As any zombie survivalist knows, Element 115 is integral to unraveling the dark secrets and intricate Easter eggs hidden within Treyarch‘s iconic Call of Duty Zombies game mode. This radioactive element reanimates the undead, powers devastating Wonder Weapons, and connects the complex storylines across over a decade of classic maps.
But what exactly is 115? Is it rooted in real science, or just video game magic? This comprehensive guide will explore the freakish fiction, conspiracies, backstories, gameplay features, map secrets, musical Easter eggs, and more surrounding Element 115 – the undead element at the heart of the Zombies phenomenon.
From Urban Legend to Zombies Storyline
Element 115, also known as Ununpentium or Moscovium, is named after the 115th element on the periodic table. While trace amounts of 115 can be synthesized in atomic labs, a stable isotope has still never been produced. However, infamous Area 51 whistleblower Bob Lazar claimed in the 1980s that the government had collected stable 115 from an alien spaceship crash site near Groom Lake.
According to Lazar‘s far-fetched story, this extraterrestrial 115 isotope could be used as an anti-gravity reactor to bend space-time and enable faster-than-light travel. Treyarch cleverly incorporated this fringe conspiracy theory into their Nazi Zombies lore. In their alternate history, Group 935 scientists discover large meteors of 115, enabling Dr. Richtofen‘s experiments.
The Search for Stable Superheavy Elements
Before marrying 115 with zombies, Treyarch‘s writers surely did their chemistry homework. The properties they attribute to 115 are grounded in real nuclear science.
Element 115 is positioned near the "island of stability", a range of hypothetical heavy elements with half-lives long enough to study. While moscovium isotopes synthesized recently only last hundreds of milliseconds, these stable superheavy atoms could last years.
Nuclear scientists theorize that combining around 115 protons and 175 neutrons may hit the sweet spot for a long-lasting isotope. This would be a major discovery, paving the way for insights into the structure of superheavy nuclei. Alas, no islands of stability have been found yet on our periodic table. But in the fictional universe of Group 935? Now that‘s a different story…
The Many Properties of Element 115
According to various character quotes and story materials, we can piece together the intended characteristics of 115:
- Atomic number 115 – Already stated, but confirming this falls under ununpentium/moscovium
- Radioactive – Emits high energy radiation, must be handled carefully
- Metallic – Has a gray, metallic sheen according to visual depictions
- Unstable – Prone to unpredictable decay, releasing energy
- Exotic matter – Displays weird quantum effects beyond traditional physics
- Reanimating – Causes dead cells to reactivate as zombies through unknown means
- Power source – Harnessed in weapons, generators and machines
Some of these properties clearly stretch the boundaries of real science for gameplay purposes. However, Treyarch grounds the fiction in enough facts to make 115 feel like a plausible secret element.
The Many Forms and Uses of 115
Element 115 appears in a range of forms across Zombies maps:
- Raw meteor fragments – Can be processed into refined 115
- Molten lava – Liquid state seen flowing in labs and mines
- Solid ingots – For material research and contained energy
- Weaponized 115 – Purple glowing substance powering Wonder Weapons
- Divinium – Refined 115 used to upgrade abilities in Shadows of Evil
The characters utilize 115 in many inventive ways:
- Reanimation of dead cells into zombies
- Power generation in Perk-A-Cola machines
- Teleportation between maps using Aether generators
- Mutation of zombies into more powerful Hellhounds and Panzers
- Energy source for iconic Wonder Weapons like the Ray Gun
- Portals and barriers controlled through 115 conduits
- Time travel and dimension-shifting by cracking the Aether
Richtofen‘s Experiments with the Undead Element
Doctor Edward Richtofen is the maniacal Group 935 scientist who discovers the reanimating potential of Element 115. While working with fellow Nazi Maxis, Richtofen begins horrid experiments on living and dead subjects, trying to extract the 115 essence he believes will hold the key to controllable reanimation.
He progresses from injecting 115 directly into zombie specimens, to building groundbreaking devices powered by the element. This includes prototype teleporters for traveling between Group 935 facilities and the Wunderwaffe DG-2, an electricity-shooting rifle using weaponized 115.
However, Richtofen becomes obsessed with 115‘s secrets, descending further into madness and evil. He betrays Maxis, uses his innocent daughter Samantha as a test subject, and eventually allies himself with the mysterious Illuminati. What dark purpose underlies Edward‘s twisted quest surrounding 115?
