The relentless hordes of the undead. The escalating rounds. The familiar thrill of earning that next killstreak. For seasoned veterans of Call of Duty Zombies, there’s a distinct progression beyond simply surviving: the coveted Prestige. But for those new to the zombie-slaying fray, or perhaps returning after a hiatus, the question echoes: “How do I prestige in Zombies?” This article delves deep into the mechanics, rewards, and strategies involved in achieving that esteemed status within the ever-evolving world of Call of Duty Zombies.
Understanding the Prestige System in Call of Duty Zombies
Prestige, in its essence, is a system designed to offer a form of long-term progression and a distinct mark of dedication for players. In the context of Call of Duty Zombies, it’s a way to reset your rank and weapon progression, gaining specific in-game rewards and recognition for your commitment. Think of it as a cyclical journey of mastery, where you willingly shed your current achievements to earn even greater prestige and unlock exclusive content.
The Core Mechanics: Rank and Experience Points (XP)
At its heart, the Prestige system in Zombies is tied to your overall player rank. Like in the multiplayer components of Call of Duty, you earn Experience Points (XP) through various actions within a Zombies match. These actions include:
- Killing zombies: The most fundamental way to earn XP. The more zombies you dispatch, the more XP you accumulate.
- Completing objectives: In modes with specific objectives (like Round-Based maps with Easter Eggs or objective-based game modes), completing these tasks yields significant XP bonuses.
- Using weapons effectively: Getting headshots, multi-kills, and using specialist weapons or abilities efficiently contribute to your XP gain.
- Reviving teammates: A crucial aspect of cooperative Zombies play, reviving downed allies rewards you with XP.
- Surviving rounds: Simply progressing through higher rounds inherently grants more XP.
As you accumulate XP, your player rank increases. Each rank typically has a specific XP threshold that must be met. Once you reach the maximum rank for a given Prestige level, you have the option to Prestige.
The Prestige Decision: When and Why to Prestige
The decision to Prestige is a significant one. It’s not just about resetting your progress; it’s about embracing a new challenge and reaping the rewards.
The Reset: What Happens When You Prestige
When you choose to Prestige, several key aspects of your Zombies progression are reset:
- Player Rank: You will be demoted back to the starting rank, typically Rank 1.
- Weapon Levels: All your weapon levels will be reset to Level 1. This means you’ll have to re-earn attachments, camos, and mastery camos for each weapon.
- Perks and Field Upgrades: While the items themselves are unlocked through player progression, their levels might also be reset, requiring you to re-level them.
However, it’s crucial to understand what is not reset:
- Unlocking Weapons: Weapons you have unlocked through your overall player progression remain unlocked. You don’t need to re-earn the ability to access them.
- Camos and Attachments (earned): While weapon levels reset, the camos and attachments you have already unlocked for those weapons typically remain available. You just need to re-level the weapon to equip them again.
- Perks and Equipment Unlocked: The base perks and equipment you’ve unlocked through your player rank will still be available in future Prestige levels.
- Player Profile Elements: Things like your emblem, calling cards, and any cosmetic items you’ve earned or purchased are generally retained.
The Rewards: What You Gain from Prestiging
The allure of Prestiging lies in the exclusive rewards it offers. These rewards are designed to acknowledge your dedication and provide tangible benefits within the game. Common rewards include:
- New Calling Cards: Unique visual emblems for your player profile that signify your Prestige level.
- New Emblems: Similar to calling cards, these offer further personalization of your player identity.
- Weapon Blueprints: These often come with pre-equipped attachments and unique cosmetic designs, allowing you to access powerful weapon configurations earlier in your Prestige journey.
- Cosmetic Items: Some Prestige levels might unlock exclusive operator skins or other cosmetic customization options.
- XP Boosts: Occasionally, Prestiging might offer temporary XP boosts, helping you progress faster through the next level.
- Access to Exclusive Challenges: Higher Prestige levels can sometimes unlock specific challenges that grant additional rewards upon completion.
The specific rewards vary significantly between Call of Duty titles and even between different Prestige tiers within the same game. It’s always a good idea to check the in-game Prestige menu for the most up-to-date information on what each level offers.
The Path to Prestige: Strategies for Efficient Progression
Simply playing Zombies is the first step, but to efficiently reach Prestige, a strategic approach is paramount.
