Black Ops 6 King of the Dead Event Guide (July 2025) Rewards & Tips

I've been diving deep into Black Ops 6's latest Zombies content, and let me tell you, the King of the Dead event has completely changed how I approach the undead hordes. If you're looking to dominate the leaderboards and snag those exclusive rewards, you've come to the right place.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the King of the Dead event, from scoring strategies to unlocking the coveted Olympia Shotgun and Pickaxe melee weapon. Whether you're a seasoned zombie slayer or just getting started, I'll show you exactly how to maximize your points and climb those rankings.
Table of Contents
What is the King of the Dead Event?
The King of the Dead event is a competitive PvE challenge exclusive to Black Ops 6's Zombies mode. It's one of the key highlights of the Season 4 Reloaded update, alongside new maps, cosmetics and challenges. This event transforms your typical zombie-slaying sessions into a points-based competition where every elimination counts toward your leaderboard position.
Unlike traditional Zombies gameplay where survival is the only goal, King of the Dead introduces a ranking system that rewards efficient zombie elimination. Players eliminate zombies in any Zombie mode to earn points to climb the leaderboard. The more zombies you kill, and the tougher they are, the higher you'll climb.
Event Dates and Duration
The King of the Dead event runs from June 26 to July 3, giving players a full week to compete for top positions. This limited-time window creates urgency and encourages daily participation to maintain or improve your ranking.
There's also a companion event called Master of Grief that follows immediately after, running from July 10-17. While both events share similar reward pools, they feature different gameplay mechanics and scoring systems.
How the Event Works
The scoring system in King of the Dead is straightforward but strategic. You receive more points for dispatching the harder zombie types. This means targeting special and elite zombies becomes crucial for maximizing your score.
Here's how the point system breaks down:
- Normal Zombies: Standard point values
- Special Zombies: Increased points for armored, sprinter variants
- Elite Zombies: Maximum points for boss-type enemies
- Mini-Bosses: Highest point multipliers
The event tracks your total points across all Zombies matches during the event period. Your cumulative score determines your leaderboard position, and once the event ends, you'll get a reward depending upon your leaderboard rank.
Exclusive Rewards
The King of the Dead event features two highly sought-after rewards that have the community buzzing:
Olympia Shotgun
The Olympia Shotgun is a special weapon that brings devastating close-range power to your arsenal. This double-barrel beast excels at crowd control and can clear entire hordes when upgraded through the Pack-a-Punch machine.
Pickaxe Melee Weapon
The Pickaxe is a melee weapon that offers a unique playstyle for those who prefer getting up close and personal with the undead. Its heavy attack can one-shot most standard zombies even in higher rounds.
Don't worry if you rank low though, you'll receive a reward as long as you've participated in the events. This ensures everyone who participates gets something for their efforts.
Best Strategies for Climbing the Leaderboard
After extensive testing, I've discovered several strategies that significantly boost your point earnings:
1. Focus on High-Value Targets
Elite zombies and special variants offer the best point-to-time ratio. When you see armored zombies or mini-bosses, prioritize them over regular hordes.
2. Utilize Double Points Windows
Keep an eye out for in-game events and double points power-ups. Combining these with elite zombie spawns can skyrocket your score.
3. Master the Maps
Knowing spawn locations and training spots on maps like Liberty Falls and Terminus helps you efficiently farm zombies without getting overwhelmed.
4. Team Coordination
Playing with a coordinated squad allows you to designate roles - have dedicated players for crowd control while others focus on high-value targets.
5. Weapon Selection Matters
Choose weapons that can quickly eliminate both hordes and elites. The best loadouts include:
- Primary: High-damage assault rifles or LMGs
- Secondary: Explosive weapons for crowd control
- Tactical: Monkey Bombs for emergency situations
Understanding Grief Mode
For those interested in the Master of Grief event, understanding Grief mode is essential. The Grief Mode features indirect PvP type of combat, where you can debuff your enemies, putting them at a disadvantage against the Zombies.
Key Grief mode mechanics:
- You fight as a team of four and you capture zones, which in turn debuffs your enemies
- Your goal is to be the last team standing by forcing the enemy to enter a downed state
- You can't kill the enemy team at all
This unique gameplay twist adds a competitive element to Zombies while maintaining the core PvE experience.
Advanced Point-Scoring Techniques
I've compiled these advanced techniques from top leaderboard players:
Critical Kill Chains
Landing consecutive headshots triggers point multipliers. Equip Deadshot Daiquiri to make this easier and more consistent.
Wave Management
Don't kill the last zombie immediately. Use this time to set up for the next round, ensuring you're positioned optimally when high-value targets spawn.
