Black Ops 7 Season 1 has finally delivered what fans have been asking for: the ability to dual-wield automatic shotguns. The Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment transforms your standard shotgun into a devastating close-range weapon that can turn the tide of any match. If you’ve been wondering how to unlock this game-changing attachment and use it effectively, you’re in the right place. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun, from unlocking it to mastering its unique mechanics.
Key Takeaways
- The Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment lets you dual-wield automatic shotguns in Black Ops 7 Season 1
- Unlock it by completing all six week two challenges starting December 11, or through the Armory later
- The attachment includes a special Belt-Fed magazine but comes with an overheat mechanic
- All other Magazine attachments are blocked when using the Akimbo configuration
- The dual-wield setup excels in close-quarters combat but requires careful heat management
- Works in both multiplayer and Warzone, with different strategies for each mode
What is the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun?
The Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun is a special attachment for the Akita shotgun that allows you to dual-wield two automatic shotguns simultaneously. This attachment, called the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo, completely changes how the weapon functions and gives you incredible firepower at close range.
When equipped, the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment modifies your shotgun with a special Belt-Fed magazine system. This means you can hold down the trigger and fire continuously without needing to reload after each shot. The result is a wall of lead that can eliminate enemies quickly in close-quarters situations.
However, this power comes with a trade-off. The attachment includes an overheat mechanic that prevents you from firing indefinitely. If you hold down the trigger for too long, your shotguns will overheat and temporarily jam, leaving you vulnerable. This mechanic adds a strategic element to using the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun, requiring you to balance aggression with caution.
The dual-wield shotgun configuration is perfect for players who like to play aggressively and push into enemy territory. It’s especially effective in small maps, tight corridors, and building interiors where engagements happen at close range.
How to Unlock Akimbo Shotgun in Black Ops 7 Season 1?
Unlocking the Akimbo Shotgun in Black Ops 7 requires you to complete specific challenges during Season 1. The process is straightforward but requires dedication across different game modes.
The primary method to unlock the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment is by completing all six week two challenges. These challenges become available on December 11 and must be completed across various game modes including campaign, multiplayer, Warzone, and Zombies. You don’t need to complete them all in one mode – you can mix and match to finish objectives wherever you feel most comfortable.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Wait for week two challenges to begin on December 11
- Check your challenges menu in-game
- Complete all six objectives across any available modes
- The Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment will automatically unlock once all challenges are complete
If you miss the challenge window or don’t complete all objectives in time, don’t worry. The attachment will become available as an Armory unlock at a future date during the season. This ensures that all players have a chance to get the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo, even if they can’t play during the specific challenge week.
The Black Ops 7 Season 1 challenge system is similar to what was introduced in Modern Warfare III (2023), with weekly rewards for dedicated players. This means there will be new attachments and rewards available nearly every week, giving you plenty of reasons to keep playing and completing challenges.
For more information about Season 1 content and rewards, check out our Black Ops 7 Season 1 Battle Pass guide.
How to Equip and Use the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo?
Once you’ve unlocked the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment, you’ll need to know how to equip it and use it effectively. The process is simple, but there are some important limitations to understand.
To equip the Akimbo attachment:
- Go to the Gunsmith menu from the main menu or in-game
- Select the Akita shotgun from your weapon inventory
- Navigate to the Magazine attachment slot
- Choose the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment
- Confirm your selection and exit the Gunsmith
It’s important to note that when you equip the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment, all other Magazine attachments will be blocked. This means you can’t use extended magazines, faster reloading attachments, or other magazine modifications at the same time as the Akimbo attachment. This is a balancing feature to prevent the weapon from becoming too overpowered.
When using the dual-wield shotgun in-game, you’ll notice some key differences from the standard shotgun:
- You’ll fire both shotguns simultaneously when you pull the trigger
- The Belt-Fed magazine system allows continuous fire without manual reloading
- An overheat meter will appear on screen, showing how close your weapons are to overheating
- Your movement speed may be slightly reduced due to carrying two weapons
- Aim down sights (ADS) speed is slower than with a single shotgun
The best way to use the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun is in close-quarters situations where you can surprise enemies and eliminate them quickly. The dual-wield configuration is less effective at medium to long ranges, so try to engage enemies within 10-15 meters for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding the Overheat Mechanic
The overheat mechanic is the most important feature to understand when using the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun. This system prevents the weapon from being too overpowered by limiting how long you can fire continuously.
When you equip the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment, you’ll see an overheat meter appear on your screen when you start firing. This meter fills up as you hold down the trigger and empties when you stop firing. If the meter reaches maximum capacity, your shotguns will overheat and temporarily jam, leaving you unable to fire for several seconds.
