Pack-a-Punch Locations: A Comprehensive Guide to Weapon Upgrades in Zombies

The Pack-a-Punch (PaP) machine is the cornerstone of any successful run in Call of Duty Zombies. It’s the mystical contraption that transforms your pea-shooter into a zombie-slaying behemoth, crucial for surviving high rounds. But locating it isn’t always straightforward. Its spawn location varies wildly depending on the map, and sometimes, even within a single map, it can move! This guide will explore the typical spawning behaviors of the Pack-a-Punch across various iconic Zombies maps.

Understanding Pack-a-Punch Spawns: A Map-by-Map Breakdown

The Pack-a-Punch’s location is not always static. It may require specific steps, like turning on the power or completing quests, to reveal its location. Here’s an overview of some of the classic Zombies maps and how to find the PaP:

• Kino Der Toten: One of the simpler setups. The PaP spawns in the theater stage area after linking the teleporters.
• Ascension: The PaP appears in the Lunar Lander starting area after at least one player uses all the Lunar Landers.
• Moon: Players must first dig up all the hidden canisters and complete the easter egg steps to enable the Pack-a-Punch.
• Origins: Requires activating all the generator stations throughout the map. Once powered, the PaP appears in the excavation site.
• Shadows of Evil: A complex process involving the ritual table, summoning the beast, and using it to unlock various areas. The PaP is located in the footlight district after completing these steps.
• Der Eisendrache: After launching all the rocket test sites, the PaP appears in the underground war room.
• Gorod Krovi: Players must complete the first dragon challenge to access the PaP, located near the Dragon Command.
• Revelations: The PaP spawns randomly in one of the sections based on previous maps, requiring exploration to find it each game.
• Mob of the Dead: Activate the power, then complete the ritual steps and access Pack-a-Punch room from the portal near the Warden’s office.
• Blood of the Dead: It initially spawns at the ‘Lower Grand Staircase’ but can move to the second power room.
• Ancient Evil: requires activating all the Braziers throughout the map to spawn in front of the oracle.
• Die Maschine: In Cold War, the Pack-a-Punch is located in the Crash Site in the Dark Aether. Players need to turn on the power and then travel to the Dark Aether to build it.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights the diverse methods required to access the coveted Pack-a-Punch machine. Always research the specific map to understand its unique activation process.

Pack-a-Punch: More Than Just an Upgrade

The Pack-a-Punch machine is more than just a place to upgrade your weapons; it’s often tied to the map’s narrative, Easter eggs, and strategic gameplay. Securing access to it usually marks a turning point in the game, allowing players to withstand increasingly challenging waves of zombies. Therefore, understanding how to activate and locate it is paramount to survival and success.

Pack-a-Punch: Costs & Effectiveness

The cost to Pack-a-Punch weapons can vary between games and even within a single game depending on the number of times a weapon has been packed. Generally, the first Pack-a-Punch costs the most, with subsequent upgrades being less expensive. Pack-a-Punch upgrades also provide additional benefits beyond damage increase, such as larger magazines, faster reload speeds, and unique ammo types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pack-a-Punch

Here are some frequently asked questions to further expand your knowledge of the Pack-a-Punch machine:

1. What exactly does Pack-a-Punch do?

The Pack-a-Punch machine upgrades your weapons, increasing their damage output, magazine size, ammo capacity, and sometimes adding special effects or unique ammo types, significantly enhancing their effectiveness against zombies.

2. How much does it typically cost to Pack-a-Punch a weapon?

The cost varies by game and can change between Pack-a-Punch levels, but generally, the first Pack-a-Punch upgrade costs between 5,000 and 7,500 points. Subsequent upgrades usually cost less.

3. Can you Pack-a-Punch multiple times?

Yes, in many Call of Duty Zombies games, you can Pack-a-Punch a weapon multiple times. Each upgrade provides additional benefits.

4. What are some of the best weapons to Pack-a-Punch?

The best weapons to Pack-a-Punch depend on the specific game and player preference. However, popular choices often include powerful assault rifles, light machine guns, and shotguns that benefit significantly from the increased damage and magazine size.

5. Does the Pack-a-Punch machine move locations on some maps?

Yes, on certain maps like Blood of the Dead, the Pack-a-Punch can move to different locations throughout the game, typically triggered by specific events or reaching certain rounds.

6. Do all Zombies maps have a Pack-a-Punch machine?

Almost all, but not all. Maps like “Five” (from the original Black Ops) don’t feature a traditional Pack-a-Punch machine but have a similar weapon upgrade system.

7. What are the special ammo types you can get from Pack-a-Punch?

Special ammo types vary by game and weapon but can include effects like fire damage (Fire Works or Blast Furnace), electric damage (Dead Wire), turning zombies (Turned), or creating a damaging blast (Thunder Wall).

8. Is it always necessary to turn on the power to access the Pack-a-Punch?

Not always, but it is common. On many maps, turning on the power is a prerequisite to unlocking the Pack-a-Punch machine or other essential areas required to access it.

9. Can you Pack-a-Punch the Ray Gun?

Yes, the Ray Gun can be Pack-a-Punched. Its upgraded version typically has increased damage, magazine size, and sometimes additional effects like area-of-effect damage.

10. What happens if you lose a Pack-a-Punched weapon?

If you lose a Pack-a-Punched weapon, you will need to reacquire it and re-Pack-a-Punch it, incurring the cost again. Losing a Pack-a-Punched weapon can be a significant setback.

11. Is there a strategy to decide which weapons to Pack-a-Punch?

Yes, a good strategy is to Pack-a-Punch weapons that complement your playstyle and are effective at handling different types of zombies. For example, a high-damage weapon for tougher zombies and a weapon with crowd control abilities for hordes.

12. How does Mule Kick affect Pack-a-Punching?

Mule Kick allows you to carry three weapons, giving you more options for Pack-a-Punching. However, if you lose Mule Kick, you will lose the third weapon, potentially losing a valuable Pack-a-Punched weapon.

13. Are there any achievements or trophies related to Pack-a-Punching?

Yes, many Call of Duty Zombies games have achievements or trophies related to using the Pack-a-Punch machine, such as Pack-a-Punching a certain number of weapons or unlocking all the available ammo types.

14. What is the best strategy for using the Pack-a-Punch in early rounds?

In the early rounds, focus on earning points efficiently by using starting weapons and melee attacks. Save your points to Pack-a-Punch a weapon as soon as it becomes necessary to handle the increasingly difficult zombie waves.

15. Where can I learn more about the strategies used by experts?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) provides great insights into the strategies used by expert gamers. It is important to review some of these insights as well.

Understanding the nuances of the Pack-a-Punch machine is essential for mastering Call of Duty Zombies. Its strategic use can drastically improve your survival chances and overall enjoyment of the game. Happy zombie hunting!