Maximizing XP Gain
- Focus on High-Scoring Activities: Prioritize actions that yield the most XP. This often means playing with a team, coordinating kills, and ensuring everyone is actively contributing to zombie elimination.
- Headshots are Key: Aim for the head. Headshots not only kill zombies faster but also grant bonus XP.
- Utilize Specialist Weapons and Equipment: Master the use of your chosen specialist weapon and any potent equipment you acquire. These can clear out large groups of zombies quickly, leading to substantial XP gains.
- Complete Easter Eggs and Main Quests: While time-consuming, successfully completing main Easter Eggs and quests often comes with significant XP rewards and can be a highly efficient way to boost your rank, especially in the later stages of a Prestige cycle.
- Play Higher Rounds: The longer you survive, the more zombies you kill, and the more XP you earn. Aim to push for higher rounds in each match.
Weapon Leveling Strategies
With your weapon levels resetting upon Prestiging, efficient weapon leveling is crucial.
- Focus on One Weapon at a Time: While playing, try to dedicate your kills to leveling up a specific weapon until it reaches its desired attachment level.
- Utilize Double Weapon XP Events: Keep an eye out for Double Weapon XP weekends or in-game bonuses. These are invaluable for rapidly leveling up your weapons.
- Strategic Use of Killstreaks (if applicable): In some Call of Duty titles, certain killstreaks can indirectly help with weapon XP if they assist in clearing out zombies.
- Play Objective-Based Modes (if available): If your game offers objective modes within Zombies that encourage sustained engagement, these can be good for weapon leveling.
Understanding Prestige Tiers and Unlocks
Each Call of Duty Zombies game has a structured Prestige system, with multiple tiers to achieve.
- Prestige 1: Typically the first major milestone, unlocking a basic calling card and emblem.
- Higher Prestiges: As you progress through further Prestige levels, the rewards become more exclusive and desirable. This can include weapon blueprints, cosmetic items, and unique player icons.
- Master Prestige: The ultimate goal, representing complete mastery of the Zombies progression system within a particular Call of Duty title. This often unlocks the most prestigious rewards.
The exact number of Prestige levels and the rewards associated with each vary. It’s essential to consult the in-game Prestige menu for the most accurate and up-to-date information for the specific Call of Duty game you are playing.
Common Questions and Considerations About Prestiging in Zombies
Many players have questions regarding the finer points of the Prestige system.
Does Prestiging Affect My Zombies Stats?
Generally, your core Zombies stats like your kill/death ratio or win/loss ratio are not reset when you Prestige. The reset is primarily focused on your player rank and weapon progression. However, some specific stat trackers might be tied to Prestige levels themselves.
When Should I Consider Prestiging?
The optimal time to Prestige is when you feel you have achieved the primary goals you set for the current Prestige level. This could mean:
- You have unlocked all desired attachments for your primary weapons.
- You have completed any significant Easter Eggs or challenges associated with that Prestige cycle.
- You are ready for the new challenge and the rewards that come with the next Prestige.
There’s no single “right” time, as it depends on your personal goals and playstyle. Some players prefer to Prestige as soon as they hit the maximum rank, while others might wait until they’ve thoroughly explored all aspects of the current progression.
Is It Worth It to Prestige?
For players who enjoy long-term progression, customization, and a sense of accomplishment, Prestiging is undoubtedly worth it. The exclusive rewards provide bragging rights and can offer tangible benefits in future gameplay. If you primarily play for short bursts or are not invested in the progression systems, the reset might feel less appealing. However, the core gameplay of Zombies remains enjoyable regardless of your Prestige status.
How Many Times Can I Prestige?
The number of Prestige levels available is determined by the specific Call of Duty title. Some games offer a limited number of Prestiges, while others have a “Master Prestige” that acts as an endpoint for the current progression cycle. This information is usually detailed in the game’s menus.
Conclusion: Embracing the Zombie Prestige Journey
Prestige in Call of Duty Zombies is more than just a number; it’s a testament to your dedication, skill, and willingness to face the undead challenge time and time again. By understanding the mechanics, focusing on efficient XP and weapon leveling, and strategically choosing when to reset your progress, you can unlock a wealth of exclusive rewards and truly distinguish yourself among fellow survivors. So, as you stand on the precipice of your next Prestige, remember the journey ahead, the rewards that await, and the enduring thrill of conquering the zombie apocalypse, one Prestige at a time.
