Best Black Ops 6 Zombies Loadout: Reckoning Boss Guide March 2026

After spending countless hours perfecting my approach to Black Ops 6’s Reckoning Easter egg, I’ve discovered a loadout combination that makes even the toughest boss fights feel manageable. Whether you’re facing S.A.M.’s relentless parasites or Richtofen’s overwhelming horde attacks, the right weapon setup can mean the difference between victory and another frustrating restart.

I’ve tested dozens of weapon combinations, ammo mods, and field upgrades to bring you what I consider the most reliable loadouts for conquering Reckoning’s dual boss challenges. Having completed both paths multiple times, including helping squad members through their first completions, I can confidently say these builds have transformed what was once a daunting challenge into a systematic victory.

In my experience tackling other Black Ops 6 Zombies challenges like the Abomination, preparation and the right loadout are absolutely crucial. The Reckoning Easter egg takes this to another level with its unique boss mechanics and the critical choice between fighting S.A.M. or Richtofen. For those interested in seasonal events, I’ve also covered the King of the Dead event strategies which share similar tactical principles.

Understanding the Two Boss Paths in Reckoning

Before diving into specific loadouts, let me explain the fundamental difference between the two boss encounters you’ll face. During my first attempts at the Reckoning Easter egg, I made the mistake of using the same loadout for both bosses – a costly error that led to numerous failures.

The S.A.M. boss fight is what I’d call the “aggressive close-quarters” encounter. S.A.M. herself isn’t particularly tanky, but she spawns waves of parasites that can quickly overwhelm you if you’re not equipped to handle them efficiently. I’ve found this fight requires high mobility and burst damage potential, making shotguns and specific ammo mods essential.

On the other hand, the Richtofen boss fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Richtofen has significantly more health than S.A.M., and his ability to summon dense zombie hordes while maintaining constant pressure makes this the harder of the two encounters. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that crowd control and sustained damage output are the keys to victory here.

What makes these fights particularly challenging is that you can’t switch loadouts between choosing your path and facing the boss. This means your decision at the crossroads determines not just which boss you’ll face, but also which loadout strategy you need to commit to beforehand.

The S.A.M. Boss Fight Loadout – Close-Range Domination

Primary Weapon: ASG or Maelstrom Shotgun

For the S.A.M. encounter, I swear by the ASG or Maelstrom shotgun as my primary weapon. After extensive testing, these shotguns provide the perfect balance of damage output and fire rate needed to handle both S.A.M. herself and her parasite spawns.

When I Pack-a-Punch these shotguns to level three, the damage output becomes absolutely devastating at close range. The ASG, in particular, has saved me countless times when parasites swarm from multiple directions. Its spread pattern is wide enough to catch multiple parasites in a single blast while maintaining enough concentrated damage to chunk S.A.M.’s health bar when you get clear shots.

For attachments, I recommend prioritizing range extension and reload speed. The Reinforced Barrel extends your effective range, which is crucial for those moments when you need to create distance. The Speed Loader attachment has been a lifesaver during intense parasite waves when every second of downtime could mean death.

Ammo Mod: Deadwire with Strategic Augments

The Deadwire ammo mod is non-negotiable for the S.A.M. fight. I’ve experimented with every ammo mod available, and nothing comes close to Deadwire’s effectiveness against parasites. When properly augmented, Deadwire creates chain lightning that jumps between enemies, turning your shotgun into a crowd-clearing machine.

The Big Game augment is essential here – it increases Deadwire’s damage against elite enemies like S.A.M. herself. Combined with the Extension augment for increased proc duration, you’ll find yourself clearing entire waves of parasites with a single well-placed shot. I can’t stress enough how game-changing this combination is for survivability.

Wonder Weapon: Gorgofex N Configuration

The Gorgofex N variant is my go-to Wonder Weapon for the S.A.M. fight. Its unique properties make it perfect for dealing sustained damage to S.A.M. while maintaining mobility. Unlike the Gorgofex C, the N variant excels at single-target damage, which is exactly what you need when you have brief windows to damage the boss between parasite waves.

I’ve found the best strategy is to use the Gorgofex N during S.A.M.’s vulnerability phases when she’s stationary. The weapon’s beam melts her health bar faster than any conventional weapon, and its unlimited ammo means you never have to worry about running dry during critical moments.

