All Black Ops 6 Haunting Weapons: Complete 2026 Unlock Guide

Get ready to face your nightmares in Black Ops 6 Season 6: The Haunting! As the final seasonal update before Black Ops 7 arrives, this Halloween-themed event brings four terrifying new weapons that will change how you dominate the battlefield. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your Black Ops 6 journey, I’ve got you covered with the complete guide to all The Haunting weapons and exactly how to unlock them.
The Haunting event launches on October 9, 2025, bringing horror icons like Predator, Chucky, and Jason Voorhees to the game, along with these four deadly new weapons. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through each weapon’s unlock requirements, share pro tips for maximizing their effectiveness, and help you avoid common mistakes that could slow down your progress.
All Black Ops 6 The Haunting Weapons Overview (2026)
Here’s a quick overview of all four weapons coming to Black Ops 6 with The Haunting event:
| Weapon Name | Weapon Type | Availability | Unlock Method | Release Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresden 9mm | SMG | Battle Pass | Page 3 (requires Tokens) | Available at Launch |
| Merrick 556 | Assault Rifle | Battle Pass | Page 6 (progress-based) | Available at Launch |
| Chainsaw | Melee Weapon | Free Event Track | Play during Chucky Event | In-Season (Post-Launch) |
| X52 Resonator | Special Weapon | Event Track | Play during Echoes of the Dead Event | In-Season (Post-Launch) |
All Black Ops 6 The Haunting Weapons and How to Get Them?
Dresden 9mm SMG – The Classic Returns
The Dresden 9mm is essentially the return of the iconic MP40 SMG, one of the most legendary weapons in Call of Duty history. This reliable SMG features a steady recoil pattern that helps you stay on target, making it perfect for close to medium-range combat.
How to Unlock:
- Available through the Season 6 Battle Pass
- Located on Page 3 of the Battle Pass
- Important Requirement: You must use Tokens to claim all other rewards on Page 3 before you can unlock the Dresden 9mm
- Available immediately when Season 6 launches on October 9, 2025
Pro Tips for Dresden 9mm:
- This SMG excels in close-quarters combat, so pair it with a long-range weapon for versatility
- The steady recoil pattern makes it forgiving for players who struggle with recoil control
- Consider attachments that increase its effective range to make it more viable in mid-range engagements
- Perfect for aggressive playstyles and run-and-gun tactics
Why You Want It: The Dresden 9mm brings back the classic MP40 feel that dominated previous Call of Duty titles. Its reliability and ease of use make it an excellent choice for players of all skill levels, and it’s likely to be a meta contender throughout Season 6.
Merrick 556 Assault Rifle – Power and Precision
The Merrick 556 is a brand-new assault rifle to the Call of Duty franchise, designed to be a high-damage, long-range weapon that can dominate at a distance. While it has manageable recoil, you’ll want to use attachments to keep it under control for maximum effectiveness.
How to Unlock:
- Available through the Season 6 Battle Pass
- Located on Page 6 of the Battle Pass
- This will take longer to unlock than the Dresden 9mm due to its position in the Battle Pass
- Available immediately when Season 6 launches on October 9, 2025
Pro Tips for Merrick 556:
- Focus on recoil-controlling attachments to make this AR more manageable
- Excels at medium to long-range engagements, making it perfect for players who prefer a tactical approach
- Pair with a close-range weapon like the Dresden 9mm for a versatile loadout
- Consider optics that improve visibility at longer distances
- This weapon has high damage output, so focus on accuracy rather than fire rate
Why You Want It: The Merrick 556 is poised to be a meta-contender, especially in Warzone, thanks to its high damage and range capabilities. If you’re a player who excels at mid-to-long-range combat, this AR will be a must-have in your arsenal.
Chainsaw Melee Weapon – Up Close and Personal
For those who like to get up close and personal, the Chainsaw melee weapon is the perfect addition to your loadout. This terrifying weapon lets you embrace your inner Leatherface as you carve through enemies with brutal efficiency.