What is the purpose of prestiging in Call of Duty Zombies?
Prestiging in Call of Duty Zombies is a system designed to reward dedicated players and offer a sense of progression beyond simply reaching the highest possible round. By reaching specific milestones and choosing to reset your rank, you unlock new calling cards, weapon camos, player icons, and sometimes even exclusive customization options for your character or loadouts.
Beyond the cosmetic rewards, prestiging also offers a way to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. It provides a clear set of goals for players to strive for, encouraging them to master different weapons, perks, and strategies as they climb the ranks multiple times. This replayability is a core aspect of what keeps many players invested in the Zombies mode.
How do I initiate the prestiging process in Zombies?
To prestige in Call of Duty Zombies, you typically need to reach a certain player level. Once you achieve this level, a prompt will appear, usually in the main menu or within the progression tab, offering you the option to “Prestige.” Accepting this prompt will reset your player rank back to the beginning, while retaining your unlocked weapons, perks, and any progress made on challenges.
It’s important to note that the specific level requirement to prestige can vary between different Call of Duty titles and even within different seasons of a game’s lifecycle. Always check the in-game progression system for the most up-to-date information on when you’ll be eligible to prestige and what rewards await you at each new tier.
What are the benefits of prestiging, besides cosmetic rewards?
While cosmetic rewards like calling cards and weapon camos are the most visible benefits, prestiging also offers a subtle but significant advantage: a deeper understanding and mastery of the game’s mechanics. The process of grinding through the ranks multiple times forces you to experiment with different loadouts, learn enemy spawn patterns, and refine your survival strategies, ultimately making you a more skilled player.
Furthermore, prestiging can unlock access to new challenges or progression paths that might not be available at lower ranks. These challenges often require a high level of skill and dedication to complete, and their successful completion can lead to even more prestigious rewards, further enhancing your standing within the Zombies community and providing new objectives to pursue.
Does prestiging reset my weapon or perk progression?
No, prestiging in Call of Duty Zombies does not reset your weapon or perk progression. All weapons you’ve unlocked and leveled up, along with any perks you’ve acquired and upgraded, will remain available to you after you prestige. This means you can continue to use your favorite weapons and perks without having to re-earn them from scratch.
This system allows players to focus on the prestiging grind itself without the frustration of losing access to their preferred tools. You can immediately jump back into the action with your fully upgraded arsenal, ready to tackle higher rounds and earn more experience to reach the next prestige level even faster.
How many times can I prestige in Call of Duty Zombies?
The number of times you can prestige in Call of Duty Zombies is not fixed and often increases over the lifespan of a game. Typically, there are a set number of prestige tiers available at launch, with developers often adding more prestige levels through post-launch updates and seasonal content. Each new prestige level usually brings new exclusive rewards.
It’s common for games to offer ten or more prestige levels, with each level requiring a significant amount of playtime and experience to achieve. Some titles may even have a “master prestige” or “prestige master” rank that signifies the highest level of dedication, offering the most prestigious and sought-after cosmetic items.
Are there any drawbacks to prestiging?
The primary drawback to prestiging is the time investment required. To reach higher prestige levels, you’ll need to dedicate a considerable amount of playtime to the Zombies mode, which can be a significant commitment for players with limited time. The grind to level up repeatedly can also become repetitive for some, potentially leading to burnout.
Another potential drawback is that some players may feel pressured to prestige to keep up with the cosmetic progression of others or to unlock certain desirable items. This can detract from the enjoyment of the game for those who prefer a more casual approach. However, it’s essential to remember that prestiging is entirely optional, and you should play at your own pace and enjoy the game as you see fit.
Is prestiging necessary to unlock all content in Call of Duty Zombies?
Prestiging is generally not necessary to unlock all core content within Call of Duty Zombies. The essential weapons, perks, perks, map features, and game modes are typically available from the start or unlocked through normal progression by leveling up. Prestiging primarily unlocks cosmetic customizations and signifies dedication.
However, some of the most exclusive and visually impressive calling cards, weapon camos, and player emblems are often reserved for those who achieve higher prestige ranks. If you aspire to showcase the ultimate level of commitment and style within the Zombies community, then engaging with the prestiging system will be the most direct route to acquiring these highly sought-after cosmetic items.