How to find a Mystery Box in MW3 and how they work

Relying on weaker weapons in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Zombies mode can be a tough challenge, especially if said weapons were acquired by luck of the draw in loot or aether caches. It could be a lot worse, however — you could be relying on your bare fists to send the undead back to Hell.

If you’re tired of using basic-tier weaponry (or your fists), might I advise hunting down a Mystery Box? I know that might sound like I’m trying to sell you a timeshare, but no! I’m talking about a weapons box in MW3 Zombies that, for a nominal fee, will spin the roulette wheel and equip you with a brand new gun.

But, as with all mechanics in MW3 Zombies, there are highs and lows to using Mystery Boxes. So, let’s go over how they work, how to find them, and more so you can keep your eyes out while in Urzikstan.

Mystery Box locations in MW3 Zombies

If you open your Tacmap, you can identify these randomized weapon boxes by their treasure chest icon with a question mark over it. 

But, let’s say you can’t open your Tacmap because you’re being bombarded by a horde of undead. I get it; it’s happened to all of us at one time or another. In that case, look to the sky. If you’re close to a Mystery Box, you’ll be able to see a blue light beacon. I used to wonder what those blue light beacons pointed to, but it’d seem they are like gigantic billboards for a sentient armory of powerful weapons.

How do Mystery Boxes work?

I will say, first and foremost, don’t bother finding a Mystery Box until you’ve acquired some Essence. You’ll need 950 essence to even spin the roulette, which isn’t a whole lot considering most contracts reward around 2,000 Essence. So, go complete a contract or two, then come back.

Mystery Boxes work a little something like this: If you approach one and spend the required Essence, the box opens, and you’ll see the roulette of available weapons cycle before you. In a moment, you’ll see the firearm you’ve been given, which is bound to be a significantly powerful one. To put it a different way, almost every one of my most treasured weapons in MW3 Zombies came from a Mystery Box.

In any case, it’s time to hit the ground running. Travel to Urzikstan in MW3 Zombies and give the Mystery Box a chance if you’d like to make an arsenal upgrade!