Ultimate Black Ops 6 Reckoning Power-Up Locations 2026

Where are all the free power-ups in Black Ops 6 Zombies Reckoning map? There are 8 hidden power-ups scattered across Reckoning’s two towers, plus a secret Fire Sale that unlocks only after collecting all eight power-ups in the correct sequence.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about Reckoning’s power-up locations from dozens of hours grinding this map since the Black Ops 6 Season 5 guide launched. You’ll discover exact locations, advanced collection strategies, and the community’s best-kept secrets for maximizing these free power-ups.

Power-Up Type	Tower Location	Best Collection Round
Max Armor	T1 Project Janus Reception	Round 1-3
Double Points	T1 Quantum Computing Core	Round 2-4
Full Power	T1 Mutant Research Lab	Round 5+
Max Ammo	T2 Android Assembly	Round 7-10
Insta-Kill	T2 Dark Entity Containment	Boss rounds
Bonus Points	T1 Executive Suite	Early rounds
Nuke	T2 Sublevel 10	High rounds
Fire Sale	Special spawn after all 8	Any round

Understanding Reckoning’s Tower System and Navigation

Before I dive into the specific power-up locations, let me explain how Reckoning’s unique two-tower system works. This map confused me initially, but once I understood the quadrant navigation, finding these power-ups became second nature.

Reckoning consists of two main towers – Tower 1 (T1) and Tower 2 (T2). Each tower contains multiple floors and areas accessed through elevators, stairs, and ziplines. The power-ups are strategically placed throughout both towers, requiring you to navigate efficiently if you want to collect them all before higher rounds make movement difficult.

I’ve found that memorizing the tower layouts saves precious time. Tower 1 houses the spawn area and initial gameplay zones, while Tower 2 contains the more dangerous late-game areas. The power-ups aren’t randomly placed – they’re in fixed locations every single match, which makes planning your route essential.

Tower 1 Power-Up Locations: Your Early Game Arsenal

Max Armor at Project Janus Reception

The first power-up I always grab is Max Armor, located at the Project Janus Reception area in Tower 1. From spawn, head through the main corridor and take the first left after opening the initial door (costs 750 points). You’ll see the reception desk ahead – the Max Armor power-up floats above the desk’s right corner.

Here’s my pro tip: You need to shoot this power-up to activate it. I’ve watched countless players walk right past it because they didn’t know to look up. The best angle is from the doorway – aim slightly above the reception sign and fire a single shot. The power-up will drop immediately, giving you full armor protection that’s invaluable in early rounds.

I’ve experimented with saving this power-up using C4 (more on that technique later), but honestly, grabbing it immediately gives you the survivability needed to explore safely and open more areas without taking unnecessary damage.

Double Points in Quantum Computing Core

The Quantum Computing Core houses my favorite early-game power-up: Double Points. Located on Tower 1’s eastern section, this area requires 1,500 points to access from the reception area. The power-up hovers near the massive quantum computer terminals on the room’s far wall.

My strategy here has evolved over hundreds of games. Initially, I’d grab this immediately, but I’ve learned that timing is everything. If you shoot this power-up at the start of Round 3 or 4, when zombie spawns increase significantly, you can maximize your point generation. During one memorable run, I activated Double Points right before a dog round and walked away with over 8,000 points – enough to open multiple areas and hit the Mystery Box several times.

The shooting angle for this power-up can be tricky. Stand near the entrance and aim for the glowing orb between the two largest computer terminals. Sometimes debris blocks your shot, so you might need to reposition slightly to the left.

Full Power at Mutant Research Lab

The Mutant Research Lab’s Full Power pick-up is arguably the most valuable power-up in Reckoning, especially if you’re using best loadouts for Black Ops 6 Zombies with kill streaks. This power-up instantly charges all your equipment and special abilities.

Located in Tower 1’s western wing (2,000 points from spawn), the lab contains grotesque mutant specimens in containment tubes. The Full Power orb floats above the central examination table. I’ve found that the best time to collect this is around Round 5 or 6, after you’ve acquired your preferred weapons and equipment.