The overheat mechanic adds a strategic element to using the dual-wield shotgun. You need to balance your aggression with weapon management, firing in controlled bursts rather than holding down the trigger continuously. This requires good judgment and awareness of your surroundings.
Here are some tips for managing the overheat mechanic:
- Fire in short bursts rather than holding down the trigger
- Release the trigger for a moment between engagements to let your weapons cool down
- Pay attention to the overheat meter and stop firing before it reaches maximum
- Use cover while your weapons are cooling down to stay safe
- Consider switching to your secondary weapon if your shotguns overheat in the middle of a fight
The overheat mechanic is more challenging in intense situations where multiple enemies are present. In these cases, you’ll need to make quick decisions about when to push and when to fall back to let your weapons cool down.
Despite this limitation, the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun remains one of the most powerful close-range weapons in the game when used correctly. The key is to master the rhythm of firing and cooling, turning what could be a weakness into a strategic advantage.
Best Akita Attachments for Akimbo Build
When building your Akita shotgun for Akimbo use, you need to choose attachments that complement the dual-wield configuration. Remember that the Magazine slot is occupied by the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment, so you’ll need to optimize other slots to maximize effectiveness.
Here are the best Akita attachments to use with the Akimbo configuration:
Barrel: The Rapid Fire barrel is an excellent choice as it increases your fire rate, allowing you to put even more rounds down range quickly. However, be aware that this will make your weapons overheat faster, so you’ll need to be more careful with trigger discipline.
Underbarrel: The Foregrip attachment helps control recoil, which is especially important when dual-wielding. With two shotguns firing simultaneously, recoil can become difficult to manage, and the Foregrip helps keep your shots on target.
Stock: The Tactical Stock improves your movement speed and aim down sights speed. Since the Akimbo configuration already makes you slightly slower, this attachment helps counteract that penalty and keeps you mobile.
Optic: While shotguns are typically used without optics, a Reflex Sight can help with target acquisition at the edge of your effective range. Choose an optic with a clean reticle that doesn’t obstruct your view.
Rear Grip: The Stippled Grip Tape improves your aim down sights speed even further, which is crucial for a weapon that’s already slower in this regard due to the dual-wield setup.
Laser: The 5mW Laser improves your hip fire accuracy, which is how you’ll likely be using the Akimbo shotguns most of the time. This attachment helps ensure that your hip fire shots land where you want them to.
Remember that the effectiveness of these Akita attachments can vary based on your playstyle and the specific game mode. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. The key is to build a loadout that complements the strengths of the dual-wield configuration while mitigating its weaknesses.
For more weapon loadout ideas, check out our Best Black Ops 7 Warzone Season 1 Weapons guide.
Dual-Wield Shotgun Strategies for Multiplayer
The Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun excels in multiplayer matches when used with the right strategies. Its incredible close-range power can help you dominate matches, but you need to play smart to maximize its effectiveness.
Map Selection: The Akimbo Shotgun performs best on small to medium-sized maps with plenty of tight spaces and interior areas. Maps like Nuketown, Hijacked, and Raid are perfect for this weapon. On larger, more open maps, you’ll struggle to get into effective range before being picked off by longer-range weapons.
Movement and Positioning: Always be moving when using the dual-wield shotgun. Your goal is to close the distance to enemies quickly and engage them in close quarters where your weapon excels. Use cover intelligently, moving from one protected position to another. Avoid open areas where you’re exposed to long-range fire.
Engagement Ranges: The Akimbo Shotgun is most effective within 10-15 meters. At this range, you can eliminate enemies with just a few shots. Beyond 15 meters, your effectiveness drops significantly, and you’ll need to rely more on precision and luck. Try to avoid engagements beyond 20 meters if possible.
Team Play: When playing with a team, communicate your role as a close-range specialist. Let your teammates with longer-range weapons cover you while you push into buildings and tight spaces. Work together to create opportunities for you to get into effective range.
Scorestreak Selection: Choose scorestreaks that complement your aggressive playstyle. The UAV and Counter-UAV are always good choices for team support. For offensive options, consider the Hunter Killer Drone or Care Package, which you can earn quickly with your close-range eliminations.
Perk Selection: For perks, focus on improving your mobility and survivability. Ghost helps you stay off enemy radar when moving, which is crucial for a weapon that requires you to get close. Flak Jacket protects you from explosives, which are often used to counter shotgun players. Ninja makes your footsteps quieter, helping you sneak up on enemies.
Secondary Weapon: Choose a secondary weapon that complements your shotgun’s weaknesses. A reliable assault rifle or SMG with good range capabilities can help you in situations where your shotgun isn’t effective. This gives you versatility and ensures you’re never caught in a bad situation without the right tool.
By following these strategies, you can maximize the effectiveness of the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun in multiplayer matches and become a formidable close-range threat.
