Season 3 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a celebration of classic content, and no throwback is quite as iconic as the Death Machine—a high-damage, fast-firing minigun that’s returned to wreak havoc across Multiplayer and Zombies. Originally introduced in earlier Black Ops titles, this powerful Scorestreak is once again a game-changer for players who know how to unlock and use it effectively.
This guide breaks down how to unlock the Death Machine in Black Ops 6, how to use it in Multiplayer and Zombies, and how to make the most of its devastating firepower once it’s yours.
Table of Contents
🔓 How to Unlock the Death Machine in Black Ops 6

The Death Machine is earned through the Black Ops Tribute Event, a limited-time XP-based progression event in Black Ops 6 and Warzone.
Unlock Requirements:
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Earn 617,000 XP during the Tribute Event
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Own a copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Players who reach the required XP threshold and own BO6 will unlock the Death Machine as a Scorestreak in Multiplayer and as a craftable item in Zombies.
🕐 Event Duration: April 17 at 10AM PT to May 1 at 10AM PT
🎁 Post-Event: If you don’t unlock it during the event, it becomes an Armory Unlock in Black Ops 6 after May 1.
🎮 How to Equip & Use the Death Machine in Multiplayer
Once unlocked, the Death Machine functions as a traditional Scorestreak in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer.
How to Equip:
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Go to your Loadout Menu in Multiplayer.
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Open the Scorestreaks tab.
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Select the Death Machine and assign it to one of your Scorestreak slots.
How to Use in Matches:
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Score Required: 825 points (earned through kills, assists, objectives)
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Ammo: 250 total rounds
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ADS to Spin Barrel: Aims and primes the weapon for instant fire
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Fire from Hip: Press fire to begin spinning and shooting
The Death Machine is best used when you have map control or are pushing high-traffic lanes. Its high TTK (Time to Kill) and penetration power make it effective at suppressing enemies, holding objectives, or clearing rooms.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Be cautious of your surroundings when activating—it doesn’t offer much mobility or protection once drawn.
🧟 How to Use the Death Machine in Zombies
In Black Ops 6 Zombies, the Death Machine isn’t a power-up drop like in previous games—it’s a craftable Scorestreak.
How to Craft:
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Visit any Crafting Bench during a Zombies session.
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Spend 1,750 Salvage to craft the Death Machine.
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Equip it in your Scorestreak Slot.
Just like other craftable weapons such as the Mangler Cannon, the Death Machine uses up your sole Scorestreak slot—so be strategic about when to use it.
Combat Use:
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Mows down hordes with ease thanks to its sweeping AOE and rapid fire rate.
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Great for elite enemies, objective defense, and boss phases.
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Once activated, it remains active until ammunition is depleted or you’re downed.
🔄 No Power-Up Version: Unlike in older Zombies modes, the Death Machine does not drop as a power-up. Crafting is the only method to use it.
⚡ Speed Up Unlock Progress with GladiatorBoost
Earning 617,000 XP in a limited timeframe is no easy task—especially for casual players or those with less time to grind. That’s where GladiatorBoost’s Black Ops 6 Bot Lobby services come in.
With GladiatorBoost, you can:
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Farm XP fast in secure, private bot lobbies
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Avoid sweat-heavy public lobbies and focus on objectives
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Unlock Scorestreaks, weapons, and exclusive cosmetics with ease
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Max out your Tribute Event progression before the May 1 deadline
Click here to explore BO6 Bot Lobbies at GladiatorBoost and unlock the Death Machine effortlessly, along with every other event reward.
🏆 Why the Death Machine is Worth the Grind
Here’s why this nostalgic Scorestreak deserves a spot in your loadout:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | Extremely high, ideal for room-clearing |
| Ammo Pool | 250 rounds per use |
| Multiplayer Use | Excellent for crowd control and flanking |
| Zombies Use | Melts elite enemies and bosses |
| Cooldown | None—limited only by score/ammo |
It’s not just a novelty—it’s a top-tier damage-dealing tool, especially when timed with killstreak momentum or boss waves.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Master the Minigun
The Death Machine is a fan-favorite return that lives up to its legacy in Black Ops 6. Whether you’re clearing out multiplayer lanes or deleting entire zombie hordes, this minigun brings satisfying firepower and high-pressure dominance to your loadout.
Make sure to earn it before the Tribute Event ends, or be ready to grind through the Armory later. And if you’re short on time or just want a smooth experience, GladiatorBoost is your best ally in claiming every reward without the hassle.
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