the proper strategy.
8. What are the best perks to use with good weapons?
Good perks that synergize with good weapons include Juggernog, Speed Cola, Double Tap Root Beer, and Widow’s Wine. These provide critical boosts to damage, survivability, and reload speed. These synergize well with any weapons and are staples in the Zombie community.
9. Should I Pack-a-Punch my guns?
Yes, Pack-a-Punching your guns is essential for high-round play as it dramatically increases damage, magazine size, and adds special perks. Make sure to pack-a-punch all of your weapons to do as much damage as possible.
10. Are Launchers worth using in Zombies?
Launchers like the XM-53 can be useful, especially against Panzer Soldats and for clearing large groups of zombies. However, they have limited ammo and are best used strategically. Having them as a secondary can be very beneficial.
11. What are the best gobblegums to use?
Gobblegums like Near Death Experience, Alchemical Antithesis, and Aftertaste can provide significant advantages by helping you survive and manage ammo effectively. Use these for emergencies or clutch moments.
12. How do wonder weapons compare to pack-a-punched weapons?
Wonder Weapons generally have unique effects and can be more powerful than regular weapons, especially when pack-a-punched. They are game changers that can be used to get through rounds that might otherwise be impossible.
13. What is the best map to use these weapons on?
These weapons are effective on all maps, but they might synergize better with specific maps. Make sure to adjust your playstyle based on your chosen map to maximize these weapons potential.
14. Are there any weapons I should avoid?
While every weapon has its place, you should avoid weapons with low damage or low ammo capacity like the MR6 pistol. Weapons with poor accuracy should also be avoided.
15. How do I improve my weapon usage skills?
Practice is key. Try using a variety of weapons and familiarize yourself with their strengths and weaknesses. Work on map awareness and learning how to use your guns strategically for the best results. Always be moving and always be upgrading your weapons to make sure you can keep up with the endless hordes of zombies.
By understanding the strengths of each of these weapons and their optimal use cases, you will greatly improve your chances of survival and enjoyment in Black Ops 3 Zombies.