Honestly, the FFAR 1 is a bit of a nightmare when you first pick it up in Zombies. It kicks like a mule. It burns through ammo faster than you can find max ammo power-ups. But if you’re chasing that Dark Aether or the newer 2026 mastery skins, you’ve got to master this beast. It’s basically an SMG trapped in an assault rifle’s body, and the camo grind reflects that chaotic energy.
I've spent way too many hours on maps like Die Maschine and the newer Astra Malorum just trying to keep the reticle on a Megaton's head. Most people get frustrated because they try to use it like an XM4. Don't do that. You’ll miss half your shots and end up staring at a "Game Over" screen by round 15.
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The Grind is Real: Breaking Down the FFAR Zombies Camo Challenges
The requirements for the FFAR 1 in Zombies generally follow the standard assault rifle path, but the weapon's high fire rate makes specific tiers feel different. You’re looking at a massive stack of kills.
- 2,500 Total Kills: This sounds like a lot, but it's the easiest part. You’ll hit this naturally while doing everything else. Basically, just keep pulling the trigger.
- 2,500 Critical Kills: This is where the FFAR tests your patience. Because of the vertical kick, your aim will naturally drift above the zombie's head. You have to actively pull down or fire in short, controlled bursts. Deadshot Daiquiri isn't just a suggestion here; it's a mandatory requirement.
- 2,500 Pack-a-Punched Kills: Pretty straightforward. Get your gun to the machine as early as possible. Once it transforms into the Fformless Ffearr, your magazine size jumps significantly, making the rest of the grind much smoother.
- Elite/Special Eliminations: You need to take down 15 Elites (like Megatons or Krasny Soldats). The FFAR’s high DPS is actually great for this once you're locked on.
- 10 Rapid Kills (10 times): This is a joke. With a fire rate of over 900 RPM, you’ll get this without even trying in any decent horde.
- 3+ Critical Kills in a Single Shot (or rapidly): Depending on the specific game version you’re playing, this might vary slightly, but generally, you want to line up the undead in a narrow hallway.
- 20 or More Kills Without Getting Hit (10 times): This is the one that ruins streaks. One stray slap from a crawler and you're back to zero.
The Secret to Survival: Your Loadout Matters
You cannot run this gun "naked" and expect to hit headshots. You need to focus entirely on Recoil Control and Ammo Capacity.
The SOCOM Eliminator or the Agency Suppressor are your best friends for the muzzle slot. They help reign in that vertical climb. For the barrel, I always go with the 19.5" Task Force. Sure, it hurts your starting ammo, but the damage boost is vital for high-round efficiency.
You’ve also got to address the magazine. The base 25 or 30 rounds is pathetic for Zombies. Use the Salvo 44 Rnd Fast Mag (or its equivalent in the newer 2026 builds). When Pack-a-Punched, you'll finally have enough lead to clear a room without reloading every four seconds.
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Tactics for the "No Damage" Challenges
Most players struggle with the "consecutive kills without taking damage" tier. It’s annoying. Kinda makes you want to throw the controller.
The best way to cheese this? Use the Decoy tactical or the Kazimir grenades. Throw one, wait for the zombies to swarm it, and then lay into them with the FFAR. If you’re playing on a map with a clear training circle—like the helipad on Firebase Z or the spawn area on Die Maschine—just keep moving.
Don't get greedy. If a zombie gets close, swap to your melee or use a Field Upgrade like Aether Shroud to reset the situation. Honestly, playing it safe is faster than restarting the count because you got cornered in a doorway.
Why Most People Fail the FFAR Headshot Grind
The mistake is simple: holding the trigger down. The FFAR 1 has a "unpredictable" recoil pattern after the first seven or eight bullets. If you're aiming for the head, those bullets are going to be hitting the ceiling by the time the zombie reaches you.
Tap the trigger. Even in the middle of a horde, firing in 5-round bursts ensures that the "Critical Kill" pops. If you're just spraying into the crowd, you'll get the kills, but you won't progress the critical hit camo. You'll end up with 5,000 kills and only 1,000 headshots, which is a waste of your time.
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Mastery Camos: Gold, Diamond, and Beyond
Unlocking Gold Viper (or Mystic Gold) requires you to finish all the basic sets mentioned above. Once you do that for all Assault Rifles in the class, you get Plague Diamond (or Opal).
The ultimate goal, Dark Aether, requires Diamond in every weapon class. It’s a long road. The FFAR is often the "gatekeeper" gun because it's harder to use than the XM4 or the AK-47. But once you get the rhythm of the reload and the recoil, it’s actually one of the fastest killing guns in the game.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Session
- Prioritize Deadshot Daiquiri: Buy it first. It snaps your aim to the head and reduces hip-fire spread. It’s the only way to stay sane with this gun.
- Use the Oil Trap Method: If you're playing the newer maps, certain trap locations allow you to funnel zombies into a single file line. This makes the "Rapid Kill" and "Critical Kill" challenges trivial.
- Upgrade your Aetherium Crystals: Make sure your Assault Rifle skill tier is maxed out. That extra armor penetration and critical damage bonus makes the late-game kills much more consistent.
- Watch the Mini-Map: The FFAR’s mobility is decent, but its reload time can catch you off guard. Always ensure you have a "path out" before you stop to put a new mag in.
The FFAR 1 isn't the easiest gun to gold, but it's one of the most rewarding. Once you see that mastery camo glowing on the bullpup frame, the hours of fighting the recoil will feel worth it. Start by jumping into a solo match, focus purely on headshots for the first ten rounds, and you'll be halfway there before you know it.