Your Guide to the MW3 Zombies Camo Grind

Ever notice players with cool, glowing weapon designs and wonder how they got them? Those are called Mastery Camos, and you earn them through gameplay, not by simply receiving them. Getting the ultimate Borealis camo takes dedication – you’ll need to complete a lot of challenges with every type of weapon in the game. It might seem like a huge undertaking, but it’s definitely possible with a good strategy. This guide will give you that strategy, covering everything from the easiest weapons to start with, to the best ways to defeat zombies quickly and efficiently, making your progress as smooth as possible.

Key Takeaways

Master the most efficient farming methods: Unlock your second insured weapon slot by completing Act 1 missions to work on two guns at once, and use the Outlast contract trick to create an infinite zombie spawn for easy kills.
Plan your attack before you deploy: Start with easy-to-use weapon classes like ARs and SMGs to build momentum, and always tailor your loadout’s attachments to the specific camo challenge you’re tackling in that match.
Protect your sanity to finish the grind: Avoid burnout by setting small, achievable goals for each session instead of tackling everything at once. Play with friends to keep it fun, and know when it’s time to take a break.

MW3 Zombies Camos: What Are They?

If you’ve played the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3, you’ve likely noticed players with uniquely designed weapons. These designs, called camos, aren’t just for show – they represent a player’s effort and skill in fighting off zombies. Earning different camos is a common challenge for many players, giving them a clear objective and a sense of accomplishment with each match.

Before you start customizing, it’s good to know how the camo system works. There are two main types: Base Camos and the more prestigious Mastery Camos. Every weapon has its own unique set of camos to unlock, and completing a full set is a great way to show off to other players. It takes time and effort, but getting a cool camo like Borealis on your favorite weapon is really satisfying.

Base vs. Mastery Camos

As a big fan, I love collecting camos! The Base Camos are where it all starts. Every gun has four special Zombie camos you can unlock, but you actually have to earn them. It’s not just about playing – you’ve gotta complete challenges specific to each weapon, like getting a certain number of kills, headshots, or kills with a Pack-a-Punched weapon. What’s cool is each camo challenges you to play a little differently, so it keeps things fresh!

After you’ve fully customized a weapon with all four base camouflage skins, you’ll unlock the first special camouflage: Golden Enigma. Then comes the challenging part! Earning Golden Enigma on several weapons within a specific type, like assault rifles, will get you Zircon Scale. If you do this for every weapon class, you’ll unlock Serpentinite. Finally, earning Serpentinite on a total of 36 weapons rewards you with the Borealis camouflage.

How the Camo Progression Works

Reaching Borealis takes time and consistent effort – think of it as a long race, not a quick dash. You’ll progress by first completing the Base Camo challenges for each weapon, then tackling the Mastery challenges. The most important thing is to be efficient. Don’t just rush around; instead, focus on smart strategies to quickly and safely eliminate zombies.

A popular and reliable way to quickly earn zombie camo is by using the Outlast contract. Start the contract and get it almost finished—around 98%—then simply leave the area. This won’t complete the contract, but it will cause endless waves of zombies to spawn there for the rest of the game. This provides a consistent and predictable flow of enemies, making it much easier to complete your challenges without having to hunt them down.

Where to Start: Prioritizing Your Weapon Categories

The huge number of weapons in Modern Warfare 3 can be daunting, especially with so many camos to unlock. It’s tough to know where to start! While you could just pick a gun and play, having a plan will make things much easier and less frustrating. It’s best to begin with the simplest challenges and weapons, then move on to the more difficult ones – think of it like starting with the main roads before venturing onto smaller paths.

When choosing weapons for fighting Zombies, focus on those best for dealing with large groups, powerful enemies, and keeping you moving. Starting with these reliable options will help you gain progress and complete objectives quickly. You can add more specialized or challenging weapons later, once you’re comfortable and have upgraded your gear. This makes the game more enjoyable and prevents it from feeling repetitive.

