The XM4 is one of the most popular assault rifles in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, favored for its balanced stats and reliability in both multiplayer and Zombies modes. In Zombies, many players take on the long grind of unlocking camos, especially the elusive Dark Aether. The XM4 Zombies camo challenges are a significant part of that journey, demanding not only raw skill but also strategy, patience, and an understanding of game mechanics. Whether you’re aiming for mastery or simply looking to improve your performance in Zombies mode, learning how to efficiently complete these challenges is crucial for success.
Understanding the XM4 in Zombies Mode
Weapon Characteristics and Advantages
The XM4 is a versatile, fully automatic rifle that offers strong damage output, manageable recoil, and good accuracy. In Zombies mode, it serves well in both early and high rounds, especially when Pack-a-Punched and upgraded through the Arsenal. With attachments that improve magazine size, reload speed, and critical damage, the XM4 becomes an efficient tool for clearing hordes and surviving longer matches.
Why the XM4 Is a Good Choice for Camo Grinding
Because of its balanced performance, the XM4 is one of the easiest rifles to use for camo progression in Zombies. It can be used effectively with a wide variety of playstyles whether you prefer running and gunning, camping in a safe spot, or training zombies in wide areas like Firebase Z or Outbreak maps. It also benefits from Aetherium Crystals upgrades to the Assault Rifle category, making it even more powerful when fully enhanced.
Overview of XM4 Zombies Camo Challenges
To unlock all camos for the XM4 in Zombies, players must complete a series of categorized challenges. These are mostly consistent across all weapons but are tailored slightly based on the weapon class. The ultimate goal is to unlock the Golden Viper, Plague Diamond, and eventually the Dark Aether camo.
Categories of Challenges
- Grunge: Get a set number of eliminations.
- Liquid: Get critical kills (headshots).
- Brushstroke: Get kills while the enemy is under certain effects like being stunned or slowed.
- Vintage: Kill enemies while they are affected by your Field Upgrade.
- Fauna: Kill multiple enemies rapidly (e.g., 2 or more quickly).
- Topography: Kill enemies while they are in close range.
- Infection: Kill enemies without taking damage.
- Mental: Kill elite enemies (Megatons, Krasny Soldats, etc.).
Detailed Breakdown of XM4 Camo Challenges
Grunge Camo Eliminations
The Grunge challenge usually requires you to get 2,500 total eliminations with the XM4. This will naturally occur as you play. To maximize efficiency, jump into high-round matches, especially on maps like Die Maschine or Firebase Z, and focus on large groups using ammo mods like Napalm Burst or Dead Wire for better crowd control.
Liquid Camo Critical Kills
Critical kills are essentially headshots. You’ll need around 2,500 critical kills to complete this challenge. Aim for the head consistently, especially in the early rounds when zombies are slower. Equip attachments that improve accuracy and critical damage. A scope can also help if you prefer medium-range engagements.
Brushstroke Camo Effect Kills
This challenge asks for around 2,000 kills while enemies are under an effect such as slowed, stunned, or burned. Use tactical equipment like Stun Grenades or Frost Blast as your Field Upgrade. Stun a large group, then mow them down with the XM4 to progress this category quickly.
Vintage Camo Field Upgrade Kills
You’ll need to get about 1,000 kills while enemies are under the influence of your Field Upgrade. Ring of Fire is highly recommended. Place the Ring in a safe area, wait for zombies to swarm, and start firing. Ring of Fire increases damage, helping you shred through zombies and elites alike.
Fauna Camo Rapid Kills
This challenge involves getting multiple kills in a short period of time. Usually, it’s 10 kills rapidly, repeated over 100 times. Train zombies in a circle to gather a horde, then eliminate them quickly with the XM4. Pack-a-Punching and using ammo mods increases your kill speed, making this easier to achieve.
Topography Camo Close Range Kills
Kill zombies within a very short distance, typically under five meters. This can be done effectively by holding tight corridors or letting zombies get closer before shooting. Equip attachments that increase hip-fire accuracy and magazine size to make this safer and easier. Close-quarter areas on maps like Firebase Z are ideal for farming this.
Infection Camo No Damage Kills
Kill multiple enemies without taking damage. This might be the trickiest challenge if you’re not careful. Keep moving, use healing equipment like Stimshots, and avoid being cornered. Using longer-range engagements and a powerful Field Upgrade will help minimize the chance of being hit.
Mental Camo Elite Eliminations
This challenge involves killing elite enemies, usually around 15 or 20 kills. Elite enemies include Megatons, Mimics, and Krasny Soldats. Use your XM4 when they appear, especially while inside a Ring of Fire. Focus your fire on their weak points and use ammo mods like Shatter Blast for bonus damage against armor and health bars.
Efficient Methods for Grinding XM4 Zombies Camos
Choose the Right Map
Die Maschine and Firebase Z are ideal for camo grinding. They offer wide open areas for training zombies, as well as solid defense positions. Outbreak is viable too, especially for elite kills and rapid elimination, but can be slower for headshots and effect kills.
Use the Right Loadout
- Pack-a-Punch as early as possible to increase damage output.
- Upgrade the XM4 to Tier III rarity with Salvage.
- Apply Dead Wire or Napalm Burst for effect-related challenges.
- Equip extended magazines and recoil control attachments.
Upgrade Your Skills and Abilities
Spend Aetherium Crystals to upgrade Assault Rifles, Field Upgrades, and Ammo Mods. Prioritize:
- Assault Rifle class upgrades (increase critical damage and armor penetration).
- Field Upgrade like Ring of Fire or Frost Blast to Tier V.
- Ammo Mods such as Dead Wire or Shatter Blast for elite damage.
The XM4 Zombies camo challenges are a satisfying grind that requires a mix of focus, tactical play, and efficient use of the game’s mechanics. With the right strategy, you can steadily unlock each camo while enjoying the dynamic gameplay that Call of Duty: Cold War Zombies provides. From regular eliminations and critical kills to elite takedowns and Field Upgrade synergy, each challenge encourages you to fully explore what the XM4 can do in this undead battleground. Whether you’re chasing Golden Viper or working toward Dark Aether, completing the XM4’s camo path is a rewarding milestone for any dedicated Zombies player.