How to complete the Outlast contract in MW3 Zombies

As you make your way around Urzikstan in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Zombies mode, you’ll be tasked with completing a wide berth of contracted missions. These missions can range from defending a computer console from both zombies and mercenaries to transporting a stolen vehicle to a drop zone.

But, one merciless contract has been stumping players the world over — Outlast. It seems like a typical defense mission at first until you give it a try, at which point you realize it’s a lot more difficult than that. So, what makes it difficult, and how can you complete it despite the difficulty?

Starting an Outlast contract in MW3 Zombies

OK — so first, let’s go over what the Outlast contract is. If you’re looking at your Tacmap, you’ll know an Outlast contract by its satellite dish icon. But, I get the feeling they don’t often spawn in a Tier 1 area — don’t get me wrong, they clearly do spawn in Tier 1 areas, though it might not be too often. 

If at first you don’t succeed in spawning an Outlast contract in Tier 1, check the Tacmap with every deployment. Or, if you’re good enough to survive in Tier 2 or Tier 3 areas, do that. Confidence is key, but don’t be afraid to admit you aren’t up to snuff — Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas can be nightmarish.

At its core, the Outlast contract is a defense mission. But, instead of defending a slow-moving tank or computer console, you must defend a device called a PND from a horde of zombies and hellhounds that’ll make the worst Black Friday look like a Sunday picnic in Switzerland. To make matters worse, it’s not a timed defense mission — no, the success of an Outlast contract is based on how long you can stay in the immediate vicinity of the PND without succumbing to the waves and waves of undead.

How to ‘Outlast’ the Zombies

It’s for that reason I recommend equipping (or finding on-site) some weapons to help with undead crowd control. Ideally, one with quick reload time and automatic firing so you can make quick work of the horde when it gets particularly rough. 

For example, I found and ex-fil’d with a TAQ-V battle rifle that has been my best friend due to its precise aiming and powerful punches. I would also recommend making good use of whatever Field Upgrade you have equipped, especially when you need to retreat and reevaluate the situation. Also, don’t be afraid to upgrade your weapons to Pack-a-Punch Level 1 before you start the Outlast contract.

In any case, the next tip I have for successfully completing an Outlast contract: Don’t go it alone! Remember what I said about confidence? Yeah. I was speaking from experience. I thought because I’d found an Outlast contract in a Tier 1 area that I’d be fine. “I shouldn’t have any issues,” I thought. I couldn’t have been more wrong as the Outlast contract overwhelmed and killed me a handful of times.

Aside from all that, it’s a rather simple contract. It’s just remarkably exhausting if you’re not prepared for a full-on assault. If you come prepared, however, and stay determined (and alive), you’ll have no problem conquering the Outlast contract and earning that sweet, sweet, Reward Rift.