Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun Guide (March 2026) Unlock Akita Akimbo Weapon

Updated by Prachi Jhalani
December 9, 2025
Gaming Guides

Welcome to the most comprehensive Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun guide available! If you’re looking to dominate the battlefield with dual-wielding shotgun power, you’ve come to the right place. The Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment is one of the most sought-after additions in Season 1, offering devastating close-range firepower that can turn any engagement in your favor.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking and mastering the Akita Akimbo Shotgun. From the base weapon requirements to the specific Week 2 challenges, attachment details, and pro strategies that will make you a force to be reckoned with in multiplayer, Warzone, and Zombies modes.

Akita Akimbo Shotgun Essentials

Aspect	Details
Base Weapon Unlock	Player Level 40
Max Weapon Level	Level 43
Akimbo Attachment	Akita Scorchlink Akimbo
Unlock Method	Complete 6 Week 2 Season 1 Challenges
Fire Mode	Full-Auto (Dual Wield)
Special Features	Belt Fed Ammo, Overheat Mechanic
Availability	Multiplayer, Warzone, Zombies

Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun: How to Unlock Akita Akimbo Weapon and Attachments?

The journey to wielding dual Akita shotguns begins long before you can equip the Akimbo attachment. Let me break down the complete unlocking process step by step.

Step 1: Unlock the Base Akita Shotgun

Before you can even think about going akimbo, you need to unlock the base Akita shotgun. According to official Call of Duty sources and multiple gaming guides, the Akita shotgun becomes available when you reach Player Level 40.

How to Level Up Quickly:

Play any game mode (Multiplayer, Warzone, Zombies, or Co-op Campaign)
Complete objectives and challenges
Focus on high-XP activities like Warzone contracts or Zombies rounds
Use Double XP tokens when available

The Akita is described as a “full-auto shotgun with excellent mobility and handling, balanced by high recoil and short range.” It’s considered the weakest of the shotguns in terms of range but makes up for it with superior mobility and fire rate.

Step 2: Understanding the Akita Shotgun’s Characteristics

Before investing time in unlocking the akimbo attachment, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Based on extensive testing and community feedback, here are the key characteristics:

Strengths:

Excellent mobility and handling
Fast fire rate for a shotgun
Great for run-and-gun playstyles
Effective in close-quarters combat

Weaknesses:

Very short effective range
High recoil pattern
Considered the weakest shotgun in terms of damage output
Challenging to control if not constantly mobile

Max Level Progression:

Base unlock: Level 40
Maximum weapon level: 43
Total levels to grind: 3 levels

Step 3: Unlock the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo Attachment

Here’s where the real magic happens. The Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment is a Season 1 Week 2 Weekly Challenge Reward. This means you need to complete 6 Week 2 challenges across any game modes to unlock it.

Official Requirements (from Call of Duty Patch Notes):

Complete any 6 challenges from Week 2
Challenges can be completed in: Multiplayer, Warzone, Zombies, or Co-op Campaign
Attachment becomes available immediately upon completion
If you miss Week 2, it will be available in the Armory at a later date

What the Akimbo Attachment Does: According to the official Call of Duty Season 01 patch notes, the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment provides:

Dual Capabilities: Wield two Akita shotguns simultaneously
Belt Fed Ammo Capacity: Extended ammunition capacity
Overheat Mechanic: New gameplay mechanic that limits sustained fire
Reduced Range: Slight decrease in damage range
Wider Hipfire Spread: Less accurate when firing from the hip
Attachment Blocking: Prevents equipping other magazine attachments

Step 4: Week 2 Challenges Breakdown

Based on the Game8 weekly challenges guide, here’s what you can expect from Week 2 challenges (note that specific challenges may vary):

Co-Op and Endgame Challenges:

Jailbreak your Weapon 3 times (5,000 XP)
Eliminate 250 Human Enemies (5,000 XP)
Kill 25 enemies with or affected by your Abilities (3,500 XP)
Get 10 Scorestreak Kills (3,500 XP)
Get 10 Kills with Equipment (2,500 XP)
Eliminate 3 Guild Raiders (2,500 XP)

Multiplayer Challenges:

Get 300 Eliminations (5,000 XP)
Win 7 matches (5,000 XP)
Get 12 Kills with Lethals (3,500 XP)
Get 10 Kills while your Active Camo or Mute Field Field Upgrade is active (3,500 XP)
Kill 5 enemies detected by your Pinpoint Grenade Tactical (2,500 XP)
Kill your Nemesis 5 times (2,500 XP)

Zombies Challenges:

Survive 60 total Rounds on Astra Malorum (5,000 XP)
Eliminate 2,500 Zombies (5,000 XP)
With the Wisp Tea Perk active: get 50 Wisp Companion Kills (3,500 XP)
Kill 10 or more Zombies with a single Scorestreak 50 times (3,500 XP)
Kill 50 Zombies that are affected by your Tactical Equipment (2,500 XP)
Eliminate an Elite Zombie (2,500 XP)

Warzone Challenges:

Earn 5 Top 10 Placements (5,000 XP)
Get 40 Eliminations (5,000 XP)
Open 40 Loot Crates (3,500 XP)
Get 5 Eliminations with Melee Weapons (3,500 XP)
Complete 3 Contracts (2,500 XP)
Get 2 Kills with Lethals (2,500 XP)

Pro Tip: Mix and match challenges from different game modes to complete them faster. For example, you could work on Zombies challenges while also making progress on general elimination counts.

Mastering the Akita Akimbo: Advanced Strategies and Loadouts

Now that you know how to unlock the Akita Akimbo, let’s dive into how to actually use it effectively. The dual-wield shotguns play very differently from the base weapon.

Understanding the Overheat Mechanic

The Akita Scorchlink Akimbo introduces a new overheat mechanic that’s crucial to understand:

Heat Buildup: Continuous fire causes the weapons to overheat
Performance Degradation: As heat builds, accuracy and fire rate decrease
Cool Down Period: Weapons need time to cool down after overheating
Strategic Firing: Learn to fire in bursts rather than holding down the trigger

Overheat Management Tips:

Fire in short bursts (2-3 seconds at a time)
Let weapons cool between engagements
Monitor the heat indicator on your HUD
Switch to secondary weapon during cool-down periods

Best Loadout Configurations

While the Akimbo attachment blocks other magazine attachments, you can still optimize other parts of your loadout:

Recommended Attachments:

Barrel: Extended barrel for slightly better range
Laser: Improved hip-fire accuracy (crucial for akimbo)
Stock: Better mobility and ADS speed
Rear Grip: Faster ADS and sprint-to-fire speed
Underbarrel: Recoil control (though slightly limited with akimbo)

Secondary Weapon: Since the akimbo shotguns are purely close-range weapons, consider pairing them with:

Assault Rifle for medium-to-long range engagements
SMG for mobile close-to-medium range backup
Marksman Rifle for precise long-range picks

Game Mode Specific Strategies

Multiplayer Tactics

Map Awareness:

Stick to close-quarters maps and areas
Avoid open spaces where you’re vulnerable at range
Use lanes and corridors to funnel enemies

Movement Strategies:

Constant strafing and jumping to avoid return fire
Slide and drop-shot to surprise enemies
Use tactical sprint to close distances quickly

Loadout Synergy:

Pair with perks like Ghost for stealth
Use Dead Silence for silent movement
Consider Quick Fix for rapid health regeneration

Warzone Strategies

Gulag Dominance:

The akimbo shotguns excel in Gulag close-quarters combat
Practice movement and positioning for 1v1 scenarios
Use the overheat mechanic to your advantage

Close-Range Engagements:

Perfect for building clearing and room-by-room combat
Use gas mask and stun grenades to control engagements
Pair with a long-range weapon for versatility

Squad Play:

Designate yourself as the close-range specialist
Communicate with team about positioning
Use smoke grenades for safe approaches

Zombies Loadout

Early Rounds:

Devastating for early to mid-round horde clearing
Excellent for training and crowd control
Pair with Wonder Weapon for versatility

Pack-a-Punch Synergy:

The akimbo configuration becomes even more deadly after Pack-a-Punch
Consider ammo mods for additional effects
Use in combination with special abilities

Boss Fights:

While not ideal for boss damage, great for clearing adds
Switch to specialized weapons during boss phases
Use mobility to avoid damage while dealing with smaller enemies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Overheat Mechanic

Many players try to hold down the trigger continuously, leading to:

Reduced accuracy and effectiveness
Vulnerable periods during cool-down
Wasted ammunition and missed opportunities

Solution: Practice controlled bursts and learn the heat timing.

