GobbleGums Are Back (And They Brought Your Collection With Them)
Those magical pieces of chewable salvation have returned to Black Ops 7 Zombies, and they’re bringing some serious quality-of-life improvements with them. If you invested time building a GobbleGum collection in Black Ops 6, you’re in luck – Carry Forward is active, meaning your entire inventory transfers over to BO7.
For newcomers or returning veterans who skipped BO6, don’t worry. There are multiple ways to build your collection from scratch, and this guide will walk you through everything: earning methods, smart usage strategies, and a complete breakdown of all 44 GobbleGums available in the game.
Whether you’re a Zombies beginner looking to understand what these colorful candies do, or a high-round grinder optimizing your loadout for Round 50+ attempts, understanding GobbleGums is essential to mastering the mode.
Three Ways to Earn GobbleGums in Black Ops 7
Let’s cut straight to it – you have three distinct methods for acquiring GobbleGums. Each has its pros and cons, and smart players use all three strategically.
Method 1: Playing Round-Based Zombies (The Primary Grind)
How it works: Simply play Ashes of the Damned or the Farm Survival Map, survive rounds, and GobbleGums drop randomly as rewards.
The randomness factor: There’s no guaranteed schedule. You might get one on Round 8, another on Round 14, or go several rounds with nothing. The rarity is equally unpredictable – you could earn a common Rare or get lucky with an Ultra drop.
Why this is the best method: It’s completely free, happens naturally while you’re playing anyway, and you’re likely grinding other objectives simultaneously (camos, level unlocks, prestige rewards).
Pro optimization tip: Combine your GobbleGum farming with camo challenges. You’re killing zombies regardless – might as well work toward multiple goals. And if you’re pushing for high rounds, those extra GobbleGum drops add up quickly.
The Exfil Bonus: Guaranteed Whimsical GobbleGums
Here’s a trick many players overlook: successfully completing an Exfil rewards a random Whimsical GobbleGum.
Exfils become available every 5 rounds starting at Round 11 (Rounds 11, 16, 21, 26, etc.). While Whimsical GobbleGums are purely cosmetic effects, they can be converted for 100 Essence each, and more importantly, collecting them counts toward completion challenges.
Strategic consideration: If you’re specifically farming GobbleGums, consider extracting at Round 16 or 21 rather than dying on Round 30+. You’ll bank your Whimsical reward and can immediately start a fresh run, potentially earning more total GobbleGums per hour than one long session.
Method 2: Level Progression Rewards (The Guaranteed Path)
As you rank up, certain levels award specific GobbleGums automatically. This is the most predictable acquisition method and rewards consistent play.
Complete level unlock list:
| Level | GobbleGum Reward |
|---|---|
| 6 | Aftertaste |
| 9 | Power Keg |
| 14 | Kill Joy |
| 20 | Power Vacuum |
| 23 | Stock Option |
| 30 | Requipment |
| 32 | Dead Drop |
| 36 | Round Off |
| 39 | Explosive Flourish |
| 41 | Hidden Power |
| 45 | Armor Gettin’ |
| 50 | Gift Card |
Important note: GobbleGums are NOT included in Prestige rank rewards. Once you hit Level 55 and prestige, you won’t earn more through leveling until you climb back through these specific levels again.
Planning tip: If you’re about to prestige, make sure you’ve used or stockpiled the GobbleGums you care about. And if you’re deciding what to spend your Permanent Unlock Token on, remember that GobbleGums can’t be permanently unlocked this way – focus your tokens elsewhere.
Method 3: Store Purchases With COD Points (The Controversial Shortcut)
The reality: Yes, you can buy GobbleGum Packs from the in-game Store using COD Points (premium currency purchased with real money).
The community debate: This method is contentious. Some players view it as pay-to-win since GobbleGums provide tangible gameplay advantages. Others argue that dedicated grinding provides plenty of GobbleGums without spending a dime.
My take: GobbleGums are absolutely earnable through normal play. You don’t need to spend money to have a solid collection. However, if you’re extremely time-limited or want to fast-track specific GobbleGums for a particular strategy, the option exists.
If you do buy packs: Prioritize bundles that include multiple GobbleGums rather than standalone packs. Better value for your COD Points.
