In the fast-paced and chaotic world of Call of Duty Zombies, certain challenges require a specific strategy to complete efficiently. One such objective is to kill 25 Manglers with Napalm Burst, a task that can prove difficult if players are not properly prepared. Manglers are heavily armored enemies that pose a serious threat, and using the Napalm Burst ammunition mod strategically is essential to completing this challenge without wasting too much time or resources. Whether you’re playing in Outbreak, Firebase Z, or other zombie maps where Manglers appear, understanding how Napalm Burst interacts with these enemies can significantly improve your chances of success.
Understanding Napalm Burst
What Is Napalm Burst?
Napalm Burst is one of the five ammunition mods in Call of Duty Zombies. This particular mod adds fire damage to your weapon, igniting enemies and dealing damage over time. It is especially effective against groups of enemies or enemies with armor, making it a strong choice against special zombies like Manglers.
How It Works
When Napalm Burst is applied to a weapon, it causes each bullet to have a chance of setting zombies on fire. The fire deals damage over a few seconds, which can be enough to finish off weakened enemies or whittle down the health of stronger targets. The burn effect stacks over time, and it’s most effective when landing multiple hits in rapid succession.
Identifying Manglers
Who Are the Manglers?
Manglers are a type of special enemy zombie introduced in Firebase Z and later included in other maps like Outbreak. These enemies are easily identifiable by their large armored bodies and mechanical arm cannon. They can fire powerful energy blasts and absorb a lot of damage before going down.
Where to Find Manglers
- Firebase Z: Manglers start appearing in higher rounds, usually around round 15 and beyond.
- Outbreak: Manglers can be found in regions with special objective missions or elite zones.
- Mauer der Toten: In this map, Manglers also spawn in mid to high rounds or during trials and challenges.
Preparing for the Challenge
Weapon Selection
To kill 25 Manglers with Napalm Burst, choosing the right weapon is important. Ideally, use a high fire-rate weapon or one with good ammo capacity to maximize your chances of triggering Napalm Burst and dealing consistent damage. Great options include:
- Stoner 63 (LMG)
- FFAR 1 (AR)
- MP5 (SMG)
- Hauer 77 (Shotgun, especially with Pack-a-Punch upgrades)
Applying Napalm Burst
To get Napalm Burst, go to the Pack-a-Punch machine and select the Ammo Mods tab. It costs 2,000 points to apply. Make sure you apply Napalm Burst after you Pack-a-Punch your weapon, as upgrading or repacking your weapon does not remove your mod.
Upgrade Recommendations
- Pack-a-Punch: Upgrade your weapon to tier 3 for maximum damage.
- Ammo Mod Tier: Upgrade Napalm Burst in the Skills menu using Aetherium Crystals to improve burn damage and duration.
- Armor: Equip Tier 3 armor to survive Mangler attacks more easily.
Best Strategies to Kill 25 Manglers
Outbreak Mode Tips
Outbreak is ideal for this challenge because it gives you more room and time to hunt down Manglers. Focus on regions where elite or special zombies are more likely to spawn. Use objectives like ‘Eliminate,’ which often feature Manglers. Also, keep an eye on world events that signal elite spawns.
- Play on early regions like Alpine or Ruka for easier movement.
- Trigger side missions or contracts to spawn Manglers on purpose.
- Use vehicles to escape if overwhelmed and regroup before another engagement.
Firebase Z Strategy
In Firebase Z, Manglers spawn regularly after round 15. To maximize kills with Napalm Burst:
- Train zombies in the large outdoor areas such as the Helipad or Motor Pool.
- Wait for Manglers to spawn during later rounds and lead them into your fire zone.
- Focus fire with your Napalm Burst weapon to ensure the final damage comes from the burn effect.
Mauer der Toten Option
In Mauer der Toten, Manglers spawn during certain waves and challenges. Use the underground subway system for easier control of enemy movement. Utilize zip lines and jump pads to avoid being cornered and reset your positioning if needed.
Tracking Progress and Confirming Kills
How to Know If the Kill Counts
The game will only count a kill toward the challenge if the Mangler dies due to the Napalm Burst effect not just from your bullets. To ensure your hits are counted:
- Try to weaken the Mangler with other means and then finish with a Napalm Burst weapon.
- Pay attention to when the burn effect is visible and time your shots accordingly.
- Avoid using other ammo mods like Dead Wire or Cryo Freeze that may override Napalm.
Check Challenge Tracker
You can check your progress by going into the Zombies menu and selecting your Operator Challenges. Under the category for ammo mod kills, the ‘Kill 25 Manglers with Napalm Burst’ progress will be listed. Make sure your kills are being tracked, and if not, troubleshoot by switching weapons or double-checking your ammo mod status.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Use Decoys and Monkey Bombs
Use decoys or Monkey Bombs to group zombies and Manglers together, giving you time to line up shots or apply Napalm Burst damage without being overwhelmed. This can make it easier to get multiple Manglers burning at once.
Combine With Support Killstreaks
Support streaks like the Chopper Gunner or Sentry Turret can help deal with normal zombies while you focus solely on applying Napalm Burst to Manglers. Keep the area clear so you can keep your attention on the challenge.
Play in Co-Op If Needed
In co-op games, let your teammates handle the other zombies while you focus on getting Napalm Burst kills on Manglers. Coordinate with your team so they don’t accidentally kill the Manglers before you apply enough damage.
Killing 25 Manglers with Napalm Burst is a rewarding but demanding challenge in Call of Duty Zombies. It requires good map awareness, proper weapon selection, and consistent use of the Napalm Burst mod. By understanding how the mod works, where to find Manglers, and how to apply damage effectively, players can complete this challenge efficiently. Whether you prefer the open design of Outbreak or the classic round-based gameplay of Firebase Z, this task is achievable with planning and persistence. Mastering these mechanics will not only help you finish the objective but also improve your overall performance in zombie modes.