Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 remains a high-water mark for the franchise's Zombies mode, with the iconic Mob of the Dead map standing out as a fan favorite. Beyond its eerie Alcatraz setting and mobster protagonist crew, the map features a haunting secret soundtrack titled "Rusty Cage" performed by Johnny Cash. Unlocking this secret track provides a heavy thematic backdrop to your fight against the undead horde, making it a classic objective for players.
Locating the Key Code Sequence
Triggering the hidden song requires players to enter a specific three-digit code into a hidden key pad on the map. This pad is located in the spiraling Citadel Tunnels area down near the bottom of the prison facility. Reaching this area requires opening several doors and clearing paths, so securing a decent weapon early is recommended.
Before you can interact with the number dials, you must enter Afterlife mode using one of the nearby electrical boxes. While in spirit form, jump down to the base of the staircase where the electrical panel with numbered dials resides. Zap the dials to input the digits 9, 3, and 5 in sequential order, matching the legendary Treyarch easter egg number standard.
Completing the Activation Process
Once you input the numbers correctly, your character will hear an audible sound cue signaling the sequence was accepted. Shortly after the code is registered, the heavy riff of "Rusty Cage" will begin playing across the entire map for all players in the match. Following daily gaming news can help fans stay connected with classic Call of Duty secrets and retro gaming walkthroughs.
Keep in mind that the song easter egg can only be activated once per game session. If you input the wrong digits, simply return to human form, wait for the next round to reset Afterlife if necessary, and attempt the sequence again. It adds a great dynamic to high-round runs, keeping team morale elevated as zombies swarm the tight corridors.
Alternate Audio Easter Eggs on Alcatraz
In addition to the main song, Mob of the Dead holds secondary audio secrets that provide deeper lore context. Players who enter different specific code combinations into the same dial panel can unlock hidden voice recordings and dialogue logs from the island's warden. Inputting code 115 or 386 triggers unique audio clips that enrich the tragic lore of Alcatraz Island.
Exploring these extra audio triggers provides completionists with a complete narrative experience during their survival runs. Combining music activations with the map's broader main questline makes Mob of the Dead one of the most replayable maps in Call of Duty history.