How to Equip and Manage Your GobbleGum Loadout
Understanding how the loadout system works is crucial for optimizing your in-game access to the right GobbleGums at the right time.
Creating Your 5-Gum Pack
Navigation path:
- From Zombies main menu, select Weapons tab
- Find the GobbleGum Pack section
- Customize your 5 slots
The critical distinction: Your first three GobbleGums are what you start the match with. Slots 4 and 5 are only accessible from GobbleGum Machines during the match.
Loadout strategy:
Slots 1-3 (Starting Gums): Reserve these for GobbleGums you want immediate access to or plan to use early in the match. Examples:
- Aftertaste (survive early downs without losing perks)
- Anywhere But Here (emergency escape)
- Arsenal Accelerator (boost your field upgrade frequency)
Slots 4-5 (Machine Gums): These are your situational or high-value GobbleGums you’ll grab from machines as needed. Examples:
- Perkaholic (game-changing but you won’t need it Round 1)
- Hidden Power (save for when you have a weapon worth upgrading)
- Time Out (emergency panic button for overwhelming situations)
Pro tip: If you’re optimizing your HUD for a cleaner experience, you can still keep GobbleGum visibility enabled since they’re essential gameplay information rather than clutter.
Using GobbleGums In-Game: The Practical Guide
Finding GobbleGum Machines
GobbleGum Machines spawn in multiple locations across every Zombies map. Look for the distinctive GobbleGum icon on your minimap (unless you’ve disabled it for the legacy HUD experience).
How the machine works:
- Approach and interact with the machine
- A random GobbleGum from your 5-gum pack appears
- You can take it or leave it – no consequences for declining
- If you take it, it occupies an inventory slot but isn’t consumed until you actually chew it
Critical detail: Taking a GobbleGum doesn’t use it. You can extract or die with GobbleGums still in your inventory, and they’ll remain in your collection for the next match. Only activated GobbleGums are consumed.
Activation Controls
Controller users:
- Press Right on D-Pad to open GobbleGum menu
- Use D-Pad to select desired GobbleGum
- Press X (PlayStation) / A (Xbox) to consume
Keyboard and mouse users:
- Default keybinds: 4, 5, 6 for your three inventory slots
- Press Y to open the full GobbleGum pack view
Timing is everything: GobbleGums are single-use consumables. Don’t waste an Ultra rarity on Round 5 when you could save it for a Round 30+ crisis. Learn when each type provides maximum value.
The Converting System: Turn Gums Into Essence
Sometimes you’ll receive a GobbleGum you don’t want or need for your current strategy. Rather than letting it sit unused, you can convert it into Essence on the spot.
How to convert:
- Hold Triangle (PlayStation) / Y (Xbox) to absorb the GobbleGum
Conversion values:
| Rarity | Essence Value |
|---|---|
| Whimsical | 100 |
| Rare | 500 |
| Epic | 1,250 |
| Legendary | 3,000 |
| Ultra | 5,000 |
When to convert:
✅ Convert when: You get duplicate common GobbleGums you don’t need, or you’re desperately short on Essence for a critical purchase (armor, ammo mods, perks)
❌ Don’t convert: Ultra or Legendary GobbleGums unless you’re absolutely certain you won’t need their effects. These are too valuable and too rare.
Strategic conversion: If you’re low on Essence and need to Pack-a-Punch or grab essential perks, converting a Rare or Epic can bridge the gap. It’s better to convert and survive than hoard and die.
Complete GobbleGum Encyclopedia: All 44 Varieties
Time for the comprehensive breakdown. I’ve organized these by rarity and included tactical insights for each.
Rare GobbleGums (The Reliable Workhorses)
These are your bread-and-butter consumables. You’ll get plenty of them, so don’t be precious about using them.