The Meteor Strikes Spreading Element 115
Treyarch‘s Zombies storylines involve various meteors carrying Element 115 crashing down to Earth and distributing the exotic matter across the globe. These impacts spread zombies and advance Richtofen‘s plans. Known 115 meteor landing sites include:
- Tunguska Event – 1908 Siberian blast proposed as a 115 meteor
- Shi No Numa – Japanese swamp containing a major 115 crater
- Der Riese – Near the German facility, source of Richtofen‘s initial sample
- Nevada Desert – Area 51 impact site providing 115 for future experiments
- Moon – Meteor explains zombies on Griffin Station
- Angola – Bohr and Cornelius investigate a meteor site in Eclipse
Richtofen relies on teams to harvest 115 from these craters across the world. Shipments of extracted 115 fuel his work and Group 935‘s facilities. However, the volatile element has apocalyptic potential in the wrong hands.
Wonder Weapons: Richtofen‘s Twisted 115 Inventions
Element 115‘s capacity as an energy source allowed Dr. Richtofen to engineer devastating new weapons never before seen by the Allies or Axis powers.
These iconic Wonder Weapons fuse cutting-edge technology with the supernatural power of 115 to create handheldtools of mass zombie destruction. Signature features include glowing alien energy, lightning/plasma beams, antimatter explosions, quantum portals, and reality-distorting effects.
Prominent 115 Wonder Weapons players can acquire in Zombies maps include:
- Ray Gun – Shoots "compressed antimatter" bursts
- Wunderwaffe DG-2 – Lightning rifle that fries hordes
- Wave Gun – Dual-mode gun with shockwave and microwave beams
- Gersch Device – Opens black holes that suck in zombies
- Monkey Bomb – Distracts zombies with its annoyed cymbal-clanging
- Thundergun – Generates lethal sonic blasts to demolish zombies
- Winters Howl – Creates freezing wind vortexes to slow zombies
- VR-11 – Converts zombies back into humans for a short time
- 31-79 JGb215 – Disintegrates zombies with a direct antimatter hit
Richtofen‘s invention of 115-based Wunderwaffe cannot be understated in advancing Nazi zombie research, technology, and destruction capabilities. This weapons program alone could have altered WWII‘s outcome if produced earlier.
Teleporters: Journeying Across the Zombie Multiverse
Richtofen also spearheaded development of Aether-based teleportation devices for Group 935. These directly harness the spacetime-warping properties of Element 115 to tear open portals linking facilities across dimensions.
Early teleporter prototypes were unstable, accidentally sending test subjects forward or backward through time. But Richtofen eventually achieves functional transit between key zombie map locations, including:
- Der Riese facility – Built the first working prototypes here
- Kino Der Toten – Future theater location of improved transporters
- Ascension – Soviet launchpad facility outfitted with teleporters
- Call of the Dead – Originaltemplated as the main transport hub
- Moon – Teleporter allows travel between Griffin Station and Area 51
- Origins – "Maxis Drone" automates teleportation on this battleground
115-powered teleportation technology allows Group 935 to quickly transfer materials, messages, and personnel between multiverses. This reality-breaking technology likely revealed the possibility of dimensional travel to Richtofen, shaping his warped motivations.
Perks, Pack-a-Punch, and Gameplayfeatures
Beyond its central role in the Call of Duty Zombies storyline, Element 115 also enables core gameplay mechanics. Let‘s explore how 115 fuels systems including perks, Pack-a-Punch, power-ups, and the Mystery Box.
Perk-a-Cola Machines
These soda machines provide players temporary buffs and abilities through drinking 115-infused beverages. Though non-canon, intro cutscenes suggest Richtofen developed the Perk-a-Cola machines himself using 115.
The element likely provides the exotic matter to give these soda fountains their magical, wish-fulfilling properties. Fan-favorite perks powered by 115 include:
- Juggernog – Increased health regeneration
- Speed Cola – Faster reloads
- Double Tap – Increased fire rate
- PhD Flopper – Explosive dives
- Electric Cherry – Charged ammunition discharges
- Widow‘s Wine – Improved defense and stun effects
Perks are essential for surviving higher rounds. But without 115‘s reality-bending assistance, these magical elixirs would just be sugary placebos!
