The Ultimate Guide to Call of Duty Black Ops II Origins: Staves, Easter Eggs, and Strategies

When it comes to the peak of the Aether storyline, few maps carry as much weight or complexity as Call of Duty Black Ops II origins. This legendary map, set in the mud-soaked trenches of Northern France during World War I, serves as the definitive starting point for the "Primis" versions of our four heroes. Released as part of the Apocalypse DLC, Call of Duty Black Ops II origins completely redefined the scope of the Zombies mode by introducing massive environmental hazards, elemental weaponry, and a narrative depth that still keeps the community theorizing today.

Whether you are a veteran player looking to optimize your high-round strategy or a newcomer trying to survive until the first Panzer Soldat arrives, understanding the intricate mechanics of Excavation Site 64 is essential. This guide will break down the essential features, from the six 115 Generators to the legendary Elemental Staffs, ensuring you have the tools to free Samantha and escape the Great War.

The Setting and the Primis Crew

The map takes us back to 1918, where a younger Dempsey, Nikolai, Takeo, and Richtofen meet for the first time. Unlike the "Ultimis" versions seen in previous maps, these characters are more serious, less stereotypical, and driven by a fragile alliance. They are brought together by the discovery of Element 115 and the mysterious voice of Samantha Maxis, who pleads for rescue from the mythical realm of Agartha.

The atmosphere is heavy with "dieselpunk" aesthetics. Players must navigate through deep mud that slows movement, avoid the crushing feet of 1,000-foot-tall robots, and utilize a Mark IV Tank to traverse the battlefield. The environment is as much of an enemy as the zombies themselves, making map knowledge a top priority.

Powering the Battlefield: The 115 Generators

In a departure from the traditional single power switch, Call of Duty Black Ops II origins requires players to activate six different 115 Generators scattered across the map. These generators power local utilities, including Perk-a-Cola machines and the Mystery Box. Activating all six is the only way to enable the Pack-a-Punch machine located at the top of the main Excavation Site.

When a generator is being activated, Templar Zombies will spawn to stop you. Furthermore, periodically throughout the game, these Templars will reappear to "attack" the generators, draining their power and forcing players to defend them or pay to restart them.

The Giant Robots: Thor, Odin, and Freya

One of the most iconic sights in Call of Duty Black Ops II origins is the three Giant Robots that patrol the map. These behemoths—named after Norse gods—follow specific paths and can instantly down any player they step on. However, they are also key to obtaining the Wind Staff parts and reaching specific areas of the map.

Community reports suggest that timing your shots is crucial; if you miss the glowing foot, you will be crushed. Once inside, players can find a Wind Staff part and a button to eject back onto the battlefield. Collecting the Golden Helmet through the digging mechanic will allow a player to survive a foot stomp, which is a literal life-saver during high-round runs.

Mastering the Elemental Staffs

The heart of the gameplay in Call of Duty Black Ops II origins revolves around the four Elemental Staffs. These buildable wonder weapons are required for the main Easter Egg and are the most powerful tools for survival. Each staff represents a different element: Fire, Ice, Wind, and Lightning.

Staff Acquisition and Powers

1. Staff of Fire: Obtained by shooting down a glowing plane, defeating the first Panzer Soldat, and powering Generator 6. It fires bursts of molten lava that incinerate groups of zombies.
2. Staff of Ice: Parts are found by digging in dig spots only while it is snowing. This is widely considered the best staff for high rounds due to its blizzard-like area-of-effect attack when upgraded.
3. Staff of Wind: All three parts are located inside the heads of the three Giant Robots. It functions like a portable Thundergun, blowing zombies away with gusts of air.
4. Staff of Lightning: Parts are located on elevated platforms that can only be reached by jumping off the Mark IV Tank as it travels around the map. It fires high-voltage electricity that chains between enemies.

The Panzer Soldat: A Formidable Foe

No discussion of Call of Duty Black Ops II origins is complete without mentioning the Panzer Soldat. This armored enemy arrives on Round 8 and then every few rounds thereafter. Equipped with a flamethrower and a long-range grapple claw, the Panzer can quickly end a solo run if the player isn't prepared.

