Modern Warfare Zombies (MWZ) in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) offers a thrilling Player versus Environment (PvE) extraction experience. This comprehensive Mw3 Zombies Guide will equip you with everything you need to survive and thrive in the undead hordes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide covers beginner tips, map secrets, essential perks, ammo mods, and enemy strategies to become a MWZ expert.
| Zombies Mode Guide and Contents |
|---|
| Season 5 Reloaded Guide |
| Past Seasons Content |
| Schematics |
| Weapons Guides |
| Contracts |
| Secrets |
| What is Zombies? |
MW3 Zombies Season 5 Reloaded Guide
MWZ Season 5 Reloaded Guide and Walkthrough
The Season 5 Reloaded update brings new challenges and rewards to MWZ. This walkthrough will guide you through the new content and how to conquer it.
| MWZ Season 5 Reloaded Walkthrough |
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| 5 |
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MW3 Zombies Beginners Guide and Walkthrough
Getting Started in Zombies
For players new to MWZ, starting strong is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step beginner’s guide to get you going:
| What to Do First in Zombies Mode |
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| ▼ Recommended and Valuable Items |
2. Focus on Completing Contracts Early On
Contracts are the most efficient method for gaining Essence in the early game. Eliminate the Bounty and Delivery Cargo contracts are particularly quick to complete. Initially, avoid contracts that involve fighting Mercenaries, such as Aether Extractors and Defend Ground Station. Mercenaries are more challenging than zombies due to their ability to shoot back.
Successfully completing Contracts and exfiling increases your Containment Level, based on the number of contracts completed. Higher Containment Levels provide permanent buffs, such as starting each match with 5,000 Essence and 20% discount on Pack-a-Punch costs.
Discover the Best Contracts to Complete
Recommended and Valuable Items for Zombies
Knowing which items to prioritize can significantly improve your survival chances in MWZ.
| Item | Usage | How to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Revives | Allows you to revive yourself when downed, crucial for solo play or when teammates are unavailable. | Contract Rewards or Loot Caches |
| 3-Plate Armor Vest | Provides maximum armor capacity, enhancing survivability in higher threat zones. | Purchased from Buy Stations in Medium Threat zones |
| Large Rucksacks | Increases backpack inventory space, allowing you to carry more essential items and loot. | Found in Hidden Caches and Contract Rewards |
| Schematics | Enables crafting of valuable consumables and weapons in the lobby at no cost, providing a significant advantage. | Contract Rewards |
| Gas Masks | Protects against poisonous gas and air, essential for navigating certain areas and missions. | Loot from Mercenaries |
| Chunks of Flesh | Used to obtain a Pet Dog or Dog Collar Key, offering combat support and strategic advantages. | Kill zombies with explosive damage or by letting ACVs crush them in escort missions |
Explore the Full List of Zombies Gear
MW3 Zombies Tips and Tricks
Mastering MWZ requires more than just shooting zombies. These tips and tricks will enhance your gameplay and survival rate.
Better to Level 3 Pack-a-Punch an Epic Rarity Gun Than Level 2 Pack-a-Punch a Legendary Gun
When upgrading weapons, consider this cost-effective strategy:
| Rarity + PaP | Damage Multiplier | Overall Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Legendary +Level 3 PaP | 32x | 34,500 |
| Epic +Level 3 PaP | 24x | 33,750 |
| Legendary +Level 2 PaP | 16x | 19,500 |
Legendary (Gold) guns at Level 3 Pack-a-Punch provide the highest damage multiplier at 32x. However, Epic (Purple) Rarity guns at Level 3 Pack-a-Punch are a close second with a 24x multiplier and are more Essence-efficient than upgrading a Legendary gun to only Level 2 Pack-a-Punch (16x damage).
View the Rarity vs Pack-a-Punch Damage Chart
Warlords are Guaranteed Wonder Weapon Drops
Defeating Warlords is a reliable way to obtain powerful Wonder Weapons. This is especially beneficial when preparing to venture into the Dark Aether. Wonder Weapons boast the same damage multiplier as Legendary Guns, making them invaluable assets.
Don’t Bring All Your Good Weapons and Items Into Single Match
Avoid deploying with all your best gear in a single match. If your squad is eliminated, you’ll lose everything. Bring just enough high-quality items to get a good start. If you have limited weapons, bring only one valuable gun to ensure you have backup equipment for subsequent matches even if you are eliminated.