2. Overextending in Open Areas

The akimbo shotguns are extremely limited at range:

Avoid engaging enemies beyond 15-20 meters
Don’t challenge snipers or assault rifles at distance
Use cover and movement to close distances safely

Solution: Play patient and use the environment to your advantage.

3. Neglecting Weapon Progression

Some players focus only on unlocking the akimbo attachment:

The base Akita needs leveling for optimal performance
Weapon camos and mastery require progression
Understanding the base weapon improves akimbo effectiveness

Solution: Continue leveling the base Akita even after unlocking akimbo.

4. Poor Loadout Synergy

Running akimbo shotguns without proper support:

No long-range capability leaves you vulnerable
Wrong perks can hurt mobility and effectiveness
Missing tactical and lethal equipment options

Solution: Build a complete loadout that complements the akimbo playstyle.

Advanced Pro Tips

Movement Mastery

Slide Canceling:

Learn to slide cancel for maximum mobility
Combine with tactical sprint for rapid repositioning
Use to confuse enemies and avoid return fire

Jump Shotting:

Practice jumping while firing for surprise engagements
Combine with drop-shotting for unpredictable movement
Use in combination with strafe patterns

Positioning Strategies

Angle Holding:

Learn common engagement angles and pre-aim them
Use corners and cover to your advantage
Control sightlines to force close-quarters fights

Flanking Routes:

Study maps for alternative routes and flanking paths
Use the minimap to predict enemy movements
Time your flanks with teammate pushes

Team Play Considerations

Role Specialization:

Communicate your role as the close-range specialist
Coordinate with teammates for combined arms tactics
Use callouts to maximize team effectiveness

Support Setup:

Consider running support equipment for team benefit
Use stun grenades and smoke for team advantage
Play objective-based game modes for maximum impact

Attachment Progression and Camo Unlocking

Base Akita Camo Challenges

Multiplayer Camos:

Military Camos: 80 Point Blank Kills
Diamondback: 50 Kills while moving
Raptor: 30 Hipfire Kills
Mainframe: 15 kills while sliding, diving, or wall-jumping
Shattered Gold: 10 Triple Kills without dying
Arclight: 10 Double Kills or better
Tempest: 5 kills without dying 3 times
Singularity: Get Tempest on 30 weapons

Zombies Camos:

Military Camos: 1,000 Point Blank Kills
Mutilate: 10 Kills shortly after using a Field Upgrade
Feast: 50 Kills while having 3 or more Perks
Biohazard: 250 Critical Kills
Molten Gold: 20 Special enemy eliminations
Moonstone: 100 Zone III or Zone IV enemies in Endgame
Chroma Flux: 10 Elite enemy eliminations in Endgame
Genesis: Get Chroma Flux on 30 weapons

Akimbo-Specific Considerations

While the akimbo attachment doesn’t have separate camo challenges, mastering it will help you complete base weapon challenges faster:

Point Blank Kills: Easier to achieve with akimbo configuration
Hipfire Kills: Natural playstyle for akimbo shotguns
Movement Kills: Enhanced mobility leads to more moving kills
Multi-kills: Dual wield increases chances of multi-kill scenarios

Community Insights and Meta Analysis

Current Meta Position

As of March 2026, the Akita Akimbo shotgun occupies a unique niche in the Black Ops 7 meta:

Strengths in Meta:

Unmatched close-quarters damage output
Excellent for aggressive playstyles
Strong in specific map types and situations
Fun and satisfying to use

Meta Weaknesses:

Limited by range restrictions
Overheat mechanic requires skill management
Outclassed by other weapons in medium-to-long range
High skill ceiling for consistent effectiveness

Community Feedback

Based on Reddit discussions and community forums, here’s what players are saying:

Positive Feedback:

“The most fun I’ve had with a shotgun in years”
“Devastating in the right hands and situations”
“Great for shaking up the meta and trying new playstyles”

Constructive Criticism:

“The overheat mechanic can be frustrating”
“Range is extremely limited, even for a shotgun”
“Takes a lot of practice to use effectively”

Pro Player Insights:

