How to Rank Up FAST in CoD: Black Ops 2 Zombies: A Definitive Guide
Ranking up in Black Ops 2 Zombies relies on a combination of strategic gameplay and consistent performance. The fastest way to rank up involves maximizing your total score by prioritizing point acquisition and survival strategies.
Introduction: The Elusive Zombie Skull
The Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies ranking system, represented by a skull icon that evolves into more complex designs, served as a visual marker of player skill and experience. Unlike traditional multiplayer level progression, the Zombies ranking system wasn’t directly tied to experience points (XP). Instead, it functioned as a hidden Elo system, calculating your rank based on your performance relative to other players. This made the system both rewarding and frustrating; a high round doesn’t automatically guarantee a rank increase, but a consistent stream of high-scoring games will. This guide breaks down the intricacies of the ranking system and provides a roadmap to achieving higher ranks.
Benefits of a High Zombie Rank
While a high rank in Black Ops 2 Zombies might seem purely cosmetic, it actually confers several benefits, both tangible and intangible.
- Prestige: A high rank serves as a clear indicator of skill and dedication to the Zombies mode. It’s a badge of honor showcasing your proficiency to other players.
- Respect: Experienced players often recognize and respect high-ranked players, leading to better teamwork in public matches.
- Personal Satisfaction: Achieving a higher rank provides a sense of accomplishment and validates your efforts in mastering the game.
- Self-Improvement: The pursuit of a higher rank encourages players to refine their strategies, experiment with different tactics, and ultimately become better players.
Understanding the Ranking Process
The exact formula used by Treyarch to calculate rank is unknown, but the core principles are well-understood. It revolves around earning a high score per game and maintaining a high score over multiple games. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
- Score: Your score is the most important factor. Higher scores translate to a higher chance of ranking up.
- Round: While round is related to score, it isn’t the only determinant. A low round with a very high score is often preferable to a high round with a low score.
- Downs: Being downed frequently negatively impacts your ranking. Minimize downs as much as possible.
- Revives: Reviving teammates earns points and contributes to a positive team environment, which can indirectly improve your performance.
- Accuracy: Although not definitively proven, some believe accuracy influences ranking. Aim for headshots to maximize both score and accuracy.
Strategies for Maximizing Your Score
To consistently achieve high scores, you need to employ effective strategies that maximize point acquisition. Here are some key tactics:
- Headshots: Always aim for headshots. Headshots award significantly more points than body shots.
- Knifing: Knifing zombies in the early rounds (rounds 1-5) yields the most points per kill.
- Wall Weapons: Utilize wall weapons effectively. They’re often cheaper than the Mystery Box and provide a consistent source of firepower.
- Mystery Box Management: Only use the Mystery Box strategically. Don’t waste points on repeatedly hitting the box if you already have good weapons.
- Grenades and Equipment: Use grenades and equipment like Claymores and Bouncing Betties to rack up kills quickly and efficiently.
- Camping vs. Training: Experiment with both camping and training strategies to see which works best for you on different maps.
- Point Banking: Avoid spending all your points at once. Save up points for emergencies and to buy perks when needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many players unknowingly hinder their progress by making common mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
- Rushing: Don’t rush into high rounds without a solid strategy and sufficient firepower.
- Downing Repeatedly: Frequent downs are a major detriment to your ranking. Play cautiously and prioritize survival.
- Wasting Points: Don’t waste points on unnecessary items or repeatedly hitting the Mystery Box without a plan.
- Ignoring Teamwork: In co-op games, teamwork is crucial. Communicate with your teammates and coordinate your strategies.
- Leaving Games Early: Leaving a game early can negatively impact your ranking, even if you were performing well.
Recommended Maps for Ranking Up
Some maps are inherently better suited for ranking up than others due to their layout, available strategies, and ease of point accumulation.
- Nuketown Zombies: A small map that forces constant action, leading to high kill counts and high scores.
- Town (Survival): Relatively simple layout, easy to train zombies and earn points quickly.
- Die Rise: Offers multiple training spots and opportunities for high kill counts.
- Buried: The Paralyzer makes this map very easy and fun, and gives high scores.
