Decoding the Hacker: Your Ultimate Guide to Moon’s Essential Device
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The Hacker device in Call of Duty: Black Ops’ Zombies map “Moon” is a game-changing tool with a multitude of uses, pivotal for survival and high-round strategies. This handy gadget, once acquired, allows players to manipulate various aspects of the map, providing significant advantages in a horde-based environment. From controlling the Mystery Box to manipulating enemy spawns and even altering the cost of perks, the Hacker is indispensable for any serious Moon player. Its strategic deployment can make the difference between a quick demise and a successful deep run.
Unveiling the Hacker’s Capabilities
The Hacker boasts a diverse set of functionalities, each with its own strategic application. Understanding these uses is crucial for maximizing its potential and mastering the map.
Mystery Box Manipulation
One of the most common uses of the Hacker is to manipulate the Mystery Box. This includes:
- Hacking a weapon: This flips the weapon upside down. If that weapon is then used on a possible spawn location, the box will spawn there for one spin, costing 1200 points.
- Re-rolling a weapon: If you don’t like the weapon you get from the box, hacking it re-rolls it for only 600 points, compared to the regular 950. If that re-roll is hacked, the weapon will glow blue and every player on the team will have the opportunity to trade the weapon.
Perk Alteration
The Hacker allows you to manipulate the perks that are available. This gives you the opportunity to secure the perks that you want to make a high round attempt with.
- Switching Speed Cola: In the beginning of the match, Speed Cola will be in the area with either Juggernog or Speed Cola. You can hack one of them, and that will switch their positions. This can give you the ability to quickly switch your starting perk at Area 51.
Door Cost Reduction
Navigating Moon requires opening numerous doors, and the costs can quickly add up. Hacking doors reduces their price by 50%, allowing for more efficient map traversal. This is especially valuable in the early rounds when points are scarce.
Dispenser Hacking
Hacking the dispensers also reduces their price, saving points when buying equipment.
Manipulating Breaching Device (Excavator)
Perhaps one of the most strategically significant uses of the Hacker is its ability to control the excavators. These machines can breach key areas, such as Tunnel 6 and Tunnel 11, removing oxygen and creating dangerous chokepoints.
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Stopping Excavators: You can prevent an excavator from breaching a tunnel by hacking the corresponding terminal, saving you from loss of oxygen and unwanted zombies.
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Calling Excavators: Conversely, you can also call an excavator on a specific tunnel. This is useful for creating strategic chokepoints, or for diverting zombies to other areas of the map.
Enemy Manipulation
Hacking can affect zombie AI in very specific situations:
- Hacking an Astronaut Zombie: Hacking an Astronaut Zombie will cause it to teleport away from the map, giving you breathing room.
Max Ammo and Fire Sale Alteration
The Hacker can also drastically alter power ups:
- Hacking a Max Ammo: Hacking a max ammo turns it into a Fire Sale and costs 5000 points.
Scoring Assistance
This is more situational, but hacking adds 100 points to your score, so it could be something that is useful if you just need a few more points to open a door.
Finding the Hacker
The Hacking device isn’t always readily available; it spawns in one of five locations within the “lab” area of Moon. These locations are:
- Behind the first door of the lab.
- On the first floor of the lab.
- On the second floor of the lab.
- Behind one more door on the third floor of the lab.
- On the third floor of the lab.
The Hacker appears on flat, work-like areas marked with a sheet of paper. Only one player can possess the Hacker at a time. Once a player picks it up, it is removed from the map for everyone else to pick up.
Mastering the Hacker: Strategic Tips
- Prioritize Excavator Control: Knowing when to stop or call excavators is crucial. Stopping them prevents oxygen loss, while calling them can create strategic chokepoints.
- Use Box Manipulation Wisely: Re-rolling weapons can be costly, so use it judiciously. Only re-roll when you truly need a different weapon.
- Coordinate with your Team: Communicate your intentions when using the Hacker, especially regarding excavator control and perk manipulation. Teamwork is essential for maximizing its benefits.
- Learn the Hacker Spawns: Knowing where the Hacker spawns saves valuable time in the early rounds.
The Hacker is a complex and powerful tool that can significantly impact your success on Moon. By understanding its various functions and strategic applications, you can dramatically improve your chances of survival and achieve high rounds. Consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society for deeper insights into the strategic complexities of games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Hacker FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. What happens if I hack the Mystery Box too many times?
There’s no limit to how many times you can hack the Mystery Box, but remember each hack costs points. Strategic usage is key!
2. Can I hack the Pack-a-Punch machine?
No, the Hacker cannot be used on the Pack-a-Punch machine.
3. What happens if I hack a zombie?
Hacking an Astronaut Zombie will cause it to teleport away from the map. Other than that, the hacker cannot directly affect zombies on the map.
4. Can I hack a teammate?
No, the Hacker can only be used on in-game objects and elements, not on other players.
5. Does the Hacker run out of power?
No, the Hacker has unlimited uses, but each use costs points.
6. What happens if I hack a wall weapon?
Hacking a wall weapon doesn’t change anything. It is a waste of points.
7. Can I use the Hacker to open doors for free?
While you can’t open doors for free, hacking them reduces their cost by 50%.
8. What happens if I lose the Hacker?
If you die while holding the Hacker, it will respawn in one of its designated locations in the lab area. Another player can pick it up again.
9. Can I hack the power-ups that spawn?
You can hack the Max Ammo power-up, but the other power-ups, such as Insta-Kill, Double Points, and Nuke, cannot be hacked.
10. Is the Hacker available in solo play?
Yes, the Hacker is available in both solo and co-op modes.
11. Does the Hacker work on other maps?
No, the Hacker is exclusive to the “Moon” map in Call of Duty: Black Ops and its remastered versions.
12. Can I hack the teleporter?
No, you cannot directly hack the teleporter.
13. What’s the best strategy for using the Hacker in high rounds?
Prioritize excavator control to maintain oxygen, reduce door costs for efficient movement, and strategically use the Mystery Box re-roll to acquire powerful weapons.
14. Does hacking increase my score?
Yes, hacking adds 100 points to your score each time it’s used. This makes it an easy way to get more points when you are a few short of opening a door.
15. Where can I learn more about advanced strategies for Moon?
Explore online communities, forums, and guides dedicated to Call of Duty Zombies. Sites like the Games Learning Society can provide valuable insights into the strategic aspects of gaming.