Perks & Gobblegums (Zombies)

Mastering Perks and Gobblegums is paramount to surviving the relentless hordes in Black Ops III Zombies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through understanding, acquiring, and strategically utilizing these vital resources to maximize your survival and high-round potential across all maps. From essential Perk choices to game-changing Gobblegum activations, we'll cover everything you need to dominate the undead.

Perks: The Foundation of Survival

Perks are permanent buffs acquired from vending machines scattered across each Zombies map. They cost points and offer significant advantages, from increased health to faster reload speeds. You can typically hold a maximum of four Perks at a time, though some Gobblegums can temporarily increase this limit. Understanding their effects, costs, and optimal acquisition order is crucial for any successful run.

Essential Perks & Acquisition Strategies:

Juggernog:
- Effect: Increases your maximum health from 100 to 250, allowing you to take significantly more hits before going down. This is arguably the most critical Perk for any high-round attempt, as it directly impacts your survivability.
- Cost: 2500 Points.
- Location: Varies by map, but is almost always found in a central or easily accessible area, often near the initial power activation.
  - The Giant: Main courtyard, near the teleporter pad.
  - Shadows of Evil: Waterfront District, accessible after opening the district.
  - Der Eisendrache: Main courtyard, near the power switch.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Lab A, near the main power switch.
  - Gorod Krovi: Supply Depot, accessible after activating the main power.
  - Revelations: Spawn room, near the Gobblegum machine.
- Strategy: Prioritize Juggernog as your absolute first Perk. The increased health dramatically improves your survivability, especially in early rounds when zombies are less threatening but can still overwhelm you if you're not careful. Aim to acquire it by Round 3-5.
Speed Cola:
- Effect: Increases reload speed by 50% and weapon swap speed by 25%. This is crucial for maintaining continuous fire, especially with weapons that have long reload times or when facing large groups of zombies.
- Cost: 3000 Points.
- Location: Often found near popular training areas or weapon upgrade stations, or in a secondary power-activated zone.
  - The Giant: Main facility area, accessible after activating the power.
  - Shadows of Evil: Footlight District, near the burlesque stage.
  - Der Eisendrache: Lower courtyard, near the power switch and the path leading to the Undercroft.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Lab B, near the KT-4 upgrade station.
  - Gorod Krovi: Dragon Command, on the upper level.
  - Revelations: Kino der Toten section, near the stage.
- Strategy: Acquire Speed Cola after Juggernog, especially if you're using LMGs, shotguns, or weapons with small magazines. Faster reloads mean less vulnerability during intense engagements and allow for more consistent damage output. It's a strong second or third Perk choice.
Double Tap II Root Beer:
- Effect: Increases weapon damage by 33% and fires two bullets for every one consumed from your magazine (effectively doubling your damage output per shot, not per bullet). This is a massive damage boost, essential for later rounds.
- Cost: 2000 Points.
- Location: Often found in areas requiring some progression to reach, typically in a mid-to-late game zone.
  - The Giant: Catwalk area above the main facility, near the furnace.
  - Shadows of Evil: Canal District, near the bridge leading to the Footlight District.
  - Der Eisendrache: Pyramid room, near the anti-gravity pads.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Bunker, near the underwater entrance.
  - Gorod Krovi: Armory, accessible after activating the main power.
  - Revelations: Mob of the Dead section, near the gondola.
- Strategy: A must-have for later rounds when zombie health scales significantly. Combine with Pack-a-Punch for maximum damage potential. Consider it your third or fourth Perk, depending on your weapon loadout and how quickly you need to ramp up damage. It's particularly effective with high-fire-rate weapons.
Quick Revive (Solo & Co-op):
- Effect (Solo): Allows you to revive yourself three times per game. Each self-revive consumes one charge. After all three charges are used, the Perk machine disappears. This is an absolute lifeline for solo players.
- Effect (Co-op): Significantly reduces the time it takes to revive downed teammates (by approximately 50%). It also increases your health regeneration rate slightly. In co-op, it has unlimited uses.
- Cost: 500 Points (Solo), 1500 Points (Co-op).
- Location: Typically found in the starting room of almost all maps, making it one of the first Perks available.
  - The Giant: Spawn room, near the initial door.
  - Shadows of Evil: Spawn room, near the Gobblegum machine.
  - Der Eisendrache: Spawn room, near the initial door.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Spawn room, near the initial door.
  - Gorod Krovi: Spawn room, near the initial door.
  - Revelations: Spawn room, near the Gobblegum machine.
- Strategy: Absolutely essential for solo play. Buy it immediately in solo games as your first Perk. The three self-revives can save your run multiple times. In co-op, it's a good support Perk, but not as critical as Juggernog or Speed Cola for personal survival, unless you are designated as the team's primary reviver. It's a strong choice if you have a spare Perk slot.
