Decoding the Pack-A-Punch: A Black Ops 2 Zombies Survival Guide
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The Pack-A-Punch Machine in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies is your lifeline. It’s a specialized device that upgrades your weapons, significantly increasing their damage, magazine size, ammo capacity, and often adding unique functionalities or attachments. For the steep price of 5000 points, you can transform a lackluster weapon into a zombie-slaying powerhouse, vastly improving your chances of survival as the rounds progress. It’s more than just a simple upgrade; it’s often the difference between a triumphant stand and a gruesome demise.
Understanding the Core Mechanics
The Pack-A-Punch Machine is a staple in most Zombies maps, acting as the ultimate power-up for your arsenal. Its core function is simple: insert a weapon, pay the point cost, and receive an enhanced version of that weapon. However, the nuances of its operation and the strategic considerations involved are far more complex.
The Upgrade Process
The process of using the Pack-A-Punch Machine is straightforward:
- Locate the Machine: First, you need to find the Pack-A-Punch Machine. Its location varies from map to map, and sometimes requires specific actions to unlock it.
- Gather 5000 Points: Ensure you have the required 5000 points. Coordinate with your teammates if necessary to pool resources.
- Interact with the Machine: Approach the machine and interact with it to bring up the weapon selection interface.
- Select a Weapon: Choose the weapon you want to upgrade.
- Receive the Upgraded Weapon: After a brief animation, you’ll receive your upgraded weapon, ready to unleash hell on the undead horde.
Benefits of Pack-A-Punching
- Increased Damage: The primary benefit is a substantial increase in the weapon’s damage output. This is crucial for taking down tougher zombies and special infected as you progress to higher rounds.
- Larger Magazine Size and Ammo Capacity: Upgraded weapons typically have larger magazines and increased total ammo capacity, allowing you to sustain fire for longer periods without needing to reload frequently.
- Unique Attachments and Functionalities: Some Pack-A-Punched weapons gain special attachments like reflex sights, suppressors, or even under-barrel grenade launchers. They can even have their name changed, like the Mustang and Sally, a dual-wield version of the M1911 handgun.
- Penetration Power: Many upgraded weapons gain the ability to penetrate through multiple zombies with a single shot, allowing you to maximize damage in densely packed hordes.
Strategic Considerations
Knowing when and which weapons to Pack-A-Punch is critical for success. Consider these factors:
- Weapon Type: Different weapon types excel in different situations. A light machine gun (LMG) like the HAMR is excellent for sustained fire, while a shotgun like the Remington 870 benefits greatly from the increased damage.
- Map Layout: Consider the map layout and your preferred playstyle. Are you defending a tight corridor, or running around in open areas? Choose weapons that suit the environment.
- Team Composition: Coordinate with your teammates to ensure a balanced arsenal. Avoid everyone using the same type of weapon.
- Point Management: Spending 5000 points is a significant investment. Make sure you have enough points for essential perks like Juggernog and Quick Revive before prioritizing weapon upgrades.
The Element of Chance: Re-Pack-A-Punching
While the initial Pack-A-Punch provides a consistent upgrade, re-Pack-A-Punching (using the machine again on an already upgraded weapon for another 2000 points) introduces an element of chance. While it does not further increase the weapon’s base damage, it does the following:
- Refills Ammo: It completely refills the weapon’s ammo, which can be useful in a pinch.
- Random Attachment Changes: It shuffles the weapon’s attachments, which can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on the luck of the draw.
Re-Pack-A-Punching can be risky, especially if you’re comfortable with your current attachments, but it can also provide a much-needed ammo refill or even grant you a desirable attachment that improves your weapon’s performance. Some weapons that are in Black Ops 2 Multiplayer can be Pack-A-Punched more than once.
FAQs: Decoding Pack-A-Punch Further
1. Can you Pack-A-Punch the Ray Gun more than once in Black Ops 2?
No. In Black Ops 2, the Ray Gun can only be Pack-A-Punched once. This limitation applies to certain other weapons as well. After the first upgrade, you won’t be able to use the Pack-A-Punch on it again to further enhance its damage.