How to Unlock:
- Part of the Chucky Event (Free Track)
- Not available at launch – arrives “in-season”
- No money required – it’s on the Free Track
- Unlock by playing Multiplayer, Zombies, or Battle Royale when the Chucky Event is live
- Exact release date尚未 announced, but expected post-launch
Pro Tips for Chainsaw:
- Perfect for close-quarters maps and tight spaces
- Consider using it in combination with tactical equipment for maximum effectiveness
- Great for surprise attacks and flanking maneuvers
- In modes like Slasher Deathmatch, this weapon could be particularly effective
- Remember that as a melee weapon, you’ll need to close the distance quickly
Why You Want It: The Chainsaw adds a fun, terrifying element to Black Ops 6 that’s perfect for the Halloween season. It’s not just about effectiveness – it’s about the experience of hunting down enemies with this iconic horror movie weapon. Plus, being on the Free Track means everyone can unlock it without spending money.
X52 Resonator Special Weapon – The Wand of Destruction
Perhaps the most unique addition to The Haunting arsenal, the X52 Resonator is a special weapon that’s been nicknamed the “wand” by the community. This futuristic weapon fires projectiles at a ridiculous rate and range but with low damage per shot, making it a unique addition to your loadout.
How to Unlock:
- Available through the Echoes of the Dead Event
- Not available at launch – arrives “in-season”
- Expected to arrive after the mid-season update
- Unlock by participating in the Echoes of the Dead Event when it goes live
- Exact release date尚未 announced, but expected later in the season
Pro Tips for X52 Resonator:
- This weapon fires projectiles at high speed with low damage – focus on landing consistent hits
- Can be modified with attachments that completely change how it works:
- Multi-shot configuration for spread damage
- Seven-round burst for controlled fire
- Slower charge shot for higher damage per shot
- Experiment with different attachment setups to find what works best for your playstyle
- Consider using it as a secondary weapon for specific situations rather than your primary
Why You Want It: The X52 Resonator is the most unique weapon in The Haunting lineup, offering a completely different gameplay experience from traditional firearms. Its versatility with different attachment configurations makes it a fascinating weapon to master, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter among your squad.
2026 Pro Tips for Unlocking All Haunting Weapons
Maximize Your Battle Pass Progress
To unlock the Dresden 9mm and Merrick 556 quickly, focus on activities that grant the most Battle Pass XP:
- Play Double XP Weekends: Keep an eye out for Double XP events that will accelerate your progress
- Complete Daily Challenges: These offer consistent XP boosts and help you progress faster
- Focus on High-XP Modes: Modes like Zombies and longer Multiplayer matches typically grant more XP
- Use XP Boost Tokens: If you have any saved XP boost tokens, now’s the time to use them
- Play with a Squad: Playing with friends can provide additional XP bonuses in some modes
Event Preparation Strategy
Since the Chainsaw and X52 Resonator arrive later in the season, here’s how to prepare:
- Save Your Tokens: Don’t spend all your Battle Pass Tokens early – save some for when these weapons release
- Level Up Multiple Weapons: Having a variety of leveled weapons will help you adapt to different situations during events
- Complete Seasonal Challenges: These often provide rewards that will be useful during upcoming events
- Stay Informed: Follow official Call of Duty channels to get the latest information about event release dates
Weapon Synergy Considerations
Think about how these new weapons will work together in your loadouts:
- Dresden 9mm + Merrick 556: A perfect combination for close-to-long range versatility
- Chainsaw + Long-range Primary: Use the Chainsaw for surprise attacks and a long-range weapon for main combat
- X52 Resonator + Traditional Firearm: The unique nature of the X52 makes it perfect as a situational secondary weapon
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Battle Pass Token Mismanagement
One of the biggest mistakes players make is not managing their Battle Pass Tokens effectively:
- Don’t skip rewards: To unlock the Dresden 9mm, you must claim all other rewards on Page 3 first
- Plan ahead: Look at the entire Battle Pass and plan which rewards you want most
- Save tokens: Keep some tokens in reserve for when the in-season weapons release
Underestimating Event Weapons
Many players make the mistake of focusing only on the Battle Pass weapons and ignoring the event weapons:
- Don’t skip events: The Chainsaw and X52 Resonator offer unique gameplay experiences
- Free Track benefits: Both event weapons are on the Free Track, so there’s no reason not to unlock them
- Limited-time opportunity: Event weapons may become harder to obtain after the event ends
Poor Weapon Pairing
Another common mistake is not considering how these weapons work together:
- Don’t duplicate roles: Avoid pairing two weapons that serve the same purpose
- Consider range: Make sure your loadout covers close, medium, and long ranges effectively
- Attachment synergy: Plan your attachments so they complement each other rather than working against each other
FAQ
When does The Haunting event start in Black Ops 6?