Why ARs and SMGs Should Be First

If you’re aiming to unlock weapon camos in MW3 Zombies, focus on Assault Rifles and Submachine Guns first. These are your most reliable weapons – they’re good in many situations, hold plenty of ammo, and can handle everything from large groups of zombies to tough, special enemies. Their all-around performance will make completing challenges much easier.

As a huge fan, let me tell you, one of the best things you can do early on is rush through those Act 1 missions. Seriously, do it ASAP! It unlocks a second slot for insured weapons, which means you can bring two main weapons into every match. This is a total game-changer because you can work on unlocking camos for both weapons at the same time – it makes everything so much more efficient!

Why LMGs and Snipers Can Wait

It’s best to focus on other weapons before Light Machine Guns and Sniper Rifles. While useful in certain situations, they can be more trouble than they’re worth when you’re first starting out. LMGs make you slow and reloading takes too long, leaving you vulnerable. Snipers are great for taking out single zombies, but they’re not very effective when you’re swarmed by a large group.

Using these weapons at the wrong time can really hold you back and make the game frustrating. It’s best to use them only when you’re tackling challenges they’re specifically designed for, instead of trying to use them in every fight.

Focus on the Weapons You Actually Enjoy

It seems simple, but it’s key: play with the guns you enjoy! Remember, this is a game, and unlocking weapon skins shouldn’t feel like work. If you really like a certain rifle or shotgun, stick with it! You’ll have more fun and probably play better when you’re using a weapon you’re comfortable with.

A good player once said, “Take your time, have fun, and the rewards will come naturally.” That’s a great way to avoid getting frustrated. The camos you want will unlock as you play, so focus on enjoying the game itself, and you’ll earn that Borealis camo before you know it.

Breaking Down the Core Camo Challenges

Unlocking all the weapon skins (camos) in Call of Duty: MW3 Zombies takes time and effort, but it’s not as daunting as it seems. Each weapon requires completing a set of core challenges, and you’ll find those challenges repeat for every gun. Once you understand this, the process becomes much easier. Focus on mastering four main objectives – getting headshots, critical kills, eliminating enemies with a Pack-a-Punch weapon, and defeating special zombies. These are the keys to efficiently unlocking camos without getting overwhelmed. Let’s look at each objective so you can create a smart strategy right from the start.

Headshot Strategies That Work

Mastering headshots is key to quickly unlocking camouflage, and it comes down to practice and good positioning. Don’t just wildly shoot; instead, try to guide zombies into a single line behind you. This lets you turn and eliminate them one by one with accurate shots. Remember to aim a little above where you think you should, particularly when zombies are running. Using weapon attachments that help with stability and recoil will be incredibly helpful, allowing you to stay on target more easily.

How to Get Critical Kills

In Zombies mode, a “critical kill” simply means defeating an enemy with a headshot. Luckily, this works with both firearms and melee weapons, letting you play however you prefer. To get these kills, consistently aim for the head on normal zombies and target the glowing spots on special zombies. The Deadshot Daiquiri perk is really useful because it automatically helps you aim for those critical hit areas. If you’re trying to get a lot of these kills quickly, playing an Outlast contract is a great option, as it provides a contained area to fight in.

Nailing Pack-a-Punch Eliminations

This challenge seems easy – just get kills with a Pack-a-Punched weapon. But the key is using your Essence wisely, so you don’t waste anything. Don’t upgrade weapons you aren’t currently using. Instead, focus on fully upgrading one gun at a time: complete all its initial camo challenges, then use the Pack-a-Punch machine to work towards the next goals. Keep in mind that each upgrade costs more, so budget carefully to make sure you can afford everything you need.

Taking Down Special Zombie Types

Certain camouflage challenges require you to defeat tougher zombies like Manglers, Disciples, and Mimics, and they can be very difficult. These enemies can quickly stop you, particularly if you’re using a weaker weapon. Before attacking, learn what each one is vulnerable to—for example, the Mangler’s arm or the Disciple’s face. Bringing a strong backup weapon or a useful field upgrade will increase your chances of winning these fights and getting the kills you need.