Stamin-Up:
- Effect: Increases sprint speed by 7% and sprint duration by 100%. This allows you to outrun zombies more easily and maintain distance, which is vital for training zombies effectively.
- Cost: 2000 Points.
- Location: Often found in larger, more open areas suitable for training zombies, or in a path-critical location.
  - The Giant: Near the furnace area, accessible after activating power.
  - Shadows of Evil: Waterfront District, near the docks.
  - Der Eisendrache: Rocket Pad, near the launch sequence console.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Lab A, near the main power switch.
  - Gorod Krovi: Tank Factory, near the main entrance.
  - Revelations: Verruckt section, near the Perk machines.
- Strategy: Highly recommended for training zombies in later rounds, allowing for easier evasion and positioning. It's less critical in early rounds but becomes invaluable as zombie numbers and speed increase. Consider it a late-game Perk once your core survival and damage Perks are secured, or if your strategy heavily relies on kiting.
Mule Kick:
- Effect: Allows you to carry a third weapon. This significantly increases your versatility and ammo capacity, especially useful for carrying a Wonder Weapon alongside two conventional firearms.
- Cost: 4000 Points.
- Location: Typically found in a harder-to-reach or more expensive area of the map.
  - The Giant: Main facility, near the teleporter B.
  - Shadows of Evil: Canal District, near the Beast Mode altar.
  - Der Eisendrache: Undercroft, near the Death Ray trap.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Lab B, near the KT-4 upgrade station.
  - Gorod Krovi: Supply Depot, on the upper level.
  - Revelations: Mob of the Dead section, near the gondola.
- Strategy: A strong choice for players who want to maximize their firepower. It's particularly useful if you have a strong primary weapon, a Wonder Weapon, and a utility weapon (e.g., a shotgun for close encounters). Be aware that if you go down, you will lose your third weapon, and you'll need to re-purchase Mule Kick to retrieve it.
Widow's Wine:
- Effect: Replaces your grenades with sticky web grenades that slow and damage zombies. Zombies that hit you will also be temporarily trapped in webs, and you gain an explosive melee attack. Provides a small amount of armor.
- Cost: 4000 Points.
- Location: Often tied to specific map mechanics or boss areas.
  - Shadows of Evil: The Black Ops III debut of this Perk. Found in the Footlight District, accessible after completing the ritual.
  - Der Eisendrache: Undercroft, near the pyramid.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Lab A, near the main power switch.
  - Gorod Krovi: Dragon Command, near the main power switch.
  - Revelations: Origins section, near the generator.
- Strategy: An excellent defensive Perk, especially for players who find themselves getting cornered frequently. The web grenades are fantastic for crowd control, and the web-trap effect on being hit can save you from going down. It's a high-cost Perk, so prioritize it after your core survival and damage Perks, or if you struggle with getting overwhelmed.
Electric Cherry:
- Effect: When you reload, an electric shockwave is unleashed, damaging and stunning nearby zombies. The more bullets remaining in your magazine, the larger and more powerful the shockwave.
- Cost: 2000 Points.
- Location:
  - The Giant: Main facility, near the teleporter C.
  - Shadows of Evil: Waterfront District, near the Perk-a-Cola machine.
  - Der Eisendrache: Command Center, near the teleporter.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Lab B, near the KT-4 upgrade station.
  - Gorod Krovi: Supply Depot, near the main power switch.
  - Revelations: Kino der Toten section, near the stage.
- Strategy: A great defensive Perk for players who frequently reload, especially with weapons that have small magazines or slow reload times. It provides a crucial "get out of jail free" card when surrounded. It pairs well with Speed Cola for rapid reloads and frequent shockwaves.
Deadshot Daiquiri:
- Effect: Increases aim-down-sight (ADS) speed, reduces weapon sway, and automatically snaps your crosshairs to a zombie's critical hit location (head) when aiming down sights.
- Cost: 1500 Points.
- Location:
  - The Giant: Main facility, near the teleporter B.
  - Shadows of Evil: Footlight District, near the burlesque stage.
  - Der Eisendrache: Rocket Pad, near the launch sequence console.
  - Zetsubou No Shima: Lab A, near the main power switch.
  - Gorod Krovi: Dragon Command, on the upper level.
  - Revelations: Origins section, near the generator.
- Strategy: Excellent for improving accuracy and maximizing headshot damage, especially with precision weapons like sniper rifles or pistols. It's less critical for spray-and-pray weapons but can still help conserve ammo and clear rounds faster. A good choice if you have a spare Perk slot and want to improve your damage efficiency.

Gobblegums: Game-Changing Consumables

Gobblegums are single-use, consumable power-ups that provide temporary or permanent buffs, often with game-altering effects. They are acquired from the Gobblegum machine (often referred to as the "Gumball Machine") for 500 points per chew. You can equip a "Gobblegum Pack" of five different Gobblegums before starting a game. Understanding which Gobblegums to use and when to activate them is key to overcoming difficult situations or pushing for higher rounds.