Comparing Different Weapons
| Weapon Type | Early Rounds | Mid Rounds | Late Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistols | High point gain due to headshots/knifing | Ineffective without upgrades | Useless |
| SMGs | Good for early rounds, high fire rate | Effective with Pack-a-Punch | Situational |
| Assault Rifles | Versatile, good for all rounds | Effective with Pack-a-Punch | Reliable, high damage |
| Shotguns | Powerful at close range | Effective with Pack-a-Punch | High damage, but limited range |
| LMGs | High ammo capacity, good for hordes | Effective with Pack-a-Punch | Sustained fire, suppresses zombies |
Perk Prioritization
Choosing the right perks can significantly impact your survival and score. Here’s a recommended prioritization:
- Juggernog: Essential for increasing your health and survivability.
- Speed Cola: Reduces reload time, allowing you to dish out more damage.
- Quick Revive: Allows you to revive teammates faster (essential in co-op). Also grants self-revive in solo.
- Double Tap Root Beer II: Increases your rate of fire, boosting your damage output.
- Stamin-Up: Increases movement speed, useful for training and escaping hordes.
The Importance of Teamwork
In co-op games, teamwork is paramount for achieving high scores and ranking up.
- Communicate: Talk to your teammates and coordinate your strategies.
- Revive: Prioritize reviving downed teammates.
- Share Resources: Share points and weapons with teammates who need them.
- Cover Each Other: Watch each other’s backs and provide support when needed.
Advanced Tactics and Glitches (Use with Caution)
While glitches can provide a significant advantage, they often come with the risk of being patched or penalized. If you choose to use them, do so at your own risk. Research thoroughly and only use those that do not negatively impact the experience of other players. Advanced tactics, such as corner camping and using specific weapon combinations, can also significantly improve your score, but require practice and mastery.
Black Ops 2 Zombies Rank Explained (Visual Representation)
The exact visual progression of the Black Ops 2 Zombies ranks is difficult to replicate in text, but generally, the skull symbol becomes increasingly elaborate and detailed as you climb the ranks. Think of it as starting with a simple, bare skull and gradually adding features like crossed bones, knives, flames, and other menacing adornments. The higher the rank, the more impressive and intimidating the skull becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does round number directly correlate to rank?
No, the round number isn’t the sole determinant of your rank. While reaching higher rounds typically results in a higher score, a high score in lower rounds is often more beneficial than a low score in high rounds.
How often does the ranking system update?
The ranking system updates in real-time after each game. Your performance in the most recent game is factored into your overall rank.
Does playing solo vs. co-op affect ranking?
Both solo and co-op games contribute to your rank. However, co-op games can potentially yield higher scores due to the increased zombie count and opportunities for revives and teamwork.
Is there a maximum rank in Black Ops 2 Zombies?
While the precise maximum rank is unknown, it’s represented by a highly decorated skull icon. Players strive to reach this prestigious level to demonstrate their mastery.
Does using glitches affect my rank?
Using glitches can be risky. While some glitches might temporarily boost your score, Treyarch often patches them, and consistent exploitation could potentially lead to a rank reset.
Does my K/D ratio in zombies matter for ranking?
While K/D ratio isn’t a primary factor, it indirectly reflects your survival skills. Minimizing deaths is crucial for maintaining a high score and improving your rank.
Is there a way to reset my zombie rank?
No, there is no in-game option to manually reset your Zombies rank. The ranking system is permanent and tied to your account.
What is the best weapon for getting headshots?
This depends on the map and your playstyle, but accurate weapons with minimal recoil, such as the M14 or B23R, are often preferred for headshotting.
Do all maps have the same effect on rank?
No, some maps are better suited for ranking up than others. Nuketown Zombies, Town, and Die Rise are generally considered more conducive to high scores.
Does leaving a game early affect my rank?
Yes, leaving a game early can negatively impact your rank. It’s generally better to play the game to completion, even if you’re not performing well.
What is the best perk combination for high rounds?
The most common and effective perk combination is Juggernog, Speed Cola, Quick Revive (solo), and Double Tap Root Beer II.
If I have a good score, but someone else leaves, does it affect my rank negatively?
While the leaver may experience a negative impact, your personal score is the primary factor in determining your rank change. Therefore, their departure shouldn’t significantly harm your progress if you maintained a high score.