Unlocking the Power of the Call of Duty Blundergat

Unlocking the Power of the Call of Duty Blundergat

Aidan van Vuuren

24 Feb, 2025, 14:11

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Last updated: 8 Apr, 2025, 14:36

Many Call of Duty fans know the tension and excitement that the Zombies mode creates. It tests map knowledge, reflexes, and survival skills against endless waves of the undead. Weapons in this mode vary, but some are truly unique. One standout is the Call of Duty Blundergat, a Wonder Weapon that combines old-fashioned design with unexpected power. It offers explosive performances in the Mob of the Dead and Blood of the Dead maps. Players who learn to wield the Blundergat usually survive longer and earn higher rounds.

What Is the Call of Duty Blundergat?

unlocking-the-power-of-the-call-of-duty-blundergat

The Call of Duty Blundergat appears in Mob of the Dead (Black Ops II) and Blood of the Dead (Black Ops IV). It is designed to look like it came from the Civil War era. It has a break-action reload and holds only one shot in its base form. Pellets travel in a straight horizontal line, making it different from typical shotguns that spread in a circular pattern.

It is also the first Wonder Weapon to fire normal bullets instead of energy or elemental rounds. Despite its bullet-based mechanics, the Blundergat retains the feel of a high-powered shotgun. It devastates zombies at close range and can help players clear tight corridors in Alcatraz with minimal shots.

Key Base Stats

  • Damage (Blundergat): 1,500 per shot

  • Magazine Size: 1 round

  • Max Ammo: 60 in reserve (plus 1 in the chamber)

  • Fire Mode: Single-shot

Even though the one-shot reload may seem cumbersome, the damage can last well into higher rounds. When paired with the right perks, the Blundergat gains even more effectiveness.

Obtaining the Blundergat

Players can earn the Blundergat through two main methods. One method involves the Mystery Box, the random loot box that rotates various weapons each game. The other method is through a hidden easter egg that grants a free Blundergat.

Mystery Box

This method depends on luck. Spend points at the Mystery Box and hope the Blundergat appears. If you keep rolling, you might get it. Although luck is a factor, it is often the first approach for new players or those looking for a standard method.

Free Blundergat (Hidden Skulls)

Mob of the Dead features five hidden blue skulls spread around the map. You must throw the Hell's Retriever at these skulls to collect them:

  • Two skulls near the docks. One is on a lamppost on a small hill. The other is on a pillar near a possible Mystery Box spawn.

  • One skull on the roof, on an unreachable corner to the left of the playable area.

  • One skull in a cell near the library.

  • One skull in an electric pylon outside the Warden's Office near Speed Cola.

After collecting them, head to the Warden’s Office desk. You can pick up a free Blundergat there. This method guarantees the weapon, so many players rely on it for a steady strategy.

The Sweeper (Pack-a-Punched Blundergat)

unlocking-the-power-of-the-call-of-duty-blundergat

Once you get the Blundergat, you can upgrade it at the Pack-a-Punch Machine to create The Sweeper. The Sweeper carries more ammo and reloads two shells at a time. This improves its crowd control capabilities and helps in higher rounds.

The Sweeper’s Stats

  • Damage: 5,000 per shot

  • Magazine Size: 2 rounds

  • Max Ammo: 120 in reserve (plus 2 in the chamber)

  • Fire Mode: Semi-automatic

The Sweeper often kills zombies in one shot until around Round 40, especially with Double Tap. This perk doubles the pellets fired, making it lethal in close quarters. The Sweeper’s main drawback is its reload time. Speed Cola helps offset that, and Electric Cherry provides a protective shock while reloading.

Acid Gat (Upgraded via Acid Gat Kit)

unlocking-the-power-of-the-call-of-duty-blundergat

 

When you apply the Acid Gat Kit to the Blundergat, you transform it into the Acid Gat. It retains a three-round burst format in Black Ops II and can stick projectiles onto walls or zombies. These projectiles then explode, dealing splash damage.

Acid Gat Mechanics

  • Damage: 1,500–500 (varies by impact and explosion)

  • Magazine Size: 3 rounds (Black Ops II)

  • Max Ammo: 90 in reserve (plus 3 in the chamber)

  • Projectile Behavior: Explodes shortly after impact

  • Self-Damage: Minor splash damage

This version can hurt the user if they stand too close. Juggernog reduces the risk of downing yourself. Speed Cola also helps you reload faster, keeping your firepower up.

Vitriolic Withering (Pack-a-Punched Acid Gat)

Pack-a-Punching the Acid Gat results in the Vitriolic Withering. It fires up to six small projectiles per burst. It also pulls zombies toward the explosion, acting like a mini Monkey Bomb effect.

Key Points:

  • Damage increases to around 7,500 at direct impact.