Understand the Consequences of Death in MWZ
Starting with a Pistol After Elimination
If you are eliminated and lose all your weapons, you will start your next deployment with only a Handgun. In this situation, it’s best to stay in Low Threat Zones initially and quickly acquire a vehicle to efficiently secure early kills and re-arm.
You Can Team Up With Players Outside Your Squad
MWZ allows you to team up with other players you encounter in Urzikstan. Locate blue circles on your map to find nearby players and consider joining forces. A larger squad of up to six members significantly increases your survival odds, especially in higher threat zones.
Joining other squads is particularly advantageous when you are playing with fewer than three people. More squad members mean more backup and a higher chance of rescue if you are downed.
Learn More About Zombies Squad Size and Squads
Utilize Tac Stance for Spatial Awareness
Tac Stance offers a less zoomed-in aim, providing enhanced spatial awareness crucial for survival in the chaotic environments of MWZ. This stance allows you to maintain better peripheral vision, helping you react to threats from all directions.
Master How to Enter Tac Stance
Still Think Strategically Regarding Positioning
Enemies in MWZ are powerful and can quickly overwhelm you. Strategic positioning is essential. Avoid direct confrontations in open areas. Utilize terrain and structures to your advantage, constantly repositioning to break line of sight and control engagements.
Crouching and Proning Helps Avoid AI Enemy Attacks
Simple defensive maneuvers like crouching and proning can be surprisingly effective in evading enemy attacks. These actions reduce your profile, making you a harder target for AI enemies. You can also revive teammates safely from a prone position.
MW3 Zombies Past Seasons Content
MWZ Season 4 Content
Season 4 introduced new challenges and content. Here’s a recap:
| Season 4 Guides |
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| Unstable Rift Guide |
MWZ Season 3 Content
Season 3 expanded the MWZ universe with new missions, Dark Aether keys, and schematics:
| Season 3 Guides |
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| Union Walkthrough |
| Free Flawless Crystal and Legendary Tool |
| Dark Aether Keys |
| Laptop with Stickers |
| Imaginary Friend Drawing |
| Season 3 Schematics |
| Sergeant’s Beret |
| Golden Mask Filter |
MWZ Season 2 Content
Season 2 brought even more content, including challenging missions and powerful schematics:
| Season 2 Guides |
|---|
| Countermeasures Mission |
| Containment Levels |
| Dark Aether Keys |
| The Drum |
| Perforated Target |
| Season 2 Schematics |
| Mags of Holding |
| V-R11 Schematic |
Explore the Zombies Season 2 Guide and All Content
MWZ Season 1 Content
Season 1 was the launch season for MWZ, introducing the core mechanics and initial Dark Aether content:
| Season 1 Reloaded Guides |
|---|
| Dokkaebi Fortress Location |
| Dark Aether Rift Guides |
| Act 4 Story Mission: Bad Signal |
| How to Beat Gorm’gant |
| Locked Diary |
| Surveillance Camera |
| How to Get Sigils |
| New Schematics and Weapons |
| Golden Armor Plate |
| Aether Blade |
| The Scorcher |
| V-R11 Wonder Weapon |
| Greylorm Boss Guides |
| How to Beat Greylorm |
| Refractor Locations |
| Dark Aether Guides |
| Dark Aether Interactive Map |
| Dark Aether Exfil Locations |
| Al Bagra Officers Quarters |
| Al Bagra Munitions Storeroom |
| Zombies Prestige Challenges |
| 10 Throwing Knife Kills in 30 Seconds |
Delve into the Zombies Season 1 Guide and All Content
MW3 Zombies Map
Urzikstan – Operation Deadbolt
The MWZ map, Urzikstan, is divided into three major Threat Zones. The grey zone, the largest, is the safest with weaker zombies and common loot. The orange zone is moderately challenging with tougher enemies and better rewards. The central red zone is the most dangerous, featuring the strongest enemies and best loot.
MWZ is the first open-world Zombies experience in Call of Duty, utilizing the Urzikstan Warzone map as its expansive playing field.