Power-Up Optimization
Save Insta-Kill power-ups for when elite zombies are on the field. One shot on an elite during Insta-Kill grants full points.
Ammo Conservation
Use melee attacks on regular zombies when safe. This saves ammo for elites and maintains your point-per-bullet efficiency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players make these errors that hurt their rankings:
- Ignoring Special Zombies: Regular zombies might be easier, but they offer minimal points
- Poor Resource Management: Running out of ammo during elite spawns costs valuable points
- Solo Playing: Team coordination dramatically increases point potential
- Neglecting Perks: Essential perks like Speed Cola and Quick Revive keep you in the fight longer
Platform-Specific Tips
While the core event remains the same across platforms, each has optimization opportunities:
- PC Players: Utilize precise mouse aiming for consistent critical hits
- Console Players: Adjust aim assist settings for optimal headshot tracking
- Controller Users: Consider using tactical button layout for better movement while aiming
Comparing King of the Dead to Previous Events
The King of the Dead event stands out from previous Black Ops 6 events in several ways:
- Pure PvE Focus: Unlike mixed-mode events, this concentrates entirely on Zombies
- Skill-Based Rewards: Leaderboard positioning rewards consistent high-level play
- Accessible Entry: Everyone gets rewards, encouraging participation regardless of skill level
Future Event Predictions
Based on the success of King of the Dead, I expect similar leaderboard-based events throughout 2025. The competitive element adds replay value to Zombies mode while maintaining its cooperative core.
Potential future events might include:
- Boss-specific challenges
- Map-exclusive leaderboards
- Weapon-restricted competitions
- Speed-run challenges
Maximizing Your Time Investment
With only a week to climb the rankings, time management becomes crucial:
Daily Goals
- Complete at least 5 high-round games
- Focus on one map to master spawns
- Team up during peak hours for better coordination
Weekend Push
- Extended sessions during double XP events
- Experiment with different strategies
- Review leaderboard positions and adjust tactics
Community Resources and Support
The Black Ops 6 community has rallied around this event, creating valuable resources:
- Strategy guides on Reddit
- YouTube tutorials from top players
- Discord servers for team formation
- Twitch streams showcasing optimal routes
Stay connected with the community to learn emerging strategies and stay competitive.
Final Verdict
The King of the Dead event breathes fresh life into Black Ops 6's Zombies mode. By transforming casual zombie-slaying into a competitive experience, it gives both newcomers and veterans reasons to perfect their strategies. The exclusive Olympia Shotgun and Pickaxe rewards are just icing on the cake.
My biggest advice? Start playing immediately and focus on consistency over individual high scores. The leaderboard rewards dedication and smart play over lucky runs. Whether you're aiming for the top spot or just want to participate, there's never been a better time to dive into Zombies mode.
Remember, everyone receives some kind of reward, but to obtain the really good stuff, it's time to perfect your Special and Elite Zombies slaying! So grab your squad, load up your favorite map, and show those zombies who's really the King of the Dead!
FAQs
When does the King of the Dead event start and end?
The King of the Dead event runs from June 26 to July 3, giving players exactly one week to participate and climb the leaderboards.
What rewards can I earn from the King of the Dead event?
Both the King of the Dead and the Master of Grief feature two special rewards, namely the Olympia Shotgun, and the Pickaxe. The Olympia is a powerful special weapon, while the Pickaxe serves as a unique melee option.
Do I need to rank high to get rewards?
No! Don't worry if you rank low though, you'll receive a reward as long as you've participated in the events. However, higher rankings yield better rewards.
Can I play King of the Dead in any Zombies mode?
Yes, you can eliminate zombies in any Zombie mode to earn points to climb the leaderboard. This includes both round-based maps and other Zombies variants.
How does the point system work?
You receive more points for dispatching the harder zombie types. Elite and special zombies offer significantly more points than regular zombies.
What's the difference between King of the Dead and Master of Grief?
King of the Dead focuses on standard zombie elimination across all modes, while Master of Grief requires you to collect Essence in Grief mode to earn points to climb the leaderboard.
Is Grief mode PvP or PvE?
The Grief Mode features indirect PvP type of combat, where you can debuff your enemies, putting them at a disadvantage against the Zombies. However, you can't kill the enemy team at all.
Can I participate in both King of the Dead and Master of Grief events?
Yes! The events run on different dates (King of the Dead: June 26-July 3, Master of Grief: July 10-17), allowing you to participate in both for maximum rewards.
What happens to my progress if I switch platforms?
Your progress is tied to your Call of Duty account, so it carries over across platforms where Black Ops 6 is available.
Are the event rewards exclusive?
Both are categorized as event rewards in the official blog post, so expect them to drop through these events only. This makes them exclusive to event participants.