Field Upgrade: Aether Shroud with Burst Dash

Aether Shroud has become my survival crutch for this fight. When augmented with Burst Dash, it provides instant repositioning capability that’s saved me from certain death more times than I can count. The ability to phase through enemies and quickly reach a better position is invaluable when parasites converge from all angles.

I typically save Aether Shroud for emergency situations – when I’m cornered, need to revive a teammate, or must quickly reposition for a damage phase. The invisibility duration gives you enough time to reload, use healing items, or simply catch your breath during the chaos.

The Richtofen Boss Fight Loadout – Sustained Combat Excellence

Primary Weapon: ABR A1 Assault Rifle

For Richtofen, I completely change my approach, opting for the ABR A1 assault rifle. This weapon’s combination of fire rate, magazine capacity, and damage output makes it ideal for the prolonged engagement you’ll face. After Pack-a-Punching to level three, the ABR A1 becomes a zombie-shredding machine that can handle both crowd control and boss damage.

The key advantage I’ve found with the ABR A1 is its versatility. Unlike shotguns that require close proximity, this assault rifle maintains effectiveness at all ranges. This is crucial for the Richtofen fight where positioning is everything, and you often need to engage from distance while managing zombie hordes. This principle applies to many assault rifle loadout strategies across Call of Duty games.

For attachments, I prioritize magazine capacity and stability. The Extended Mag III gives you 60 rounds per magazine, which significantly reduces reload frequency during intense moments. The Compensator attachment helps maintain accuracy during sustained fire, ensuring every bullet counts when you’re burning through ammo.

Ammo Mod: Cryofreeze for Crowd Control

Cryofreeze is my secret weapon for the Richtofen encounter. While many players default to Deadwire, I’ve found Cryofreeze’s slowing effect invaluable for managing the constant zombie pressure. When augmented properly, frozen zombies create natural barriers that funnel remaining enemies into manageable lanes.

The Big Game augment increases Cryofreeze’s effectiveness against Richtofen himself, occasionally slowing his movement and attack patterns. The Extension augment ensures the freeze effect lasts longer, giving you more breathing room to focus on boss damage. This combination has consistently improved my completion times and survival rates.

Wonder Weapon: Gorgofex C Configuration

The Gorgofex C variant shines in the Richtofen fight due to its area-of-effect capabilities. Unlike the N variant’s focused beam, the C configuration creates explosive projectiles that clear groups of zombies while still dealing respectable damage to Richtofen. This dual-purpose functionality is exactly what you need for this encounter.

I’ve developed a rhythm of using the Gorgofex C to clear zombie waves, then switching to my ABR A1 for focused Richtofen damage. This weapon switching strategy maximizes damage output while ensuring you’re never overwhelmed by the horde. The Gorgofex C’s crowd-clearing potential has turned many near-death situations into manageable scenarios.

Field Upgrade: Aether Shroud with Extra Charge

For Richtofen, I modify my Aether Shroud setup with the Extra Charge augment instead of Burst Dash. The additional charge gives you two emergency escapes, which is crucial for this longer, more grueling fight. I’ve found that having that second charge available has been the difference between success and failure in countless attempts.

The strategy here is different from the S.A.M. fight – I use Aether Shroud more liberally, activating it whenever the zombie density becomes unmanageable or when I need safe repositioning for damage phases. The extra charge means you can afford to use it proactively rather than purely reactively.

Universal Equipment and Perks for Both Loadouts

Essential Perks Priority

Regardless of which boss you’re facing, certain perks are absolutely mandatory. Through extensive testing, I’ve developed a perk priority system that maximizes survivability and damage output for both encounters.

Juggernog is obviously your first priority – the health boost is non-negotiable for surviving boss attacks. I always grab this immediately after activating Pack-a-Punch. Speed Cola comes second, as the faster reload speed is crucial when you’re constantly under pressure. The difference in reload time has saved me from countless deaths.

Quick Revive is my third priority, especially when playing with a team. The faster revive speed and self-revive capability provide insurance against unexpected downs. For my fourth perk, I typically choose Stamin-Up for the S.A.M. fight (enhanced mobility for dodging parasites) or Deadshot Daiquiri for Richtofen (improved accuracy for sustained fire).

