Black Ops 7 Zombies Astra Malorum Easter Egg Guide (March 2026)

Welcome to the most comprehensive Black Ops 7 Zombies Astra Malorum Easter Egg guide you’ll find anywhere! Having spent countless hours navigating the treacherous terrain of Mars and solving the complex puzzles of the Thurston Observatory, I’m here to walk you through every single step of this challenging main quest. Whether you’re playing solo or with a team, this guide will ensure you conquer the Astra Malorum Easter Egg and claim your victory against the formidable boss, Caltheris.

Astra Malorum Easter Egg at a Glance

Section	Difficulty	Time Required	Players	Main Reward
Power & PaP	Easy	5-10 minutes	1-4 players	Pack-a-Punch access
LGM-1 Wonder Weapon	Medium	15-20 minutes	1-4 players	LGM-1 Wonder Weapon
Thurston’s Brain	Hard	20-30 minutes	1-4 players	Brain canister
Mars Portal	Expert	30-40 minutes	1-4 players	Mars access
Boss Fight	Legendary	10-15 minutes	1-4 players	Easter Egg completion

Step 1: Power Up and Activate Pack-a-Punch

The foundation of any successful Zombies run starts with getting powered up, and Astra Malorum is no exception. This initial step is straightforward but crucial for your progression.

What You’ll Need:

• Harmonic Component items (3 total)
• Access to Observatory Dome
• 5,000 Essence for doors

Detailed Steps:

1. Purchase Your Way to the Observatory Dome
   • Start by opening the main doors leading toward the Observatory Dome
   • You’ll need approximately 5,000 Essence total for all necessary doors
   • Follow the on-screen indicators – they’re your best friend in this initial phase
2. Collect Harmonic Components
   • Component 1: Located in The Luminarium (look for glowing blue item)
   • Component 2: Found in Machina Astralis (check the central console area)
   • Component 3: Situated near the Observatory Dome entrance (often on a crate)
3. Activate the Harmonic Oculus
   • Return to the Observatory Dome with all three components
   • Interact with the piano (Harmonic Oculus) to begin the sequence
   • Pro Tip: This triggers a 60-second lockdown – prepare for increased zombie spawns
4. Survive the Lockdown
   • Position yourself with your back to a wall for better defense
   • Use grenades or special weapons for crowd control
   • Focus on survival rather than killing every zombie
   • Once complete, you’ll have full power and Pack-a-Punch access!

Common Mistake to Avoid: Many players rush this step and forget to collect all three components before starting the lockdown. Double-check your inventory before interacting with the piano!

Step 2: Obtain the LGM-1 Wonder Weapon

The LGM-1 (Little Green Menace-1) is essential for completing the Easter Egg, and acquiring it requires defeating the robotic enemy O.S.C.A.R. three different ways. This is where things get interesting!

Required Components for Traps:

• Damaged Drone: Shoot O.S.C.A.R.’s UFO projectiles (must use Pack-a-Punched weapon)
• Aberrant Wiring: Find and shoot the flickering lamppost (location randomizes each game)
• Car Battery: Shoot Ol’ Tessie’s gearbox in Crash Site (Pack-a-Punched weapon required)
• Absolute Zero Shards: Use Cryo Freeze Ammo Mod to shoot three purple Aether Crystals

Trap 1: Electro-Volt Projector (Luminarium)

1. Install Components: Head to the Luminarium and interact with the Electro-Volt Projector
2. Insert Items: Place the Damaged Drone, Aberrant Wiring, and Car Battery
3. Activate Trap: Lure O.S.C.A.R. into the room and activate the trap
4. Survive Lockdown: Defend the area while the trap overcharges O.S.C.A.R.’s battery
5. Collect Reward: O.S.C.A.R. drops a Shiny Trinket upon defeat

Trap 2: Planetary Telescope (Observatory Dome)

1. Find Gas Valves: Locate and shoot six fuming valves around the Observatory Dome:
   • Portal room
   • Under Pack-a-Punch machine
   • Same floor as Pack-a-Punch
   • Above Pack-a-Punch area
2. Activate Harmonic Oculus: Interact with the viewfinder on the left side
3. Target the Sun: Align the crosshairs with the sun to activate the laser beam
4. Lure and Destroy: Guide O.S.C.A.R. into the laser beam to defeat him
5. Note DEC Code: While at the Oculus, note the 4-digit DEC code (you’ll need this later!)

Trap 3: Rocket Ignition (Museum Infinitum)

1. Install Crystals: Place the three Absolute Zero Shards in the rocket display
2. Activate Countdown: Interact with the rocket to start the ignition sequence
3. Position O.S.C.A.R.: Lure him to the back of the rocket trap
4. Time It Right: Ensure O.S.C.A.R. is in the beam when the countdown hits zero
5. Claim Your Prize: The final defeat drops the LGM-1 Wonder Weapon!

