Introduction: Diving into the Undead Horde
The relentless hordes, the desperate scramble for survival, and the intoxicating thrill of pulling off incredible feats – that’s the essence of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies. This mode has captivated players for years, and part of its enduring appeal lies in the vast array of tools at your disposal to fight off the undead onslaught. From the iconic ray gun to strategic perk choices, every element contributes to your quest for high rounds and ultimate survival.
This article dives deep into a core component of your zombie-slaying arsenal: the augment system. Understanding how these power-ups function is critical to your success. We’ll explore the different types of augments available, how to leverage them to their fullest potential, and strategies to maximize your effectiveness in the face of overwhelming odds. Get ready to learn everything you need to know about surviving the undead in Black Ops Cold War!
Unraveling the Augment Advantage
Before we delve into the specific types, let’s clarify what augments actually are. Augments are special abilities, upgrades, and enhancements that drastically alter your gameplay. They go beyond the standard, baseline abilities you start with and provide significant advantages, whether it’s increased damage output, enhanced survivability, or tactical flexibility. They act as crucial power-ups in your fight against the zombie hordes.
The most crucial distinction is how you acquire them. Unlike your base weapons or equipment, you usually don’t start with these. They need to be found or purchased throughout your playthrough. This element of discovery and optimization of resources is part of the fun.
The key to high rounds and successful zombie survival is mastering these power-ups. Ignoring them is a recipe for a quick trip back to the main menu. The more you understand their nuances, the better equipped you will be to conquer any map.
The Power of Perk Machines
Let’s start with the classic and well-loved Perk Machines. Found scattered across each map, these machines are your gateways to powerful enhancements, giving you boosts to different stats or specific gameplay effects.
Quick Revive
This perk, a zombie staple, reduces the time it takes to revive downed teammates. Solo players find this absolutely vital, as it allows for quicker self-revives. Upgrading this perk to its higher tiers provides even faster revival speeds.
Speed Cola
The ever-popular Speed Cola is your best friend when the undead are swarming. It vastly increases reload speed and weapon switching speed. The ability to quickly reload is critical as the rounds advance.
Juggernog
A game-changer. Juggernog significantly increases your health, allowing you to take more hits before going down. This one is often prioritized for survival, particularly on the higher rounds.
Stamin-Up
If you love to kite and run, Stamin-Up is essential. It provides increased movement speed, making it easier to dodge hordes and stay ahead of the undead.
Elemental Pop
When playing with a mix of perks, this perk can greatly enhance your effectiveness, allowing your weapons to deal additional elemental effects.
Deadshot Daiquiri
Provides increased damage to headshots, and it also auto-aims your weapon.
PHD Slider
If you want to be mobile with your explosions, this is your perk of choice. Allows you to slide, while shooting.
Remember that all of these perks have different upgrade levels. As you level them up, they provide better effects and can transform a good perk into a critical survival tool.
Field Upgrades: Tactical Advantage on Demand
Field Upgrades represent another layer of strategy in your zombie escapades. Unlike the passive bonuses from perks, these are activated abilities with cooldowns. They offer a temporary burst of power or a specific tactical advantage. They’re not just about straight-up combat; they can be used for utility, support, or even escape.
Healing Aura
Deploying Healing Aura will cause a small, friendly radius to heal teammates.
Frost Blast
Freeze surrounding zombies to cause them to be vulnerable.
Aether Shroud
Become invisible and teleport into the shadows for a brief time. This can be used to get out of a dangerous situation.
Energy Mine
Deploy an explosive mine that will blow up when zombies or players come in contact with it.
Field Upgrades offer a great degree of customization, depending on your play style.
Remember that you need to collect the appropriate amount of Aetherium Crystals in order to unlock all of these field upgrades.
Weapon Mods and Attachments: Customizing Your Carnage
Weapon mods and attachments further tailor your arsenal to your needs. In Cold War Zombies, you have various options to modify your weapons for greater effectiveness. These attachments can significantly improve your weapon’s performance by altering its rate of fire, damage, range, handling, and other stats. Certain weapon classes might benefit from specific attachment combinations. Experimentation and adapting your loadout to suit your playstyle are the keys to mastering this system.
In addition to attachments, you can often acquire weapon mods. These will provide unique effects to your weapon, which can really enhance your effectiveness. Some mods increase damage, while others add elemental effects like fire or electric damage. Certain weapon mods can provide added utility, such as the ability to shoot through walls or the capacity to regenerate ammo.
Strategies for Mastering Augment Usage
Having the knowledge of what the Augments do is only half the battle. Knowing how to utilize them effectively is where the real skill comes in. Here are some strategies to consider.
Making the Right Perk Choices
Your selection of perks will have a dramatic impact on your effectiveness in a match. It’s essential to choose perks that complement your playstyle and the demands of the map. If you’re a solo player, Quick Revive and Juggernog are non-negotiable. If you’re an aggressive player, Speed Cola can be a must-have. Consider the map layout and the types of zombies you will face. Some perks are more beneficial on certain maps or during particular rounds.
Mastering Field Upgrade Execution
The value of your Field Upgrades depends on proper use. They are tactical tools. Use them wisely. Don’t just spam them; time their deployment carefully. For example, use Aether Shroud to escape tight spots or revive downed teammates. Consider Frost Blast to create an opportunity to make your escape. Experiment with the timing and combinations of Field Upgrades. This will add another degree of depth to your gameplay.
Maximize the Weapon Mod Advantage
Weapon Mods are key for maximizing damage potential. Aim for weapon mods that complement your favored weapons and your preferred playstyle. Experiment to find optimal combinations for each scenario. Remember to balance weapon attachments to suit the map and your current game plan.
Prioritizing the Upgrades
Consider upgrading your perks and Field Upgrades in the most effective order. Start with essential perks like Juggernog and Speed Cola. Upgrade your Field Upgrades based on how frequently you use them and their overall impact. If your Field Upgrade is not working out for you, then don’t bother upgrading it.
Acquiring Power-Ups: A Closer Look
While the map design often influences how you navigate the map, your ability to locate and use Augments is universal.
Perk Machines
All Perk Machines will be found on the map. You can use the perks that you desire at anytime.
Field Upgrades
These power-ups are found throughout the game. They need to be leveled up.
Weapon Mods/Attachments
You must level up your weapons, and then you can attach Weapon Mods/Attachments to them.
Tips and Tricks for Augment Domination
Here are a few final tips to help you dominate the zombies:
Ammo Economy
Keep a close eye on your ammo. With perks, ammo is always a consideration. This applies to weapon attachments as well.
Teamwork
Communicate with your teammates. Plan your Field Upgrade use. Coordinate perk choices.
Adapting to Rounds
As rounds increase, the demands of survival escalate. Make sure that you consider different options.
Conclusion: Mastering the Zombie Slaughter
The augment system in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies is far more than a collection of upgrades; it’s the core of a complex, rewarding experience. From selecting the right perks to executing those tactical field upgrades, the decisions you make will determine your success.
Experiment, adapt, and don’t be afraid to try different loadouts. With a deep understanding of the system, you can extend your survival and dominate the undead horde. The zombies are waiting; now it’s your turn to show them what you’re made of.
