MW3 Zombie Guide | Tips For Staying Alive in Modern Warfare 3

Call of Duty

July 31, 2024

Andrew Ogunnaike

Every single time there’s a new CoD game, zombies comes up; one of the most recent iterations of this is Modern Warfare 3, so here’s our MW3 Zombie guide. It offers a thrilling, open-world experience with endless undead to take down.

We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that keep you on task to stay alive in this free-to-play mode.

MW3 Zombie Guide

Source | USA Today’s FTW

The MW3 Zombie mode is certainly one of the best Call of Duty Zombies games that you should try, if you still haven’t.

In order to make it easier to get in on the game, follow these tips to have an easier start.

Essence and Upgrades

These are the backbone of your Zombie runs. Essence replaces cash or credits from the older games, with MW3 leaning on a more fantastical theme to its Zombies maps. However, they function the same. Listed numbers are used for purchases of any kind.

Earning Essence

You can earn it by completing contracts, finding it in containers, or killing zombies. This Essence is crucial for buying new weapons and upgrades.

Pack-a-Punch

To upgrade your weapons, use the Pack-a-Punch machines, scattered across different levels. Upgrading your weapons increases their power and ammo capacity, making it essential for surviving tougher waves of zombies. Not all Pack-a-Punch weapons are necessarily popular; generally they follow the rule of Garbage in, Garbage Out. Something that you bought in the first room isn’t going to be putting in nearly as much work in later rounds even with an upgrade. You get what you pay for.

More and more weapons have been given the ability to be Pack-a-Punched again, you won’t necessarily get a brand new weapon, but the stats of the previous weapon will still get boosted, which helps you stay in the game during deep runs.

Survival Tips

Stay Mobile: Zombies swarm quickly, so keep moving. Use vehicles to hit and run or to mow down minor enemies.
Field Upgrades: Utilize powerful abilities like the Energy Mine to deal massive damage and control crowds. These upgrades recharge over time and can be a game-changer.
Big Magazines: Choose weapons with large magazines, like LMGs or expanded mag assault rifles, to handle large groups of zombies more efficiently. With a big magazine, you can spend more time staying on the run and moving, rather than having to plan for your next ammo up, or relying on Max Ammo drops.
Aim for the Head: Headshots give you a multiplier to your damage. You can cut down the amount of ammo you’re using and time taken per kill by keeping consistent aim on the head.

Getting Good Weapons fast in MW3 Zombie

Source | Hypnostic @ YouTube

Missions, Contracts and Strongholds: MW3 Zombie Guide

Completing missions and contracts not only advances the storyline, but also rewards you with valuable items like Ammo Mods, Aether Tools, and Aetherium Crystals. These items can significantly enhance your gameplay by adding damage effects and increasing weapon rarity. Heading into strongholds is another way to boost your essence if you’re feeling prepared enough.

Infested Strongholds and Aether Nests: These locations offer decent loot and Essence, but come with high risks. Bring a gas mask to handle the poisonous gas from the glowing yellow cysts inside.
Legacy Stronghold: For a big challenge, target the Legacy Stronghold in the north of the map. You’ll need a series of keycards to enter, and it’s packed with tough mercenaries, including an attack helicopter.

Modern Warfare Zombies mode is packed with action and strategy. By using this MW3 Zombie guide, you’ll be better prepared to face the undead and complete missions successfully.

Whether you’re upgrading your weapons, staying mobile, or tackling challenging strongholds, these strategies will help you survive and enjoy the thrilling world of MWZ.

Happy gaming!

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