The Mob of the Dead map in Call of Duty: Black Ops II features one of the most iconic quest lines in Call of Duty Zombies history. Players must navigate Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary using the unique Afterlife mechanic to complete intricate side objectives and unlock the ultimate resolution. Mastering these steps allows players to fully experience the narrative conclusion and claim the Pop Goes the Weasel achievement.
Essential Prerequisites and Initial Map Setup
Before attempting the main quest steps, players must ensure they are playing on Original difficulty with at least two players. One player must control Albert "Weasel" Arlington, as he plays a critical role in the final confrontation. The team must first assemble the Icarus plane by retrieving five key parts located throughout the prison.
Building the plane requires using Afterlife mode to shock power panels, unlock doors, and access restricted areas. Traveling to the Golden Gate Bridge via the plane at least once is necessary to unlock crucial quest elements back on the island. Returning to Alcatraz through the electric chairs resets the player state and initiates the next phase of preparation.
Acquiring Essential Quest Gear
To prepare for the final stages, players should collect important tactical items like the Hell's Retriever and the Blundergat. The Hell's Retriever is obtained by feeding three Cerberus heads located around the map six zombies each. Players can also obtain a free Blundergat by retrieving five hidden blue skulls scattered across Alcatraz using the Retriever.
Another valuable secret involves obtaining the Spoon and upgrading it to the Golden Spork. Throwing a grenade at a poster in a cell reveals an Afterlife panel that unlocks the spoon location in the cafeteria. Completing additional steps in the infirmary and showers transforms it into a powerful high-round melee weapon.
Decoding the Audio Logs and Unlocking the Finale
Once the initial setup is complete, players must head to the Citadel Tunnels to interact with the number pad. In Afterlife mode, players must enter four specific prisoner ID numbers: 101, 872, 386, and 481. Entering these numbers correctly triggers audio logs narrated by Stanley Ferguson that explain the lore of the escape attempt.
Five headphone power-ups will spawn sequentially along the path leading from the spiral staircase up to the roof. Players must listen to each recording in order before the next one appears. After collecting the final headphone set on the roof, the stage is set for the final flight to the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Final Confrontation and Breaking the Cycle
To trigger the ending, all players must enter Afterlife mode and board the plane without needing to refuel it. Upon crashing onto the bridge, players must revive themselves from the electric chairs to start a PvP showdown. The game removes standard zombie threats from Weasel and grants him increased damage resistance.
The quest features two possible outcomes depending on which side prevails during the battle. If the mobsters defeat Weasel, the cycle continues and the game ends with a standard game over screen. If Weasel defeats the other mobsters, the cycle is officially broken, revealing the canonical good ending.
