The Ultimate Guide: Choosing the Best Gun in Call of Duty Zombies
The best gun in Call of Duty Zombies isn’t a simple answer – it depends heavily on the game, the map, your playstyle, and your round. However, consistently across various titles, the Ray Gun stands out as a top contender, often considered the best Wonder Weapon. While readily available wall weapons like the M16 (BO1) and XM4 (Cold War) are great choices, the Ray Gun’s unparalleled damage output, combined with its effectiveness against hordes, makes it a zombie-slaying powerhouse. Other viable options include the Thundergun, the Hauer 77 (Outbreak), and well-upgraded assault rifles.
Understanding the Zombie Arsenal: What Makes a Gun “Good”?
Choosing the right weapon in Call of Duty Zombies is crucial for survival. But what qualities elevate a gun from merely adequate to truly exceptional? Several factors contribute to a weapon’s effectiveness:
Damage Output: The Key to Zombie Domination
Arguably, the most important characteristic of a good Zombies gun is its damage. A gun that can consistently dispatch zombies with fewer shots is always preferable. High damage is especially crucial in later rounds when zombie health increases exponentially.
Ammo Capacity and Efficiency: Staying in the Fight
Even the most powerful gun is useless if you’re constantly running out of ammo. Look for weapons with decent magazine sizes and reserve ammo. Consider how efficiently the gun uses its ammo, too. A gun that deals a lot of damage per shot, even with a smaller magazine, can be very effective. Pack-a-Punching is crucial to increase ammo capacity.
Fire Rate: Clearing Hordes Quickly
A high fire rate allows you to quickly eliminate large groups of zombies, buying you precious time and space. Weapons with a rapid fire rate are particularly useful when cornered or facing a massive wave.
Accuracy and Range: Hitting Your Target
While close-quarters combat is common in Zombies, having a gun with good accuracy and range can be invaluable for picking off zombies from a distance, preventing them from closing in and overwhelming you. Weapons with scopes become very useful.
Mobility and Handling: Staying Agile
Zombies require you to be constantly on the move. A gun that slows you down or is difficult to handle can be a liability. Lighter weapons and those with good handling characteristics are generally better for maneuvering through the undead hordes.
Pack-a-Punch Potential: Unleashing the True Power
The Pack-a-Punch machine dramatically enhances weapons, increasing their damage, ammo capacity, and often adding special effects. The best Zombies guns are those that benefit the most from being Pack-a-Punched.
Top Contenders: A Look at the Best Guns Across Different Games
While the Ray Gun holds a special place, several other weapons excel in specific Call of Duty Zombies games:
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Call of Duty: World at War: The Ray Gun is king, but the MP40 and BAR (Pack-a-Punched) are solid choices as well.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops: The Ray Gun is a top choice, alongside the Thundergun, M16, and AK74u (Pack-a-Punched). Having easy access to ammo via wall buys is crucial.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops II: The Ray Gun Mark II, Thundergun, and AN-94 (Pack-a-Punched) are standout weapons.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops III: The Ray Gun, Apothicon Servant, and upgraded Bows on Der Eisendrache are extremely powerful.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 4: The Ray Gun, Thundergun, and upgraded versions of various assault rifles perform well.
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Call of Duty: Cold War: The Ray Gun, DIE Machine, Hauer 77 (Outbreak), and well-upgraded assault rifles like the XM4 are excellent options.
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Call of Duty: Vanguard: The Ray Gun as well as weapons that are strong in the early rounds.
Beyond the Guns: Strategies and Playstyles
Even with the best gun, you’ll struggle in Zombies without a solid strategy. Some popular strategies include:
- Training: Gathering a large group of zombies and running them in a circle to create space for shooting.
- Camping: Holding down a specific location with good defensive capabilities.
- Utilizing Wonder Weapons: Strategically using Wonder Weapons to clear hordes or escape dangerous situations.
No matter your strategy, remember to prioritize reviving teammates, managing your resources, and adapting to the changing situation.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Zombie-Slaying Weapon
The “best” gun in Call of Duty Zombies is subjective and depends on several factors. However, by considering the weapon’s damage, ammo efficiency, fire rate, accuracy, mobility, and Pack-a-Punch potential, you can make an informed decision and choose the gun that best suits your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. And remember, teamwork and strategy are just as important as having the best weapon.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best starting weapon in Zombies?
The best starting weapon varies between games. In some titles, the M1911 or pistol is sufficient for the first few rounds. In Call of Duty: Cold War, the Hauer 77 shotgun is a very popular choice because of its high damage.
2. Is the Ray Gun always the best gun?
While the Ray Gun is a very powerful weapon, it’s not always the absolute best in every situation. Some Wonder Weapons (like the Thundergun) can be better for crowd control, and certain Pack-a-Punched weapons might have higher sustained damage output.
3. What does “Pack-a-Punch” do?
The Pack-a-Punch machine upgrades weapons, significantly increasing their damage, ammo capacity, and often adding special effects like elemental damage or increased fire rate. It’s essential for surviving higher rounds.
4. What is a “Wonder Weapon”?
Wonder Weapons are powerful and unique weapons that are typically found in the Mystery Box. They often have special abilities or deal massive damage.
5. How do I get better at aiming in Zombies?
Practice! Use lower sensitivity settings, focus on aiming for the head, and learn the recoil patterns of your favorite weapons.
6. What’s the best strategy for high rounds in Zombies?
A combination of training zombies in a consistent loop, using Wonder Weapons strategically, and efficient resource management (ammo, perks, etc.) is crucial for high rounds.
7. Are shotguns good in Zombies?
Shotguns can be very effective, especially in the early to mid rounds. Some shotguns, like the Hauer 77 in Cold War, remain viable even in later rounds with upgrades.
8. What are the best perks to use in Zombies?
The best perks depend on the game and your playstyle. Some essential perks include Juggernog (increased health), Speed Cola (faster reloading), Quick Revive (faster revive speed), and Stamin-Up (increased sprint speed).
9. Is the Mystery Box worth using?
The Mystery Box can be a gamble, but it’s often the only way to obtain Wonder Weapons. Weigh the cost against the potential reward.
10. How do I survive the early rounds in Zombies?
Focus on conserving ammo, using melee attacks when possible, and boarding up windows to slow down the zombies.
11. What’s the hardest Zombies map?
This is subjective, but many players consider Nacht Der Untoten (lack of features and space) and Shangri-La (tight corridors and complex layout) to be among the most difficult.
12. What’s the easiest Zombies map?
Maps like Kino Der Toten (Black Ops) and Firebase Z (Cold War) are often considered easier due to their simple layouts and ample training space.
13. How do I revive a teammate in Zombies?
Approach a downed teammate and hold the interact button (usually Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox, or E on PC). Be aware of your surroundings and clear out zombies before attempting a revive.
14. What does “training” zombies mean?
“Training” refers to the strategy of leading a large group of zombies around a map in a consistent loop, creating space to shoot them.
15. Does Pack-a-Punching a weapon change its stats?
Yes! Pack-a-Punching typically increases a weapon’s damage, ammo capacity, and sometimes other stats like fire rate or accuracy. It also often adds special effects.