The Olympia is an iconic shotgun in the Call of Duty franchise, making its mark in games like Black Ops, Black Ops II, and Black Ops III. Known for its simplicity and power, this over-under break-action shotgun is a staple for players who value close-range combat. While often overshadowed by other weapons in Zombies mode and Multiplayer, the Olympia still has its unique appeal and strategic uses. Explore the Call of Duty Olympia shotgun, its stats, gameplay tips, Pack-a-Punch upgrade to Hades, and strategies.
Table of Contents
The Olympia Overview
The Olympia is a classic break-action shotgun that has become a recognizable feature in Call of Duty Zombies. Found on the walls of maps like Kino der Toten, Five, and Ascension, it is often one of the first weapons players encounter. At a cost of just 500 points, it offers an affordable and accessible option for early-game survival.
While the Olympia’s initial power is appealing, it is not without its flaws. Its two-shot magazine limits its efficiency when dealing with larger zombie groups, forcing players to reload frequently. This can be especially risky in tighter areas where the slower reload time leaves little room for error. For example, on maps like Five, where narrow hallways dominate the layout, players relying on the Olympia may find themselves cornered if they cannot reload quickly enough.
Early Game Effectiveness
In the early rounds, the Olympia is a reliable one-shot kill weapon. Its damage ensures that zombies can be eliminated with a single pull of the trigger up to round five or six. This makes it particularly effective for clearing small groups of zombies in starting areas, such as the central room in Kino der Toten or the bridge in Call of the Dead. However, its limited magazine size and reliance on frequent reloads make it less effective for building points.
Compared to its counterpart, the M14, the Olympia falls short as a long-term investment. The M14’s larger magazine and higher ammo capacity allow players to score more points by landing multiple body shots on zombies before finishing them off. In contrast, the Olympia’s high kill efficiency early on results in fewer opportunities to gain points, slowing progress toward unlocking crucial map features like the Mystery Box or perks.
Strategic Use
While the Olympia is often overshadowed, it still has its moments. On maps like Moon, where tight spaces dominate the early rounds, its high damage and accuracy can help players maintain control of the zombie flow. Similarly, on Shangri-La, the weapon’s quick availability can give players an edge when navigating the challenging starting area.
To maximize its potential, players should stick to areas with manageable zombie spawns and use the Olympia to thin out crowds before switching to a secondary weapon. Although it lacks the versatility of other starting weapons, its compact design and stopping power make it a situational asset in the hands of skilled players.
As rounds progress and the Olympia loses its one-shot kill capability, players will find themselves increasingly vulnerable without an upgrade. For those committed to the Olympia, reaching the Pack-a-Punch Machine to transform it into the Hades is essential for staying effective beyond the early game.
Multiplayer Utility
In Multiplayer, the Olympia is available as part of the default CQB class and later as a Supply Drop weapon in Black Ops III. It fires eight pellets per shot, offering high damage potential at close range. However, it suffers from significant range limitations, requiring precision and proximity for maximum effectiveness.
While the lack of attachments can limit versatility, the Olympia allows full base movement speed, making it suitable for fast-paced, close-quarters encounters. Its reload animation and spread mechanics remain consistent with its design, emphasizing timing and positioning for success.
Pack-a-Punch Upgrade: Hades
Upgrading the Olympia via the Pack-a-Punch Machine transforms it into the Hades, a much more potent weapon. The Hades comes with several improvements:
- Incendiary rounds for additional damage
- Increased range and overall power
- Faster reload speeds, though Speed Cola is still recommended for efficiency
The Hades retains the two-shot magazine but gains a substantial reserve of 60 extra rounds. In Zombies mode, it becomes a one-shot-kill weapon well into the early 20s rounds. Players are advised to hoard zombies and take well-placed shots, maximizing the points earned per shell.
While the Hades is an excellent weapon for clearing waves, its low magazine size and slower point generation compared to weapons like the M14 or Ray Gun make it less ideal for long-term survival strategies. However, it remains a solid option for players who prefer shotguns or need a powerful backup weapon.
Maps and Locations
The Olympia is available as a wall weapon in various Zombies maps. Below are some of its common locations:
- Kino der Toten: Near the starting room, next to the left staircase.
- Five: In the hallway containing Quick Revive.
- Call of the Dead: On the bridge in the starting area.
- Shangri-La: To the left of the spawn point.
- Moon: Near Tunnel 6, outside the Quick Revive area.
Knowing these locations allows players to strategize their early-game purchases and route planning.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages
The Olympia’s primary strength lies in its simplicity and early-game effectiveness. In the initial rounds, its one-shot-kill capability provides a straightforward method of dispatching zombies. Its hip-fire accuracy and mobility make it suitable for tight spaces and quick reactions.
When upgraded to Hades, the weapon’s power, incendiary rounds, and faster reload speed make it a reliable tool for killing enemies well into higher rounds.
Disadvantages
The Olympia’s low ammo capacity and long reload times are significant drawbacks. Without Speed Cola, players will find themselves vulnerable during reload animations. Its lack of attachments and limited range in Multiplayer further restrict its utility. In Zombies mode, its inability to generate points effectively makes it less appealing for resource management.
Players often favor the M14 or other weapons for their higher ammo capacity, versatility, and point generation, leaving the Olympia as a niche choice for specific playstyles or nostalgic runs.
Tips for Using the Olympia
- In Zombies Mode: Use the Olympia in the earliest rounds to secure kills and maintain mobility. Avoid hoarding zombies with this weapon early on, as its two-shot magazine is better suited for isolated or small groups of enemies. Upgrade to Hades as soon as possible for improved performance.
- In Multiplayer: Stick to tight corridors and close-range encounters where the Olympia’s high damage shines. Avoid engaging enemies at mid-to-long ranges, as the damage drops significantly.
- Pair with Perks: Speed Cola is essential for reducing reload times, while Double Tap Root Beer boosts the weapon’s fire rate and damage output, prolonging its viability in Zombies mode.
Trivia
- The Olympia is codenamed Rotweil 72 in the game files.
- In Black Ops II, Double Tap Root Beer enhances the Hades, making it a one-shot-kill weapon up to round 28.
- The weapon appears in the Origins opening cutscene, wielded by Nikolai Belinski.
- Its design is inspired by classic break-action shotguns, emphasizing power over versatility.
The Olympia remains a memorable weapon in Call of Duty, combining simplicity and power for players who prefer a no-frills approach to close-range combat. Whether you’re wielding it in Multiplayer or Zombies, this shotgun offers a mix of nostalgia and strategic depth, especially when upgraded to its full potential as Hades.
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