~4 MIN
Intro
Remember the good old Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2? Modern Warfare 3 brings back the undead action in a new and thrilling way. MW3’s Zombies Mode (MWZ), also known as Operation Deadbolt, is an open-world, multiplayer extraction mode.
In this guide, we’ll cover the release date, gameplay mechanics, maps, perks, difficulty levels, and more. If you’re looking for the best weapons for MW3, check out our Modern Warfare 3 Best Weapons Tier List.
Call of Duty MW3 Zombies Mode Release Date
The Zombies Mode launches alongside MW3 on November 10, 2023, allowing players to jump into the undead-infested battlefield immediately upon the game’s release.
Call of Duty MW3 Zombies Gameplay
Unlike traditional round-based zombie modes, Operation Deadbolt features an extraction-based game loop that combines elements of DMZ and Outbreak.
How MW3 Zombies Works
- Survive escalating hordes of zombies.
- Difficulty increases based on location, not time or kills.
- Complete story-driven objectives or freely roam and fight zombies for loot.
- PvE only – No direct PvP combat.
Match Duration
| Mode | Duration |
|---|---|
| Exploration | 45 minutes |
| Aether Storm | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
Once your 45 minutes of free-roaming ends, the Aether Storm will begin, giving you an additional 15 minutes to extract before being overwhelmed.
How Many Players Can Play MW3 Zombies?
Up to 24 players can join a Zombies match, forming 8 teams of 3 players. Teams can temporarily ally to fend off zombies more effectively. Players must also deal with hostile PMC units – AI-controlled enemies that guard specific areas.
MW3 Zombies Strike Team Operators
You can recruit any unlocked Operator for your Strike Team. All Operators from MW2 and MW3 are available. Some exclusive Operators, like Ripper and Scorch, unlock after completing specific Zombies challenges.
Operator Loadouts
Operators have five customizable Equipment Slots, which can store:
- Killstreaks
- Armor
- Gas Masks
- Medical Items
MW3 Zombies Difficulty Levels
Zombie health and aggression are determined by three escalating difficulty zones:
- Low Threat – Easier zones with standard zombies.
- Medium Threat – Stronger zombies and higher spawn rates.
- High Threat – Extremely aggressive enemies, boss fights possible.
MW3 Zombies Main Objectives
Your goal is to earn points by killing zombies, which you can then use to upgrade weapons and survive in higher-tier zones.
Teams must complete objectives, gather Essence, collect loot, and extract. If you want to complete the campaign effortlessly, consider our CoD MW3 Campaign Service.
MW3 Zombies Essence
Essence is the main in-game currency used to unlock resources such as:
- Ammo Depots
- Buy Stations
- Pack-a-Punch Machine
- Perk Machines
- Wall Buys
- Mystery Boxes
MW3 Zombies Acquisitions & Schematics
- Extract Acquisitions: Earned through successful exfils and stored in your Rucksack.
- Schematics: Plans that allow you to craft permanent Acquisitions.
- Dark Aether Elements: Used to upgrade weapons and enhance gear.
- Aetherium Crystals: Upgrade Pack-a-Punch weapons to higher tiers.
MW3 Zombies Field Upgrades
| Field Upgrade | Recharge | Effect |
| Energy Mine | Medium | Spawns an explosive that damages enemies. |
| Frenzied Guard | Slow | Restores armor and forces enemies to attack you. |
| Healing Aura | Slow | Heals all players instantly. |
| Frost Blast | Medium | Slows and damages enemies. |
| Aether Shroud | Medium | Grants invisibility. |
| Tesla Storm | Slow | Stuns and damages enemies near teammates. |
MW3 Zombies Perks (Perk-a-Colas)
Unlike Multiplayer, Zombies Mode features consumable perks. These drinks enhance abilities until you die.
| Perk | Effect |
| Deadshot Daiquiri | Increases critical hit damage. |
| Death Perception | Highlights hidden items and enemies. |
| Elemental Pop | Gives bullets a random elemental effect. |
| Jugger-Nog | Increases max health. |
| PHD Flopper | Creates an explosion when diving to prone. |
| Quick Revive | Reduces health regeneration time and revive speed. |
| Speed Cola | Increases reload speed. |
| Stamin-Up | Increases sprint speed. |
| Tombstone Soda | Saves your gear if you die. |
MW3 Zombies Rucksacks
The Rucksack allows you to store loot between matches, similar to DMZ’s Contraband system.
Rucksack Loadout Options
- Two Primary Weapons or a Primary + Secondary
- Lethal Equipment (C4, Claymore, Throwing Knife, etc.)
- Tactical Equipment (Stim, Shock Stick, Smoke Grenade, etc.)
MW3 Zombies Missions
Contracts are the primary way to earn points and rewards. Completing them grants access to perk bonuses, upgraded weapons, and other useful loot.
MW3 Zombies Map: Urzikstan
MW3 Zombies takes place in Urzikstan, a massive 6.5km² open-world map. Difficulty increases as players move into more contaminated areas.
MW3 Zombie Types
| Zombie Type | Description |
| Standard Zombies | Basic undead enemies. |
| Hell Hounds | Fast, wolf-like creatures. |
| Mimics | Disguised as loot crates. |
| Disciples | Buff nearby zombies. |
| Manglers | Heavy-armored zombies with ranged attacks. |
| Abomination | Large, powerful boss enemy. |
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about Modern Warfare 3 Zombies Mode! Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check out Onlyfarms.gg for coaching, leveling, and boosting services to dominate MW3!