This Black Ops 7 weapon remains the top choice in Zombies after two seasons.
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In the ever-expanding arsenal of Black Ops 7 Zombies, one weapon consistently reigns supreme: the M34 Novaline. Regardless of the map, the Cursed Relics in play, or your squad size, this is the go-to weapon for BO7 Zombies.
Though it’s often overshadowed by rapid-fire SMGs and dependable assault rifles, especially with the custom loadouts introduced in Black Ops 4, the Novaline outperforms nearly everything else in BO7’s lineup.
Marksman rifles deliver high critical damage, making them ideal for taking down bosses and tough enemies, but their slow fire rates and limited ammo can make them seem less practical against large hordes.
In the chaotic world of COD Zombies, where you’re often dodging and shooting at pursuing hordes, an SMG might seem like the better choice. Marksman rifles can feel out of place unless they’re in your secondary slot (or tertiary with Mule Kick).
The M34 Novaline has an edge over other marksman rifles thanks to its two-round burst and solid handling. However, the real magic happens when you Pack-a-Punch it, transforming it into a fully automatic weapon.
This is where it shines. You effectively gain an assault rifle with the damage output of a marksman rifle, and with the right attachments, it handles so smoothly that you might forget it’s classified as a marksman rifle. It has no real weaknesses, and finding something stronger that isn’t a Wonder Weapon will be a challenge.
To top it off, the M34 Novaline is frequently found in the Mystery Box if you’re playing Cursed, or you can start with it if you prefer. It’s also available as a Wall Buy on maps like Ashes of the Damned and Astra Malorum, especially if you’re using a Cursed Relic that disables the Mystery Box. Expect it to be a Wall Buy on future BO7 Zombies maps as well, ensuring you won’t miss out.
Even after the fully-automatic upgrade, the M34 Novaline, now known as the Desecrated Dualist, retains its impressive stopping power. Each shot delivers the punch you’d expect from a marksman rifle, and you can switch back to semi-auto for precision when needed.
While it’s common for Zombies players to keep a Pack-a-Punched sniper or similar weapon handy for taking down Elites like Manglers, Doppelghasts, or Zursas, the Novaline eliminates that need. It easily tears through Uber Klaus’ shoulder shields, obliterates Mangler cannons and armor, and even takes down main bosses like Veytharion and Caltheris with ease.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The M34 Novaline benefits significantly from the Cyclops-03 Barrel attachment to maximize its damage output. Without it, headshots and critical hits won’t pack as much of a punch.
Additionally, there’s a new rival in the mix: the M8A1. This four-round burst rifle, a fan favorite from Black Ops 2, can also become fully automatic with a new Conversion Kit. While it may not deal as much damage, its superior handling and larger magazine size can make it a more viable option in certain scenarios.
Despite the influx of new weapons, attachments, and Conversion Kits, the M34 Novaline remains the undisputed champion of Black Ops 7 Zombies. Give it a shot in your next game and experience its power for yourself.