Pro Strategy: Complete these traps in the order listed above, as it naturally progresses you through the map and sets you up perfectly for the next steps.

Step 3: Solve Thurston’s Planets Puzzle

This step requires patience and attention to detail. You’ll need to eavesdrop on O.S.C.A.R. to gather crucial information about the solar system.

What You’ll Need:

• LGM-1 Wonder Weapon
• Subtitles enabled (highly recommended!)
• Patience to follow O.S.C.A.R. stealthily

Detailed Steps:

1. Locate O.S.C.A.R.
   • Wait for him to spawn naturally (usually around round 10-12)
   • Don’t engage him in combat – this is crucial!
2. Stealth Follow
   • Maintain a distance of 20-30 meters behind O.S.C.A.R.
   • Stay behind cover and avoid his line of sight
   • If he detects you, wait for the next round to try again
3. Listen for Audio Logs
   • O.S.C.A.R. will eventually play Dr. Thurston’s audio logs
   • Listen carefully for three planet names mentioned in sequence
   • Example planets you might hear: Venus, Earth, Saturn
4. Convert to Code
   • Use this planetary distance chart:
     • Mercury = 1
     • Venus = 2
     • Earth = 3
     • Mars = 4
     • Jupiter = 5
     • Saturn = 6
     • Uranus = 7
     • Neptune = 8
   • Example: Venus (2) + Earth (3) + Saturn (6) = Code: 236
5. Enter the Code
   • Head to the Observatory Dome (near Pack-a-Punch)
   • Find the code machine on the northwest pillar
   • Enter your three-digit code
   • Success triggers a platform to rise
6. Collect Cryo Chamber Key
   • Jump to the raised platform
   • Interact with the corpse to obtain the Cryo Chamber Key
   • This key is essential for the next major step!

Troubleshooting Tip: If O.S.C.A.R. keeps detecting you, try using the Stamin-Up perk for better movement control, or have a teammate distract zombies while you follow.

Step 4: Acquire Dr. Thurston’s Brain

This is one of the more macabre but essential steps in the Easter Egg. You’ll need to retrieve Dr. Thurston’s brain to progress further.

Required Items:

• Cryo Chamber Key (from previous step)
• Rock Saw (found in Museum Infinitum display case)

Detailed Steps:

1. Retrieve the Rock Saw
   • Head to Museum Infinitum
   • Find the display case in the southwest corner
   • Destroy it to collect the Rock Saw
2. Locate the Cryo Pod
   • Go to Machina Astralis room
   • Find the cryo pod in the southern corner
   • Use the Cryo Chamber Key to open it
3. Extract the Brain
   • Use the Rock Saw on the frozen body inside
   • Interact to collect Dr. Thurston’s brain
   • Warning: This is time-sensitive, so be quick!
4. Brain Transfer Process
   • Take the brain to the Luminarium
   • Find the brain canister on the east wall
   • Interact with the canister twice to start a 60-second lockdown
5. Defend the Brain
   • Protect the canister from zombie attacks
   • Use area-effect weapons for crowd control
   • Position yourself strategically for optimal defense
6. Transport the Brain
   • After the lockdown, pick up the brain canister
   • Take it to Machina Astralis
   • Place it in the rusted Perfusion Machine on the west wall
7. Connect to Network
   • Interact with the machine to connect the brain
   • A monitor will display five book titles – note these down!
   • You’ll need these for the next puzzle

Pro Strategy: Before starting the brain transfer, clear the area of zombies and set up traps or defensive positions. The lockdown can be intense, especially in later rounds!

Step 5: Solve the Books and Statues Puzzle

This puzzle tests your memory and attention to detail. You’ll need to locate specific books in the Archive of Orbis based on the titles displayed earlier.

What You’ll Need:

• The five book titles from the brain monitor
• Knowledge of the Archive of Orbis layout

Detailed Steps:

1. Review Your Book List
   • The monitor displayed five titles (example: “Ash and Bones,” “The Unknowable Void,” etc.)
   • Take a screenshot or write them down exactly
2. Navigate to Archive of Orbis
   • Head to the Archive of Orbis area
   • Familiarize yourself with the three main walls of bookshelves
3. Locate Your Books
   • Interact with bookshelves to find your specific titles
   • Note which wall each book is located on
   • Example: If “Ash and Bones” and “The Unknowable Void” are on the same wall, that’s two books for one wall
4. Interact with the Busts
   • Each wall has a bust at the end
   • Interact with each bust the number of times corresponding to books on that wall
   • Example: 2 books = interact twice, 1 book = interact once
5. Complete the Sequence
   • Work quickly – this step is timed!
   • You’ll hear a voice line when done correctly
   • A trapdoor will open in the west wall
6. Collect Planet Neptune
   • Climb the ladder that appears
   • Interact with the Planet Neptune model
   • Take it to the planetarium in Machina Astralis

Time-Saving Tip: Before interacting with the busts, quickly count how many books are on each wall and plan your interaction sequence. This minimizes mistakes and saves precious time!