Explore the Zombies Interactive Map
MW3 Zombies Story Missions
All Zombies Acts 1 to 4 Missions
MWZ’s story unfolds through a series of Acts, each containing numerous missions. Here’s a comprehensive list of all missions from Acts 1 to 4:
View Zombies Acts and Mission Rewards
MW3 Zombies Schematics
All Crafting Schematics
Schematics allow you to craft valuable items and consumables in the lobby. Here’s a list of all crafting schematics and their locations:
| Schematic | Loot Location |
|---|---|
| Refined Aetherium Diagram | High Threat Zone (Red) only |
| Epic Aether Tool Plans | High Threat Zone (Red) only |
| Ray Gun Plans | High Threat Zone (Red) only |
| Elemental Pop Recipe | High Threat Zone (Red) only |
| Tombstone Soda Recipe | High Threat Zone (Red) only |
| Raw Aetherium Diagram | Medium Threat Zone (Yellow) only |
| Jugger-Nog Recipe | Medium Threat Zone (Yellow) only |
| Shatter Blast Formula | Medium Threat Zone (Yellow) only |
| Dead Wire Formula | Medium Threat Zone (Yellow) only |
| PHD Flopper Recipe | Medium Threat Zone (Yellow) only |
| Stamin-Up Recipe | Low Threat Zone (Grey) only |
| Speed Cola Recipe | Low Threat Zone (Grey) only |
| Brain Rot Formula | Low Threat Zone (Grey) only |
| Napalm Burst Formula | Low Threat Zone (Yellow) only |
| Deadshot Daiquiri Recipe | Low Threat Zone (Grey) only |
Learn How to Get All Crafting Schematics
MW3 Zombies Perks
All Perk-a-Cola’s
Perks provide significant gameplay advantages in MWZ. Here’s a rundown of all Perk-a-Colas:
| Perk-a-Cola | Effect |
|---|---|
| Deadshot Daiquiri | Precision Aim: Automatically aims down sights at enemy critical locations and increases critical damage. |
| Death Perception | Enemy Detection: Makes obscured enemies, chests, resources, and item drops more visible. |
In addition to completing Missions, utilizing Perk Machines to activate Perks is essential for enhancing your capabilities during Zombies deployments. Perks can be stacked for multiplicative effects.
Explore the Full List of Zombies Perks
MW3 Zombies Ammo Mods
All Ammo Mods
Ammo Mods add elemental effects to your weapons, providing tactical advantages against zombies.
| Ammo Mods | Effect |
|---|---|
| Brain Rot | Turn Undead: Applies Brain Rot, turning zombies into allies that attack other zombies. |
| Napalm Burst | Area Denial: Applies Fire Damage, creating explosions that set zombies on fire and damage groups. |
Ammo Mods enhance your weapon’s capabilities, allowing for diverse combat strategies and increased effectiveness against zombie hordes.
See the List of All Zombies Ammo Mods
MW3 Zombies Weapons Guides
All Zombies Guns and Weapons
Choosing the right weapons and understanding weapon mechanics is crucial for survival in MWZ.
| All Zombies Guns and Weapon Guides |
|---|
| Best Guns |
| Weapon Rarity |
| Reduce Weapon Cooldown |
| Wonder Weapons |
| Wunderwaffe DG-2 |
| V-R11 |
| Wonder Weapon Rarity Glitch |
Find All Zombie Weapon Locations
MW3 Zombies Aetherium
All Aetherium
Aetherium Crystals and Aether Tools are essential for upgrading weapons in MWZ.
| All Aetherium Crystals and Aether Tools |
|---|
| Legendary Aether Tool |
| Epic Aether Tool |
| Rare Aether Tool |
| Uncommon Aether Tool |
Explore the List of Aetherium and Aether Tools
MW3 Zombies Field Upgrades
Field Upgrades are tactical abilities that can turn the tide of battle in MWZ.
| Field Upgrade | Effect | Unlock Level |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Mine | Explosive Trap: Spawns an explosive mine dealing massive damage to any enemies that trigger it. | Level 1 |
| Frenzied Guard | Armor and Aggression: Repairs armor to full and forces all nearby enemies to target you for 10 seconds. Enemy kills during this period repair your armor. | Level 9 |
See the Best Zombies Field Upgrades Tier List
MW3 Zombies Contracts
All Contract Types
Contracts are missions you can undertake in MWZ to earn Essence and other rewards.
| Contract | Overview |
|---|---|
| Aether Extractors | Objective: Disable Aether Extractors by locating the LZ and neutralizing them. Enemies: Mercenaries, making it a more challenging contract type. |
Discover the Best Contracts to Complete
MW3 Zombies Challenges and Enemies
Understanding enemy types and challenges is key to effectively progressing in MWZ.
