How to unlock Schematics in Modern Warfare Zombies (MWZ): Aetherium, Perk-a-Colas, Ammo Mods, and Wonder Weapons

In Modern Warfare Zombies you’ll need all the help you can get. Because it’s now an open-world mode, you can find pick-ups throughout the map, including Schematics.

One of the pickups you can find is Schematics, which is a permanent unlock to craft Aetherium, Perk-a-Colas, Ammo Mods, and Wonder Weapons. We’ll show you how to unlock each in Modern Warfare Zombies (MWZ).

Modern Warfare Zombies (MWZ): How to unlock Schematics for Aetherium, Perk-a-Colas, Ammo Mods, and Wonder Weapons

These schematics can be found throughout the map but will drop randomly. So you’ll have to search far and wide to find some. The rarer the schematic, the harder it can be to find as well. So take note of that beforehand. 

Get Schematics from missions

Some missions give you a Schematic at the end of them. For example, the Act One Tier Three mission called Saboteur gives you the Uncommon Aether Tool Schematic at the end of the mission. Focusing on these is a great way to unlock Schematics.

Get Schematics from bosses

The other confirmed way to get Schematics is to defeat bosses. There is a boss in the middle of Threat Zone Three that, when defeated, grants you the Ray Gun Schematic. Defeating it is challenging, but if you can pull it off, you get permanent access to the Ray Gun.

Related: All Wonder Weapons in Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) Zombies

Get Schematics from Contracts

In my experience, the best way to farm random Schematics is to complete Contracts. I’ve gotten Speed Cola, Stamin-Up, and Brain Rot just through Contract completion rewards. For what it’s worth, the two Contracts that specifically got me those Schematics were Aether Extraction and Escort.

Get Schematics randomly from activities

While scouring the map, you may have a chance of finding the more selective items like Aetherium. However, it seems like going into certain spots may increase your chances. So I’d say check out Aether Nests, do Contracts and challenges, and complete missions. By doing this, you can farm those rarer Schematics and get them consistently.

Another quick way to find Schematics without doing any of the missions is by finding Aether Nests, Aether Loot Caches, or going after the bosses. They may have a chance of dropping the stronger Schematics. 

Aside from the known Schematic drops — missions and bosses — you can complete Contracts and take on Nests and Strongholds to get Schematics. It all comes down to RNG. With that being said, try those methods above still.

I think it’s a way to keep you engaged longer and helps newcomers understand the map better. However, as I get more play time and more experience with the map and the mode and find better ways to acquire Schematics, I’ll update accordingly. 

Other Modern Warfare Zombies articles. 

Related: How to repair a tire in Modern Warfare 3 on Prima Games