The new Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 brings a fresh twist, drawing inspiration from Warzone 2's DMZ. Dubbed MWZ, this mode thrusts you and your squadmates into the heart of the Urzikstan Exclusion Zone, where survival is paramount.
In MWZ, you'll navigate an open world teeming with both undead hordes and hostile mercenaries. Your objective? Survive long enough to secure an extraction. Along the way, you'll scavenge for unconventional weapons and perks, all while tackling Contracts to earn Essence. This precious resource allows you to upgrade your arsenal, enabling deeper exploration into the perilous depths of the zone.
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how MWZ operates, alongside some essential survival tips to help you thrive amidst the chaos.
In Modern Warfare 3 Zombies, players traverse an expansive open world, fulfilling Contracts, raiding Strongholds, and accruing currency to enhance their arsenal. However, the twist lies in facing relentless waves of ravenous undead, adding an adrenaline-fueled layer to the familiar gameplay loop.
A notable departure in MWZ is its non-PvP nature, distinguishing it from its predecessors. Here, all players on the map serve as allies, irrespective of squad affiliation. This dynamic allows any player to revive fallen comrades and facilitates seamless sharing of Exfil choppers without the need for tense negotiations or truces over voice comms.
Another significant departure is the restructuring of inventory mechanics in MWZ. Unlike its predecessors, backpacks no longer accommodate weapon slots. Instead, the focus shifts to Acquisitions, potent upgrade items pivotal for end-of-match extraction. MWZ introduces a delightful element of unpredictability, featuring Wonder Weapons, unconventional Tacticals, and buffs like Insta-Kill, all randomly dropped by enemies.
Here's a rundown of essential details to navigate MWZ:
- Threat levels dictate the intensity of your MWZ encounter. Scaling difficulty brings forth increased zombie numbers, formidable elite adversaries, and richer loot opportunities, notably via upgraded Pack-a-Punch machines.
- Your primary goal revolves around enhancing both weaponry and operator capabilities using Essence—essentially in-game currency—and various items to contend with escalating challenges.
- Essence acquisition primarily stems from Contract completion, looting containers and cash registers, and dispatching zombies, albeit in modest quantities.
- Procure new weapons from wall sales, the enigmatic Mystery Box, or discover them in weapon lockers and loot caches. To amplify their effectiveness, invest Essence at Pack-a-Punch machines or utilize consumables like Ammo Mods, Aether Tools, and Aetherium Crystals for enhanced damage and rarity.
- Elevate operator prowess by acquiring specific perks from Perk-a-Cola machines scattered across the map.
- Any weapon extracted in MWZ becomes permanently available for future use. Additionally, sporadically obtained Acquisition Schematics enable crafting of custom Acquisitions for subsequent MWZ ventures.
During the 45-minute duration of an MWZ match, players can engage in a variety of activities to maximize their chances of survival:
- Complete Contracts: Similar to DMZ, these mini-missions are scattered across the map and offer approximately 2,000 Essence upon completion. While reminiscent of their DMZ counterparts, MWZ Contracts are tailored to the zombie theme. Fulfilling a Contract not only yields Essence but also unveils a Reward Rift containing valuable items, often including Aether Tools or Aetherium Crystals.
- Raid Strongholds: MWZ features diverse types of strongholds. While Mercenary Strongholds necessitate a key for entry—typically acquired from Mercenary Convoys or bases—it's advisable to prioritize Infested Strongholds or Aether Nests. These locations boast lucrative loot and Essence rewards, albeit requiring a gas mask to neutralize the toxic gas emitted by the glowing yellow cysts inside.
- Complete missions: MWZ emphasizes mission completion for exclusive rewards, promising a mystery prize upon finishing all three acts and teasing a forthcoming storyline with the launch of season one.
- Assault the Legacy Stronghold: Situated in the north of the map, the principal mercenary base demands infiltration of the commander's hideout for elimination. Securing a Legacy Stronghold Keycard entails first obtaining a regular Mercenary Stronghold Keycard from a Mercenary Convoy and subsequently retrieving the Legacy variant from within a Mercenary Stronghold. Prior to the assault, ensure adequate preparation to contend with an attacking helicopter.
- Progress through higher threat levels: The pinnacle threat levels present formidable challenges, particularly with the presence of bullet-sponge elite adversaries. Advancing to these tiers demands strategic preparation and gradual upgrades while navigating the hazardous environment.