Treyarch has just released the highly anticipated patch notes for Season 3 of Black Ops 6 Zombies, and there’s a lot to unpack.
From the introduction of the new map Shattered Veil to the return of fan-favorite weapons and perks, this update promises to breathe new life into the zombie-slaying experience.
Let’s get into what you can expect in this massive content drop.
Shattered Veil: A New Frontier in Zombie Warfare
The centerpiece of Season 3 is undoubtedly the new map, Shattered Veil. Following the events of The Tomb, our intrepid team returns to Liberty Falls with the Sentinel artifact in hand.
Their mission?
To rescue Agent Maxis from the Dark Aether and finally confront Richtophen face-to-face. This description alone hints at a map rich in story content and potential for epic confrontations.
In terms of side Easter eggs, Treyarch developer Kevin Drew revealed that Shattered Veil is most comparable to Citadel Day of the Dead in terms of content volume.
While not as Easter egg-heavy as Terminus, players can still expect around 20-25 side Easter eggs to discover and unlock.
This balance should provide ample exploration opportunities without overwhelming players with an excessive number of secrets.
Ray Gun Mark II: The Legend Returns
One of the most exciting additions to Shattered Veil is the return of the Ray Gun Mark II.
This iconic wonder weapon comes with a twist – it now features three unique variants, each transforming the Ray Gun into a different weapon class:
- Ray Gun Mark II-W: Mimics submachine gun fire patterns with a chance to ignite enemies.
- Ray Gun Mark II-P: Operates like a shotgun for close-quarters combat.
- Ray Gun Mark II-R: Fires like a marksman rifle for precision long-range attacks.
These variants aren’t just reskins; they fundamentally change how the weapon functions, offering players new tactical options in combat.
The standard Ray Gun Mark II will be available in the mystery box, while the variants must be obtained through specific quests in Shattered Veil.
Importantly, Treyarch has confirmed that the Ray Gun Mark II will be added to the mystery box in all previous Black Ops 6 Zombies maps during the mid-season update.
This addition follows the pattern set by Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 4, where the Ray Gun Mark II was introduced in the third DLC and then made available across all maps.
Wunderwaffe DG-2: Another Classic Returns
In a surprise announcement, Treyarch revealed that the Wunderwaffe DG-2 will also make its Black Ops 6 debut in Shattered Veil.
This fan favorite wonder weapon, first introduced in World at War’s Der Riese, has been a fan favorite for its chain lightning effect. While details on how to obtain it are scarce, its inclusion is sure to excite long-time fans of the series.
Double Tap Perk: A New Twist on an Old Favorite
Season 3 brings back the Double Tap perk, but with some significant changes. According to Kevin Drew, this iteration of Double Tap is more similar to the original Double Tap 1.0 than the later 2.0 version.
You will need to explore the new augment system to fully understand how this classic perk has been reimagined for Black Ops 6.
Bug Fixes and Quality of Life Improvements
Treyarch has addressed several bugs and issues in this update:
- Light Mend Ammo Mod: Fixed issues with the Dual Action and Antibiotic augments.
- Tesla Storm: Corrected problems with the Overclock and Beam Charged augments.
- Gobble Gums: Resolved an issue preventing prestige players from using their Gobble Gum packs.
- Max Ammo: Fixed a bug where max ammo wouldn’t refill for players using Mutant Injection.
- Mangler enemies: Addressed an exploit where Manglers could attack from outside the playable area.
Camo Challenge Updates
In a player-friendly move, Treyarch has adjusted the camo challenges for two weapons:
- GS45
- LR762
Previously, these weapons required critical kills for camo progression. However, since they become explosive when Pack-a-Punched, this made the challenges nearly impossible.
Now, the requirement has been changed to eliminations, making these camos much more attainable.
Other challenge updates include:
- Titan Felling: Special zombie kills now count towards progress.
- Perfectly Charred: Thermbaric grenades can now be used to complete the challenge.
- Stalking Prey: Removed the melee weapon requirement, allowing all weapons to be used.
These changes should make several challenging achievements more accessible to the average player.
New Game Mode: Team Cranked
Season 3 introduces Team Cranked, a squad-oriented version of the popular Cranked mode. This fast-paced mode encourages teamwork and quick thinking.
As an added incentive, players who survive past round 50 on each map in this mode will receive a reward: a custom selection of six Gobble Gums per map, plus 15,000 XP.
UI and Graphics Improvements
Treyarch has made numerous UI and graphics fixes to enhance the player experience:
- Fixed issues with ammo mod displays for akimbo weapons.
- Corrected ping markers for relocated mystery boxes.
- Addressed visual glitches with the Ray Gun in third-person view.
- Fixed audio issues, including missing sound effects for keypad interactions in Terminus.
Looking Ahead: Mid-Season Update
While the launch of Shattered Veil is exciting, Treyarch has already hinted at more content coming in the mid-season update.
The addition of the Ray Gun Mark II to all maps is just one part of what players can expect.
This ongoing support demonstrates Treyarch’s commitment to keeping the Zombies mode fresh and engaging throughout the season.
Concluding Thoughts
Season 3 of Black Ops 6 Zombies, led by the new Shattered Veil map, brings a lot of new content for both new and longtime players.
You will be happy to see the return of famous weapons like the Ray Gun Mark II and the Wunderwaffe DG-2, along with an updated version of the Double Tap perk.
This mix of old and new elements creates a familiar yet exciting experience.
The game makers have shown they care about players by fixing bugs and adjusting challenges to make the game better.
As you explore Shattered Veil and try to reveal its secrets, it’s clear that this new chapter in the Black Ops Zombies story is off to a great start.
With more content coming in the mid-season update and the ongoing story about Richtophen and the Dark Aether, Season 3 looks like it will be a big deal for Black Ops 6 Zombies.
Whether you’re a casual player or someone who loves hunting for hidden clues, now is a great time to jump in and fight against the zombie hordes.