Kill Joy (Instant)
- Spawns an Insta-Kill Power-Up
- Use when: Training large hordes to clear them instantly
- Synergy: Pair with high-fire-rate weapons for maximum kills
Cache Back (Instant)
- Spawns a Max Ammo Power-Up
- Use when: You’re running dry mid-round and can’t reach wall buys
- Don’t waste on: Low rounds when ammo is abundant
Temporal Gift (Instant)
- Next time-based Power-Up lasts longer
- Strategy: Activate BEFORE grabbing Double Points or Insta-Kill
- Doesn’t work on: Instant power-ups like Max Ammo
Stock Option (Timed – 60 seconds)
- Ammo consumed from stockpile instead of magazine
- Clutch use: No reloading during critical moments
- Pairs with: High-capacity LMGs for sustained fire
Anywhere But Here (Instant)
- Instant teleport to random location with knockback effect
- Emergency use: Cornered with no escape
- Warning: “Random” location can be dangerous – use as last resort
Power Keg (Instant)
- Spawns a Full Power Power-Up
- Value: Activates all machines and traps across the map
- Best timing: Early rounds to open up map areas
Tactical Diffusion (Conditional)
- Disables next Nuke explosion, gives everyone 2,000 Essence
- Team benefit: Excellent in squad play for shared Essence
- Consideration: You’re trading kills for money
Arsenal Accelerator (Timed – 5 minutes)
- Charges Field Upgrade faster
- Best for: Aether Shroud users who rely on frequent activation
- Long duration: Use early in rounds for maximum benefit
Shields Up (Timed – 3 minutes)
- Refills armor and doubles its strength
- High-round essential: Armor is your lifeline in later rounds
- Activate before: Boss fights or particularly difficult rounds
Aftertaste (Conditional)
- Keep all Perks after being revived
- Insurance policy: Eliminates the massive Essence cost of re-buying perks
- Solo play: Absolutely crucial since losing perks ends runs
Epic GobbleGums (Powerful Tactical Options)
A step up in rarity and impact. Use these when they’ll significantly change your situation.
Respin Cycle (Instant)
- Re-spins Mystery Box to equal or higher rarity
- Use when: You get a mediocre weapon and want better
- Can’t guarantee: Specific weapons, just improved rarity
Dead Drop (Timed – 5 minutes)
- Greatly increases Salvage and Equipment drop rates
- Farming strategy: Activate and clear multiple rounds for resource stockpiling
- Pairs with: Augment research material gathering
Requipment (Timed – 5 minutes)
- Equipment slots refill over time
- Combat Axe synergy: Infinite throwing axes for 5 minutes
- Tactical spam: Continuous stun or lethal equipment
Who’s Keeping Score? (Instant)
- Spawns Double Points Power-Up
- Economy boost: Use when planning multiple expensive purchases
- Early round value: Accelerate your Essence accumulation
Free Fire (Timed – 60 seconds)
- Infinite ammo for 60 seconds (excludes Wonder Weapons)
- Horde destroyer: Hold trigger and melt everything
- Best weapons: LMGs and high-DPS options like optimized snipers
Exit Strategy (Instant)
- Automatic successful Exfil for user
- Perfect for: When you need to leave but squad wants to continue
- No vote needed: You extract regardless of team decision
- Keeps GobbleGums: Since it counts as successful Exfil
Power Vacuum (Timed – 5 minutes)
- Higher Power-Up drop rate from kills
- Snowball effect: More drops = more benefits = easier rounds
- Best activation: Start of a new round for maximum kill opportunities
Profit Sharing (Timed – 2 minutes)
- Share Essence earnings with nearby teammates
- Team booster: Help struggling players catch up
- Coordinate with squad: Activate when grouped for maximum effect
Explosive Flourish (Timed – 2 minutes)
- Reloading creates explosion around you
- Crowd control: Clear close-range threats while reloading
- Fun factor: Surprisingly satisfying effect
Soda Fountain (Instant)
- Next Perk purchase gives bonus random Perk
- Value play: Two perks for the price of one
- Strategy: Buy your most expensive perk to maximize savings
Nowhere But There (Instant)
- Teleport to random downed player and revive nearby allies
- Squad savior: Rescue teammates from across the map
- Solo: Completely useless – don’t waste a loadout slot
Legendary GobbleGums (Game-Changing Moments)
These are rare and powerful. Save them for situations where they’ll have maximum impact.