2. Does re-Pack-A-Punching increase damage?
No, re-Pack-A-Punching does not increase the base damage of the weapon. It only refills ammo and changes the weapon’s attachments randomly.
3. What are some of the best guns to Pack-A-Punch in Black Ops 2 Zombies?
Several guns stand out as excellent choices for Pack-A-Punching:
- Ray Gun: It remains a highly effective weapon, especially for crowd control.
- Mustang and Sally (Dual M1911): These upgraded pistols are incredibly powerful at close range.
- HAMR: A light machine gun (LMG) that’s great for sustained fire and horde clearing.
- DSR 50: A powerful sniper rifle that can take down high-health zombies with ease.
4. How much does it cost to Pack-A-Punch a weapon?
The initial Pack-A-Punch upgrade costs 5000 points.
5. How much does it cost to re-Pack-A-Punch a weapon?
Re-Pack-A-Punching an already upgraded weapon costs 2000 points.
6. What happens if you lose a Pack-A-Punched weapon?
If you go down and lose your Pack-A-Punched weapon, you’ll have to reacquire the weapon from the Mystery Box or wall buy and Pack-A-Punch it again. The upgrade is not retained if you lose the weapon.
7. Can the Pack-A-Punch steal your weapon?
While it’s not a common occurrence, there have been instances in older Call of Duty games where glitches caused players to lose their weapon in the Pack-A-Punch. However, this isn’t a known issue in Black Ops 2.
8. Where is the Pack-A-Punch on Tranzit?
On Tranzit, you need to build the Pack-A-Punch machine using parts found around the map. Once built, it’s located inside the bank vault, which requires the turbine to be placed near the electrical symbol in the power room to open the floor in the bank vault.
9. Where is the Pack-A-Punch on Buried?
The Pack-A-Punch machine on Buried is located within the courthouse building in the main town area.
10. How does Mule Kick affect Pack-A-Punching?
Mule Kick allows you to carry three weapons, each of which can be Pack-A-Punched. This gives you more flexibility in your arsenal and allows you to adapt to different situations. If you lose your Mule Kick perk, you will lose the third weapon too.
11. What are the best perks to have when Pack-A-Punching?
Key perks to have alongside Pack-A-Punched weapons include:
- Juggernog: Increases your health, allowing you to survive more hits.
- Quick Revive: Allows you to revive faster, or revive yourself if playing solo.
- Speed Cola: Speeds up your reload time, which is especially useful with upgraded weapons that often have larger magazines.
- Double Tap Root Beer: Increases your fire rate, further enhancing the damage output of your Pack-A-Punched weapons.
12. What are some examples of unique Pack-A-Punched weapon names in Black Ops 2?
Some popular examples include:
- M1911: Upgrades to Mustang and Sally (dual pistols)
- Ray Gun: Becomes the Porter’s X2 Ray Gun
13. What does the Games Learning Society focus on?
The Games Learning Society, accessible through GamesLearningSociety.org, researches how games and game design principles can be used to enhance learning and education. Their work explores the intersection of gaming and education, aiming to leverage the engaging nature of games to create more effective and enjoyable learning experiences.
14. Does Black Ops 2 have downloadable content (DLC) with new Zombies maps?
Yes, Black Ops 2 has multiple DLC packs that include new Zombies maps, such as Uprising (which includes Magma), Vengeance (which includes Buried), and others.
15. How do you get the Ray Gun Mark II in Black Ops 2 Zombies?
The Ray Gun Mark II is available in Black Ops 2 Zombies as part of the DLC packs and can be found in the Mystery Box on maps like Buried and Origins, even if it wasn’t originally part of those maps. It is DLC exclusive.
Conclusion
The Pack-A-Punch Machine is more than just a fancy upgrade station in Black Ops 2 Zombies; it’s a strategic tool that, when used wisely, can significantly impact your survival and success. Understanding its mechanics, weighing the costs and benefits, and coordinating with your team are crucial for maximizing its potential. So, gear up, gather your points, and prepare to unleash the true power of your arsenal against the undead hordes. Good luck, survivor.