According to player experience, the best way to deal with a Panzer early on is to use the MP40 or the Ray Gun Mark II, focusing fire on the yellow power core in its chest or the helmet to expose the pilot. If you are caught by the claw, you must shoot the red light on the arm to be released before you are pulled into the flamethrower's range.

The Little Lost Girl Easter Egg

The main quest of Call of Duty Black Ops II origins, titled "Little Lost Girl," is one of the most involved Easter Eggs in the franchise. It requires players to build and upgrade all four staffs, secure the G-Strike beacons, and ultimately open the gateway to Agartha.

Essential Steps for the Quest:

• Secure the Keys: Build all four Elemental Staffs.
• Ascend from Darkness: Upgrade all four staffs into their "Ultimate" forms by solving puzzles in the Crazy Place and the Excavation Site.
• Rain Fire: Use the G-Strike (upgraded tactical grenade) to mark a spot outside the map while a player is inside a Giant Robot to break the seal.
• Unleash the Horde: Deploy the Maxis Drone into the opening created by the G-Strike.
• Skewer the Winged Beast: Use Zombie Blood to see and shoot down a glowing red plane, then kill the invisible zombie running around the dig site.
• Wield an Iron Fist: Attain the "One Inch Punch" melee attack and upgrade it to the "Iron Fist" by killing Templar zombies in the Excavation Site.
• Raise Hell: Place the upgraded staffs in their pedestals in the Crazy Place and get kills nearby to soul-charge them.
• Freedom: Release the Maxis Drone into the center of the Crazy Place to trigger the final cutscene.

The ending of this quest is famous for its controversial cutscene, which shifts the perspective to two children, Eddie and Samantha, playing with toys that resemble the characters and maps we’ve spent years exploring.

Comparison: Black Ops II vs. Black Ops III Chronicles

In 2017, Treyarch released the Zombies Chronicles DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops III, which included a full remaster of this map. While the layout remains identical, there are significant differences in gameplay due to the engine change and the introduction of GobbleGums.

Many fans believe that the original Call of Duty Black Ops II origins offers a more challenging and atmospheric experience, while the BO3 version is preferred for its visual fidelity and smoother movement. For more official information on the series, visit the Official Call of Duty website.

Survival Tips for High Rounds

If you want to reach Round 50 and beyond, you need a solid plan. Player experience suggests that the "Ice Staff" is your best friend. Training zombies in the mud fields near Generator 4 or inside the Crazy Place (once the walls have been removed during the Easter Egg) are the two most popular strategies.

Always keep a Zombie Shield on your back. The dieselpunk shield in this map is durable and provides essential protection against the Panzer's claw and stray hits from behind. Also, prioritize getting the Golden Shovel early. By digging constantly, you will eventually unlock the ability to dig up "Empty Perk Bottles" during Zombie Blood, allowing you to have all nine perks simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best staff in Call of Duty Black Ops II origins?

While it depends on your playstyle, the Staff of Ice is widely considered the best for high rounds because its upgraded blizzard attack can kill entire waves of zombies with one shot well into the high rounds. The Staff of Fire is excellent for killing the Panzer Soldat, and the Staff of Wind is great for getting out of tight corners.

How do I get the Golden Shovel?

To get the Golden Shovel, you must pick up one of the four shovels found around the map and dig up approximately 30 dig spots. Once you have the Golden Shovel, you can find the Golden Helmet and special red-orange dig spots that appear only during Zombie Blood, which grant extra perk slots.

When does the Panzer Soldat spawn?

In Call of Duty Black Ops II origins, the first Panzer Soldat always spawns at the beginning of Round 8. After that, he will reappear every 3 to 5 rounds. Note that he will not spawn if you have never opened the door to No Man's Land (the central area of the map).

Can you do the Origins Easter Egg solo?

Yes, the "Little Lost Girl" Easter Egg can be completed solo in both the original Call of Duty Black Ops II origins and the Chronicles version. However, it is much more difficult alone because you must build and upgrade all four staffs by yourself and manage the Giant Robot timing during the G-Strike step.