What makes this location special is its proximity to a crafting table. I often craft Monkey Bombs or other tactical equipment here, then immediately grab Full Power to get an instant charge. This combination has saved my skin countless times during intense zombie trains.

Bonus Points at Executive Suite

The Executive Suite, accessible via Tower 1’s main elevator (1,750 points), contains the Bonus Points power-up. This luxurious office area stands in stark contrast to the scientific laboratories, with its mahogany desk and panoramic windows overlooking the facility.

The Bonus Points power-up floats above the CEO’s desk, near a portrait on the wall. While 500 bonus points might seem modest compared to Double Points, I’ve learned not to underestimate this pickup. In early rounds, those 500 points can mean the difference between affording a crucial door or being trapped.

My personal technique involves combining this with the Double Points power-up when possible. If you have Double Points active when you collect Bonus Points, you’ll receive 1,000 points instead. It’s a small optimization, but these details separate good players from great ones.

Tower 2 Power-Up Locations: High-Risk, High-Reward

Max Ammo at Android Assembly

Tower 2’s Android Assembly area houses the Max Ammo power-up, and reaching it requires significant point investment (approximately 4,500 points from spawn). The assembly line features partially constructed androids and mechanical arms – the power-up hovers above the main conveyor belt.

I cannot stress enough how crucial timing is for this power-up. During my early Reckoning attempts, I’d grab Max Ammo immediately, often when I still had plenty of ammunition. Now, I use the C4 saving technique here religiously. Place C4 near the power-up without triggering it, then detonate it later when you’re genuinely low on ammo. This strategy has saved numerous high-round attempts.

The Android Assembly also connects to several important map areas, making it a natural chokepoint during zombie trains. I’ve developed a route that passes through here every few minutes, allowing me to check if I need that saved Max Ammo.

Insta-Kill in Dark Entity Containment

The Dark Entity Containment area in Tower 2 might be the creepiest location in all of Black Ops 6 Zombies. Strange whispers echo through the corridors, and shadowy figures seem to move behind the containment glass. The Insta-Kill power-up appropriately floats in the center of the main containment chamber.

Accessing this area costs roughly 5,000 points from spawn, making it a mid-game destination. The power-up requires precise shooting through a narrow gap in the containment structure. I typically stand on the elevated platform to the right for the best angle.

My advanced strategy for Insta-Kill involves coordination with boss rounds. If you can save this power-up (using C4) until a Mangler or Abomination spawns, the Insta-Kill effect works on them too. I discovered this during a desperate Round 22 attempt, and it’s become my go-to strategy for dealing with mini-bosses efficiently. For more boss strategies, check out the abomination challenge guide.

Nuke at Sublevel 10

Sublevel 10 represents Reckoning’s deepest accessible area, and the journey there isn’t cheap – expect to spend 6,000+ points from spawn. This underground laboratory feels distinctly different from the towers above, with emergency lighting casting long shadows and alarm klaxons occasionally blaring.

The Nuke power-up floats near the area’s main generator, surrounded by electrical hazards. Shooting it requires careful positioning to avoid taking damage from the environmental hazards. I position myself near the entrance stairs and aim through the gap between two electrical panels.

While newer players might grab the Nuke immediately for the points and breathing room, I’ve learned patience pays off. Saving this Nuke for genuine emergencies – like when you’re cornered with no escape route – can literally save your game. The 400 points per zombie killed is nice, but survival is priceless.

The Fire Sale Easter Egg: Your Reward for Completion

Here’s something most guides don’t tell you: collecting all eight power-ups in Reckoning unlocks a special Fire Sale power-up. I discovered this during a completionist run where I was determined to grab every power-up, and the appearance of that ninth power-up genuinely surprised me.

The Fire Sale spawns in the main spawn area after you’ve collected all eight power-ups. You’ll hear a distinctive audio cue – a cash register sound followed by Richtofen’s laugh. The power-up appears near the initial Mystery Box location, floating higher than typical power-ups.

When activated, Fire Sale reduces all Mystery Box purchases to 10 points for 30 seconds, and it spawns Mystery Boxes at every possible location simultaneously. I’ve pulled wonder weapons and ray guns during these Fire Sales that completely changed my game’s trajectory. During one memorable session, I got the Ray Gun, Wunderwaffe DG-2, and ASG-89 all during a single Fire Sale.

