What to Upgrade First in Cold War Zombies: A Veteran’s Guide

Alright, rookie, let’s cut to the chase. You’re jumping into Cold War Zombies, facing hordes of undead, and you’re wondering where to invest your precious Aetherium Crystals first. The answer, without hesitation, is your Weapon Classes. Specifically, prioritize Weapon Mods.

Why Weapon Mods above all else? Simple: they provide the most immediate and impactful boost to your damage output and overall survivability. While Field Upgrades and Perks offer valuable strategic advantages, Weapon Mods directly translate into killing power. Early rounds are all about conserving ammo and building up resources, and a weapon that can consistently down zombies with fewer shots is crucial. Think of it as an investment that pays dividends from round one. Subsequent upgrades should focus on your preferred Perk tiers and Field Upgrades based on your playstyle, but Weapon Classes and Weapon Mods are your initial foothold in the undead apocalypse.

Diving Deeper: Why Weapon Mods Reign Supreme

Let’s unpack why focusing on Weapon Mods initially is the optimal strategy.

• Damage Multipliers: Weapon Mods like Dead Wire, Brain Rot, and Cryofreeze add elemental damage to your weapons, drastically increasing their effectiveness against zombies. This is especially critical in the early rounds when your weapons are weaker and ammo is scarce.

• Crowd Control: Mods like Brain Rot and Cryofreeze provide invaluable crowd control effects. Brain Rot can turn zombies against their own kind, creating temporary allies and diversions. Cryofreeze slows enemies, making them easier to manage and preventing them from overwhelming you.

• Economic Efficiency: The faster you can eliminate zombies, the more points you earn. More points translate to quicker access to Perks, upgraded weapons, and other essential resources. Weapon Mods directly contribute to this economic cycle.

• Survivability: A weapon that can quickly dispatch hordes allows you to maintain a safe distance and avoid being cornered. This is especially important in the early rounds when your health and armor are limited.

While Perks and Field Upgrades are undeniably important, they don’t provide the same immediate and significant boost to your damage output as Weapon Mods. Therefore, prioritize Weapon Mods first, then branch out to other upgrades as needed.

The Upgrade Path: A Strategic Approach

Once you’ve committed to upgrading Weapon Classes, the order in which you unlock tiers matters.

1. Weapon Mods: As stated, this is your top priority. Max out your preferred Weapon Mods to gain access to their most potent effects. Experiment with different mods to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and weapon choices.

2. Weapon Level: Increases the effectiveness of your weapon class, providing overall statistical buffs. It’s a general investment but worth it for your most used weapon class.

3. Ammo Mods: Improves the effects of your ammo mods, such as increased damage, duration, or effectiveness of the special ability.

After focusing on Weapon Classes, consider the following:

1. Perk Tiers: Choose Perks that complement your playstyle. If you prefer a fast-paced, aggressive approach, prioritize Perks like Stamin-Up and Speed Cola. If you prefer a more cautious, strategic approach, prioritize Perks like Juggernog and Quick Revive.

2. Field Upgrade Tiers: Experiment with different Field Upgrades to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. Healing Aura is a popular choice for its ability to provide quick and reliable healing, while Aether Shroud is useful for escaping sticky situations.

Cold War Zombies FAQs: Level Up Your Knowledge

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Cold War Zombies upgrades:

1. What are Aetherium Crystals, and how do I get them?

Aetherium Crystals are the primary currency used to upgrade Skill Tiers in Cold War Zombies. You earn them by reaching high rounds in matches, completing main quests, and completing Daily Challenges. Raw Aetherium Crystals are earned by reaching round milestones, while Refined Aetherium Crystals are earned by reaching even higher rounds. Flawless Aetherium Crystals are only rewarded for completing all the Main Quests.

2. Can I reset my upgrades and get my Aetherium Crystals back?

No, you cannot reset your upgrades and refund your Aetherium Crystals in Cold War Zombies. Choose your upgrades carefully and consider the long-term implications of your decisions.

3. Which Weapon Mod is the best overall?

There is no definitive “best” Weapon Mod, as the optimal choice depends on your playstyle and the map you’re playing. However, Dead Wire and Brain Rot are generally considered to be highly effective due to their damage output and crowd control capabilities, respectively.

4. Should I upgrade all the Perks, or just the ones I use?

Focus on upgrading the Perks you use most frequently. While it’s tempting to upgrade everything, prioritizing your preferred Perks will provide the most immediate benefit. As you acquire more Aetherium Crystals, you can gradually upgrade other Perks.

5. What’s the difference between Skill Tiers and Weapon Classes?

Skill Tiers refer to the upgrades available for Perks, Field Upgrades, and Ammo Mods. Weapon Classes refer to the upgrades available for weapon categories like Assault Rifles, SMGs, and Shotguns.

6. Does upgrading Weapon Classes affect all weapons in that category?

Yes, upgrading a Weapon Class affects all weapons within that category. For example, upgrading the Assault Rifle Weapon Class will improve the performance of all Assault Rifles, regardless of their specific stats.

7. How do I unlock higher tiers of upgrades?

You unlock higher tiers of upgrades by spending Aetherium Crystals on lower tiers. Each Skill Tier has multiple tiers of upgrades that are available for unlocking. You must unlock the previous tier to unlock the next one.

8. Is it better to upgrade a few things to the max, or spread my Aetherium Crystals around?

It’s generally better to focus on upgrading a few key things to the max, rather than spreading your Aetherium Crystals too thin. Prioritize Weapon Mods, your preferred Perks, and your go-to Field Upgrade.

9. What is the best field upgrade?

Again, no definitive “best,” but Healing Aura and Aether Shroud are very popular because of their survivability applications. Healing Aura instantly heals you and your teammates, while Aether Shroud provides temporary invisibility and makes you untargetable.

10. What’s the best strategy for earning Aetherium Crystals quickly?

Focus on reaching high rounds in matches and completing Daily Challenges. Playing on maps with efficient training spots can help you reach higher rounds more consistently.

11. Do Weapon Classes upgrade starting weapons?

Yes, Weapon Classes do affect the starting pistol as long as it is of a type for which a Weapon Class exists. So, for example, upgrading the Pistol weapon class will improve the starting 1911.

12. How important is it to upgrade my armor?

Upgrading your armor is crucial for survivability. It provides a significant damage reduction, allowing you to withstand more hits from zombies. Prioritize upgrading your armor as soon as possible.

13. What is the best Perk to upgrade first?

Juggernog is an excellent choice for early upgrades. The extra health is crucial for surviving the early rounds. Other good early perks include quick revive and stamina up.

14. Do upgrades carry over between matches?

Yes, upgrades are permanent and carry over between matches. Once you’ve unlocked a Skill Tier or Weapon Class upgrade, it will remain unlocked for future games.

15. Where can I learn more about optimal strategies for Cold War Zombies?

Consult resources like YouTube guides, Reddit forums dedicated to Cold War Zombies, or communities like the Games Learning Society. Exploring resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org can offer insight into the evolving tactics and strategies within the game and foster a deeper understanding of game mechanics.

By following this guide and understanding the importance of Weapon Mods, you’ll be well on your way to surviving and thriving in Cold War Zombies. Now get out there and put those undead back in the ground!