Optimal Loadout for Defeating Astra Malorum in BO7 Zombies Boss Fight

The Astra Malorum encounter returns to the roots of traditional boss fights, demanding that players arm themselves with their most powerful loadouts for a chance at success. Given that this challenge in Black Ops 7 Zombies lacks the mechanic of Ol’ Tessie from Ashes of the Damned, bringing your best is crucial to emerge victorious.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with the ultimate Astra Malorum build, allowing you to jump into battle prepared to conquer Caltheris, the boss of this map. We will cover everything from ideal weapons, attachments, Field Upgrades, Perks, GobbleGums, and more to ensure you dominate the fight!

Top Weapons for Astra Malorum

The M34 Novaline stands out as the premier weapon for the Astra Malorum encounter. This Marksman Rifle delivers substantial firepower and transforms into a fully automatic hybrid of both Sniper and Assault Rifle after being Pack-a-Punched. Boasting outstanding damage, impressive range, and a high fire rate, it suits any player’s combat style. Here are the optimal attachments for maximizing the M34 Novaline’s effectiveness:

Attachment	Benefit
Titan-R 7.62 Compensator (Muzzle)	Enhances hipfire spread and improves speeds when sliding and diving.
17″B-1 Hybrid Barrel (Barrel)	Boosts damage range and bullet velocity for more effective distance engagements.
EAM Steady-90 Grip (Underbarrel)	Increases control of horizontal recoil while maintaining mobility.
Bowen 762 Extended Mag (Magazine)	Increases ammunition capacity to 30 rounds, supporting aggressive firing.
Cougar Draw Grip (Rear Grip)	Enhances aim down sight speed for quick reactions in combat.
Mil-Spec Light Stock (Stock)	Improves hipfire movement speed and overall maneuverability.
1mW Instinct Laser Array (Laser)	Accelerates aim down sight and sprint-to-fire speed.
7.62 NATO FMJ (Fire Mod)	Increases penetration to tackle armored foes, including the boss.

Additionally, the LGM-1 Wonder Weapon is indispensable during this battle. It has the ability to seek targets continuously, damaging them while automatically reloading from your ammo supplies.

Combining the LGM-1 with the Stock Option GobbleGum and the Frenzied Guard Field Upgrade’s Frenzy Fire Augment can create an endless barrage of UFOs that rapidly deplete the boss’s health!

Optimal GobbleGums for Astra Malorum

While GobbleGums aren’t mandatory for completing Easter eggs or boss fights, they provide significant advantages. If you have some to spare, consider employing these three for an edge in the boss confrontation:

GobbleGum	Description
Power Keg	Produces a Full Power Power-Up.
Shields Up	Restores armor upon use with double strength for three minutes.
Stock Option	Ammo is pulled from stock rather than the magazine for 60 seconds.

Among these, Stock Option is crucial; it allows for infinite ammo when utilizing the LGM-1 to decimate the boss. Even if any exploits are patched, it ensures your primary weapon remains combat-ready against Caltheris.

Power Keg guarantees a consistent availability of Field Upgrades, essential for crucial moments when situations become overwhelming. Additionally, Shields Up comes in handy, as the boss can easily undermine your armor, so replenishing it can provide much-needed buffs during tense encounters.

Must-Have Perks for Astra Malorum

While acquiring every Perk is beneficial before tackling the boss, a select few stand out as particularly advantageous. Make sure to choose these Perks, along with their respective Augments, to bolster your survival chances:

Perk	Augments	Unlock Benefits
Quick Revive	Dying Wish	Grants temporary immunity upon taking lethal damage, but sacrifices Quick Revive.
Jugger-Nog	Iron Core, Durable Plates, Hardened Plates	Increases armor durability and restores health when armor breaks.
Stamin-Up	Guns Up, Footwork	Allows firing while sprinting and boosts speed for evasive maneuvers.
Mule Kick	Free Throw, Plate Hunter	Provides a chance to retain equipment and lets you carry more armor plates.
Deadshot Daiquiri	Dead Point, Dead Break, Dead Heat	Enhances critical damage and provides increased mobility for close-range kills.
Double Tap	Double Dealer, Double Time	Every fourth bullet deals double damage, enhancing overall DPS.

Ultimately, while all Perks can offer strategic benefits, these specific ones and their Augments are key to enhancing your damage output, survivability, and agility during the boss fight.

Recommended Field Upgrade and Augments for Astra Malorum

Augment	Purpose
Frenzy Fire (Major)	Allows ammunition to be drawn from stock for continuous firing.
Extension (Minor)	Lengthens the duration of Frenzied Guard for improved sustained fire and damage absorption.

The Frenzied Guard is highly recommended for the Astra Malorum boss fight. Although Aether Shroud is also a capable choice—with enhancements allowing escape from various attacks—its splash damage can still inflict damage on you. Prioritizing Frenzied Guard guarantees that the majority of incoming damage is absorbed by your armor, enabling you to maximize your output with the LGM-1.

It’s important to note that the Astra Malorum boss isn’t particularly vulnerable to any Ammo Mods, yet utilizing Fire Works can prove immensely helpful for taking down additional zombies as needed.

Strategies for the Astra Malorum Boss Battle

Follow these essential tips to increase your chances of defeating the Astra Malorum boss:

In the initial phase, prioritize movement while eliminating zombies to charge the pillars, then interact with the raised brain to deal damage to the boss.
Equip Stim Shots to heal, especially since the boss’s rock attacks can inflict heavy damage.
Maintain mobility by dodging between pillars and obstacles to evade the boss’s projectiles.
Utilize the LGM-1 to consistently apply pressure and damage while remaining mobile.
Only fire when safely distanced from the boss, focusing on specific sections of armor to expose critical areas for significant damage.
Employ Frenzied Guard during the second phase and use the LGM-1 for a steady onslaught of attacks.
For the third phase (Caltheris Ascendary), ensure you purchase LGM-1 ammo and activate Stock Exchange for maximum output.
In the fourth phase (Caltheris the Needle), utilize Power Keg and Frenzied Guard simultaneously for relentless damage.

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