Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies is seeing a resurgence in interest, despite some previous criticism over changes like recasting Samantha Maxis. The excitement is building as the April 2 release of Shattered Veil approaches, promising to offer players a thrilling adventure. This update will let players explore the Mansion featured in the Liberty Falls introduction video, providing a fresh dive into the ongoing Dark Aether plot. Characters such as Edward Richtofen and Samantha Maxis will have their stories further developed, while the Mansion itself will host iconic elements like a T-Rex skeleton and introduce new adversaries – the Toxic Zombie and Elder Disciple.
Players gearing up to tackle these challenges will have familiar tools at their disposal, such as the Wunderwaffe DG-2 and Ray Gun Mark 2 Wonder Weapons. Interestingly, while the Ray Gun Mark 2 first appeared in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, known for its three-round burst capability and respected among fans for its consistent damage without splash harm, it’s now seeing a return in Black Ops 6 with several variations to discover. Only three versions will be available this time: one setting enemies ablaze, another creating protective zones, and a new one dealing toxic area damage. These variant hunts are expected to be integral to Shattered Veil’s gameplay, potentially making them exclusive to this map, although the base Ray Gun Mark 2 could very well appear elsewhere.
Back in Black Ops 2, the introduction of the Ray Gun Mark 2 wasn’t restricted to a single map, even though it debuted on Buried. If players purchased the Vengeance DLC, the Ray Gun Mark 2 was accessible on all maps, including challenging maps like Nuketown Zombies. This approach made sure that no matter the map choice, the potent Mark 2 was always within reach via the Mystery Box.
Now, Black Ops 6 could benefit from a similar strategy, revitalizing the Mystery Box experience. In recent titles, the Mystery Box hasn’t held the same allure, with players often overlooking it in favor of preset loadouts and mission-based Wonder Weapons. By adding the Ray Gun Mark 2 to several maps beyond Shattered Veil, such as Terminus and Citadelle Des Morts, each attempt to open the Box could become a more thrilling experience, tapping into a sense of nostalgia for veterans of the series.
The potential for this beloved weapon’s inclusion across more maps, in addition to its exclusive variants for Shattered Veil, could align perfectly with Treyarch’s knack for blending modern gameplay elements with fan-favorite features from the past. If executed well, not only could it address some ongoing criticisms, but it could also strengthen the connection players feel towards this long-standing franchise, promising more excitement in their zombie-slaying adventures.