- Call of Duty Black Ops II Nuketown Zombies is a survival-focused map where Perks and the Pack-a-Punch machine fall randomly from the sky.
- Key Mechanic: The population sign acts as a kill counter; every 100 kills resets the counter and progresses the game clock.
- Best Strategy: Focus on opening the Yellow House backyard early to access the 3000-point power-up shed.
- Critical Tip: There are no boardable windows, meaning the Carpenter power-up is absent, and zombies enter from all angles constantly.
- Top Choice: The Ray Gun Mark II and Galil remain the most effective high-round weapons for this claustrophobic map.
Map Overview and Lore Integration
Call of Duty Black Ops II Nuketown Zombies takes players back to the iconic Nevada testing site, but with a post-apocalyptic twist. Set during the events of the "Moon" map from the original Black Ops, this location serves as a bridge between the classic era and the futuristic setting of 2025. Following a nuclear explosion triggered by a Broken Arrow drill, radiation scientists are turned into the undead by Element 115. Players take control of anonymous CIA or CDC agents sent to investigate the distress signal, only to become stranded in the radioactive ruins.
The map is a direct reimagining of the Nuketown multiplayer map, featuring the familiar Green and Yellow houses, the central cul-de-sac, and the bunker where Marlton Johnson is famously hiding. Unlike other maps in the Black Ops II Zombies suite, Nuketown focuses purely on survival, stripping away complex Easter Egg quests in favor of high-intensity, round-based combat.
Watch the zombies' eyes; they begin as yellow (controlled by Samantha Maxis) and eventually turn blue, signifying Edward Richtofen taking control of the Aether during the events occurring simultaneously on the Moon.
| Faction | Description | Role in Lore |
|---|---|---|
| CIA Agents | Suit-clad operatives | Investigating the Nevada base distress signal |
| CDC Soldiers | Bio-hazard suit operatives | Deployed to contain the Element 115 outbreak |
| Zombies | Undead soldiers/scientists | Revived by Element 115 from the Nevada base |
Core Gameplay Mechanics and Randomization
The defining feature of Call of Duty Black Ops II Nuketown Zombies is the randomization of Perk-a-Cola machines and the Pack-a-Punch machine. Unlike traditional maps where these are in fixed locations, here they fall from the sky at random intervals, usually accompanied by a nuclear siren. This forces players to adapt their strategy based on which Perk arrives first. If Juggernog drops in round 20 instead of round 4, your survival tactics must shift toward extreme evasion.
Another unique aspect is the removal of boardable windows. In Nuketown, zombies climb over fences, drop from the sky, and crawl out of the ground. This eliminates the "window camping" strategy common in maps like Kino der Toten and necessitates a constant "kiting" or "training" movement pattern around the central map area.
Because there are no windows to repair, the Carpenter power-up does not exist on this map. Do not rely on mid-round breaks to reset your defenses.
| Feature | Mechanic Detail | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Random Drops | Perks/PaP fall at random intervals | Unpredictable power spikes |
| Population Sign | Ticks up with every zombie kill | Tracks progress toward clock events |
| The Clock | Hands move based on sign resets | Signals when the next Perk might drop |
| Marlton's Bunker | Interactable door in the backyard | Provides lore quotes and hidden dialogue |
Weapon Tier List and Wall Buys
In the tight corridors of Nuketown, weapon choice is everything. You need a balance of high-mobility submachine guns for point building and heavy-hitting Wonder Weapons for high-round survival. The central truck, which costs 3000 points to open, is a high-risk, high-reward investment that can grant early access to powerful gear like the Galvaknuckles.
Video Highlights:
- Best wall weapons for early point farming.
- How to efficiently use the Mystery Box in the Green House.
- Demonstration of the Ray Gun Mark II against high-round hordes.
Always prioritize the MP5 wall buy located in the upstairs of the houses. It provides a reliable source of ammo and points until you can afford to spin the Mystery Box.
