What is the V-R11 in Call of Duty Zombies?
The V-R11 is a unique and powerful Wonder Weapon featured in the Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies map, Call of the Dead. It is a semi-automatic weapon that doesn’t deal direct damage in the traditional sense. Instead, the V-R11 is primarily designed to transform zombies back into humans. This transformation is temporary, but it can be a lifesaver during a tight situation. This special weapon also has specific interactions with the map’s boss, George A. Romero, adding another layer of strategic depth to its use. The V-R11 is more of a tactical tool than a straightforward damage dealer, requiring players to use it strategically for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding the V-R11’s Core Function
The primary function of the V-R11 is to turn zombies back into humans. When a zombie is hit by the V-R11’s projectile, it temporarily reverts to a human form. These humanized zombies will not attack the player, providing a brief reprieve from the horde. This window of opportunity can be crucial for reviving teammates, escaping a corner, or regrouping. However, the effect is not permanent; after a short duration, the transformed zombies will revert back to their undead state. Because of this limitation, the V-R11 is not a tool for permanently clearing the map but rather a method of strategic crowd control. This makes positioning and timing incredibly important when wielding the V-R11.
The Lazarus Upgrade
The V-R11 can be upgraded into the V-R11 Lazarus. This upgraded version retains the core functionality of humanizing zombies, but with a critical addition. If a zombie is shot three times with the V-R11 Lazarus, it will explode, killing all other zombies in its vicinity. This explosive effect makes the Lazarus a much more effective crowd-control tool and allows players to thin out hordes more effectively. Additionally, achieving this explosive effect for the first time awards the player with the “Stuntman” achievement or trophy.
Special Interaction with George A. Romero
The V-R11 also has a specific and complex interaction with George A. Romero, the boss enemy in Call of the Dead. When used on Romero:
- Calming & Anger: If Romero is in his “angered” state (indicated by a red glow on the light he carries), shooting him with the V-R11 will temporarily return him to his calmer state. However, this is only temporary as after about 10-15 seconds he will return to an angered state. Conversely, if he is calm, the V-R11 will anger him.
- Damage and Retreat: Repeated shots from the upgraded V-R11 Lazarus, especially if Romero is lured to the water near the spawn, can cause him to retreat back under the water for a round or two. Sustained fire from the V-R11, also, will cause him to be temporarily knocked down for a couple of rounds.
- No Healing: It is important to note that while using the V-R11 on George can provide some respite, it will not heal him. The only way he recharges his health is when he retreats and returns for a new round.
- Attracts Romero: Shooting a zombie with the V-R11 Lazarus will draw Romero’s attention to the player.
Strategic Use of the V-R11
The V-R11 is most effective when used strategically, not simply as a weapon for direct combat. Consider these strategies:
- Creating Escape Routes: The V-R11 allows players to create brief moments of safety by converting zombies, allowing for a quick escape from tight spots.
- Reviving Teammates: Using the V-R11 to momentarily convert surrounding zombies can provide a crucial window to safely revive downed teammates.
- Controlling George A. Romero: Utilizing the V-R11 to calm Romero for a short period can be critical for making strategic moves or evading him when overwhelmed.
- Crowd Control: The upgraded V-R11 Lazarus is best used in order to cause chain explosions, thinning out zombie hordes quickly.
- Luring Romero: Exploiting the upgraded version’s ability to attract Romero can be used to lure him into strategic positions.
The V-R11, and especially the V-R11 Lazarus, are not about brute force, but rather manipulation and tactical timing within the chaotic gameplay of Call of Duty Zombies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the V-R11 deal damage to zombies directly?
No, the base V-R11 does not deal direct damage. It temporarily transforms zombies into humans. Only the upgraded version, the V-R11 Lazarus, causes damage through explosions.
2. How does the V-R11 affect George A. Romero?
The V-R11 can calm an angered Romero temporarily, and can also anger him if he is calm. Repeated shots can force him to retreat, and upgraded shots will attract his attention.
3. What is the upgrade for the V-R11?
The upgraded version of the V-R11 is called the V-R11 Lazarus.
4. How do you make a zombie explode with the V-R11?
You must use the V-R11 Lazarus. Hitting a zombie three times with it will cause the zombie to explode.
5. Can the V-R11 be used to permanently get rid of zombies?
No, the V-R11 can only temporarily turn zombies into humans. They will eventually revert back to being zombies.
6. Does the V-R11 Lazarus cause friendly fire?
Yes, the explosion caused by the V-R11 Lazarus can hurt other players, so be mindful of your teammates’ positioning.
7. How often can you calm down Romero with the V-R11?
You can calm Romero repeatedly but he will automatically be angered again after 10-15 seconds.
8. Does George A. Romero have more health based on how many players are present?
Yes, George’s health increases with the number of players. He has 250,000 health for each player, up to 1,000,000 in a 4-player game.
9. Does the water heal George A. Romero?
No, the water does not heal George. His health only recharges when he retreats back into the water.
10. Does the V-R11 Lazarus increase his health when he retreats?
No, when he retreats his health will be back to full, the V-R11 does not add to the health.
11. Does the water calm George A. Romero?
No, only the V-R11 is able to calm George down temporarily. The water only changes his movement.
12. Can George A. Romero be killed?
No, George A. Romero cannot be killed. You can only force him to retreat by shooting him enough and by using the V-R11 or the V-R11 Lazarus.
13. What achievement or trophy do you get for making a zombie explode for the first time?
You receive the “Stuntman” achievement or trophy for making a zombie explode with the V-R11 Lazarus for the first time.
14. Is George A. Romero a zombie or an enemy in Call of Duty?
George is not a typical zombie. He is a special, non-playable enemy character, based on the real-life horror director George A. Romero, and acts as the boss of the Call of the Dead map.
15. Is the V-R11 a must have weapon on Call of the Dead?
The V-R11 is a key weapon on the map due to its ability to control the hordes of zombies and George A. Romero. It is not a must have for surviving, however, understanding how it works will help players in the long run.