Idle Eyes (Timed – 30 seconds)
- All zombies stand idle and ignore players
- Objective completion: Perfect for Easter egg steps or revives
- Short duration: Have a plan before activating
Wall Power (Conditional)
- Next wall weapon purchased comes Pack-a-Punched
- Economy: Save 10,000+ Essence on Pack-a-Punch costs
- Strategy: Buy your preferred wall weapon immediately after activation
Flavor Hex (Instant)
- Gives random Ultra GobbleGum
- RNG gamble: Could get exactly what you need or something useless for your situation
- Still valuable: Even bad Ultra GobbleGums can be converted for 5,000 Essence
Immolation Liquidation (Instant)
- Spawns Fire Sale Power-Up
- Wonder Weapon hunting: Cheap Mystery Box spins to find rare weapons
- Limited time: Use it wisely and spin quickly
Support Group (Instant)
- Grants ARC-XD, Mangler Cannon, Sentry Gun, and Mutant Injection in order
- Full arsenal: Four powerful Scorestreaks instantly
- Sequence: You get them one at a time as you use/deploy each
Round Off (Instant)
- Prevents rounds from advancing for 2 rounds
- Preparation time: Set up camp, train zombies, complete objectives
- High-round strategy: Control pacing during difficult rounds
Phoenix Up (Instant)
- Revives ALL teammates with Perks intact
- Squad wipe prevention: Single-handedly save a collapsing team
- Solo: Another useless pick for solo players
Modified Chaos (Timed – 2 minutes)
- Greatly reduced Ammo Mod cooldowns
- DPS spike: Continuous ammo mod effects like Napalm Burst or Brain Rot
- Boss melting: Shred Elite enemies with repeated ammo mod procs
On The House (Instant)
- Spawns Random Perk Power-Up
- Free perk: Self-explanatory value
- RNG element: Can’t choose which perk
Wall to Wall Clearance (Timed – 30 seconds)
- Weapon Wall Buys cost only 10 Essence
- Ammo run: Stock up on ammo for 10 Essence per purchase
- Quick strategy: Visit multiple wall buys during the window
Crate Power (Conditional)
- Next Mystery Box weapon comes Pack-a-Punched
- Wonder Weapon value: Get a maxed Wonder Weapon immediately
- Save 10,000 Essence: Skip Pack-a-Punch machine entirely
Armor Gettin’ (Instant)
- Receive 3-Plate Armor Vest and Full Plates
- Instant protection: Full armor without spending Essence
- Pre-boss use: Armor up before difficult encounters
Ultra GobbleGums (The Nuclear Options)
The rarest and most powerful. These should be saved for dire situations or specific strategies.
Perkaholic (Instant)
- Gives ALL available Perks
- Ultimate power spike: Instantly become fully perked
- Essence savings: Potentially 50,000+ Essence depending on perk count
- Best use: High rounds where perk access is already established
- Perk augment note: Only grants base perks, not augments
Wonderbar! (Conditional)
- Next Mystery Box spin guarantees Wonder Weapon
- No RNG: Skip the Box gambling entirely
- Strategy: Use when you specifically need a Wonder Weapon for your build
Gift Card (Instant)
- Gain 30,000 Essence instantly
- Cannot stack: Doesn’t combine with other Essence bonuses
- Emergency funds: Buy everything you need immediately
- High-round value: Less impactful early when Essence is easy to earn
Time Out (Timed – 3 minutes)
- Clears all Normal and Special enemies, ends the Round
- Prevents spawning: No zombies spawn during the 3-minute window
- Objective completion: Perfect for Easter egg steps requiring no combat
- Recovery time: Heal, reposition, strategize with zero pressure
Near Death Experience (Timed – 3 minutes OR 5 revives)
- Automatic revive when near players, keep all Perks
- Squad immortality: Makes team nearly unkillable during activation
- Solo: Absolutely useless
- Duration limit: Ends after 3 minutes OR 5 revives, whichever comes first
Reign Drops (Instant)
- Spawns ALL core Power-Ups simultaneously
- Kitchen sink: Max Ammo, Insta-Kill, Double Points, etc. all at once
- Timing critical: Activate when you can capitalize on every effect
- Horde clearing: Insta-Kill for kills, Double Points for Essence, Max Ammo for sustainability
Hidden Power (Instant)
- Upgrades currently held weapon to Legendary rarity
- Weapon boost: Significantly improves stats and performance
- Best targets: Weapons you plan to use for many rounds
- Don’t waste on: Temporary weapons or wall buys you’ll replace soon
Whimsical GobbleGums (Cosmetic Chaos)
These provide no gameplay advantage – they’re purely for fun and visual effects. However, they’re worth collecting and can be converted for Essence if needed.
