How To Use Perks In Call Of Duty: Vanguard Zombies

Vanguard Zombies introduces a revolutionary approach to the classic perk system that veteran players will immediately notice. Unlike traditional Zombies modes where you purchase perks from vending machines, Der Anfang features occult-themed fountains that completely transform how you acquire power-ups.

Objective portal – Your gateway to unlocking new perk areas

The most significant change is that base perks are completely free once unlocked. This eliminates the early-game resource crunch that often forced players to choose between weapons and abilities. Each perk fountain remains protected by an objective barrier that must be cleared through specific challenges, creating a natural progression system that guides you through the map.

Strategic tip: Always complete objective barriers as early as possible, even if you don’t immediately need the perk. This opens up escape routes and tactical positioning options that can save your run during higher rounds.

Der Anfang contains five strategically placed perk fountains, each requiring specific objective completion to access. Understanding the unlock order and location relationships will significantly improve your early-game efficiency.

Fiendish Fortitude – Health Boost

Fiendish Fortitude – The essential health upgrade fountain

This is Vanguard’s version of Juggernog, providing crucial health increases that determine your survival potential. Located in the southwest corner of Fountain Square, complete the nearby objective to access the office building where this fountain resides. Pro tip: This should be your first unlock in most runs, as the health boost provides the foundation for all other strategies.

Diabolical Damage – Critical Hit Enhancement

Diabolical Damage – Critical damage boost fountain

Functioning as the Double Tap equivalent, this perk significantly increases your critical damage output. Positioned to the left of Fiendish Fortitude, complete the adjacent objective barrier to enter the Apartments section. Common mistake: Players often overlook this perk when using explosive weapons, but it still provides substantial benefits for all weapon types.

Venomous Vigor – Health Regeneration

Venomous Vigor – Health regeneration speed fountain

Inspired by Black Ops Cold War’s Quick Revive but with important differences: it only boosts health regeneration speed and provides no revive capabilities. Access it by completing the northern objective from Stalingrad’s main square in the Panzer Column East area. Important note: This does NOT replace the need for self-revives or teammate assistance when downed.

Demonic Frenzy – Reload Speed

Demonic Frenzy – Reload speed enhancement fountain

This Speed Cola equivalent dramatically improves your reload speed, crucial for weapons with long reload animations. From Venomous Vigor, turn left to find the challenge barrier leading to the Boiler Room. Advanced strategy: Combine with high-capacity weapons to minimize vulnerable reload periods during high-round situations.

Aethereal Haste – Movement Speed

Aethereal Haste – Movement speed boost fountain

Functioning similarly to Stamin-Up, this perk enhances your movement speed for better positioning and escape capabilities. Located east of Fountain Square, complete the objective to access the Theater location. Optimization tip: This perk becomes increasingly valuable in later rounds where mobility often determines survival.

Once you’ve unlocked the base perks, the upgrading system allows you to enhance their effectiveness using essence. Each tier upgrade follows a consistent cost structure with diminishing returns that require strategic consideration.

Tier 2 perk cost 2,500 – Upgrade cost structure example

The first upgrade tier costs 2,500 essence for each perk, providing moderate improvements to their base effects. Upgrade priority should typically follow this order: Fiendish Fortitude > Diabolical Damage > Demonic Frenzy > Aethereal Haste > Venomous Vigor, though this may vary based on your playstyle and weapon choices.

For aggressive players using automatic weapons, Demonic Frenzy might take priority over Diabolical Damage. Defensive players might value Venomous Vigor higher. Understanding these synergies is key to maximizing your essence investment.

Pro tip: Always maintain at least 5,000 essence in reserve for emergency armor purchases or weapon upgrades, as these often provide more immediate survival benefits than marginal perk improvements.

Mastering Vanguard Zombies’ perk system requires understanding both the mechanical changes and the strategic implications they create. Here are essential insights gained from extensive gameplay testing.

Early Game Strategy: Focus on unlocking Fiendish Fortitude and Diabolical Damage first, as these provide the most significant impact on survival and damage output. Many players waste time chasing peripheral perks before securing these fundamentals.

Resource Management: While base perks are free, upgrades and weapons still require substantial essence. Balance your spending between immediate power (weapons) and long-term benefits (perk upgrades).

Objective Completion Efficiency: Plan your route to complete multiple objective barriers in sequence. The map layout naturally guides you through an efficient progression if you follow the logical path from Fountain Square outward.

Advanced Technique: Use the Class Guide principles of role specialization when playing cooperatively – designate players to prioritize different perk sets for team optimization.

Common Pitfall: Don’t assume you need all perks active simultaneously. In many situations, focusing on 2-3 core perks that complement your weapon and strategy will yield better results than spreading resources too thin.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » How To Use Perks In Call Of Duty: Vanguard Zombies Master Vanguard Zombies perks: unlock locations, upgrade strategies, and expert survival tips