Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Season 2
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What are Containment Levels in MW3 Zombies?

What's new in MWZ?

The Modern Warfare 3 Zombies menu exhibits a new section known as “Containment Level.” The feature was introduced in Season 2 Reloaded and offers more challenges for Operators. So, if you’re wondering what the Containment Level is in MW3 Zombies, here’s what you need to know.

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MW3 Zombies Containment Levels, explained

In MW3 Zombies, the Containment Level is a tiered Exfil system in that provides various rewards. The more you level up your Containment Level, the more valuables you’ll earn at the beginning of the match. For example, the first reward provides 500 Essence at the start, increasing the Operator’s currency.

Containment Level in MW3 Zombies
Screenshot by Destructoid

The collectibles offer starting materials for the round instead of hunting them down yourself. Other rewards include store discounts at Pack-a-Punch, Perk-a-Cola machines, and Mystery Boxes. The MW3 Zombies menu keeps track of your progress and the next available tier of valuables.

How to increase Containment Level in MW3 Zombies

To increase Containment Levels in MW3 Zombies, complete Contracts and perform successful Exfils. Contracts are scattered around the map, such as Aether Extractor and Defend Ground Station. They should only take a few minutes to complete, leveling up the Containment Level each time. Eventually, it’ll be time to leave the game with an Exfil, so call the helicopter at EZ when ready.

Containment Level in MW3 Zombies
Screenshot by Destructoid

The only downside is that unsuccessful Exfils (getting eliminated) will knock you back a tier. Thus, you’ll lose out on your current progress and the gear on hand. However, the Tombstone perk can at least save items inside a backpack for the next round.

All Modern Warfare 3 Zombies Containment Level rewards

Currently, the MW3 Zombies Containment Level features 10 tiers with the following rewards:

TiersContainment LevelRewards
Tier 1Level 2Start with 500 Essence
Tier 2Level 5Start with five Armor Plates
Tier 3Level 8Start with 1,000 Essence
Tier 4Level 12Perk-a-Cola machine 30 percent discount
Tier 5Level 20Start with 1,500 Essence
Tier 6Level 3030 percent Essence bonus for Contracts
Tier 7Level 40Start with 2,500 Essence
Tier 8Level 50Mystery Box 50 percent discount
Tier 9Level 75Start with 5,000 Essence
Tier 10 Level 100Pack-a-Punch 20 percent discount

Once you’ve reached Containment Level 2 in MW3 Zombies, Tier 1 will be unlocked. Finish Contracts and execute multiple Exfils to advance to higher ranks. The rewards make rounds more accessible by saving you time and money.

What is MW3 Zombies?

Modern Warfare 3 Zombies is a mission-based PVE mode set in a zombie-filled Urzikstan. A maximum of 24 users can play on the server, and you can assemble a squad of up to six members. You’ll take on Contracts to earn money and unlock more advanced gear before the hour-long time limit ends. Story Missions are also available to unravel the mystery of Operation Deadbolt, ending with a special cutscene each time an Act is completed.

The MW3 Zombies map features three threat zones: Low, Medium, and High. For a much more accessible experience, start with the outer Low threat zone and work your way up to the higher tiers. The orange and red-colored areas require Pack-a-Punch weapons, which upgrade tools for higher damage rates. Zombie horde spawns are more frequent in these zones, so it’s best to stack out armor fully.

Urzikstan map for MW3 Zombies
Image via Activision

If you’ve played Call of Duty’s Zombies mode in the past, MW3 Zombies works differently since it is not round-based. However, this system could make a return in the future with a new update.

How to play MW3 Zombies

To play MW3 Zombies, go to the Modern Warfare 3 section of the HQ. You’ll see Zombies near Multiplayer, Ranked Play, and Private Matches.

Selecting MW3 Zombies
Screenshot by Destructoid

Once selected, your current Operator will be shown, and their gear can be tweaked through their Loadout or Rucksack. Three Strike Team Operators are available (two more if the Operator Pack has been purchased). Go into the field with each one in various rounds to prepare the entire team. That way, when one of your Strike Team Operators gets eliminated and loses out on gear, you can switch over to the next one. It beats starting all over again with nothing to show for in the backpack.

Press the ‘Start’ button in the bottom-left corner of the Lobby to begin playing MW3 Zombies. You’ll have the option to go in with other players with the Squad Fill on; otherwise, you’ll go in solo.


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Kristina Ebanez
Staff Writer
Staff Writer - Kristina has been a video game lover ever since she saw Solid Snake get under that cardboard box in Metal Gear Solid. She continues to show off her love for gaming and has been writing about it for more than two years. Aside from the Metal Gear Solid series, she enjoys playing The Sims, Call of Duty, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Horizon Forbidden West, Minecraft, and many more.