What Does the Perk PhD Do? A Comprehensive Guide to PhD in Call of Duty Zombies
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The PhD perk in Call of Duty Zombies fundamentally alters how players interact with the game’s environment, primarily by manipulating the mechanics of explosions and fall damage. In its various iterations across different Zombies maps, PhD consistently provides explosive damage protection and the ability to trigger explosions, but the specifics of how these effects are delivered and the added benefits vary significantly. In short, the PhD perk is a game-changer for aggressive players, turning potential hazards into tools for zombie annihilation. This perk has been manifested in two main variations: PhD Flopper and PhD Slider, each with its unique approach to explosive power. Let’s delve into these.
PhD Flopper: The Original Explosive Master
PhD Flopper, the original iteration of the perk, made its debut in Call of Duty: Black Ops. Its core function was to grant immunity to fall damage and explosive damage. Beyond this crucial protection, the perk’s defining feature was its ability to trigger explosions when the player dived or “flopped” from a significant height. This allowed players to weaponize their falls, turning potentially lethal situations into tactical opportunities.
How PhD Flopper Works
- Fall Damage Immunity: Players with PhD Flopper are entirely immune to fall damage, no matter the height.
- Explosive Immunity: Players with the perk equipped take no damage from explosions, whether they are self-inflicted or caused by enemy attacks.
- Dive Explosion: When a player dives from a considerable height, a small explosion is triggered upon landing. This explosion damages nearby zombies.
- Explosion Strength: The strength of the explosion caused by the dive increases up to approximately round 20, and will kill all zombies outright. However, between rounds 20 and 30, the explosion begins to make crawlers instead of killing them outright, and past round 30, zombies will keep their legs, even in the center of the blast. Kills from the explosion only yield 50 points.
Why Treyarch “Hates” PhD Flopper
Despite its popularity, PhD Flopper was notably absent from later Call of Duty Zombies titles like Black Ops 3 and Black Ops 4. This is because the core mechanic of PhD Flopper – relying on dives from great heights to trigger explosions – became increasingly difficult to implement in newer map designs. The design philosophy of these later maps leaned towards more constrained areas and complex verticality that didn’t easily lend themselves to the consistent use of diving and triggering explosions. This design change is why other, alternative variants of PhD were developed, eventually leading to PhD Slider.
PhD Slider: A Modern Take on Explosive Mobility
PhD Slider is the modern iteration of the perk and was introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. It retains the spirit of PhD Flopper by granting the player an offensive explosive capability but uses the act of sliding, rather than diving, to trigger it.
How PhD Slider Works
- Slide Explosion: Players who have PhD Slider equipped generate an explosive burst of Aetherium energy when they slide into zombies.
- No Charge-Up Required: Unlike some earlier versions of PhD, the explosion is instantly triggered and does not require any charging.
- Damage Scaling: The damage dealt by the slide explosion is determined by the distance the player slid prior to making contact with zombies. The longer the slide, the more damage it does.
- Explosive Immunity: Unlike PhD Flopper, PhD Slider doesn’t grant immunity to all explosive damage, only that of the explosions generated from the perk, which in turn allows players to safely use explosive weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PhD
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the PhD perk to further expand your knowledge:
1. How much does PhD cost?
Both PhD Flopper and PhD Slider typically cost 2000 Points each time you purchase them.
2. What kind of damage is the explosion from PhD?
The explosions caused by both PhD Flopper and PhD Slider deal explosive damage.
3. Can PhD Flopper kill zombies outright?
Yes, PhD Flopper’s explosion can kill zombies outright up to approximately round 20. Beyond that, it will start to only create crawlers before eventually no longer dismembering zombies past round 30.
4. Does PhD Slider give fall damage protection?
No, PhD Slider does not provide any immunity to fall damage.
5. How many Perk-a-Colas can I have at once?
Typically, you can have a maximum of four Perks at once. However, special methods can sometimes allow you to exceed this limit.
6. What map was PhD Flopper first introduced on?
PhD Flopper first appeared on the Ascension map in Call of Duty: Black Ops.
7. What map was PhD Slider first introduced on?
PhD Slider was first introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
8. How does PhD compare to other explosive perks like Electric Cherry?
While Electric Cherry provides a defensive shockwave upon reloading, PhD is focused on enabling proactive explosive tactics through dives or slides.
9. Is PhD useful in all Zombies maps?
The utility of PhD can vary depending on the specific map. Maps with large open spaces are ideal for PhD Flopper, while maps with more confined environments might favor the use of PhD Slider.
10. Can I get more than one PhD perk at a time?
You can only have one PhD perk at a time, but they are not mutually exclusive to other perks.
11. What are the best strategies for using PhD?
For PhD Flopper, look for opportunities to dive from elevated positions while being surrounded by zombies. For PhD Slider, take advantage of long, open corridors for maximum slide damage.
12. Does PhD affect other explosives?
PhD Flopper provides total explosive immunity, while PhD Slider only protects against the damage of its own triggered explosions, which makes the usage of explosive weaponry safe when having the perk.
13. Why do I get only 50 points for kills with PhD Flopper?
Kills from PhD Flopper’s explosion only award 50 points because they are considered to be from an explosive source, similar to grenades and other explosives. This is intended as a balancing mechanic.
14. Can other players be hurt by my PhD explosions?
No, the explosions created by both PhD Flopper and PhD Slider only damage zombies and do not harm other players.
15. Which version of PhD is better?
The better version is subjective to player preference. PhD Flopper is more suited to those that prefer the map to do more of the work, whereas PhD Slider encourages a more player-driven proactive approach. Ultimately, the best version is the one that best suits your playstyle and the specific map you are playing on.
In conclusion, the PhD perk, whether as Flopper or Slider, significantly changes the way players engage with Call of Duty Zombies. By providing explosive damage mitigation and the ability to weaponize movement, this perk continues to be a fan favorite for players who love an aggressive and explosive playstyle. Understanding the nuances of each version is crucial for mastering your gameplay and maximizing your chances of survival.