How to Get Critical Kills Without the Headache

Those critical kill challenges can be really tough and repetitive. Getting headshot after headshot on fast-moving zombies isn’t easy. But don’t worry, you can complete them much faster with the right strategy. It’s not about playing for hours, but about playing efficiently. By using a few key techniques, you can make this frustrating task much smoother and get closer to unlocking those special camos. Stop running around aimlessly and hoping for luck – these tips will give you a simple, reliable method for getting those critical hits without getting burned out.

Know Your Critical Hit Zones

To succeed in MW3 Zombies, focus on headshots – they’re key to quickly taking down enemies. While it seems simple, it’s easy to start aiming for the body when you’re surrounded. Practice quickly aiming for the head, and remember that zombies are constantly moving, so you’ll need to predict where they’ll be to land your shots. Mastering this skill is essential for completing challenges quickly and efficiently.

The Best Attachments for Critical Hits

The weapons you choose significantly impact how quickly you can get critical kills. There isn’t one perfect attachment, but focus on improving your gun’s accuracy and how easily you can control its recoil. Using a clear scope, a stock that minimizes wobble, and a muzzle that reduces kick will help you consistently hit headshots. While you can find good weapon setups online, remember that stability is especially important in Zombies. A stable gun lets you focus on aiming, not fighting the weapon itself. Don’t prioritize maximum damage; instead, aim for a setup that feels precise and consistently hits your target.

Why You Need Deadshot Daiquiri

If you haven’t already, start using the Deadshot Daiquiri perk – it’s a huge advantage when trying to get critical hits. When you aim, it automatically moves your crosshair to a zombie’s head, making it much faster to line up a precise shot. While it’s not ideal for quickly taking down large groups, it’s incredibly helpful for consistently eliminating zombies one by one. Get a can at the beginning of each match – you’ll be glad you did. It makes getting headshots easy, turning a difficult task into a simple point-and-shoot action.

Use the Map to Your Advantage

Instead of aimlessly searching for zombies, find a good spot to consistently get them. A useful tactic is to start an Outlast contract, progress it to almost completion (98%), and then leave the area. This pauses the contract but keeps zombies spawning endlessly, giving you a reliable source of targets. Alternatively, you can repeatedly call for an exfil helicopter at a designated site. Clear out the zombies that spawn with each call, but don’t actually leave – just call the helicopter in again for another wave.

Your Game Plan for Pack-a-Punch Kills

Okay, so getting 250 Pack-a-Punch kills on each gun… it used to feel like a huge grind! But I’ve realized it doesn’t have to be. It’s not just about running to the machine and spamming shots. Honestly, a little planning makes a world of difference. If you think about it like managing your resources – your time, your Essence, and your ammo – it becomes way more manageable. I’ve started being more strategic with my upgrades, and it’s actually made the whole process faster and less frustrating. It’s all about being efficient so I can get that awesome camo and move on to the next weapon. Let me share what I’ve learned to help you speed things up too!

Know When to Upgrade Your Weapons

Okay, so this might sound weird, but I’ve found it’s actually better to not rush upgrading my gun right away. If my weapon is already good enough for the early areas, upgrading it too quickly just means zombies go down too fast. That doesn’t give me enough time to practice my headshots or deal with other stuff happening at once. A really awesome farming trick I use is with Outlast contracts. I start one, get it almost to 100%, then cancel it. Seriously! It makes zombies spawn endlessly in that spot for the rest of the game. It’s a constant wave of enemies, which is perfect for getting all those Pack-a-Punch upgrades without having to hunt around for hordes all the time.

Balance Power with Challenge Requirements

Okay, so I’ve learned the hard way that holding onto Essence forever isn’t always the best strategy. You gotta know when to upgrade, especially with certain guns. Pistols, for example, can be super frustrating. Even after you Pack-a-Punch them, their slow fire rate and trouble with hordes can really slow down your camo challenges. For those weaker weapons, I now upgrade them as soon as I have the Essence. Basically, you want your gun’s power to match the area you’re in. There’s no point wasting resources on a fully upgraded gun in the early zones. Always think about what each camo needs and upgrade smart – you don’t want to make grinding harder than it has to be!

