Unlocking the Undead: A Deep Dive into Prestiging in Black Ops 3 Zombies

What exactly do you get for enduring the zombie hordes and committing to Prestige Mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies? The reward system, while seemingly simple, offers a core loop that extends gameplay and keeps dedicated players coming back for more. In short, each time you prestige in BO3 Zombies you receive two primary rewards: a Permanent Unlock Token and the option to reset your level and unlock progress with a Fresh Start. Let’s break down what each of these entails and why they’re so impactful for the Zombies experience.

The Allure of the Permanent Unlock Token

The Permanent Unlock Token is arguably the most significant reward for prestiging. This token allows you to permanently unlock one item of your choice from the game’s progression system. This means that even after you prestige and are reset back to level 1, that specific item will be immediately available for use.

This functionality is crucial because it bypasses the normal level progression needed to acquire weapons, perks, equipment, and gobblegums. Instead of constantly needing to grind to unlock your preferred starting weapon or favorite perk, the Permanent Unlock Token essentially eliminates that grind. This accelerates your early game and allows you to jump directly into your preferred playstyle, saving significant time and effort. This token can be used for:

• Weapons: Unlock powerful weapons early, like the KN-44, the Haymaker 12, or the Man-O-War.
• Perks: Secure key perks like Juggernog, Quick Revive, or Speed Cola from the outset.
• Equipment: Access your preferred tactical and lethal equipment instantly.
• Gobblegums: Select a game-changing gobblegum to be available at all times.

Strategic use of the Permanent Unlock Token is key to optimizing your experience after each prestige. Consider the time it would take to re-unlock all of your essential items. Having those selected items available from the get-go gives players a distinct advantage.

Embracing the Fresh Start

The second reward tied to prestiging in BO3 Zombies is the Fresh Start. This is less a direct reward and more a reset. By opting for a Fresh Start, players effectively begin their progression anew, returning to level 1. All unlocked weapons, perks, equipment, and gobblegums are reset, forcing players to re-earn them through gameplay.

While this might sound like a punishment, it’s actually the crux of the prestige system. The Fresh Start reignites the sense of progression, providing the player with a renewed sense of purpose and goal. Here’s why the Fresh Start is valuable:

• Renewed Gameplay Loop: Starting again from level 1 reinvigorates the gameplay loop, and provides a new challenge to unlock all those weapons, perks, and so forth, once again.
• Continued Progression: The constant progress and the feeling of unlocking something is an addictive one. The Fresh Start allows you to experience that sense of progression all over again.
• Prestige Icon: After each prestige, you earn a new icon signifying your dedication and experience level in BO3 Zombies, with more prestige icons available as you progress. This provides bragging rights and a visual indicator of your commitment to the mode.

The combination of the Permanent Unlock Token and the Fresh Start provides the essence of the prestige system. While losing all your hard-earned items might seem detrimental, the Permanent Unlock Token guarantees you can retain a piece of that progress, and the Fresh Start provides a fresh start, while also providing a new challenge.

Black Ops 3 Zombies – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To provide additional context and address common questions surrounding prestiging in BO3 Zombies, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. What is the maximum level in BO3 Zombies without prestiging?

The maximum level you can reach in Black Ops 3 Zombies without prestiging is level 35. After hitting level 35, you have the option to prestige.

2. How do you trigger the ability to prestige in Black Ops 3 Zombies?

To trigger the prestige option, you must first max out the experience bar at level 35. Once this is completed, you will be prompted to enter Prestige Mode.

3. How many times can you prestige in BO3 Zombies?

You can prestige up to 10 times in Black Ops 3 Zombies, each time receiving a new Prestige Icon and a Permanent Unlock Token.

4. Does prestiging in Zombies affect my Multiplayer progress?

No, prestiging in Zombies is completely separate from your Multiplayer progress. Your Multiplayer rank and progression will not be affected.

5. Can I prestige weapons in Zombies?

While you cannot directly prestige weapons within the Zombies mode itself, you can use your Permanent Unlock Token to keep a specific weapon unlocked, regardless of level.

6. Can you use the Permanent Unlock Token on Gobblegums?

Yes, you can use the Permanent Unlock Token on Gobblegums. This allows you to have your favorite gobblegum available to use at the start of each match after prestiging.

7. Does prestige in Zombies increase the difficulty?

No, prestige does not directly increase the difficulty of zombies. However, having to rebuild your arsenal with each prestige might make the initial stages harder.

8. Are there any other benefits to prestiging besides the token and the fresh start?

Yes, each prestige comes with a new Prestige Icon, giving you bragging rights and visually showing your dedication to the mode.

9. Is there any way to bypass level restrictions when not prestiging?

No, level restrictions can only be bypassed through the use of the Permanent Unlock Token after prestiging or through reaching the level necessary to unlock an item.

10. What is the best item to unlock with a Permanent Unlock Token?

The best item to unlock depends on your playstyle and preference. Popular choices include weapons like the KN-44, the Haymaker 12, or essential perks like Juggernog. Many may also pick a favorite gobblegum.

11. Does Zombies Chronicles affect the prestige system?

No, Zombies Chronicles does not alter the core prestige system. It simply adds more content (remastered maps, gobblegums, and weapon camos) to the game.

12. Can I play with players of different prestiges?

Yes, you can play with players regardless of their prestige level. The matchmaking system focuses more on skill level and connection quality.

13. Is the prestige system the same in all Call of Duty Zombies modes?

No, the prestige system varies across different Call of Duty titles. BO3’s system is unique to its release.

14. How long does it take to reach max level in BO3 Zombies?

The time it takes to reach level 35 varies depending on gameplay. Skilled players may reach level 35 in a few days, while some may take longer.

15. Can I get my progress back if I accidentally prestige?

No, there is no way to revert the process after initiating Prestige Mode.

Final Thoughts

The prestige system in Black Ops 3 Zombies, while seemingly simple with only the Permanent Unlock Token and Fresh Start, is a core component of the game’s replayability. The ability to retain key items and the push to re-earn everything keeps the game engaging and fresh. Understanding the benefits and ramifications of prestiging is essential for getting the most out of your undead experience.