Complete Reckoning Easter Egg Guide: Black Ops 6 Season 5 Finale
Black Ops 6 Season 5 has arrived with Reckoning, the epic finale to the Zombies storyline! Set within the towering structures of Project Janus, this vertical nightmare brings players face-to-face with critical reactor meltdowns while Eddie and S.A.M. battle for supremacy. Today we'll walk you through the complete Easter Egg guide, including dual boss fights and exclusive Season 5 rewards. We have plenty of other Black Ops 6 guides available to help you master every aspect of the game!
Reckoning Map Overview: The Janus Towers
The imposing Janus Towers serve as the birthplace of S.A.M. and the epicenter of Project Janus experiments. These vertical structures are now facing catastrophic reactor failures, creating a race against time scenario. Players must navigate between Tower 1 (T1) and Tower 2 (T2) while uncovering the truth behind the deteriorating situation and choosing sides in the ultimate confrontation.
Essential Loadout Recommendations
Success in Reckoning requires careful preparation. Here's our recommended setup to tackle this challenging finale:
Recommended GobbleGums
- Perkaholic - Ultimate perk access (alternatives: Soda Fountain, Reign Drops, On The House)
- Hidden Power - Enhanced abilities
- Power Keg - Field Upgrade boost
- Idle Eyes - Zombie tracking assistance
- Near Death Experience - Essential for co-op survival
- Phoenix Up - Team revival support
- Profit Sharing - Resource optimization
- Wonderbar - Potential Gorgofex Wonder Weapon access
- Respin Cycle - Maximize Wonderbar effectiveness
Optimal Weapon Selection
- ASG 89 Shotgun - Add Tac Laser for enhanced mobility while aiming
- AS Val Assault Rifle - Versatile option with Tac Laser attachment
- 9mm PM Pistol - Akimbo setup with Skull Splitter Barrel
- LMG with Crossbar - XMG or GPMG for sustained damage
Field Upgrade Priority
- Aether Shroud - Safe damage windows against bosses
- Healing Aura - Team revival capabilities
- Frenzied Guard - Emergency survival tool
Step-by-Step Easter Egg Walkthrough
Phase 1: Constructing Klaus
Your journey begins with assembling the mechanical companion Klaus. Start by remaining in the spawn area until Round 6 to accumulate sufficient points and increase your chances of obtaining Klaus parts early. While in spawn, locate a mop bucket and position it under active sprinklers - this preparation will save crucial time later.
Klaus Component Locations:
Klaus Arms: Defeat Kommando Klaus enemies and target their corresponding arms. Each destroyed arm has a chance to drop as a collectible component. You need both left and right arms. Round 5 always features a Kommando Klaus Special Round, providing an excellent opportunity to secure these parts.
Klaus Legs: Both legs can be found within the T2 Android Assembly area. Unlike the arms, these won't have a golden glow but are easily identifiable. Search carefully around shelves, doorframes, and shadowed areas - they typically spawn near walls rather than open spaces.
Assembly and Activation: With all four limbs collected, head to T1 Android Assembly where Klaus's head and torso await. After placing the limbs, you'll need an Uber Klaus to fire its charged shot near Klaus to activate him. Two guaranteed methods exist: Round 15/16 always spawns an Uber Klaus, or during Gorgofex Wonder Weapon construction.
Phase 2: The Fowler Injection Protocol
Once Klaus is operational, monitor him at the computer terminal beside his assembly point. After he completes his typing sequence, advance to the next round. A S.A.M. Trial notification will appear for the T2 Dark Entity Containment area, signaling the next phase.
Follow Klaus to the trial location and successfully complete it. Upon completion, Klaus will move to a locked scanner-protected door. To bypass this security, you'll need to acquire and use the Fowler Injection.
Fowler Injection Acquisition:
- Navigate to T1 Mutant Research Lab and locate the Mangler HVT containment tube
- Interact with the centrifuge to the right to obtain a Syringe
- Enter the Pack-A-Punch room and jump into the Particle Accelerator
- As an orb, avoid obstacles but deliberately hit the zombie body to return to human form
- Collect blood from the fallen zombie body to fill your syringe
- Return the blood-filled syringe to the centrifuge to awaken the Mangler HVT
- Defeat the Mangler HVT and accompanying Elder Disciple to obtain the Fowler Mutant Injection
Use the Fowler Injection before the scanner to mimic Fowler's genetic signature and gain access. Klaus will then enter the Red Portal leading to T2 Teleportation Chamber, where he'll request a Brain to power the systems.
Phase 3: Brain Retrieval Mission
The Brain is housed in a green-lit Janus logo machine within T1 Quantum Containment. Purchase Melee Macchiato from the same room and use enhanced melee attacks to break open the machine. Once retrieved, you must quickly transport the Brain to Klaus before it deteriorates. Note that carrying the Brain restricts your movement speed and weapon usage.
Phase 4: Head Cleansing Ritual
Return to T1 Quantum Containment with your Gorgofex Wonder Weapon and locate a zombie trapped behind a high wall barrier. Fire the Gorgofex into the barrier opening to dislodge the zombie's head. Collect the fallen head and locate a yellow mop bucket positioned under active sprinklers. If you followed our earlier advice, this bucket should already be in position and filled with water.