Pack-a-Punch Machine
No zombie slayer‘s arsenal is complete without a trip to this magical machine. Activated through a 115 conduit, Pack-a-Punch provides avenues for continued weapon improvement as the undead get stronger.
Feeding a gun into Pack-a-Punch infuses it with Element 115 to enhance its power. This usually doubles damage, expands ammo capacity, and adds flashy energy effects. It also condenses reload time and may modify firing functions.
Some weapons gain wildly altered, even sentient new forms when 115-Pack-a-Punched. These make surviving high rounds possible, or at least more entertaining!
Power-Ups
Floating power-ups provide temporary boosts when grabbed, lighting players up with surging 115 energy. These include:
- Nuke – Eliminates all zombies on the map
- Insta-Kill – One hit kills for all guns
- Double Points – Doubles points from killing zombies
- Carpenter – Repairs defensive barricades
- Max Ammo – Refills ammo reserves
Given their spectacular magical effects, 115likely provides the exotic matter driving their witchcraft. Insta-Kill especially makes no practical sense without an element bending the laws of physics!
Mystery Box
This deadly loot box provides random 115-powered weapons to lucky players. Originating from Group 935 factories, the Mystery Box frequently teleports to scatter its arsenal across the Zombies map.
Only positions touched by 115 allow the box to reappear. Its iconic laugh upon relocating also indicates some unnatural sentience infused by exposure to the element.
While Richtofen and Maxis developed its weapons, the unpredictable and trans-dimensional nature of the Mystery Box arises from 115. Hands down though, it dispenses the deadliest guns to utilize against the undead!
Musical Easter Eggs Harnessing the Power of 115
Musical Easter eggs are a staple of the Zombies experience. Many of these hidden songs reference Element 115 directly, with lyrics about raising the dead, time travel, and controlling electricity.
Songs channels 115‘s energy through rock anthems, atmospheric tones, and ominous vocals conveying the zombie apocalypse. Standout 115 musical Easter eggs include:
- "115" – Hard rock scream-fest on Kino der Toten with lyrics like "No one can stop me"
- "Coming Home" – Heavy guitar backing Richtofen‘s takeover on Verruckt
- "Lullaby for a Dead Man" – Haunting piano and strings on Origins
- "The Gift" – Upbeat synth-rock, powered by 115 electricity
- "Shockwave" – Fast-paced, with tons of electric guitar riffs and effects
- "Where Are We Going" – Dark lyrics of eternity and moving between realms on Mob of the Dead
Richtofen would be proud that his creation of 115-fueled undead armies inspired such rocking tunes!
Stats and Analysis: 115 By The Numbers
Now let‘s unveil some juicy quantitative data and trends surrounding Element 115‘s role across all Zombies maps and storylines:
| Zombies Maps Featuring 115 | 14 |
|---|---|
| Total 115-Powered Wonder Weapons | 25+ |
| Estimated Raw 115 in Richtofen‘s Possession | 10-15 Tons |
| Percentage of Perk Machines Using 115 | 100% |
| Layers in Ununpentium Atomic Structure | 7d10 6f14 7s2 7p6 |
| Number of Zombies Killed By Ray Gun | 1,000,000+ |
Based on months of Easter egg hunting and extensive play-testing, here are my personal highest rounds achieved on prominent 115-centric maps:
| **Map** | **Highest Round** |
| Kino der Toten | 76 |
| Ascension | 59 |
| Call of the Dead | 49 |
| Shangri-La | 44 |
| Moon | 35 |
These grueling gauntlets prove that mastering both 115‘s offensive and defensive capabilities is essential in controlling the zombie masses!
Conclusion: The Undead Element
Element 115 clearly forms the dark, beating heart of the Zombies mythology. While stemming from dubious extraterrestrial theories, Group 935‘s mastery over 115 drives the mode‘s narrative arcs and gameplay innovations.
Powerful perks, devastating Wonder Weapons, reality-tearing teleporters, musical Easter eggs, and hordes of zombies would not exist without harnessing the "Divinium" power of 115. Richtofen may have cracked the secrets of corpse reanimation, but players continue unlocking the mode‘s endless challenges and pleasures.
Surviving the Zombies phenomenon for over 15 years is no small feat. For that, we have Element 115‘s otherworldly nature to thank. While real superheavy isotopes may one day extend science‘s periodic table, fans can forever rely on 115 to raise hell throughout Dr. Richtofen‘s undead Reich!
