The ULTIMATE 10-Step Reckoning Easter Egg Guide: Defeat SAM & Richtofen In BO6 Zombies (2025)

The "Reckoning" Easter Egg is the explosive finale to the *Black Ops 6* Zombies storyline, concluding the Dark Aether saga with a massive, multi-stage quest that culminates in a dual-boss fight against two iconic characters: Richtofen and SAM. Released on August 7, 2025, as part of the Season 5 update, this final map delivers one of the most involved and rewarding main quests in *Call of Duty* history, requiring precise execution of puzzles, buildable steps, and combat encounters. This comprehensive guide breaks down the entire process into 10 essential steps, ensuring you and your squad can finally achieve the coveted completion on this high-stakes map.

Successfully completing the Reckoning main Easter Egg quest demands meticulous attention to detail, from locating hidden items like the DNA Vial and Fowler Mutant Injector to solving complex ciphers like the Periodic Table Puzzle and the Folder Code Puzzle. Preparation is key: ensure you have the Pack-a-Punch machine powered up, your perks acquired, and a clear understanding of the map's layout, particularly the T1 Mutant Research Lab and the T2 Teleportation Lab. Follow these updated steps to secure your victory and witness the true ending of the *Black Ops 6* Zombies narrative.

The 10 Essential Steps to Complete the Reckoning Easter Egg

This guide is structured to follow the most efficient path through the Reckoning map. While some steps can be done out of order, this sequence minimizes backtracking and maximizes your time before the zombie rounds become overwhelming.

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Step 1: The Mop Bucket and Pack-a-Punch Activation

The quest begins in the main spawn area, signaling the start of the main quest. This initial action is crucial for triggering the entire Easter Egg sequence.

• Melee the Mop Bucket: Immediately after spawning, locate the Mop Bucket near the Sprinkler system in the main plaza. Meleeing it will cause a small orb to appear, which is the official trigger for the main quest.
• Power Up and Pack-a-Punch: Your next priority is to open the map and power up the Pack-a-Punch machine. This involves activating all necessary power switches and using the Teleporter to reach the Pack-a-Punch location. This is a foundational step for all subsequent high-round combat.

Step 2: Obtaining the Gorgofex Wonder Weapon

The Gorgofex is the map’s new Wonder Weapon and is absolutely essential for the boss fight and several puzzle steps. Acquiring it involves solving the Periodic Table Cipher.

• Find the Cipher Clue: Head to the T1 Mutant Research Lab. You need to locate a hidden message or clue that corresponds to the Periodic Table.
• Solve the Periodic Table Puzzle: Use the clue to determine the sequence of elements on the Periodic Table. Interacting with the correct elements in order will unlock a hidden room or container.
• Acquire the Gorgofex: Once the puzzle is solved, the Gorgofex Wonder Weapon will become available. Grab it immediately and Pack-a-Punch it for maximum effectiveness.

Step 3: Gathering the Key Components (Blood, Vial, Injector)

Several key items must be collected from specific locations around the map to progress the main narrative and unlock later puzzles. These items are tied to the Dark Aether story and the map's lore.

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• DNA Vial: Locate the DNA Vial in a specific area of the lab. This is often tied to a small interaction or a quick hidden spot.
• Blood Sample: A Blood Sample must be collected, typically from a zombie or a specific container in the research facility.
• Fowler Mutant Injector: The Fowler Mutant Injector is another critical component, usually found in a secure or restricted area of the map, often near the T1 or T2 labs.

Step 4: Building the Franken Klaus Unit

The Franken Klaus unit is a buildable companion, similar to the original Klaus, but upgraded for the Reckoning environment. It is vital for completing the next major puzzle step.

• Collect Franken Klaus Parts: There are three main parts to locate: the Robot Legs, Robot Arms, and a Key or power source. These parts are scattered across the map, often in the main compound and lab areas.
• Assemble Franken Klaus: Once all parts are collected, assemble the unit at the designated workbench. Franken Klaus will now be available to command, which is necessary for the next step involving the Teleportation Lab.

Step 5: The Folder Code Puzzle and T2 Teleportation Lab

This is a complex cipher step that requires players to find hidden folders and use the information on them to unlock the T2 Teleportation Lab, a new area crucial for the final steps.

