Tombstone in Zombies: A Deep Dive into Undying Mechanics

Tombstone is a Perk-a-Cola featured in various Call of Duty Zombies modes. Its primary function is to provide a safety net upon death, giving players a chance to recover their lost gear. The specific mechanics and effectiveness of Tombstone have evolved across different games and maps. Generally, when a player with Tombstone dies, they leave behind a tombstone (or a stash) containing their weapons and sometimes their perks. Retrieving this tombstone in the following round allows the player to reclaim their lost possessions, providing a crucial advantage in surviving the zombie hordes.

Understanding Tombstone’s Iterations

The Tombstone perk isn’t static; its functionality varies across different Call of Duty Zombies experiences. In Black Ops 2, for example, Tombstone allowed you to drop a tombstone power-up that preserved your weapons upon death. However, this version was somewhat unreliable, as the tombstone could disappear or be difficult to reach.

In Black Ops Cold War, Tombstone Soda received a significant overhaul. It became part of the perk tier system, offering various benefits as you upgraded it. At its core, Tombstone allowed you to drop a stash containing your weapons, equipment, and resources upon death. The tiers enhanced this ability by providing health regeneration in shadow form (before fully dying) and increasing the downed duration.

Why Use Tombstone?

The primary reason to use Tombstone is to mitigate the setback of death. In high-round Zombies games, losing your upgraded weapons and valuable perks can be devastating. Tombstone offers a second chance, allowing you to quickly recover and continue your survival efforts. This is especially useful when playing with friends, as you can rely on them to protect your tombstone while you respawn and retrieve your gear.

Strategic Considerations for Tombstone

While Tombstone can be a lifesaver, it’s not a universally essential perk. Its effectiveness depends on your playstyle and the specific map you’re playing on. Here are a few strategic considerations:

• Map Layout: On large, open maps, retrieving your tombstone can be risky, especially if it’s far from the starting area.
• Team Coordination: Tombstone is most effective when you have teammates who can cover you while you retrieve your gear.
• Perk Combinations: Consider how Tombstone synergizes with other perks. For example, Juggernog and Quick Revive are generally considered higher priorities for survival.
• Alternative Strategies: In some cases, it might be more efficient to focus on consistently earning points and re-buying weapons and perks rather than relying on Tombstone.

Tombstone: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Tombstone Soda do in Black Ops 2?

In Black Ops 2, Tombstone Soda costs 2000 points and allows you to drop a tombstone power-up where you died. This tombstone preserves the last weapons you held. If you can reach the tombstone in the next round, you can retrieve those weapons.

How reliable was Tombstone in Black Ops 2?

The Black Ops 2 version of Tombstone was often considered unreliable. The tombstone could sometimes disappear, or the area where you died might become too dangerous to retrieve it safely.

How does Tombstone work in Black Ops Cold War?

In Black Ops Cold War, Tombstone Soda has tiered upgrades. At its base, it drops a Tombstone stash containing your weapons, equipment, and resources upon death. Upgrading it adds health regeneration in shadow form and increases your downed duration.

What are the tiers of Tombstone in Cold War?

The tiers of Tombstone in Cold War are as follows:

• Tier I: Shadow form can regenerate health.
• Tier II: Increase downed duration to 60 seconds.
• Tier III: On death, drop a Tombstone stash that saves your weapons, equipment, and resources.

Does Tombstone save my perks?

In some versions, like the original Black Ops 2 iteration, Tombstone primarily focused on saving your weapons. However, in the Cold War version, the Tombstone stash saves your equipment and resources as well. The earlier version found in Black Ops 2 allows you to retrieve all perks except Tombstone.

How much does Tombstone cost?

The cost of Tombstone Soda is typically 2000 points in the versions where it’s a Perk-a-Cola. This price has remained consistent in both Black Ops 2 and some other iterations.

Is Tombstone worth buying?

The value of Tombstone depends on your playstyle and the map. If you often go down, it can be a valuable safety net. However, if you’re a skilled player who rarely dies, other perks might offer more significant benefits.

What happens if I don’t retrieve my tombstone?

If you don’t retrieve your tombstone in the following round, it will disappear, and you’ll lose the weapons and items it contained. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize retrieving your tombstone as soon as possible after respawning.

Can teammates protect my tombstone?

Yes, having teammates protect your Tombstone is highly beneficial. They can clear out zombies and provide cover while you retrieve your gear, significantly increasing your chances of success.

Does Tombstone work in solo mode?

Yes, Tombstone works in solo mode. However, retrieving your tombstone can be more challenging without teammates to provide support.

What are the best perk combinations with Tombstone?

Good perk combinations with Tombstone include Juggernog (for increased health), Quick Revive (for faster revive speed in solo or reduced revive time in co-op), and Speed Cola (for faster reloading).

Is Tombstone better than other survival perks?

Whether Tombstone is better than other survival perks depends on your priorities. Juggernog and Quick Revive are generally considered essential for survival, while Tombstone offers a second chance to recover from death.

How does Tombstone compare to Who’s Who?

Tombstone and Who’s Who are both perks that activate upon death, but they function differently. Tombstone allows you to retrieve your weapons and equipment, while Who’s Who turns you into a clone that can revive yourself. Who’s Who is only available in the map Die Rise.

Does Tombstone affect my score?

No, Tombstone does not directly affect your score. However, by allowing you to recover your weapons and equipment, it can indirectly contribute to earning more points by killing zombies more efficiently.

How has Tombstone evolved across different Call of Duty games?

Tombstone has evolved significantly. In Black Ops 2, it was a simple perk that dropped a tombstone with your weapons. In Black Ops Cold War, it became a tiered perk with additional benefits like health regeneration and increased downed duration. These changes reflect the ongoing evolution of the Zombies mode and its mechanics.

Understanding Tombstone and its nuances can significantly improve your survivability and success in Call of Duty Zombies. By strategically utilizing this perk, you can mitigate the setbacks of death and continue your fight against the undead horde. If you want to learn more about the science of gaming and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.