| Enemy Type / Challenge | Challenge Type |
|---|---|
| Special and Elite Zombie Kills | Camo Challenge(Serpentinite) |
| Hellhounds | Daily Challenge |
| Kill Mimics | Daily Challenge |
| Kill Disciples | Daily Challenge |
| Kill Manglers | Daily Challenge |
| Toxic Damage Kills | Daily Challenge |
| Electric Damage Kills | Daily Challenge |
| Fire Damage Kills | Daily Challenge |
| Frost Damage Kills | Daily Challenge |
| Armored Zombies | Daily Challenge |
| PHD Flopper Explosions | Weekly Challenge(Season 0 Week 1) |
Learn More About Zombies Challenges and Enemy Types
MW3 Zombies Powerups
All Power Ups
Power-ups are temporary boosts that can significantly aid you in MWZ.
| Power Up | Effect |
|---|---|
| Full Power | Instant Recharge: Immediately refreshes your Field Upgrade, allowing for immediate reuse. |
| Insta Kill | One-Shot Kills: Enables one-shot kills for all standard zombies (does not affect Special and Elite Zombies), greatly simplifying crowd control. |
| Nuke | Area Clear: Eliminates all nearby standard enemies with a powerful explosion, providing immediate relief from zombie hordes. |
| Full Armor | Armor Replenishment: Instantly refills your Armor Plates to full capacity, enhancing survivability in prolonged engagements. |
| Max Ammo | Ammo Refill: Completely refills your ammunition supply for all weapons, ensuring you can keep firing without interruption. |
| Bonus Points | Extra Essence: Awards additional points (Essence) for each zombie kill, accelerating your ability to purchase perks and upgrades. |
| Double Points | Increased Essence Gain: Doubles the Essence earned from each zombie kill, significantly boosting your economy. |
| Random Perk | Perk Bonus: Grants a random Perk for free, providing a temporary but powerful gameplay advantage. |
Power-ups are randomly dropped by zombies and affect all squad members, regardless of who picks them up or their location.
View the List of All Zombies Powerups
MW3 Zombies Secrets
Locked Vault in Shahin Manor
The Locked Vault at Shahin Manor contains high-tier loot, including Aether and Loot Caches with rare weapons and items. To open it, you must collect Transmissions from four Chess Piece Bosses located across the map.
Discover How to Open the Locked Vault
Fast Travel Points on the Map
MWZ features fast travel via Zero-Point Interdimensional Portals. These portals are located at fixed points and require Essence to use. To select your destination, you must input a sequence of three symbols.
Find Portal Locations and Symbol Solutions
MW3 Zombies Other Guides
Other Zombies Guides
Expand your MWZ knowledge with these additional guides:
| Zombies Season 5 Guides |
|---|
| Ascension Act 4 Story Mission Walkthrough |
| Mr. Peeks |
| Echo of Locked Diary |
| Disciple Bottle |
| Stash Increase |
| Zombies Season 4 Guides |
| Unstable Rift |
| Zombies Season 3 Guides |
| Giraffe Toy |
| Science Journal |
| Rainmaker Fortress Location |
| Other Zombies Guides and Walkthroughs |
| How to Play Solo |
| How to Farm Essence |
| Elder Sigils |
| Zombies Motorcycle |
| Death Penalty |
| How to Revive |
| Cyphered Tablets |
| How to Destroy Helicopters |
| Zombies Ending Explained |
Is MW3 Zombies Game Mode Free-to-Play?
Zombies Game Mode is Part of the Base Game
MWZ is included with the base game purchase of Modern Warfare 3. Unlike Warzone in Modern Warfare 2, it is not available as a separate free-to-play mode. Access requires owning MW3.
What is MW3 Zombies Mode?
PvE Extraction Game Mode
Modern Warfare Zombies is a Player versus Environment (PvE) extraction mode similar to Warzone DMZ. Players team up to complete missions, gather loot, and extract before being overwhelmed by zombie hordes and other threats.
The core gameplay loop involves completing objectives, earning rewards, and extracting within a time limit to succeed.
Features Open World and More Cooperative Gameplay
MWZ is set in an open world, providing a vast map for exploration and dynamic encounters. The mode encourages cooperative gameplay, allowing you to team up with other squads to tackle challenges and enhance survival chances.
Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) Related Guides
Modern Warfare 3 Guides
Explore more about Modern Warfare 3 with these guides:
| MW3 Wiki Contents |
|---|
| Campaign |
| Camos |
| Tips and Tricks |
| Operators |
| Calling Cards |
| Seasons |
| Store Bundles |
| Equipment |
| Maps |
| Emblems |
| Characters |
| Stickers and Large Decals |
