Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 1 has brought an exciting wave of content for Zombies players, and Astra Malorum is already making waves as one of the most intricate and thrilling maps in the game. Set in a space-bound observatory above Liberty Falls, Astra Malorum challenges players to fend off hordes of the undead while exploring new traps, weapons, and puzzles.

If you're wondering how to activate the Astra Malorum Pack-a-Punch in Black Ops 7 Zombies, this guide will walk you through every step, from locating the Observatory Dome to completing the lockdown and powering up your weapons.

Where to Find the Astra Malorum Pack-a-Punch

The Pack-a-Punch Machine in Astra Malorum is located in the Observatory Dome, a sprawling area that players can reach through two primary paths. Both paths eventually converge on the Observatory Dome, giving players flexibility depending on spawn points and strategies.

Path One:

1. Open the door from Crash Site to the Museum Infinitum.

2. Proceed through Scholar's Way from the Museum Infinitum.

3. Progress into Machina Astralis.

4. Open the door from Machina Astralis to the Archive of Orbs.

5. Move through the Archive of Orbs to The Veilwalk.

6. The Veilwalk leads directly to the Observatory Dome.

Path Two:

1. Open the door from Crash Site to The Luminarium.

2. Proceed to the Abyssal Rim from The Luminarium.

3. Move toward the end of the Abyssal Rim.

4. Purchase the door to the Observatory Dome.

Both routes converge smoothly, but your choice may depend on your team's strategy-especially in co-op or when practicing in private matches or Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies.

How to Activate the Astra Malorum Pack-a-Punch

Activating the Pack-a-Punch in Astra Malorum requires powering the Harmonic Oculus first. This step is essential because the machine will not appear until the Oculus is repaired and the power is turned on.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Locate the Required Components

The Harmonic Oculus requires two components to function, which can be collected before interacting with the device.

1. First Component: Found in Machina Astralis near the Arsenal Machine.

2. Second Component: Found in The Luminarium next to the Stellar Dissector Trap.

For players not using the Cursed mode, objective markers guide you directly to these items, making them relatively easy to locate.

Step 2: Repair the Harmonic Oculus

Once both components are collected, return to the Harmonic Oculus in the Observatory Dome. Interact with the side of the device to repair and power it on. This initiates a lockdown sequence, requiring players to defend the Oculus from waves of attacking zombies.

·Lockdown Duration: 45 seconds

·Objective: Kill any zombies attempting to damage the device

·Failure: If zombies destroy the Oculus, you must repeat the step in the next round

Successfully defending the Oculus ensures the Pack-a-Punch Machine appears in the Observatory Dome, ready for weapon upgrades.

Using the Astra Malorum Pack-a-Punch

Once activated, the Pack-a-Punch Machine will appear just below the telescope in the Observatory Dome. Unlike some previous maps, such as Ashes of the Damned, the Pack-a-Punch remains in this location for the rest of the match, giving players a reliable spot to upgrade weapons as the rounds progress.

Upgrading weapons with Pack-a-Punch is crucial for high-round survival. Astra Malorum's zombies grow increasingly aggressive, and enhanced weapon damage allows for better crowd control and increased efficiency in co-op matches.

If you prefer practicing routes, timing, and defense patterns before facing real players, many fans buy CoD Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies to master these mechanics in a safe environment.

Tips for Activating Pack-a-Punch in Astra Malorum

1. Manage Your Points Early: Doors and component locations require points, so prioritize purchasing paths to key areas early in the match.

2. Coordinate in Co-op: Assign teammates to fetch components while others hold off zombies. This can reduce downtime and prevent losing the lockdown.

3. Use Lethal and Tactical Equipment: Grenades or other equipment can help control the zombie waves during the lockdown sequence.

4. Plan Your Route: Decide whether Path One or Path Two is better based on your spawn location and round progression.

5. Stay Near the Oculus: During the lockdown, staying close allows you to react quickly to zombies trying to damage the device.

Why Activating Pack-a-Punch Matters

The Pack-a-Punch in Black Ops 7 Zombies is more than a weapon upgrade station-it is a core component of completing Astra Malorum's Easter Egg and surviving high rounds. Without it, players are at a significant disadvantage against high-tier zombies, traps, and bosses. Activating the Pack-a-Punch ensures you have the firepower necessary to tackle the map's challenges, including O.S.C.A.R. and other elite enemies.

Conclusion

Activating the Astra Malorum Pack-a-Punch is a key step for any Zombies player looking to thrive in Black Ops 7 Season 1. By following this guide, players can easily locate the Observatory Dome, collect the required components, repair the Harmonic Oculus, and survive the lockdown to spawn the Pack-a-Punch Machine.