The Haunting event launches on October 9, 2025, at 9 AM PT across all platforms. This is when Season 6 begins and when the first two weapons (Dresden 9mm and Merrick 556) become available.
Are The Haunting weapons free to unlock?
Yes, all four Haunting weapons are free to unlock! The Dresden 9mm and Merrick 556 are available through the free Battle Pass, while the Chainsaw and X52 Resonator are available through free event tracks. No money is required to unlock any of these weapons.
Can I unlock The Haunting weapons after the season ends?
While the Battle Pass weapons (Dresden 9mm and Merrick 556) may become available through other methods in future seasons, the event weapons (Chainsaw and X52 Resonator) are typically limited-time exclusives. It’s best to unlock them during their respective events to ensure you don’t miss out.
What makes the Dresden 9mm different from other SMGs?
The Dresden 9mm is essentially the MP40 from previous Call of Duty games, featuring a steady recoil pattern that makes it very forgiving and easy to control. It’s designed to be a reliable, all-purpose SMG that excels in close-to-medium range combat.
Is the X52 Resonator worth unlocking?
Absolutely! The X52 Resonator is the most unique weapon in The Haunting lineup, offering a completely different gameplay experience. Its ability to be modified with attachments that change its fundamental behavior makes it a fascinating weapon to master, and it provides variety to your loadout options.
How long will it take to unlock all four weapons?
The Dresden 9mm can be unlocked relatively quickly once you reach Page 3 of the Battle Pass. The Merrick 556 will take longer as it’s on Page 6. The Chainsaw and X52 Resonator will depend on when their respective events launch and how much you play during those events. Most players should be able to unlock all four weapons within the first few weeks of the season.
Can I use these weapons in Warzone?
Yes, all four Haunting weapons will be available in both Black Ops 6 Multiplayer/Zombies and Warzone. Once unlocked, you can use them across all game modes.
Are there any special attachments for these weapons?
Yes! The Haunting event introduces two new attachments that can be used with these weapons and other firearms in the game. These attachments are designed to complement the new weapons and provide additional customization options.
Conclusion
The Haunting event in Black Ops 6 Season 6 brings four fantastic new weapons that offer something for every type of player. From the classic feel of the Dresden 9mm SMG to the futuristic uniqueness of the X52 Resonator, there’s a weapon here that will enhance your gameplay experience regardless of your preferred playstyle.
Remember, the key to unlocking all these weapons is staying active during the season and participating in both the Battle Pass and seasonal events. The Dresden 9mm and Merrick 556 are available immediately at launch, while the Chainsaw and X52 Resonator will arrive later in the season through their respective events.
Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for quick reference, and be sure to check out our other Black Ops 6 guides for more tips and strategies. With these four new weapons in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to dominate the battlefield and make this Halloween season one to remember in Black Ops 6!
Happy hunting, and may your Haunting be filled with epic weapon unlocks and victorious battles!
Looking for more Black Ops 6 content? Check out our Black Ops 7 Beta weapons guide for a sneak peek at what’s coming next, or read about how Black Ops 6 is breaking tradition in our latest analysis.
