In the first few rounds, you’re not just trying to stay alive – you’re building up points fast. From round one to about round four, stick to knifing every zombie you can. It’s a one-hit kill early on, and it gives you way more points than shooting. If they get a bit too close, pop a couple of shots with your starter pistol to weaken them, then finish with the knife. Don’t rush to grab a wall gun yet – save your cash for opening routes and getting to the power switch. The quicker you’ve got the map opened, the sooner you can work on perks and Pack-a-Punch. Trust me, the setup pace here is everything, especially if you’re aiming to get into a CoD BO7 Bot Lobby style rhythm where you control the game flow early.
Once you’ve got the points rolling in, it’s perk time. Juggernog is always my first grab – no debate there. But the new perk, Kinetic Overdrive, is a sneaky lifesaver. That speed burst after reloading can get you out of some nasty traps, especially when you’re running a big train and a zombie cuts you off. My usual first four perks? Juggernog, Stamin-Up, Quick Revive, then Kinetic Overdrive. That combo gives you toughness, speed, and a panic escape. Don’t wait too long to start on the main map objective, either. Things like the Rift Stabilizers only get harder the later you leave them, and the special enemies guarding them can be a real pain if you’re not ready.
For training zombies, find yourself a roomy spot with clear escape routes – the crash site is perfect. Run in big loops or a figure-eight, letting them bunch up behind you. You’ll want to keep moving, shoot when you’ve got space, and never backpedal unless you’re sure it’s safe. Backpedaling into a stray zombie is the fastest way to get dropped. When your horde’s tight, turn, aim for the head, unload, then move again. Keep an eye out for Chrono-Shriekers – their slow-time attack is brutal. If one hits you mid-train, you’re done. Make them your top kill priority when they show up.
Your gear choice matters a ton once you’re into the higher rounds. You want one weapon for crowd control and one for smashing elites. A Pack-a-Punched LMG with Brain Rot is a solid choice – it chews through hordes and even turns a few zombies into allies. For your second slot, a shotgun like the Gallo SA12 is still unbeatable for close calls. And if you’re lucky enough to pull the Aetherium Disruptor from the box or a trial, grab it and don’t let go – its charged shot can wipe out a full train and melt bosses. Field upgrades aren’t just for emergencies either. Aether Shroud can save you from almost anything – use it to revive a mate or escape a corner. Don’t be that player who dies with it ready. Getting your kit and perks sorted early means you can control the pace and push deep into the game, just like in a well-run BO7 Bot Lobby.