If you want to get anywhere in any version of Call of Duty Zombies, you need to stockpile some points. Essence is the currency used in the game mode and is highly important for upgrading your guns and getting perks. Gathering the needed Essence in MW3 Zombies is a little more complicated than usual because of how different the game is. With the adoption of a more DMZ-like playstyle, you are not going to gather up hundreds of thousands of points like in the past. Instead, you need to have a little bit of a plan. Here are the best ways to get Essence in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies.
How to get points fast in MW3 Zombies
Contracts

Contracts are the best way to get a chunk of Essence in a shorter amount of time. Upon completion, you are given a Reward Rift that has items in it, and the points are automatically given to you. For higher rewards, complete contracts in the tier 2 and tier 3 danger zones.
Sell items
As you move around the map looting items, you will find various treasures. If you pick up these curiosities, you can take them to a buy station and sell them for a good price. The value of what you will get is shown on every item that you can sell. We recommend selling them, as doing an exfil with them in your backpack just gives you more experience.
Purple portals
As you traverse the area, you may come across a purple portal that teleports you into the sky. When this happens, instantly pull your parachute and look around the area around you. You should see a large container of Essence somewhere in the area. Fly into it to get 500 points quickly. Keep on the lookout for more containers to get a couple thousand Essence quickly and painlessly.
Farm exfil locations
There are quite a few ways to get Essence quickly in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies. Unfortunately, killing zombies and other enemies gives a very small sum. Enemies that come into your path should be viewed more as a roadblock than a reliable source of points. If you decide to start an exfil, you can get a bunch of them to spawn. Just be sure not to get on the helicopter when it arrives. Also, be sure to look out for Bonus Point power-up drops, though. In normal Zombies, that isn’t necessarily a big sum, but it is very good for MW3.