Manage Your Essence Like a Pro

Essence is essential for unlocking camos, so it’s important to use it wisely. Don’t just spend it randomly; let your current camo challenges dictate how you spend it. For example, if you need kills in a specific area, save your Essence until you’re ready to go there and can upgrade your weapons. The fastest way to earn Essence is by completing contracts back-to-back. Prioritize quick and easy contracts like Spore Control or Cargo Delivery to build up your funds quickly. Choosing the right game mode and focusing on specific objectives will significantly help. By connecting how you earn Essence to your camo goals, you’ll ensure you always have enough when you need it.

Set Yourself Up for a Successful Grind

Taking a few minutes to prepare before each match can really improve your game. Just like stretching before exercise, it helps you perform better and more easily. Planning your strategy before facing enemies will save you time and prevent frustration. Small changes to how you play can make even difficult matches enjoyable. Let’s go over some quick steps to help you get the most out of every game.

Why You Need That Second Insured Slot

To significantly speed up your progress in the game, unlocking your second weapon slot is essential. It’s one of the most effective improvements you can make. You unlock it by completing the missions in Act 1. This allows you to take two custom weapons into each match, letting you work on challenges for both at the same time. For example, you could earn headshots with one weapon and Pack-a-Punch kills with another, all during a single run. It dramatically improves efficiency, ensuring you’re always making progress and never wasting time.

Optimize Your Loadout for Every Match

Using a standard weapon setup will make completing challenges take much longer. Before each match, quickly check the specific requirements for the weapon you’re trying to level up. Do you need to get kills while hip-firing, with critical hits, or without taking damage? Different challenges are easier with different weapon builds. Customize your attachments, Field Upgrade, and Perks to help you complete the challenge more efficiently. A tailored loadout means you’ll finish challenges faster and more reliably, instead of relying on luck.

Use Outlast Contracts for Easy Zombie Farming

Here’s a helpful trick: you can create your own zombie hotspot using Outlast contracts. It’s a really efficient way to get a lot of kills for camo challenges. Start an Outlast contract and get it almost to completion – around 98%. Then, cancel it. This will cause zombies to endlessly spawn in that location, giving you a concentrated area to eliminate them. Find a good defensive position, and you’ll be able to finish several challenges quickly without having to search the whole map for zombies.

How to Actually Enjoy the Camo Grind

Unlocking everything in this game takes time and effort – it’s a long haul, not a quick win. Seeing a huge list of things to do can quickly feel like work instead of fun. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By changing how you approach the game and playing strategically, you can actually enjoy the process and make it feel rewarding. Focus on playing efficiently and finding ways to stay entertained while you progress.

Set Small, Winnable Goals

Facing a huge number of camouflage challenges can feel daunting. Don’t try to complete them all at once! Break it down by setting small, manageable goals for each play session. For example, you could aim to unlock the first two camos for a particular assault rifle, or finish the headshot challenge for your favorite submachine gun. This will help you avoid getting frustrated and allow you to enjoy your progress. As one player said, “Take your time, have fun, and you’ll unlock everything eventually.”

Mix Up Your Weapon Rotation

Sticking with the same gun for too long can get boring, so try switching weapons often to keep the game interesting. If you’ve been using a heavy machine gun, switch to a shotgun or sniper rifle. A good tip is to also work on leveling up your secondary weapon at the same time – this helps break up the repetition and makes you play better. Not only does this keep you engaged, but it also makes you a more well-rounded player. Experimenting with different Warzone loadouts and weapon attachments can also give you new ideas and make even your favorite guns feel fresh.

Grind with Friends for a Better Time

Playing with friends makes unlocking camos much more fun! What could be a lonely task becomes a social experience where you can work together, share strategies, and overcome tough challenges. It’s also a great way to improve teamwork and get help when you need it – like when a powerful enemy corners you. Ultimately, teaming up not only makes the process more enjoyable, but can also help you become a better player.