Using Akimbo Shotgun in Warzone and Zombies
The Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun performs differently in Warzone and Zombies modes compared to standard multiplayer. Understanding these differences is key to maximizing your effectiveness in each mode.
Warzone Strategies:
In Warzone, the Akimbo Shotgun is a high-risk, high-reward weapon that excels in specific situations. The larger map sizes and longer engagement ranges make it more challenging to use effectively, but in the right circumstances, it can be devastating.
- Loadout Drops: The Akimbo Shotgun is best acquired through a loadout drop rather than as ground loot. This allows you to customize it with the optimal attachments mentioned earlier.
- Gas Mask Timing: Since you’ll be playing aggressively and pushing into buildings, time your gas mask usage carefully. You don’t want to be caught in the gas while trying to close the distance on enemies.
- Team Composition: In squad play, designate yourself as the close-range specialist. Let your teammates with longer-range weapons provide cover while you push buildings and clear rooms.
- Circle Management: Pay attention to the circle collapse and plan your movements accordingly. The Akimbo Shotgun is most effective in the final circles when the play area is small and engagements happen at close range.
- Cash Management: Consider spending some cash on a Self-Revive kit. Since you’ll be playing aggressively and taking risks, having the ability to revive yourself can keep you in the game longer.
Zombies Mode Strategies:
In Zombies mode, the Akimbo Shotgun becomes an incredibly powerful tool for clearing hordes and surviving high rounds. The continuous fire capability combined with the shotgun’s spread makes it perfect for dealing with large groups of zombies.
- Early Rounds: In the early rounds, the Akimbo Shotgun can help you accumulate points quickly by clearing zombies efficiently. Use it to build up enough points for Pack-a-Punch and other essential upgrades.
- Pack-a-Punch: Once you have enough points, prioritize Pack-a-Punching your Akimbo Shotgun. This significantly increases its damage output and gives it better ammo capacity, making it even more effective against tougher zombies.
- Special Rounds: During special rounds like Hellhounds or Mimics, the Akimbo Shotgun’s wide spread and high damage make it an excellent choice for survival.
- Ammo Management: Keep an eye on your ammo reserves. The Belt-Fed magazine system helps, but you’ll still need to restock periodically. Make sure you know where the nearest ammo cache is located.
- Training Strategies: When training large groups of zombies, the Akimbo Shotgun can help you thin the herd quickly. Fire controlled bursts to avoid overheating while maintaining pressure on the zombie horde.
For more Zombies mode strategies, check out our Black Ops 7 Zombies Cursed Mode guide.
Whether you’re playing Warzone or Zombies, the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun offers a unique and powerful playstyle that can be incredibly effective when used correctly. Adapt your strategies to each mode’s specific challenges and opportunities to get the most out of this devastating weapon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Akimbo Shotguns
Even experienced players can fall into bad habits when using the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun. Being aware of these common mistakes will help you use the weapon more effectively and improve your performance in matches.
Holding Down the Trigger Too Long: The most common mistake is treating the Akimbo Shotgun like an infinite ammo weapon. The overheat mechanic exists for a reason, and ignoring it will leave you vulnerable at critical moments. Instead, fire in controlled bursts and release the trigger periodically to let your weapons cool down.
Engaging at Wrong Distances: The Akimbo Shotgun is designed for close-quarters combat, yet many players try to use it at medium to long ranges where it’s ineffective. This not only wastes ammo but also exposes you to return fire from more appropriate weapons. Know your weapon’s effective range and avoid engagements beyond 15-20 meters.
Neglecting Cover: When dual-wielding shotguns, it’s easy to get caught up in the aggression and forget about using cover. This makes you an easy target for enemies with longer-range weapons. Always use cover when moving between positions and when your weapons are overheating.
Poor Loadout Choices: Some players equip attachments that don’t complement the Akimbo configuration or try to use it with a loadout better suited for other playstyles. Build your class around the strengths of the dual-wield shotgun, focusing on mobility and close-range effectiveness.
Ignoring the Overheat Meter: The overheat meter is there for a reason, yet many players either don’t notice it or ignore it until it’s too late. Keep an eye on this meter and stop firing before it reaches maximum to avoid being caught with jammed weapons.
Bad Positioning: Positioning is crucial when using the Akimbo Shotgun. Some players push too aggressively into enemy territory without support, while others hang back where the weapon isn’t effective. Find the right balance, staying close enough to enemies to be effective while maintaining access to cover and escape routes.
Forgetting About Your Secondary Weapon: The Akimbo Shotgun is situational, yet some players try to use it in every situation. Remember to switch to your secondary weapon when the situation calls for it, such as when engaging at longer ranges or when your shotguns overheat.