Wall Buy Weapons Table
| Weapon | Location | Cost (Points) | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| M14 | Spawn Area | 500 | D |
| Olympia | Spawn Area | 500 | D |
| MP5 | House Upstairs | 1000 | B |
| AK74u | Outside Yellow House | 1200 | B |
| Remington 870 | Central Map | 1500 | C |
| Bowie Knife | Near Bunker | 3000 | A (Early) |
| Galvaknuckles | Inside Red Truck | 6000 | S |
Perk-a-Cola and Pack-a-Punch Strategy
Since you cannot predict when Juggernog or Speed Cola will arrive, you must master the layout of the potential landing zones. There are four primary landing spots for the machines: the backyard of the Green House, the backyard of the Yellow House, the garage of the Green House, and the spawn area.
Monitor the Siren
Listen for the nuclear air raid siren. This indicates a machine is about to crash-land. Look at the sky to track the meteor's path.
Clear the Landing Zone
If a machine lands in a tight area like the Green House garage, clear the zombies immediately. Getting trapped while buying a perk is the #1 cause of death in Nuketown.
Prioritize Juggernog
Once Juggernog lands, save all points to acquire it. Without it, the narrow paths between the houses are death traps.
Pack-a-Punch Timing
Wait to Pack-a-Punch until you have a weapon like the Galil or RPD. The machine is often in a dangerous spot, so don't risk it for low-tier weapons.
- Quick Revive: 500 (Solo) / 1500 (Co-op)
- Juggernog: 2500
- Double Tap II: 2000
- Speed Cola: 3000
Easter Eggs and Musical Secrets
While Nuketown Zombies lacks a "Main Quest" like TranZit or Origins, it features several classic Treyarch musical Easter Eggs and hidden character interactions. These provide a much-needed distraction from the relentless zombie horde and offer deep-lore connections for dedicated fans.
Hidden Objectives Checklist:
- Interact with 3 Teddy Bears to play 'Samantha's Lullaby'
- Shoot all mannequin heads to trigger the 8-bit 'Coming Home' track
- Melee the bunker door to hear Marlton Johnson's dialogue
- Reach Round 5 to hear the TranZit bus horn in the distance
- Reach Round 25 to witness the eye color change
The 8-bit version of 'Coming Home' is widely considered one of the best tracks in the game. Make sure to shoot the heads off the mannequins outside the map boundaries as well!
Mystery Box Exclusive Weapons
| Weapon | Type | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Gun Mark II | Wonder Weapon | High-round penetration and boss clearing |
| Galil | Assault Rifle | General purpose survival and point building |
| Monkey Bombs | Tactical | Emergency distraction for revives |
| HAMR | LMG | Holding down the backyard areas |
Advanced Survival Strategies
To reach high rounds (30+) in Call of Duty Black Ops II Nuketown Zombies, you must master the art of "training" zombies. The most effective area for this is the backyard of the Yellow House. It offers the most open space, though you must be careful of the zombies jumping over the fence.
The Yellow House Run
- Space: Largest open area in the map.
- Risk: Zombies spawn from the fence and the diner side.
- Strategy: Circle the central debris pile.
The Cul-de-Sac Loop
- Space: Very tight and dangerous.
- Risk: High chance of getting 'sandwiched' between cars.
- Strategy: Use only for quick transitions between houses.
The Shed Power-Up
- Space: Extremely cramped.
- Risk: 3000 points to open, very easy to get trapped.
- Strategy: Only open when the clock indicates a Max Ammo.
Never stop moving. Nuketown is designed to punish players who stand still. Even if you are reloading, continue your circular movement pattern to avoid being cornered.
Q: When does the Pack-a-Punch machine spawn in Nuketown Zombies?
The Pack-a-Punch machine spawns randomly. It is triggered by the number of kills recorded on the population sign. Usually, it will drop between rounds 15 and 25, but the exact timing is randomized in every match.
Q: Can you open the bunker in Nuketown Zombies?
No, the bunker cannot be opened by the player in Black Ops II. However, you can hear Marlton Johnson talking inside if you knife the door. The bunker eventually opens in the Black Ops 4 map 'Alpha Omega', which is a reimagining of this location.
Q: What is the best weapon for high rounds in Nuketown?
The Ray Gun Mark II is the top choice due to its high damage and burst-fire capability. Pair it with the Galil or the Pack-a-Punch'd MP5 (Mystic Pony) for ammunition sustainability.
Q: Does Nuketown Zombies have a special boss round?
No, Nuketown Zombies does not have Hellhounds or any other special rounds. It is a pure survival experience with increasing numbers of standard zombies.