Know When to Take a Break

The most important thing to remember is to take breaks. If you’re getting frustrated or losing enjoyment, step away from the game. Trying to push through when you’re burned out will only hurt your performance and make you dislike playing. Breaks are key to staying focused and having fun. Do something else for a while – play a different game, watch a movie, or even just go outside – to give your brain a rest. Don’t worry, everything will still be there when you return feeling refreshed and ready to play again.

Avoid These Common Camo Grinding Pitfalls

Unlocking all the camouflage patterns takes time and effort, and it’s easy to get stuck. We’ve all had matches where it feels like we haven’t made any progress at all. The key to making the process enjoyable, instead of frustrating, is to avoid a few common mistakes. A little planning and strategy can save you a lot of time and keep you from getting discouraged.

Okay, so as a fellow player, I’ve been thinking about how to really level up our game. I’ve noticed we often try to do too much at once, and sometimes we even use strategies that actually hold us back! It’s amazing how much better things can get with just a few tweaks. Let’s talk about the biggest mistakes I see players making – and, more importantly, how to avoid them altogether.

Trying to Do Everything at Once

Trying to focus on too many things during a match usually means you don’t do any of them well. Instead, concentrate your energy. A great tactic is to use the Outlast contract to create a constant stream of zombies. Start the contract, get it almost to completion (around 98%), and then cancel it. This will cause zombies to endlessly spawn in one spot for the entire game, letting you focus solely on eliminating them without worrying about anything else.

Picking the Wrong Game Mode

Some camo challenges are harder to complete than others, and where you play really matters. If a challenge requires you to defeat specific enemies like Manglers or Disciples, sticking to the easiest areas won’t get you far. Always check the exact requirements for the camo you’re trying to unlock before you start a match. Each camo has unique goals, so make sure your gameplay actually helps you progress. You don’t want to spend a whole match only to find out you were wasting your time in the wrong location.

Using Inefficient Weapon Loadouts

To unlock all the camouflage patterns, you’ll have to experiment with every weapon, even the ones you usually avoid. Some guns are genuinely challenging to use. Pistols, for instance, can be harder than they look because they fire slowly and aren’t great against groups of enemies, which can slow you down. When customizing your weapons, focus on attachments that increase how much ammo you have, how quickly you fire, and how fast you reload. Don’t worry about creating the most powerful weapon setup; just make those difficult guns usable enough to complete challenges quickly.

Forgetting About Contracts

Contracts aren’t just for earning Essence; they’re a smart way to make your progress faster. They give your matches a clear focus and ensure you always have zombies to fight. Prioritizing your story missions is especially helpful. Completing all the missions in Act 1, for example, unlocks a second slot for insured weapons. This is a major benefit because it lets you level up two weapons at once, significantly reducing the time it takes to grind for what you need. Make sure you pay attention to your objectives!

Pro Tips for a Faster Camo Grind

Once you understand the fundamentals, it’s time to start playing strategically. Unlocking all the camo patterns takes time and effort, but there are ways to speed up the process without getting overwhelmed. These tips focus on being efficient – getting the most out of your gameplay. By planning ahead and making smart choices in-game, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to unlock the Borealis camo and other rewards. Consider these your tools for maximizing your progress.

How to Tackle Multiple Objectives at Once

A little-known trick for efficiently fighting zombies is the “Outlast contract” method. It lets you complete multiple challenges simultaneously. Here’s how it works: start an Outlast contract and eliminate all the zombies in the area, bringing the progress bar to 98% or 99%. Then, simply leave the contract zone and cancel the contract. This will cause zombies to continuously spawn in that location for the remainder of the game. This creates a safe and easy space to practice headshots, earn critical kills, or complete any other objectives you need, without the pressure of a time limit. It’s like having your own private zombie training ground.