The community initially thought the Fire Sale was random, but through extensive testing with other players, we’ve confirmed it’s 100% reproducible. The order doesn’t matter – just collect all eight power-ups, and your Fire Sale awaits.

Advanced Power-Up Strategies and Techniques

The C4 Saving Technique

The C4 saving technique revolutionized how I approach Reckoning’s power-ups. Here’s exactly how it works: equip C4 as your lethal equipment, approach a power-up location, and place the C4 near (but not touching) the floating power-up. Don’t detonate it yet – the C4 will remain there indefinitely.

When you need that power-up later, simply detonate the C4 from anywhere on the map. The explosion will trigger the power-up, causing it to drop and activate. I’ve saved games by detonating a Max Ammo C4 from across the map when cornered with no ammunition.

Not every power-up benefits equally from this technique. Through experimentation, I’ve found these are the best candidates for C4 saving:

• Max Ammo – Save for ammunition emergencies
• Nuke – Reserve for when you’re overwhelmed
• Insta-Kill – Perfect for boss encounters
• Full Power – Great if you rely on specialist weapons

Double Points and Bonus Points should generally be used immediately for maximum economic benefit, while Max Armor is too valuable early to delay.

Optimal Collection Routes

After countless Reckoning runs, I’ve developed an optimal route for collecting these power-ups efficiently. My standard route prioritizes point generation and safety:

1. Round 1-2: Collect Max Armor at Project Janus Reception
2. Round 3: Grab Bonus Points from Executive Suite
3. Round 4: Activate Double Points at Quantum Computing Core (during zombie spawns)
4. Round 5-6: Secure Full Power at Mutant Research Lab
5. Round 7-8: Move to Tower 2, collect Max Ammo (save with C4)
6. Round 9-10: Grab Insta-Kill (save with C4)
7. Round 11+: Collect Nuke when convenient (save with C4)
8. Any round after: Trigger Fire Sale once all eight are collected

This route balances point expenditure with power-up value, ensuring you’re never overextending financially while maximizing each power-up’s impact.

Multiplayer Coordination Strategies

In multiplayer games, power-up collection becomes a team effort requiring communication. I’ve developed a system with my regular squad where we assign specific players to specific power-ups based on their roles.

Our point-farmer (usually running Double Points augments) handles the Double Points and Bonus Points power-ups. The designated trainer manages Max Ammo and Nuke, since they’re most likely to need emergency ammunition or clearing. Support players grab Max Armor and Full Power, while our highest-skill player saves Insta-Kill for boss management.

We’ve found that coordinating C4 placements prevents wasteful duplications. Nothing’s worse than two players both C4-saving the same Max Ammo while ignoring the Nuke. Clear communication through voice chat or the ping system prevents these mishaps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Through my extensive time in Reckoning and discussions with the zombie event strategies community, I’ve identified several common mistakes players make with these power-ups:

Forgetting to look up: Every power-up in Reckoning floats above ground level. I’ve watched streamers walk directly under power-ups without noticing them. Always scan vertically when entering new areas.

Wasting early points on unnecessary doors: Opening every door to reach power-ups too early leaves you broke and vulnerable. Follow my route above for optimal point management.

Grabbing power-ups immediately: Patience is crucial. That Round 2 Max Ammo does nothing when everyone has full ammunition. Learn to evaluate whether you actually need a power-up now or if it can wait.

Ignoring the Fire Sale requirement: Many players don’t realize the Fire Sale only spawns after collecting all eight power-ups. They grab seven, miss one, and wonder why the Fire Sale never appears.

Poor C4 placement: Placing C4 too close can accidentally trigger the power-up immediately. Too far, and the explosion won’t activate it. Practice the sweet spot – roughly one meter away works consistently.

Platform-Specific Considerations

While Reckoning’s power-up locations remain consistent across platforms, I’ve noticed some platform-specific quirks worth mentioning:

On PC, the superior aiming precision makes hitting distant power-ups easier. I can consistently activate the Quantum Computing Core’s Double Points from the doorway, while console players might need to move closer.