PHD Flopper deserves special mention as an alternative fourth perk. The explosive damage immunity and dolphin dive explosion can be lifesavers in both fights, particularly when you’re cornered and need a panic button option.

Tactical Equipment: Stim Shots

I cannot overstate the importance of Stim Shots for these boss fights. The instant health regeneration has saved me more times than any weapon or perk. I always ensure I have maximum Stim Shots before entering either boss arena. The ability to instantly heal while maintaining movement is invaluable when both bosses can quickly drain your health.

My strategy is to use Stim Shots aggressively rather than conservatively. Don’t wait until you’re one hit from death – use them whenever your health drops below 75%. This proactive approach ensures you always have a health buffer for unexpected damage spikes.

Lethal Equipment: Semtex Grenades

Semtex grenades are my lethal of choice for both encounters. Their sticky property ensures they connect with intended targets, and the explosion radius helps with crowd control. For S.A.M., I use them primarily against parasite clusters. For Richtofen, they’re excellent for clearing zombie trains when you need breathing room.

The key is timing your throws for maximum impact. I’ve found that throwing Semtex at chokepoints or predicted enemy paths yields better results than panic throws. Always cook them slightly to reduce the detonation delay, but be careful not to hold them too long.

Scorestreak: Death Machine

The Death Machine scorestreak is my ace in the hole for both boss fights. Its massive damage output and unlimited ammo during activation make it perfect for damage phases or emergency crowd clearing. I typically save it for the final phase of either boss fight when things get most hectic.

For S.A.M., I activate the Death Machine when she spawns her largest parasite wave, usually around 30% health. The minigun tears through parasites instantly, giving you clear shots at the boss. For Richtofen, I save it for his final phase when zombie spawns reach maximum intensity.

Advanced Strategies and Tips from My Experience

Pre-Fight Preparation

Preparation begins long before you reach the boss arena. I always ensure I have maximum salvage for armor repairs and equipment crafting. Building up at least 10,000 essence ensures you can buy back perks if you go down during the fight. This safety net has saved numerous runs that would have otherwise ended in failure.

Before triggering the boss encounter, I make sure all weapons are Pack-a-Punched to maximum level and that ammo mods are fully upgraded with appropriate augments. This might seem obvious, but I’ve seen too many players enter these fights under-prepared and pay the price. Earning rewards efficiently in other modes can help you practice proper preparation routines.

Movement and Positioning Tactics

Movement patterns differ drastically between the two bosses. For S.A.M., I maintain a circular movement pattern around the arena’s perimeter, only moving inward for damage phases. This keeps parasites grouped and predictable. Never stop moving unless you’re behind cover during her beam attacks.

For Richtofen, I employ what I call the “figure-eight” strategy, weaving between the arena’s obstacles to break zombie line of sight while maintaining damage on the boss. This pattern naturally creates zombie trains that are easier to manage with area-of-effect attacks.

Ammo Management Techniques

Running out of ammo at a critical moment is a death sentence in these fights. I’ve developed a rotation system where I primarily use my Pack-a-Punched weapon for crowd control and save Wonder Weapon ammo for boss damage phases. Max Ammo drops should be grabbed strategically – wait until you’re completely dry unless you’re in immediate danger.

Always keep one magazine in reserve for emergencies. When I see my ammo getting low, I start being more selective with my shots, focusing on enemies that pose immediate threats rather than trying to clear everything.

Team Coordination Strategies

When playing with a squad, coordination becomes crucial. I’ve found that designating roles before the fight dramatically improves success rates. One player focuses on crowd control, another on boss damage, and others on revives and support. This specialization is more effective than everyone trying to do everything.

Communication about special spawns, ammo drops, and damage phases keeps everyone synchronized. Call out when you’re using scorestreaks or field upgrades to avoid overlap. I’ve seen teams waste multiple Death Machines simultaneously when coordination would have spread them across the entire fight. These squad coordination principles apply to many tactical FPS scenarios.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Through my numerous attempts and helping others, I’ve identified several common mistakes that doom Easter egg runs. The biggest error I see is players treating both boss fights the same way. Each requires a completely different approach, and using S.A.M. tactics against Richtofen (or vice versa) is a recipe for failure.