Gobblegums are categorized into different rarities: Classic (always available), Mega (requires liquid divinium to unlock), Rare, Ultra-Rare, and Legendary. Mega Gobblegums offer more powerful and unique effects.

Key Gobblegum Types & Strategic Uses:

Classic Gobblegums (Always Available):
- Anywhere But Here!:
  - Effect: Teleports you to a random location on the map. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: A fantastic "panic button" to escape being cornered or downed. Use it when you're overwhelmed or need to quickly reposition. Can also be used to quickly traverse the map if you're lucky.
- In Plain Sight:
  - Effect: All zombies ignore you for 10 seconds. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Ideal for reviving teammates, activating traps, or completing objectives without interruption. Also useful for escaping a tight spot without teleporting to a potentially worse one.
- Stock Option:
  - Effect: Your weapon's ammo is automatically replenished from your stock for 30 seconds. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Excellent for boss fights or intense rounds where ammo conservation is critical. Pair with high-damage, low-ammo weapons.
- Alchemical Antithesis:
  - Effect: For 30 seconds, every 10 points you earn automatically converts into 1 ammo for your current weapon. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Incredible for high-round ammo sustainability, especially with Pack-a-Punched weapons. Chain kills to keep your ammo topped off.
- Always Done Running:
  - Effect: You can sprint indefinitely for 3 minutes. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Great for training zombies, especially on larger maps or during high rounds when speed is crucial for survival.
Mega Gobblegums (Require Liquid Divinium to Unlock & Craft):
- Perkaholic (Ultra-Rare):
  - Effect: Grants you all nine Perks available on the map. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: The ultimate Gobblegum for high rounds. Use it when you have enough points to open up the entire map and are ready to push for maximum survivability and damage. Often saved for later rounds when points are abundant.
- Gums Blazing (Rare):
  - Effect: For 30 seconds, your weapon fires automatically without consuming ammo. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Devastating for boss fights or clearing large hordes. Combine with a high-damage, high-fire-rate weapon for maximum effect.
- Near Death Experience (Ultra-Rare):
  - Effect: For 3 rounds, when you go down, you instantly revive with all your Perks. If playing co-op, all downed teammates also instantly revive with all Perks.
  - Strategy: A game-changer for high rounds or difficult Easter Egg steps. Provides a massive safety net for multiple rounds, allowing for aggressive play.
- Unquenchable (Rare):
  - Effect: Allows you to purchase an additional Perk, exceeding the normal Perk limit. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Useful if you want to run more than four Perks but don't have Perkaholic. Can be combined with other Gobblegums to create powerful Perk combinations.
- Shopping Free (Ultra-Rare):
  - Effect: For 1 minute, all purchases (doors, Perks, weapons, Pack-a-Punch) are free. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Best used early in the game to quickly open the entire map, get all essential Perks, and Pack-a-Punch weapons without spending any points. Can save a significant amount of time and points.
- Immolation Liquidation (Rare):
  - Effect: Spawns a Fire Sale power-up. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Use this to get a Wonder Weapon or a powerful wall weapon from the Mystery Box for cheap. Best used early in the game to establish a strong weapon loadout.
- Wall Power (Rare):
  - Effect: Your current weapon is instantly Pack-a-Punched. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Saves 5000 points and a trip to the Pack-a-Punch machine. Great for getting a powerful weapon upgraded quickly, especially if you're low on points or in a dangerous area.
- Fatal Contraption (Rare):
  - Effect: Spawns a Death Machine power-up. Activates immediately upon chewing.
  - Strategy: Provides a temporary but powerful weapon for clearing hordes or dealing with special enemies. Useful in tight situations or for boss rounds.

Gobblegum Strategy Tips:

Understand Your Pack: Before starting, carefully select your five Gobblegums based on your playstyle, the map you're playing, and your objectives (e.g., high rounds, Easter Egg).
Timing is Everything: Most Gobblegums have a limited duration. Activate them strategically when you'll get the most benefit. Don't waste a Perkaholic on Round 5 if you plan to go to Round 100.
Point Management: Classic Gobblegums cost 500 points per chew. While this isn't much, repeatedly chewing can drain your points. Prioritize essential Perks and weapons first.
Liquid Divinium Farming: To get Mega Gobblegums, you'll need Liquid Divinium, which is earned by spending points in-game (e.g., opening doors, buying weapons, using the Mystery Box) or by completing challenges. Focus on farming Liquid Divinium if you want to unlock specific Mega Gobblegums.
Don't Rely Solely on Gums: While powerful, Gobblegums are consumables. Master the fundamental mechanics of Perks, weapons, and training zombies first. Gums should complement your skills, not replace them.
Co-op Synergy: In co-op, coordinate with your teammates on Gobblegum usage. For example, one player might use Shopping Free early, while another saves a Near Death Experience for a critical moment.

By understanding and effectively utilizing both Perks and Gobblegums, you'll significantly enhance your chances of survival and success in Black Ops III Zombies. Experiment with different combinations and strategies to find what works best for you!