The iconic Mob of the Dead map remains a masterpiece within the Call of Duty Zombies cooperative universe, blending a grim Alcatraz prison setting with an intricate narrative. Conquering the primary storyline quest, known as Pop Goes the Weasel, requires coordination, resource management, and strategic use of the map unique Afterlife mechanics. This comprehensive walkthrough guides players through every major phase needed to escape the cyclic nightmare and achieve the final confrontation.
Building the Icarus Plane and Flying to the Bridge
Before initiating the advanced steps of the quest, players must gather five separate plane components hidden throughout the prison complex. Utilizing the spiritual Afterlife mode is essential to power down security gates and lower the heavy components from their holding mechanisms. Once all parts are collected, the team must assemble the makeshift aircraft on the prison roof to fly directly to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a core requirement that must be completed at least three times across separate rounds to advance the quest line. On the bridge, players must survive intense waves of zombies and Brutus guards without the assistance of standard wall weapons. After completing each bridge survival phase, players must utilize the electric chairs to return to the prison as spirits.
Acquiring the Hell Retriever and Audio Logs
Unlocking the mystical Tomahawk weapon is another mandatory milestone for completing the supernatural ritual steps later in the game. Players must feed the three glowing wolf heads located in the Citadel Tunnels, the Docks, and near the cafeteria by defeating zombies directly in front of them. Once all three beasts are fully satisfied, the wall in the Citadel Tunnels will open to grant access to the powerful tactical weapon.
With the specialized throwing weapon secured, players can begin tracking down the hidden chronological story elements scattered around the prison grounds. Navigating the cell blocks allows players to spot glowing audio logs that reveal the tragic backstory of the four incarcerated mobsters. Collecting these messages provides deep narrative insights and triggers the final sequence of numerical codes required by the main terminal.
Entering the Codes and The Final Showdown
Players must head to the spiral staircase area located within the Citadel Tunnels to manipulate the mechanical number selector display. By entering the specific prison identification numbers of the characters in a sequential pattern, the game state alters and drops the audio files cleanly. Listening to the final broadcast updates the HUD and indicates that the final flight sequence is ready for activation.
The entire team must board the repaired rooftop airplane one final time while remaining completely in the spectral Afterlife state. Upon landing at the Golden Gate Bridge, the player controlling Albert Arlington will face off against the remaining three teammates in a battle to break the infinite curse. The choice of who survives determines the ultimate cinematic ending of this legendary undead prison campaign.
