All List Keeper’s Challenges in Black Ops 7 Zombies

Welcome, intrepid zombie slayers, to the latest and greatest seasonal gauntlet in the Call of Duty: Zombies universe. If you're booting up Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombies on your PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, you've likely encountered the enigmatic List Keeper's Challenge. This festive but fiendish mode, reminiscent of the fan-favorite Gauntlet, presents a series of cryptic tasks that can leave even the most seasoned players scratching their heads.This guide is your lantern in the dark. We'll decode every poetic instruction, provide actionable strategies for each platform, and ensure you walk away with that coveted holiday reward. The "problem" here isn't a glitch—it's a glorious test of skill and wit. The challenge arises from the game's intentional, riddle-like descriptions designed to immerse you in its frostbitten narrative. Don't let the cold deter you; let's warm up with some knowledge and conquer this list together.

Causes of the "Problem": Why Are These Challenges So Tough?

Before we dive into solutions, it's worth understanding why this mode feels so demanding. It's by design!

Cryptic Language: The challenges are written as poetic verses from the List Keeper himself, not clear game objectives. This is a narrative choice that requires translation.

Progressive Difficulty: The challenges escalate from simple map tasks to complex survival tests and a unique boss fight, demanding adaptability.

Conditional Modifiers: Some challenges actively disable core game mechanics (like Essence gain or Ammo Caches), forcing you out of your comfort zone.

Platform-Neutral Complexity: Whether on console or PC, the core challenge is identical. The execution might vary slightly based on your controller vs. mouse-and-keyboard precision, but the objectives remain the same.

Quick Solution (For the Impatient Slayer)

In a hurry? Here’s the golden path: Focus on multi-tasking. While you work on early-round challenges like lighting barrels or freeing zombies from snowmen, use that time to build points and set up a single, powerful weapon. Prioritize the "Patience" (survive 5 rounds) and "Power Hides Truth" (survive 5 minutes outside) challenges early, as they are passive and can be completed alongside others. Save your best Pack-a-Punched weapon for the final Mars boss fight, The Unlisted, but remember you can only damage him with weapons from presents. Don't panic—just strategize.

Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions to Every Challenge

Let's break down each riddle into a clear, actionable plan. Follow these steps for a smooth run.Step 1: The Early Game Setup (Rounds 1-5)
Your primary goal in the first few rounds is to establish map control and knock out passive challenges. Immediately start lighting the 6 barrels around Astra Malorum’s exterior. This completes "Show me your courage" and provides safe zones for later. Simultaneously, shoot every snowman you see to free and kill zombies for "The cold took them."Step 2: Weapon Preparation & Modifiers
Once you have the Essence, head to The Arsenal. Choose a reliable weapon (an LMG or assault rifle is great) and fulfill "You speak of loyalty" by doing the following in any order:

Apply a Rarity Upgrade (PaP).

Apply an Ammo Mod (specifically the Fire Works mod for a later challenge).

Later, take it to the Observatory Dome for the Pack-a-Punch upgrade.

Step 3: Tackling the Active Kill Challenges
Now, with a souped-up weapon, focus on the specific kill quests:

• "Let curiosity guide you": Spend points at the Mystery Box. Any kills with box weapons count.Pro-tip: Keep your starting weapon as a backup since this disables AmmoCaches.
• "The cold devours laughter": Use your Fire Works ammo mod aggressively. Train zombies and let the firework explosions do the work.
• "The wise don’t waste": Craft equipment at the table. A single well-placed Kazimir grenade can net 10+ kills if you train a horde.

Step 4: The Endurance Tests
These require patience and positioning:

• "Power hides truth": Stand near one of the barrels you lit in Step 1 for 5 minutes. You won't earn points, so do this during a calm moment or while focusing on headshots.
• "Precision is the test": For 25 critical kills in a row, find a choke point, take a deep breath, and aim carefully. A scoped weapon or slowing equipment like a FrostBlast can help.
• "You’ve rushed through life": Simply survive. Let the rounds pass while you complete other tasks.

Step 5: The Unique Task & Finale

• "Even the lifeless crave connection": Find G.A.R.Y. (the reskinned O.S.C.A.R. robot). Use snowballs (foundaround the map) to freeze zombies, making them drop presents. LureG.A.R.Y. over to the presents so he collects them.
• The Grand Finale: Once all other challenges are complete, the portal in the Machina Astralis room activates. Go to Mars.
• "Defeat The Unlisted": This is the boss fight. CRUCIAL: You cannot damage the boss with your main weapon. You MUST use the weapons that drop from the presents scattered around the arena. Kite the boss, grab a present weapon,unload, repeat. Keep moving and use the arena's geometry for cover.

Alternative Strategies and Playstyles

If the direct approach isn't working, consider these twists:

• Co-op Specialization: In a team, divide roles. Have one player focus on survival challenges,another on kill quests, and a third on supporting with equipment andmanaging G.A.R.Y.
• The "Save the Best for Last" Route: Instead of upgrading early, save all your points. Complete the boxweapon challenge first with basic box pulls, then use your massiveEssence stockpile to fully upgrade one perfect weapon for the late-gameand boss fight.
• Pacifist Run for Endurance: For the 5-minute outdoor challenge, you can technically avoid killinganything. Just run a safe loop near a lit barrel, letting zombies follow you.

How to Prevent Frustration and Smooth Future Runs

1. Map Familiarity is Key: Before attempting the challenge, do a normal run on Astra Malorum. Know the barrel locations, the Arsenal spot, and the boss arena layout.
2. Loadout Preparation: Enter the mode with a loadout that supports your playstyle. Consider perks like Deadshot Daiquiri for critical kills or Elemental Pop to help with ammo mod kills.
3. Mental Checklist: Keep a physical note or mental tally of completed challenges. Thein-game tracker can be subtle, and you don't want to forget one.
4. Boss Fight Practice: If you struggle with The Unlisted, practice the standard Astra Malorumboss fight in a normal game to learn Caltheris's attack patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I complete these challenges in co-op?
A: Absolutely! Progress is shared for most challenges (like lightingbarrels), but some, like the 25 critical kills, are individual. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Q2: What happens if I fail a challenge? Do I have to restart?
A: No! The beauty of this mode is that you can keep trying. Failed thecritical kill streak? Just start aiming again. The challenge remainsactive until you complete it or the game ends.

Q3: Is the Gift Card GobbleGum a one-time use?
A: No, the "Gift Card" Ultra GobbleGum you earn is a blueprint. Onceunlocked, you can use it in your loadout for future games like any other gum, but it's consumed per use.

Q4: I’m on PC. Does this strategy differ?
A: The strategy is identical. The only advantage on PC might be slightlyeasier precision for the critical kill challenge due to mouse aiming,but the objectives are the same.

Q5: What's the best weapon for the final boss since I can't use my own?
A: The present weapons are random, but any will work. Your skill is inevasion and resource management. Prioritize staying alive over dealingdamage; the presents will respawn.

Closing with a Call to Action

You are now armed with the knowledge to not just attempt the List Keeper'sChallenge, but to conquer it. The frosty halls of Astra Malorum and thered sands of Mars await your triumphant stand. Go forth, decode thepoetry, and claim your rewards.

Did this guide help you earn your Gift Card? What was the trickiestchallenge for your squad? Share your own epic tips and victory storiesin the comments below—your strategy could be the key to helping anotherslayer! If you found this helpful, explore our other Black Ops 7 Zombies guides for more secrets and dominant strategies. Now, get out there and show The Unlisted what happens when you mess with a prepared ListKeeper.

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