Place the head in the water-filled bucket and eliminate zombies nearby to charge it with souls. The head will eventually speak, indicating the process is complete. Transport it quickly to T2 Teleportation Room - prolonged contact causes damage. The head will remain in this room, rolling around but not despawning.
Phase 5: Teleporter Reactivation
Locate four interactable folders scattered throughout the map to determine the computer passcode. Each folder contains dated items numbered 1-4. Arrange these numbers from newest to oldest date to create your 4-digit code. While item locations vary, the dates remain consistent across games.
After inputting the correct code, proceed to the Pack-A-Punch room's overhead console and activate the large red button. Eliminate zombies near the console to charge it with souls, then use your Gorgofex to destroy blue Vermin enemies. Collect the blue static orb from the external pylon to charge your Gorgofex, then return to fire a charged shot at the teleporter. Place the charged zombie head into the teleporter to advance.
Phase 6: Vacuum Seal Device Collection
Locate four Vacuum Seal Devices (resembling Kazimir Devices) and use them to capture floating purple items throughout the map. Common locations include T1 Executive Suites, T1 Reception, and T1 Mutant Lab Research. Exercise caution as these items flee when approached too closely - listen for their distinctive humming sound.
Transport all four devices to T2 Teleportation Room and place them in the designated apparatus. Prepare for a zombie ambush while locating and activating five switches around the room in the correct sequence. The switches only activate when pressed in proper order, and you have ample time to complete this puzzle.
Boss Fight Preparation
Congratulations on reaching the finale! Reckoning features dual boss encounters - S.A.M. or Richtofen - based on your choice. Before proceeding, ensure you have these essential items:
Mandatory Requirements:
- Pack-A-Punch Tier III on your primary weapon
- Gold Rarity primary weapon
- Self Revive capability
- Kazimir Devices (separate from quest items)
- Killstreaks - Death Machine, War Machine, Grim Reaper, or Chopper Gunner
- Aether Shroud Field Upgrade
- Optimal GobbleGums - Near Death Experience, Idle Eyes, Phoenix Up
S.A.M. Boss Encounter Strategy
To face S.A.M., choose to assist Richtofen when prompted. This triggers a sequence where you replace the purple vial with the blue DNA sample collected earlier. The encounter begins with an elevator ascent featuring two stopping points requiring specific objectives.
Elevator Phase Objectives:
- First Stop: Fill three Soul Boxes located on the far right, middle, and far left walls
- Second Stop: Destroy purple Aetherium Crystals on pipes throughout the area
S.A.M. Attack Patterns:
Laser Attack: S.A.M. positions at arena corners and fires targeted red lasers. Take cover until completion, then exploit the cooldown phase when her shields drop and four vents open. Focus fire on individual vents until all are destroyed, exposing her vulnerable red eye.
Roaming Attack: S.A.M. circles the area launching purple blasts. Maintain constant movement to avoid damage. She's only vulnerable during this phase if all panels were previously destroyed.
Spinning Attack: S.A.M. centers herself and spins while dropping lingering plasma shots. This is her most dangerous attack - maintain maximum distance while dealing damage when possible.
After sufficient damage, S.A.M. retreats through a portal. Use this interval to resupply ammunition and armor. S.A.M. Trials may occur during breaks, offering buffs for success or temporary penalties for failure. Subsequent phases intensify her attacks and introduce movement during spinning attacks.
Richtofen Boss Encounter Strategy
To battle Richtofen, choose to support S.A.M. The initial elevator sequence mirrors the S.A.M. fight, with Kommando Klaus enemies replacing standard zombies. Richtofen appears in an Uber Klaus suit - target the shoulder shields to maximize damage until he breaks free.
Richtofen's Combat Phases:
Jetpack Phase: Richtofen equips a jetpack and Wunderwaffe DG-2, making this the most challenging section. Maintain maximum distance and constant movement - the weapon can eventually bypass Quick Revive's Dying Wish Augment. Watch for stun grenades and deployed traps including Blast Traps and Shock Charges.
Aerial Assault: Richtofen ascends before executing dive bomb attacks and deploying killstreaks. Use the mini-map to track his descent path and avoid impact zones. Each new phase spawns additional Uber Klaus enemies - prioritize eliminating them for easier navigation.
Progressive phases increase Richtofen's damage output and trap deployment frequency. Patience and positioning are crucial for victory in this demanding encounter.
Exclusive Season 5 Rewards
Completing the Reckoning Easter Egg unlocks these exclusive rewards:
- 'Blood, Sweat, An' Gears' Operator Skin for Elizabeth Grey - Features engineering attire with Dark Aether vials and Kommando Klaus head attachment
- Unique Weapon Charm - Exclusive commemorative item
- Multiple Calling Cards - Show off your achievement
- Substantial XP Reward - Boost your progression
- Limited-Time Exclusive Calling Card - Complete before Directed Mode arrives for this unique variant
Remember that Directed Mode will be introduced during the Mid-Season update, so complete the Easter Egg before then to secure the exclusive calling card variant!
Final Tips for Success
Reckoning represents the culmination of Black Ops 6's Zombies storyline, demanding preparation, patience, and skill. Take your time with each phase, coordinate effectively with teammates, and don't hesitate to restart if early rounds don't provide necessary components. We have additional guides covering Wonder Weapon construction, optimal loadouts, and advanced strategies available to help you master every aspect of this epic finale!