Another critical mistake is poor resource management. Players often waste scorestreaks and field upgrades early in the fight when they should be saved for later, more difficult phases. I’ve learned to resist the urge to panic-use resources and instead deploy them strategically when they’ll have maximum impact.

Ignoring armor is surprisingly common and absolutely fatal. Your armor is your first line of defense, and letting it break without immediate repair is asking for a quick death. I always prioritize armor repairs over everything except immediate survival threats.

As someone who’s completed numerous FPS weapon optimization challenges across different games, I can tell you that attachment selection matters more than most players realize. Using the wrong attachments can reduce your weapon’s effectiveness by 30% or more.

Alternative Loadout Options for Different Playstyles

The Sniper Approach

While not my preferred method, I’ve successfully completed both boss fights using sniper rifles for players who prefer long-range engagement. The LR 7.62 Sniper with Deadwire ammo mod can one-shot parasites in the S.A.M. fight while maintaining safe distance. For Richtofen, the higher damage per shot helps conserve ammo during the lengthy encounter.

The LMG Tank Build

Light machine guns offer an interesting middle ground between assault rifles and Wonder Weapons. The GPMG-7 with extended mags gives you 200 rounds of sustained fire, perfect for players who struggle with reload timing. I’ve seen this build work particularly well for the Richtofen fight where ammunition sustain is crucial.

The SMG Mobility Focus

For players who prioritize movement over raw damage, SMGs like the Tanto .22 provide exceptional mobility while maintaining respectable damage output. This build requires more skill but offers unmatched survivability through superior positioning. I recommend this only for experienced players who’ve mastered movement mechanics.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Having played on both PC and console, I’ve noticed platform differences that affect loadout effectiveness. PC players with mouse and keyboard have easier time with precision weapons like assault rifles and snipers, making the ABR A1 even more effective for the Richtofen fight. The superior aiming precision allows for consistent critical hits that significantly increase damage output.

Console players might find shotguns more forgiving due to aim assist helping with close-range tracking. This makes the S.A.M. loadout slightly easier to execute on controller. I’ve also noticed that controller players benefit more from the Deadshot Daiquiri perk due to the enhanced aim assist it provides.

Performance also varies by platform – last-gen consoles sometimes struggle with particle effects from Wonder Weapons, causing frame drops during intense moments. If you’re on older hardware, consider reducing visual settings or avoiding excessive special effects to maintain stable performance during boss fights.

Seasonal Meta Considerations

As of March 2026, the current Season 5 meta heavily favors the loadouts I’ve outlined. However, Black Ops 6’s frequent balance updates mean these recommendations might need adjustment in future seasons. The recent buff to Wonder Weapons in the mid-season update has made both Gorgofex variants even more viable than at season launch.

Treyarch has indicated that future updates might address the difficulty disparity between the two boss fights. If S.A.M. receives a health buff or Richtofen gets nerfed, loadout priorities might shift. I recommend checking patch notes regularly and adjusting strategies accordingly.

Final Thoughts and Success Metrics

After perfecting these loadouts, my success rate for the Reckoning Easter egg has jumped from about 30% to over 80%. The S.A.M. fight typically takes me 8-10 minutes with the shotgun loadout, while Richtofen requires 12-15 minutes with the assault rifle setup. These times assume solo play – team encounters usually go faster with coordinated damage.

The key to mastering these encounters isn’t just copying my loadouts exactly – it’s understanding why each element works and adapting to your playstyle. Maybe you prefer different perks or have mastered a specific weapon. Use my recommendations as a foundation, then build upon them with your own experience.

Remember that even the best loadout won’t guarantee victory without practice and patience. Each boss has attack patterns you need to learn, and muscle memory for movement patterns takes time to develop. Don’t get discouraged by early failures – I died dozens of times before achieving my first completion.

For those looking to expand their tactical FPS skills beyond Zombies, squad-based tactical approaches from other games can actually improve your positioning and awareness in these boss fights.

Whether you choose to face S.A.M.’s parasite swarms or Richtofen’s endless hordes, these loadouts give you the tools needed for victory. The Reckoning Easter egg stands as one of Black Ops 6’s most challenging PvE encounters, but with the right preparation and loadout optimization, you’ll find yourself celebrating victory rather than staring at another game over screen.

Good luck, and may your Wonder Weapons never run dry when you need them most. See you in the Dark Aether!