Poor Team Communication: In team-based modes, communication is key. Some players don’t communicate their intentions when using the Akimbo Shotgun, leading to confusion and missed opportunities. Let your teammates know when you’re pushing so they can provide support.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll get much more value out of the Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun and improve your overall performance in matches. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you use the weapon, the better you’ll become at managing its unique mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock the Akita Akimbo Shotgun in Black Ops 7?
You can unlock the Akita Akimbo Shotgun by completing all six week two challenges in Black Ops 7 Season 1. These challenges become available on December 11 and can be completed across various game modes including campaign, multiplayer, Warzone, and Zombies. Once you finish all six objectives, the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment will automatically unlock for you to use with the Akita shotgun. If you miss the challenge window, the attachment will also become available as an Armory unlock later in the season.
Can I still get the Akimbo attachment if I miss the week two challenges?
Yes, you can still get the Akimbo attachment even if you miss the week two challenges. The developers have designed the system to ensure that all players have access to the attachment eventually. If you don’t complete the challenges during week two, the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo will become available as an Armory unlock at a future date during Season 1. This means you can acquire it by progressing through the season and earning Armory credits, though it may take longer than completing the weekly challenges.
How does the overheat mechanic work on the Akimbo Shotgun?
The overheat mechanic on the Akimbo Shotgun is a balancing feature that prevents continuous infinite firing. When you equip the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment, an overheat meter appears on your screen. This meter fills up as you hold down the trigger and empties when you stop firing. If the meter reaches maximum capacity, your shotguns will overheat and temporarily jam, leaving you unable to fire for several seconds. To avoid this, you need to fire in controlled bursts rather than holding down the trigger continuously, releasing it periodically to let your weapons cool down.
What are the best attachments to use with the Akita Akimbo Shotgun?
The best attachments for the Akita Akimbo Shotgun include the Rapid Fire barrel for increased fire rate, the Foregrip underbarrel for recoil control, the Tactical Stock for improved movement speed, a clean optic like the Reflex Sight for better target acquisition, Stippled Grip Tape for faster aim down sights speed, the 5mW Laser for improved hip fire accuracy, and the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo in the Magazine slot. Remember that the Magazine slot is occupied by the Akimbo attachment, so you can’t use other magazine modifications at the same time.
Is the Akita Akimbo Shotgun overpowered in multiplayer?
The Akita Akimbo Shotgun is powerful in close-quarters situations but has limitations that prevent it from being overpowered. Its incredible damage output at close range is balanced by the overheat mechanic, limited effective range, slower aim down sights speed, and the fact that it blocks other magazine attachments. While it can dominate in the right hands and situations, skilled players can counter it by maintaining distance, using cover effectively, and taking advantage of the moments when the weapon overheats. It’s a high-risk, high-reward weapon that rewards skillful play rather than being inherently overpowered.
Can I use the Akimbo Shotgun in Warzone?
Yes, you can use the Akimbo Shotgun in Warzone, and it can be quite effective in the right situations. In Warzone, the Akimbo Shotgun excels in close-quarters combat within buildings and tight spaces, especially in the final circles when the play area is small. However, the larger map sizes and longer engagement ranges make it more challenging to use effectively compared to standard multiplayer. To maximize its effectiveness in Warzone, acquire it through a loadout drop with optimal attachments, play aggressively but intelligently, and pair it with a secondary weapon that’s effective at longer ranges.
How do I equip the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment?
To equip the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment, go to the Gunsmith menu from the main menu or in-game. Select the Akita shotgun from your weapon inventory, then navigate to the Magazine attachment slot. Choose the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment from the available options and confirm your selection. It’s important to note that when you equip this attachment, all other Magazine attachments will be blocked, meaning you can’t use extended magazines, faster reloading attachments, or other magazine modifications at the same time as the Akimbo attachment.
Conclusion
The Black Ops 7 Akimbo Shotgun is a game-changing attachment that offers incredible close-range firepower when used correctly. By following this guide, you now know how to unlock the Akita Scorchlink Akimbo attachment, equip it properly, and use it effectively in various game modes. Remember to manage the overheat mechanic carefully, choose complementary attachments, and play to the weapon’s strengths in close-quarters situations.
Whether you’re dominating in multiplayer matches, clearing hordes in Zombies, or making clutch plays in Warzone, the dual-wield shotgun configuration offers a unique and exciting playstyle. With practice and the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to maximize the effectiveness of this devastating weapon and climb the ranks in Black Ops 7 Season 1.
Ready to try out the Akimbo Shotgun for yourself? Jump into Black Ops 7, complete those week two challenges, and experience the thrill of dual-wielding automatic shotguns. And don’t forget to check out our other Black Ops 7 guides for more tips and strategies to dominate the battlefield!
