Surviving the relentless onslaught of the undead in Call of Duty: World at War Zombies is a test of skill, strategy, and resource management. This guide provides a wave-by-wave breakdown of common strategies to help you maximize your survival time and points, from the early rounds to the more challenging later stages.
Waves 1-5: The Foundation
These initial waves are crucial for establishing your survival. Focus on acquiring points by shooting zombies in the legs or arms to prolong their lives and maximize your earnings. Do not open unnecessary doors; conserve your points for essential purchases. The primary goal is to get enough points to turn on the power and ideally purchase a decent starting weapon like the MP40 or Thompson. Prioritize headshots once you have a more powerful weapon.
Waves 6-10: Expansion and Upgrades
With the power on and a better weapon, you can now consider opening more of the map. This is the ideal time to start thinking about the Pack-a-Punch machine. If playing on maps like Nacht der Untoten, focus on acquiring points for the Mystery Box or a wall weapon. On maps with Perk-a-Colas, strategically purchase perks like Juggernog (for increased health) and Speed Cola (for faster reloading and weapon switching). Coordinate with teammates to decide who buys which perk to ensure a balanced loadout.
Waves 11-15: Defensive Formations
As the zombie count and speed increase, defensive positioning becomes vital. Find choke points or areas with limited entry points where you can funnel the zombies and engage them effectively. Using explosives like grenades or the Ray Gun (if acquired from the Mystery Box) can be highly effective in clearing groups. If playing co-op, ass roles: one player might focus on drawing aggro while others provide covering fire or flank. Keep an eye on your ammo and reload strategically.
Waves 16-20: The Pack-a-Punch Advantage
By this stage, having upgraded weapons from the Pack-a-Punch is almost essential. The increased damage output will be critical for dealing with the tougher zombies. Continue to utilize perks and maintain good positioning. If playing co-op, consider splitting up to cover different angles or to manage the Mystery Box and Pack-a-Punch more efficiently, but always maintain communication and be ready to support each other.
Waves 21+: Elite Threats and Survival
From wave 21 onwards, you'll begin to encounter special zombie types (e.g., Hellhounds, Panzer Soldats on later maps). These require specific tactics. Hellhounds are fast and can overwhelm players; Juggernog is crucial here. Panzer Soldats are heavily armored and require concentrated fire. Continue to move, utilize your upgraded weapons, and rely on your perks. Teamwork is paramount; call out special zombies and coordinate fire. If a teammate goes down, prioritize their revival if it's safe to do so. Survival at this stage is about smart movement, accurate shooting, and effective use of all available resources.