PlayStation 5’s adaptive triggers provide subtle feedback when aiming at power-ups – a slight resistance indicates you’re on target. This feature has improved my first-shot accuracy significantly.

Xbox Series X players benefit from Quick Resume, but be warned: suspending mid-game can cause C4 placements to disappear upon resuming. Always detonate saved C4 before suspending your game.

Last-gen consoles (PS4, Xbox One) occasionally experience frame drops in Tower 2’s more complex areas, potentially affecting power-up shooting accuracy. I recommend moving closer to power-ups on these platforms to ensure successful activation.

Expert Power-Up Combination Strategies

After mastering individual power-up collection, the next level involves strategic combinations. I’ve discovered several powerful synergies that can dramatically improve your Reckoning performance.

The “Economic Explosion” combo involves activating Double Points, then immediately collecting Bonus Points and any zombie kills from a saved Nuke. This three-part sequence can net you over 15,000 points in under a minute during mid-game rounds.

For high-round survival, I use the “Emergency Trinity”: Save Max Ammo, Insta-Kill, and Nuke using C4 placement. When overwhelmed, detonate all three in sequence – Insta-Kill first for immediate threat reduction, followed by Nuke for crowd control, then Max Ammo to continue fighting. This combination has saved me from certain death countless times past Round 30.

The “Boss Buster” strategy combines Full Power with a saved Insta-Kill for dealing with special zombies. Activate Full Power to charge your specialist weapon, then trigger Insta-Kill right before engaging Manglers, Abominations, or other mini-bosses. Even if Insta-Kill doesn’t eliminate them completely, the specialist weapon damage boost often finishes the job.

Seasonal Updates and Power-Up Changes

Since Season 5’s launch, I’ve noticed subtle changes to Reckoning’s power-up system. Treyarch has been fine-tuning the experience based on community feedback, and staying current with these updates is crucial for maintaining optimal strategies.

The most recent update adjusted the Fire Sale duration from 20 to 30 seconds, giving players more time to cycle through all Mystery Box locations. This change makes the complete power-up collection even more rewarding, as you can now potentially hit 4-5 boxes during a single Fire Sale.

Additionally, the C4 saving technique received an unofficial validation when developers acknowledged it as “creative use of game mechanics” rather than an exploit. This means the technique is likely here to stay, making it worth mastering for serious Reckoning players.

For those interested in competitive zombies strategies, the weapon tier list concepts from other games can help you think strategically about power-up prioritization in different scenarios.

Community Discoveries and Advanced Techniques

The Reckoning community continues discovering new power-up interactions and strategies. I regularly collaborate with other high-round players to test theories and validate new techniques.

One recent community discovery involves “power-up cycling” – intentionally triggering lower-priority power-ups to potentially respawn higher-value ones in different locations. While this theory remains unconfirmed, several players report success with this approach during extended sessions.

Another emerging strategy involves using the popularity of Call of Duty to build teams specifically for power-up optimization runs. These coordinated groups assign specific power-ups to each player, creating incredibly efficient collection routes that would be impossible in solo play.

Conclusion: Mastering Reckoning’s Power-Up System

Mastering Reckoning’s free power-up locations transforms this challenging map from a struggle to a playground. These eight power-ups, plus the secret Fire Sale, provide incredible advantages when used strategically. The difference between randomly grabbing power-ups and following an optimized strategy can easily be 10+ rounds of survival.

Remember, these power-ups spawn in the same locations every game, so memorization is key. Practice the C4 saving technique in solo games before attempting it in multiplayer. Most importantly, communicate with your team about power-up plans to maximize their effectiveness.

Reckoning rewards players who understand its systems, and these free power-ups represent one of the most important systems to master. Whether you’re grinding for high rounds, completing easter eggs, or just having fun with friends, proper power-up utilization will elevate your gameplay significantly.

The next time you drop into Reckoning, use this guide to grab all eight power-ups efficiently, unlock that Fire Sale, and show the zombies who’s boss. And if you’re looking for more ways to dominate in multiplayer modes, check out the best multiplayer games to expand your gaming horizons beyond just Call of Duty.

Happy hunting, and may your Mystery Box pulls be legendary!