Follow this guide to access the Pack-a-Punch machine in Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War’s new Zombies map, Firebase Z. This will also show you how to turn on the power as it is essentially the same process. The machine works exactly the same as in the previous map, Die Maschine, with the changes made with this year’s iteration of the mode. You can upgrade any weapon a maximum of three times and apply one of three elemental ammo mods.
1. Speak to Ravenov
Your Omega Group contact, Ravenov, can be found behind a window immediately in the spawn area (village). Simply follow the on-screen icon with the exclamation mark into the left building and press the displayed button to speak to him (‘square’ on PlayStation, ‘X’ on Xbox and ‘F’ on PC by default). While he’s speaking, all zombies will ignore you as long as you stay near the window, so don’t worry about watching your back.
Ravenov will help you through a lot of this process.
Here you will see the Pack-a-Punch machine to the left of the window. However, it is clearly de-powered. Your ally will detail some story info then direct you towards the teleporter on the roof, located with the star icon.
2. Teleport to Firebase
You must pay 1,250 points to open the door to the building across the street from Ravenov. You’ll need to kill all the undead in round one and a few in round two. Melee and headshot kills reward the most points. Head to the right at the top of the stairs, and you’ll find the teleporter.
The map is split into two parts: the village and the Firebase.
Use the teleporter, and you will be sent to the military outpost area. Doctor Peck will contact you and tell you what you need to do. Three new star icons will appear, leading you to the three Aether Reactors. Successfully activating all of them will provide power to the whole map, including the Pack-a-Punch machine.
3. Activate the 3 Aether Reactors
The area with the crashed helicopter and the teleporter is in the middle of the 3 Aether Reactors.
This is the main step for unlocking our goal for this map. At each reactor, you will need to turn it on at the crystal in the middle (where the on-screen icons lead you). Then you must defend the three Collection Units from zombie attacks. Each enemy that you kill will charge the generator a little. 12 must be killed at each reactor (more if playing with a team). When a collection unit is under attack, the icon will flash red. Move from each unit, killing any undead around it as fast as possible. It will take a long time for them to be completely destroyed, so this shouldn’t be too difficult.
Once charged, a pulse will be sent out, letting you know that you have completed this reactor. Any nearby doors that require power will now be open, and the perk machine in the area can now be used.
Military Command (Right)
Stay near the reactor while charging it as the 3 collection units are close together.
I’d recommend going to the reactor to the right first as Jugger-Nog is in this area, so you can buy this perk early, making the rest of this easier. To make it all the way to the reactor and turn it on, you’ll need 2,750 points. You can save up in the teleporter area or kill zombies along the way; it’s up to you.
Once through the gate, head down the road a little, then buy the blue door on the right; it’s also highlighted by a purple arrow on the wall. Continue through the building and head outside to find the Aether Reactor. Charge the reactor as described above. The upgrade can be found in the main military command control room in front of the stairs.
Be sure to pick up Jugg while you’re here if you think you’ll need the extra health.
Data Center (Middle)
For this reactor, you can do laps of the building, checking on each collection unit as you run past.
The middle reactor will also cost 2,750 points to get to and activate. Speed Cola can be found in this location.
Through the gate, follow the road round to the right and head up the metal stairs. The blue door will open to the Data Center, and the reactor will be in the middle on the ground floor.
Mission Control (Left)
Watch your back during this one, as it’s quite dark in mission control.
Finally, the last Aether Reactor will also require 2,750 points. The perk in this area is Stamin-Up.
From the gate, you can either head up the stairs to the right or follow the walkway around from the stairs straight ahead. Either way, you can find the reactor downstairs in the building. Once the final reactor is activated, the whole map will now have power, and all doors can be accessed, and all perks can be bought.
4. Return to Village to use Pack-a-Punch
You will now get a radio message from Ravenov telling you to return to him as the upgrade is now ready to use. Return to the central area with the crashed helicopter and use the teleporter to return to the village. Once again, return to Ravenov, and the Pack-a-Punch machine will illuminate with power.
Beware when using the Pack-a-Punch as there’s not much space to avoid zombies.
This can all be done before round seven if you’re killing the flesh-eating monsters efficiently, spending a minimum number of points and getting lucky with power-up drops. From there, you can focus on earning points to upgrade your guns and buy all the perks, or turn your attention to other objectives.
Now that you know how to unlock Pack-a-Punch in the Firebase Z Zombies map, why not check out more Black Ops Cold War guides and try to activate the traditional Nuketown Easter Egg.