Top players recommend using it as a situational weapon
Suggest pairing with movement-focused perks and equipment
Emphasize the importance of map knowledge and positioning

Future Updates and Balance Changes

Potential Balance Adjustments

Based on Call of Duty’s history and current community feedback, here are potential future changes to watch for:

Possible Buffs:

Slight range increase
Reduced overheat penalty
Better hipfire accuracy
Faster cool-down times

Possible Nerfs:

Increased recoil
Reduced damage output
Longer overheat duration
Additional attachment restrictions

Seasonal Content Roadmap

Looking ahead to future seasons, consider:

New akimbo attachments for other weapons
Balance patches affecting shotgun performance
New game modes that might favor close-quarters combat
Integration with upcoming DLC weapons and equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I unlock the Akita shotgun in Black Ops 7?

The base Akita shotgun unlocks when you reach Player Level 40. You can level up by playing any game mode including Multiplayer, Warzone, Zombies, or Co-op Campaign, and completing challenges and objectives.

What are the Week 2 challenges for the Akimbo attachment?

Week 2 challenges include a mix of objectives across all game modes: Multiplayer (get eliminations, win matches), Warzone (top placements, contracts), Zombies (survive rounds, eliminate zombies), and Co-op Campaign (specific mission objectives). You need to complete any 6 of these challenges to unlock the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment.

Can I still get the Akimbo attachment if I miss Week 2?

Yes! According to official sources, if you miss the Week 2 challenge window, the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment will be available as an Armory unlock at a future date during Season 1.

What game modes work best with the Akimbo shotgun?

The Akimbo shotgun excels in close-quarters situations, making it ideal for:

Small multiplayer maps with tight corridors
Warzone Gulag and building clearing
Zombies early-to-mid rounds for horde clearing
Any situation where you can force close-range engagements

How does the overheat mechanic work?

The overheat mechanic causes the akimbo shotguns to lose effectiveness when fired continuously. As heat builds up, accuracy decreases and eventually the weapons need to cool down. The key is to fire in controlled bursts rather than holding down the trigger.

What attachments work with the Akimbo configuration?

The Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment blocks other magazine attachments, but you can still equip:

Barrel attachments for range and accuracy
Laser sights for hip-fire improvement
Stock attachments for mobility
Rear grips for handling
Underbarrel attachments for recoil control

Is the Akita Akimbo worth the grind?

For players who enjoy aggressive, close-quarters playstyles, the Akita Akimbo is absolutely worth the grind. It offers a unique playstyle with devastating damage potential at close range. However, it requires skill to master and has significant range limitations.

How does the Akita compare to other shotguns?

The Akita is generally considered the weakest shotgun in terms of raw damage and range, but it makes up for this with superior mobility and fire rate. The akimbo configuration significantly increases its close-quarters effectiveness, making it competitive with other shotguns in specific situations.

Can I use the Akimbo attachment in competitive play?

Yes, the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment is available in all standard game modes, including competitive play. However, its effectiveness depends on the map, game mode, and your skill level with the weapon.

What’s the best way to practice with the Akimbo shotgun?

Start in casual multiplayer modes or private matches to get used to the recoil and overheat mechanics. Focus on close-quarters engagements and practice movement techniques like slide canceling and jump shotting. Gradually move to more competitive environments as you improve.

Conclusion

The Black Ops 7 Akita Akimbo shotgun represents one of the most exciting and powerful close-quarter weapons in Season 1. While it requires significant investment to unlock – reaching Player Level 40 and completing Week 2 challenges – the payoff is a uniquely devastating weapon that can dominate in the right situations.

Remember that success with the akimbo shotguns comes down to:

Mastering movement and positioning
Understanding and managing the overheat mechanic
Building complementary loadouts
Practicing consistently to develop muscle memory

Whether you’re a casual player looking for fun new ways to play or a competitive gamer seeking an edge in close-quarters combat, the Akita Akimbo shotgun offers something for everyone. The key is to approach it with patience and practice, recognizing that it’s a high-skill weapon with incredible potential in the right hands.

As Black Ops 7 continues to evolve throughout 2026, keep an eye on balance updates and meta shifts that might affect the akimbo shotgun’s effectiveness. For now, it stands as one of the most rewarding weapons to unlock and master in Season 1.