  • Crowd-control capabilities rise because zombies gather around each projectile.

  • Movement speed slows while aiming.

The Vitriolic Withering is effective when dealing with tight trains of zombies. Keep an eye on the explosion radius so you do not damage yourself, especially in corners.

Magmagat (Blood of the Dead Exclusive)

unlocking-the-power-of-the-call-of-duty-blundergat

Blood of the Dead introduces a new way to upgrade the Blundergat. The result is the Magmagat, a weapon that fires molten lava blobs. These blobs stick to surfaces and attract zombies. Over time, they burn anything that walks over them.

Acquiring the Magmagat

  1. Obtain a Blundergat or Acid Gat from the Mystery Box or by collecting the five skulls.

  2. Go to the Warden’s House. Place the Blundergat into the fireplace.

  3. Charge the weapon by collecting souls (zombies you kill inside that room). Three skulls above the fireplace turn blue when it has enough.

  4. Pick up the Tempered Blundergat, which is now glowing.

  5. Head to New Industries while keeping its fire alight. You can walk up to barrels of blue fire to refresh it. Firing your weapon makes the flames diminish.

  6. Place the weapon into the machine in New Industries. Two ghosts finish the process and grant you the Magmagat.

Magmagat Stats

  • Magazine Size: 1 round (2 when Pack-a-Punched)

  • Max Ammo: 30 in reserve for the base Magmagat (50 in reserve when Pack-a-Punched)

  • Special Effect: Molten blob that attracts zombies and deals ongoing burn damage

Magmus Operandi (Pack-a-Punched Magmagat)

When the Magmagat is Pack-a-Punched, it becomes the Magmus Operandi. This version increases damage, gets a second shot in the chamber, and can kill Brutus in one molten blast if he steps over the lava blob.

Recommended Perks and Strategies

Surviving in Mob of the Dead or Blood of the Dead hinges on perk management and careful movement. The Blundergat’s upgrades can take you far, but perks make it more reliable.

Perk Suggestions:

  • Double Tap Root Beer: Doubles the pellets fired or speeds up the burst rate on versions like the Acid Gat.

  • Speed Cola: Speeds up reload time, which is crucial for low-magazine weapons.

  • Electric Cherry: Shocks nearby zombies when you reload. This works well with single- or low-round weapons, since reloads happen often.

  • Juggernog: Essential for close combat. Reduces the risk of dying in two hits, letting you stand your ground against large groups.

Positioning Tips:

  • Stay in tighter areas only if your team watches the rear. Single-shot weapons require frequent reloads.

  • Group zombies in a line. A single shot from The Sweeper can clear multiple zombies if aligned correctly.

  • Use traps and map features to handle crowds when the weapon’s reload leaves you vulnerable.

Cooperative Play:

  • Share responsibilities. Someone with a fast-firing gun can cover you while you reload.

  • When using the Acid Gat or Magmagat, coordinate shots. Too many explosive or acid pools can confuse teammates’ lines of sight.

  • Communicate your reload schedule. Reloading the Blundergat takes time, so call out when you need cover.

Unique Characteristics

  • The Blundergat line deals large damage in a short range, making it powerful against Brutus and large groups of zombies.

  • The horizontal spread of the base Blundergat can create crawlers, which might help control zombie spawns if needed.

  • The weapon’s design is a mix of a Blunderbuss and a Gatling gun, which gives it an unusual look.

  • Some versions (Acid Gat, Magmagat) create small clouds or pools that attract zombies and cause delayed explosions.

Potential Pitfalls

Self-inflicted damage becomes an issue with the Acid Gat, Vitriolic Withering, and Magmagat. Juggernog protects you, but remain cautious. If you corner yourself, the splash damage might lead to downs. Also, keep track of your ammo. Even though these variations have decent reserves, reloading at a bad time can lead to chaos.

Never rely on the Blundergat alone, especially in the later rounds when zombie speed increases. Pair it with a secondary weapon that handles mid-range targets or that can pick off zombies when you need to reload the Blundergat.

Closing Thoughts

The Call of Duty Blundergat is a special weapon for Zombies fans who enjoy a balance of risk and reward. It has a modest ammo count, but it compensates with outstanding damage and upgrade paths that introduce acid and lava effects. These variations adapt to different play styles, whether you prefer direct shotgun blasts or crowd-control explosions. Each version has nuances that keep combat interesting across many rounds.

Many players return to these maps to wield the Blundergat again and again. Its design, variants, and power continue to impress. Its presence in the series cements its place as a must-try Wonder Weapon for any fan of Call of Duty Zombies.

Don't forget to check out Strafe Esports for all the latest Call of Duty news and matches as well as our X account for the latest content and coverage.

Image Source: Call of Duty Fandom

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