The Essex Model 07, known as the worst gun in Black Ops 4 Zombies, is back in Black Ops 6 Zombies. As we’re both curious an doubtful about this gun’s return, the main question now is: did Treyarch make this gun better, or is it still bad?
In this article, we’ll look closely at the Essex, checking how strong it is at all levels, Pack-a-Punch stages, against special enemies, bosses, and even in later rounds.
By the end, we’ll find out if this once-hated gun has a place in the game’s best weapons.
About The Essex Model 07
It’s been 7 years since Black Ops 4 Zombies, where the Essex was known for being really bad.
Now, in Black Ops 6 Zombies, this rifle is back and ready to prove itself.
This post looks closely at the Essex, from its basic form to its best stats, testing how useful it is at every part of the game—from round 6 all the way to round 35.
The test is performed in the Liberty Falls map and ends with fights against Patient 13 in the Terminus boss battle.
Base Stats and Headshot Damage
When testing the Essex Model 07 in its basic form, here are the results:
- Headshot damage: 573 at its base form.
- Magazine size: 12 rounds (extended magazine equipped).
Even in its most basic form, the Essex does a good job with solid headshot damage. For early rounds, this gun can kill normal zombies with one headshot up to round 9. Armored enemies start to be a problem as the gun needs more than just one bullet to kill them.
Even though its damage is okay, it’s clear this gun isn’t meant for later rounds in its first form. But even in its basic form, it feels better than the one from Black Ops 4.
Return of Gobble Gum Mechanics
Disclaimer: We chose to limit how much Gobble Gum was used for this test. While really strong Gums like Perkaholic are not used, some are still put in.
“On the House,” for example, is used to get perks to make a balanced setup—like Elemental Pop and Double Tap.
Also, Flavor Hex is tested to get random perks.
These Gums are really important for getting upgrades faster and making the gun more useful.
While Gobble Gums like Dead Drop (which makes more salvage drop) let you upgrade faster, we were careful about using them without making the game too easy.
This shows how the Essex does under normal game conditions.
Transforming the Essex with Pack-a-Punch
The Essex gets to its best after being Pack-a-Punched. Here’s how it changes:
- First Pack-a-Punch UpgradeThe Essex turns into Colonel’s Repeater with 4,000 headshot damage. While the damage increase is big, small nods to its Black Ops 4 pack-a-punch versions (like General’s or Brigadier’s Repeater) are fun for fans of the game’s story.
- Second Pack-a-Punch Upgrade – Purple RarityMaking the Essex rare purple rarity, its damage output goes up to 6,000 (crit). With Deadshot Daiquiri active, shots that aren’t headshots sometimes count as headshots—adding a lot of damage to every fight.
- Legendary RarityAt Legendary rarity, Deadshot Daiquiri, Double Tap, and all attachments turn the Essex into a headshot machine.
- Triple Pack-a-Punch UpgradeWhen it’s fully maxed out, the Essex now does 64,000 headshot damage, getting close to sniper rifle level. It has officially changed into a gun that can destroy armored zombies, Manglers, abominations, and other enemies with a lot of health.
Perks, Loadouts, and Attachments
The Essex is at its best when paired with the suggested loadout and perk upgrades made for high damage and speed. Here’s a list of several important perks:
- Deadshot Daiquiri: Snapping to headshots massively enhances crit damage.
- Double Tap: Increases fire rate, making the slow Marksman rifle more versatile.
- Death Perception: Helps identify enemies and hidden weaknesses.
- Elemental Pop: Adds ammo mod effects for extra utility in fights.
Also, the Napalm Burst ammo mod was used for elemental damage against armored zombies. This combo turns Essex into a reliable gun, especially against special and boss enemies. Attachments like bigger magazines and iron sights also make it easier to use.
It’s worth noting that the blueprint used comes from the Dadler bundle, which funnily shows Adler as a dad who loves barbecues and whose guns catch fire after zombie kills. As kills add up, the Essex starts shooting flames—a satisfying visual reward for this old rifle’s comeback story.
Elite Zombie Performance
The Essex undoubtedly excels against specials and elites:
- Mangler: Two to three shots after breaking armor are enough to kill.
- Abomination: Against its open mouth, the Essex deals 121,000 damage per crit shot in round 35 tests—comparable only to sniper rifles.
Its power, boosted by perks like Deadshot Daiquiri, makes it one of the most reliable guns for these types of enemies. While not the fastest shooting gun, its headshot damage consistently outperforms typical alternatives.
The Boss Fight: Patient 13
The big test for the Essex Model 07 happens during the Patient 13 boss fight in Terminus. Even as things get harder, the Essex stays strong, mostly because elite health levels stay the same no matter how hard the round is. Here’s how it does:
- Phase 1: Against Patient 13’s critical points, the Essex does 21,000 per crit shot, quickly breaking him out of key animations.
- Phase 2: Tentacles fall to the Essex in about three well-placed shots, while critical damage zones yield 7,920 damage per shot.
- Final Phase: Patient 13’s critical mouth area is obliterated with continued 21,000 damage per shot, making light work of a previously challenging boss.
The Essex Model 07 impresses with steady damage while still having a good magazine size (24 shots total). Its reload speed with Speed Cola makes up for its slower shooting speed during boss battles.
Final Verdict: Does the Essex Model 07 Redeem Itself?
The Essex Model 07 isn’t just better than it was in Black Ops 4—it’s a real contender for the top 10 weapons in Black Ops 6 Zombies.
Pros:
- Special Zombie Elimination: Nearly unmatched crit damage against Manglers and Abominations.
- Boss Fight Viability: Reliable weapon for boss fights like Patient 13, dealing massive critical damage consistently.
- Accessibility: With the right perks (Deadshot Daiquiri, Double Tap), attachments, and Gobble Gums, the Essex performs exceptionally well.
- Visual Appeal: The flaming rifle from the Dadler bundle adds flair to the gameplay.
Cons:
- Fire Rate: Lacks versatility for high-round sessions due to slower shooting speed.
- Crowd Control: Not ideal against large waves of zombies compared to other meta weapons.
Performance Ratings:
- Special Zombie Elimination: 9/10
- Boss Fight Damage: 8.5/10
- High-Round Usability: 7/10
- Overall Marksman Rifle Performance: 8/10
The Essex Model 07 has officially made up for its past. What was once the perfect example of a “bad gun” is now a reliable choice for taking on Black Ops 6’s biggest challenges.
While not the best choice for everything, its undeniable power finds a place for players looking to beat bosses and specials. Use it with the recommended upgrades, perks, and ammo mods for the best results!
For a closer look at the best builds or plans for Black Ops 6 Zombies, check out the other guides on our site!