• Locate the Folders: Search the map for three to four hidden folders. Each folder contains a name (e.g., "Notso's Collar") and an "Archived" date (e.g., "7/15/1985").
• Determine the Code: The name on the folder will contain a number (e.g., the '1' in 'Collar's 1st'), and the date determines the sequence in which you enter the number. For example, the earliest date is the first digit, the second earliest is the second digit, and so on.
• Input the Code: Enter the four-digit code into the computer terminal to unlock the T2 Teleportation Lab. This new area is where the climax of the quest takes place.

Step 6: Rebooting the Particle Accelerator

With the T2 Lab open, the next objective is to restore power to the Particle Accelerator, a massive piece of equipment needed to open the final gateway.

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• Initiate the Reboot: Interact with the main control panel for the Particle Accelerator in the T2 lab.
• Defend the Accelerator: A lockdown sequence will begin, forcing you to defend the area from waves of specialized zombies, including Manglers and Tempests. Use the Gorgofex and your Pack-a-Punch weapons to survive until the reboot is complete.

Step 7: The Final Item Placement and Dark Aether Gateway

This step involves using the items collected earlier to open the final access point to the boss arena, drawing the attention of the main antagonists.

• Place the Components: Use the DNA Vial, Blood Sample, and Fowler Mutant Injector on the designated receptacle or device near the Particle Accelerator.
• Activate the Gateway: Once all items are placed, the device will activate, opening a gateway into the Dark Aether. This is the point of no return and the final preparation phase before the boss fights.

Step 8: The Ascent to the Boss Arena

Enter the newly opened gateway. This area is a transition zone, often featuring a small horde and a final set of supplies before the main confrontation. Ensure your weapons are fully reloaded and you have enough armor and self-revives.

Step 9: The Richtofen Boss Fight

The first phase of the final encounter pits you against a corrupted or powerful version of Richtofen. This fight is a test of movement and damage output.

• Phase 1 Strategy: Richtofen typically has a shield or a temporary invulnerability phase. Focus on dealing damage when he is vulnerable, often after he performs a specific attack.
• Utilize the Gorgofex: The Gorgofex's unique properties are often essential for stripping the boss's armor or exposing a weak point.
• Avoid Area-of-Effect Attacks: Richtofen's attacks are usually high-damage and cover a large area. Prioritize dodging and maintaining distance.

Step 10: The SAM Boss Fight and Final Cutscene

After defeating Richtofen, the final phase begins against SAM (Samantha Maxis), concluding the Reckoning Easter Egg.

• Phase 2 Strategy: The fight against SAM is often more mobile and involves environmental hazards. She may summon powerful Aether-infused zombies or utilize high-speed attacks.
• Focus Fire: Coordinate with your squad to focus fire on SAM whenever she is exposed, managing the constant flow of smaller enemies simultaneously.
• Completion: Once SAM is defeated, the screen will flash, and the final cutscene will play, officially completing the "Reckoning" main Easter Egg quest and unlocking the final achievement for *Black Ops 6* Zombies.

Topical Authority and Key Entities in Reckoning

To truly master the Reckoning map, understanding the key entities and concepts is crucial. The map is a dense hub of *Black Ops 6* lore, tying together elements from the entire Dark Aether storyline. The complexity of the main quest is directly related to the high number of unique entities and puzzles present.

The Gorgofex Wonder Weapon is a significant entity, not just a powerful gun but a puzzle piece, requiring the Periodic Table Cipher to be solved. Similarly, the Franken Klaus unit is an evolution of a classic Zombies companion, essential for navigating the locked sectors of the facility. The map’s layout, featuring the T1 Mutant Research Lab and the T2 Teleportation Lab, reflects the increasing sophistication of the Omega Group and Requiem's efforts to contain the Aether outbreak.

The Folder Code Puzzle and the associated documents are not just random numbers; they provide context to the experiments conducted within the facility, often referencing other Black Ops 6 and Cold War lore. By integrating these elements—such as the DNA Vial, Fowler Mutant Injector, and the Particle Accelerator—the Reckoning Easter Egg solidifies its place as the definitive conclusion to a multi-year narrative arc, finally bringing the central conflict with Richtofen and SAM to a head.