Manage Your Self-Revives and Gear

There’s nothing worse than going down for no reason during a good match. Being fully prepared before each game is essential. Always carry a self-revive kit, make sure your armor is full, and bring along Aether Tools or Perk-a-Colas you’ve already earned. Every moment spent recovering from being downed or searching for supplies slows down your progress. A strong setup, including a backup self-revive, lets you play more confidently, stay in dangerous areas longer, and complete your objectives faster. Don’t let a careless mistake force you to start all over.

Use Double XP Tokens Wisely

Double XP and Weapon XP tokens are really valuable when you’re working on weapon camos, so use them wisely. The best time to activate one is when you’re ready for a long, dedicated play session. Plan what you want to unlock, know which challenges you’ll tackle, and be prepared to start playing immediately. Don’t waste a token by spending time away from the game or fiddling with your gear. Combine tokens with efficient methods, like completing Outlast contracts or farming exfils with friends, to maximize every minute.

Optimize Your Strategy for Each Weapon

Leveling up weapons isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works well for a fast-firing weapon like an assault rifle won’t necessarily work for a slower one like a sniper rifle. You need to change your approach depending on the weapon. Some weapons, like rocket launchers or certain precision rifles, can be particularly challenging to level up because they’re slow or hard to control. These require a dedicated strategy. For snipers, a good tactic is to find a high vantage point near an extraction zone. For pistols, try building up a large group of zombies in an open space. Tailor your weapon attachments and how you play to maximize each weapon’s strengths and minimize its weaknesses.

Your MW3 Zombies Camo Roadmap

Facing a lot of camo challenges can seem daunting, but a good strategy can make them feel achievable. This is a simple guide to help you unlock those camos without getting frustrated. The trick is to be efficient and, most importantly, enjoy the process – work smarter, not just harder!

Plan your approach before the match begins. Decide which weapon you want to improve and what specific goal you’re trying to achieve. Then, as soon as the game starts, immediately accept an Outlast contract. The key is to complete almost all of it – around 98% – and then cancel it. This creates a spot where zombies will constantly appear, allowing you to quickly get the eliminations you need without having to search for new contracts all the time. It’s the fastest way to complete those high-volume challenges.

Although it’s possible to unlock camouflage patterns on your own, it’s much more enjoyable with friends. Playing with a squad allows you to work together on missions, support each other, and stay positive even during long gaming sessions. Also, take your time! Don’t try to finish all the challenges at once. Concentrate on unlocking camos for one type of weapon at a time, and if you start to feel overwhelmed, switch to something else. The camos will come with consistent play, but most importantly, have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using the Outlast contract the most efficient way to quickly get kills? Absolutely. It reliably brings zombies to a single location, letting you concentrate on completing challenges instead of searching for enemies across the map. Although farming at exfil points is common, the Outlast method is usually safer and more dependable, particularly when playing alone.

You don’t have to save sniper rifles and light machine guns for the end, but it’s a good idea. Starting with more flexible weapons like assault rifles lets you get comfortable with the game and build some progress. Saving the slower, harder-to-use weapons like snipers for later, when you’re better equipped and more experienced, will make that part of the game much easier. It’s like saving the things you like least for last!

Yes, you can absolutely complete all the camo challenges playing by yourself! Many players actually prefer to do it solo, and methods like farming the Outlast contract are ideal for those who want to play at their own speed. However, playing with friends can speed things up and make it more fun, as you can work together on contracts and help each other out if you get into tough situations.

Dealing with zombies using melee weapons is all about being quick and controlling the crowd. Perks that boost stamina are key – they let you move fast and get in close. A good tactic is to draw a big group of zombies into an open space, then turn and attack. Using distractions like Decoy Grenades or the Aether Shroud can also buy you time to take them down without being overrun.

Want to quickly get enough Essence to upgrade your Pack-a-Punch? The best way is to complete contracts one after another. Stick to the quick and simple missions in the first area, such as Spore Control or Cargo Delivery. Doing these repeatedly will earn you Essence much faster than just fighting zombies. Also, don’t waste Essence on unnecessary things like wall weapons until you’ve upgraded your main weapon for efficient zombie killing.

2025-11-28 14:51