Newtonian Negation
- Zombies killed launch straight upward
- Entertainment value: Watching zombies fly is genuinely amusing
Jacked Lanterns
- Zombies get pumpkin heads with creepy sounds
- Halloween vibes: Seasonal fun
Indiegestion
- Zombies experience… extreme flatulence after death
- Maturity level: Low, but undeniably funny
Rainburps
- Zombies belch sparkly rainbow bubbles
- Fabulous: Make the apocalypse prettier
Quacknarok
- Zombies wear rubber ducky inner tubes
- Beach party: The undead go swimming
Die Pitched
- Zombies have high-pitched voices
- Audio chaos: Changes the entire sound design temporarily
Holiday Cheer
- Zombies get festive decorations
- Seasonal: Perfect for holiday gaming sessions
Whimsical strategy: These drop from successful Exfils. Collect them for completion’s sake, or convert them immediately for 100 Essence each.
Smart GobbleGum Management: Pro Tips
Loadout Construction Philosophy
Balanced pack structure:
- 1 defensive GobbleGum: Aftertaste or Shields Up
- 1 offensive GobbleGum: Kill Joy or Free Fire
- 1 utility GobbleGum: Anywhere But Here or Arsenal Accelerator
- 1 economy GobbleGum: Who’s Keeping Score or Wall Power
- 1 panic button: Hidden Power or Time Out
This gives you answers to different situations without redundancy.
When to Use vs. Hoard
Use freely:
- Rare GobbleGums – you’ll get plenty
- Any GobbleGum during a run that’s going poorly anyway
- Whimsical GobbleGums – no gameplay value to preserve
Save carefully:
- Ultra GobbleGums – only use when they’ll significantly impact your success
- Legendary GobbleGums – reserve for high rounds or specific strategies
- Any GobbleGum that’s perfect for a future strategy you’re planning
Solo vs. Squad Considerations
Solo-specific picks:
- Aftertaste (crucial for solo survival)
- Anywhere But Here (emergency escape)
- Time Out (solo recovery)
- Shields Up (no teammates to revive you)
Skip in solo:
- Nowhere But There (requires downed teammates)
- Phoenix Up (requires downed teammates)
- Near Death Experience (requires nearby players)
- Profit Sharing (no benefit without squad)
Squad optimization:
- Coordinate loadouts so not everyone brings the same GobbleGums
- Designate one player as “support” with team-focused GobbleGums
- Communicate before activating shared-benefit GobbleGums
Common GobbleGum Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wasting Ultra GobbleGums early: That Perkaholic on Round 5? Total waste. Save it for Round 25+ when perks are expensive and time is valuable.
❌ Not converting excess Whimsicals: If you have 20+ Whimsical GobbleGums, convert some for Essence. They’re not helping anyone sitting unused.
❌ Poor loadout slot management: Putting your most powerful GobbleGum in Slot 1 means it’s always available, but you might use it too early by accident.
❌ Ignoring team synergy: Everyone bringing solo-focused GobbleGums in squad play misses the opportunity for powerful team combinations.
❌ Converting valuable GobbleGums for minimal Essence: Converting a Legendary for 3,000 Essence when you could have used it to save your Round 30+ run is shortsighted.
Making GobbleGums Work for You
GobbleGums are the secret sauce that can elevate your Zombies gameplay from struggling at Round 20 to comfortably pushing Round 50+. But like any powerful tool, they require understanding and strategic deployment.
The key principles:
- Build your collection through natural play – Don’t feel pressured to buy packs with COD Points
- Curate your loadout strategically – Think about what situations you struggle with most
- Don’t hoard Ultra GobbleGums forever – They’re meant to be used, not collected
- Communicate with your squad – Coordinated GobbleGum use is exponentially more powerful
- Learn from each run – If a GobbleGum saved or cost you a run, adjust your strategy
Whether you’re working through beginner strategies or optimizing for high-round consistency, GobbleGums provide the flexibility to adapt to any situation. Master them, and the Dark Aether becomes significantly more manageable.
Now get out there, start building that collection, and remember – the best GobbleGum is the one that keeps you alive for one more round.
What’s your go-to GobbleGum loadout? Have you scored any clutch saves with a perfectly timed Ultra? The Zombies community loves hearing about those moments when a single GobbleGum turned certain death into an epic comeback.
