The XMG in Call of Duty’s Zombies mode has become one of the more popular weapons to use when grinding camo challenges, thanks to its high damage output and strong crowd control capability. With the right setup, players can blaze through hordes and make serious progress toward camo unlocks. However, mastering the XMG Zombie Camo Challenges isn’t just about killing zombies it’s about efficiency, accuracy, and strategy. These challenges can be time-consuming, but with the right approach, players can complete them faster and with less frustration. Understanding each objective in detail and optimizing your gameplay around them is essential for camo grinders who aim to unlock all camos for the XMG.
Understanding the XMG in Zombies Mode
The XMG is typically a heavy machine gun or dual-wield weapon that excels in fire rate and raw damage. In Zombies mode, this weapon can mow down large groups quickly, especially when Pack-a-Punched and equipped with the right attachments. However, its weight and reload time make movement and close-quarters survival trickier.
Because of its unique traits, the XMG is well-suited for specific types of challenges in the Zombies camo grind. Some require rapid kills, others involve specific weapon mods or conditions, and some test your endurance in higher rounds. Knowing how the XMG handles is the first step toward completing all related camo tasks.
Basic Camo Challenges
Kill Count Milestones
As with many weapons in Zombies mode, the most basic challenges revolve around racking up kills. These are usually tiered challenges that require:
- 500 Zombie kills with the XMG
- 1000 Zombie kills with the XMG
- 2500 Zombie kills with the XMG
These tasks are straightforward but time-consuming. Choose maps with wide open areas, such as Forsaken or Firebase Z, where you can kite zombies effectively and unleash the XMG’s full power. Equipping Dead Wire or Napalm Burst mods can speed up the process by dealing area damage or extra elemental damage.
Critical Kills (Headshots)
One of the most common camo challenges is earning critical kills typically headshots. Despite the XMG’s recoil, it’s still possible to land consistent headshots by aiming at chest level and letting the recoil bring the aim upward. The following tips help with these challenges:
- Use sights with clear reticles like Holo or Reflex scopes.
- Fire in short bursts when using single-wielded XMG for more control.
- Use Brain Rot mod on higher rounds to thin crowds and focus on aim.
Critical kill challenges often require anywhere from 300 to 1500 headshots to complete, depending on the camo tier.
Pack-a-Punch Challenges
Pack-a-Punch Tier Progression
Once you’ve Pack-a-Punched the XMG, you’ll unlock another set of camo challenges that require kills using the upgraded version. These challenges may include:
- 500 kills with a Tier I Pack-a-Punch XMG
- 1000 kills with a Tier II Pack-a-Punch XMG
- 2500 kills with a Tier III Pack-a-Punch XMG
The key here is to maintain enough points and ensure early access to the Pack-a-Punch machine. Utilizing salvage to armor up and get Pack-a-Punch quickly is important. On higher rounds, you’ll need the upgraded XMG to survive effectively anyway, so these challenges often progress naturally over time.
Special Zombie and Elite Kills
Mimics, Manglers, and Other Specials
Many camo challenges require you to take down special or elite enemies using the XMG. These may include:
- 50 Mimic kills
- 25 Mangler kills
- 10 Megaton eliminations
When going for these, make sure you’re using an upgraded XMG with solid attachments. Consider using Elemental Pop and Ring of Fire Field Upgrade to burst them down quickly. These enemies are more common in later rounds, so keep progressing rounds without ending your run too early.
Elite Eliminations With Pack-a-Punch
Some challenges may specify that these special zombies must be killed using a Pack-a-Punch XMG. To meet this requirement:
- Always have your XMG upgraded before round 20.
- Use armor and support items like decoys or monkey bombs to buy time.
- Focus fire with teammates if playing co-op, but land the final shot yourself.
Weapon Mod Challenges
Using Ammo Mods
Ammo Mods play a critical role in the XMG zombie camo grind. Some camos require getting kills with specific mods equipped:
- Dead Wire: Great against mechanical enemies
- Napalm Burst: Ideal for crowd damage
- Cryo Freeze: Slows zombies, easier for control
Each mod-based challenge typically asks for around 300 to 1000 kills. Rotate between mods every few games to complete all these challenges efficiently.
Rapid Kills and Multi-kills
Another category of challenges involves getting rapid kills or multi-kills with the XMG. These might look like:
- Get 10 kills rapidly 50 times
- Kill 3+ zombies in one shot 75 times
To complete these efficiently:
- Use tight training spots like the spawn area in Die Maschine.
- Equip the Ring of Fire for enhanced damage output.
- Pair with mods like Napalm for added AoE burst.
Multi-kills are generally easier on early rounds where zombies move slower and spawn in larger groups close together. You can also kite them into a corner before unloading with the XMG for maximum effect.
Survivability While Grinding
Because the XMG slows you down and reloads slowly, it’s important to manage your mobility and support gear while completing camo challenges. Key survival tips include:
- Equip Speed Cola to counter slow reloads.
- Use Jugger-Nog and Stamin-Up to stay mobile and tank hits.
- Bring support items like Self-Revive and Monkey Bombs for emergencies.
Don’t be afraid to exfil and start fresh if your setup begins falling behind. Grinding camos is most efficient when you’re fully equipped and not scrambling to survive.
Recommended Loadout for XMG Zombie Camo Challenges
Attachments
- Extended Mags or Fast Mags for better reload time
- Vertical Grip or Field Agent Grip for recoil control
- Optics with clear reticles for better accuracy
Perks and Field Upgrades
- Jugger-Nog, Speed Cola, Quick Revive, Stamin-Up
- Elemental Pop for more effective ammo mod usage
- Field Upgrade: Ring of Fire or Frenzied Guard
Grinding XMG Zombie Camo Challenges in Call of Duty can be a fun but demanding journey. With the right strategies, you can knock out each category efficiently from basic kills and headshots to elite enemy eliminations and mod-based requirements. Mastering the XMG’s strengths while countering its weaknesses will allow you to dominate the undead and achieve the coveted camo unlocks. Whether you’re grinding for completion or prestige, a tactical approach ensures the process remains rewarding and less of a chore.