Decoding the Tombstone: A Deep Dive into Black Ops 2 Zombies’ Revival Mechanic
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Tombstone Soda is a unique Perk-A-Cola introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies. Unlike typical perks that offer immediate benefits, Tombstone is designed as a second-chance mechanic. Essentially, upon death, it spawns a tombstone at the location where the player fell. This tombstone, visually similar to a power-up, can be reclaimed at the start of the following round, restoring the player to their former glory. However, there’s a catch: you do not get the weapon that you died with. Instead, you will regain all other perks that you had active upon death. This perk offers a strategic way to mitigate the punishment of death in the intense zombie survival mode. Let’s delve deeper into the functionality, benefits, and implications of this often-misunderstood perk.
How Does Tombstone Soda Function?
The Activation Process
Tombstone Soda isn’t a perk you’ll find in every Zombies map in Black Ops 2. It was introduced as part of the map Tranzit and Town and requires two or more players to be active in the game to appear in the Perk-a-Cola machine. Upon purchasing Tombstone for 2000 points, your character will acquire the perk.
Dying and the Tombstone
When you eventually fall victim to the undead horde, instead of simply being eliminated, a tombstone will materialize at your exact death location. This tombstone acts as a beacon, marking where you last fought, or failed to do so. You do not have to reclaim the tombstone immediately. It will sit until you decide to retrieve it at the beginning of the next round.
Reclaiming Your Perks
At the commencement of the subsequent round, you have the opportunity to retrieve the tombstone. Interacting with it will immediately restore all perks you possessed prior to your demise (except Tombstone itself). You do not regain the weapon you died with, requiring you to get your weapon back from the mystery box or off the wall.
Strategy and Considerations
Tombstone isn’t a perk to rely on every round as it requires you to die in order to have any affect. Instead, Tombstone is a useful tool when trying to take on certain challenges or when you have the misfortune of going down.
Strategic Advantages of Tombstone
While it doesn’t offer direct combat enhancements, Tombstone Soda provides some unique strategic advantages that can greatly benefit a team.
- Preserving Perks: This is arguably the most significant benefit of the perk. Losing perks after being downed is often a huge setback. Tombstone allows players to maintain their built-up perk loadout if they are revived by a teammate or at the start of the new round after losing the perk. This can save precious points, and time and keep you powerful.
- Team Support: In co-op mode, a strategic death with Tombstone can ensure the team doesn’t lose a vital teammate, as long as one other player survives the round to get the tombstone. The player that dies can come back at the start of the round with all their perks, ready to keep helping the team.
- Last Resort: When facing overwhelming odds, Tombstone provides a safety net. Players may opt to intentionally go down, knowing they will at least get their perks back at the beginning of the next round.
- Saving Points: By keeping all of the perks you had when you died, you will save points in the long run because you don’t have to go and re-buy all the perks when you get revived or if you go down alone and need to come back the next round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which maps feature Tombstone Soda?
Tombstone Soda is available on the maps Tranzit and Town in Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies. It is not available on all maps.
2. How much does Tombstone cost?
Tombstone Soda costs 2000 points per use. It’s a one-time purchase and stays active until the player is downed, or a round ends.
3. Does the Tombstone appear if I go down solo?
Yes, the tombstone appears even if you are playing solo. You will be able to retrieve it at the beginning of the next round.
4. Do I get my weapons back when retrieving the Tombstone?
No, retrieving the tombstone only restores your previously acquired perks (except Tombstone itself). You do not regain the weapon you died with.
5. What happens if I don’t retrieve the tombstone in the next round?
If you do not retrieve the tombstone at the start of the next round, it will disappear. The tombstone will only stay until the next round.
6. Can teammates reclaim my tombstone if I die?
Yes, a teammate can reclaim your tombstone at the beginning of the next round, giving you all of your old perks back when they revive you.
7. Does Tombstone stack with other perks?
Yes, Tombstone is designed to work with other perks, allowing you to regain your full perk set.
8. Why doesn’t Tombstone give me my weapon back?
This is a gameplay balancing decision. By not returning the weapon, players are incentivized to be more cautious and strategic in their weapon choice.
9. Is Tombstone worth buying?
Whether Tombstone is “worth it” depends on your playstyle. If you find yourself getting downed often, it’s a great way to save points and keep your perks.
10. How does Tombstone compare to Quick Revive?
Quick Revive is better for a one time revive but is gone after it’s used. Tombstone is better if you’re a player who goes down often but want to keep your perks. It will help you keep your perks until you die again.
11. Does Tombstone work with Mule Kick?
Yes, if you have Mule Kick and three weapons, Tombstone will restore your perks, including Mule Kick, but you will still need to get your third weapon again.
12. Can I get Tombstone twice in one game?
Yes, you can acquire Tombstone multiple times in a game, as long as you are downed and re-buy the perk.
13. Can I use Tombstone to transfer perks to other players?
No, you cannot transfer perks to other players through Tombstone. The tombstone only restores the perks to the player who died.
14. Is Tombstone Soda useful in high round attempts?
Yes, Tombstone is especially useful in high-round attempts where perk preservation is essential. You may not survive every round but you will have your perks back at the beginning of the next round.
15. Does the tombstone disappear if I get revived by Quick Revive?
Yes, if you use Quick Revive (with a teammate or alone) the tombstone will disappear and you will not get your tombstone if you are revived by quick revive. You must be revived after a new round has started to retrieve the tombstone.
Conclusion
Tombstone Soda provides a unique and strategic way to overcome the threat of death in Black Ops 2 Zombies. While it doesn’t offer immediate offensive or defensive bonuses like other perks, its ability to preserve hard-earned perks makes it a valuable tool for players who are prone to going down or want to play strategic. Understanding the mechanics and strategic applications of Tombstone will undoubtedly enhance your overall Zombies experience. It’s a testament to the intricate design of Black Ops 2 Zombies that even a perk centered around death can offer such a strategic depth.