Step 6: Align the Planets in the Planetarium

With Neptune secured, it’s time to solve the planetary alignment puzzle. This step requires careful observation and precise shooting.

What You’ll Need:

• Planet Neptune model
• Knowledge of compass directions
• Good aim for shooting planets

Detailed Steps:

1. Place Neptune
   • Go to Machina Astralis upper level
   • Find the empty planetarium slot
   • Place Neptune in the empty spot
2. Find the Three Papers
   • Paper 1: On a desk in Machina Astralis main room (facing south)
   • Paper 2: On a desk in Archive of Orbis center
   • Paper 3: On a coffee table in Luminarium (facing northwest)
   • Each paper shows a planet and a direction (NW, SE, etc.)
3. Note Planet Directions
   • Write down each planet and its corresponding direction
   • Example: “Jupiter – NW”, “Saturn – SE”, “Mars – NE”
4. Align the Planets
   • Stand under the sun in the planetarium
   • Use the compass directions on the globe light as reference
   • Shoot each planet to face the direction noted on your papers
   • Pro Tip: Use the LGM-1 Wonder Weapon for precise aiming
5. Trigger the Portal
   • Once all planets are correctly aligned, interact with the brain machine
   • This starts a 2-minute lockdown
   • Defend the portal from O.S.C.A.R.’s drone attacks
6. Portal to Mars
   • Successfully defending the portal transports you to Mars
   • Get ready for the next phase of the Easter Egg!

Critical Strategy: During the portal defense phase, prioritize shooting O.S.C.A.R.’s drones over regular zombies. The drones can quickly destroy the portal if left unchecked!

Step 7: Mars Pylons and the Ascendant Eye

Welcome to Mars! This section is visually stunning but requires precision and quick thinking. You’ll need to activate pylons and capture the Ascendant Eye.

What You’ll Need:

• LGM-1 Wonder Weapon
• Quick reflexes
• Good spatial awareness

Detailed Steps:

1. Initial Setup on Mars
   • Pick up the brain canister in the central area
   • Take it to the machine near where you spawned
   • Place it to trigger dialogue about ethereal chimes
2. Locate the Pylons
   • Go to the southeast corner and look through the hole
   • You’ll see four pylons with the Ascendant Eye flying nearby
   • Listen for the chime to identify active pylons
3. Shoot the Pylons
   • Shoot the pylons in this specific order:
     • Back right pylon
     • Back left pylon
     • Front right pylon
     • Front left pylon
   • The Ascendant Eye will move closer with each successful shot
4. Capture the Ascendant Eye
   • Shoot the metallic obelisk above the spawn portal
   • Keep shooting to maintain anti-gravity effect
   • When the Eye flies low enough, jump and grab it
5. Place the Ascendant Eye
   • Take the Eye to the golden pillar in the south corner
   • Place it to activate the next phase
   • New pillars will appear around Mars
6. Return to Astra Malorum
   • Head back to the Observatory Dome
   • Interact with the device right of the piano
   • Note the four symbols displayed (one will be missing/soundwave)

Pro Tip: The pylon shooting sequence is time-sensitive. Practice your aim and be ready to shoot quickly once you identify the correct order!

Step 8: Harmonize the Pillars and Summon Caltheris

This is the final puzzle before the boss fight. You’ll need to match symbols and activate pillars in the correct sequence.

What You’ll Need:

• LGM-1 Wonder Weapon
• The four symbols from the Observatory Dome
• Speed and precision

Detailed Steps:

1. Return to Mars
   • Go back to the Mars area
   • Locate the five pillars with symbols
   • Each pillar has a unique symbol on its surface
2. Activate the Pillars
   • Shoot the top of each pillar with the LGM-1
   • This activates the pillars and prepares them for interaction
   • The symbols will glow when properly activated
3. Match the Symbols
   • Interact with the pillars in the exact order shown at the Observatory Dome
   • Remember: one symbol was represented as a soundwave – use the odd one out
   • Critical: This is timed – you must work quickly!
4. Complete the Sequence
   • Successfully matching all symbols causes pillars to glow blue
   • Each pillar must turn blue to proceed
   • If you mess up, wait for the next round to try again
5. Summon the Boss
   • Once all pillars are blue, interact with the brain canister
   • This triggers the final boss fight against Caltheris
   • Make sure you’re fully prepared before starting!

Boss Preparation Checklist:

• Max ammo and armor
• Best available weapons (LGM-1 + Pack-a-Punched weapon)
• All desired perks (Jugger-Nog essential!)
• Gobblegums equipped
• Team positioned strategically

Step 9: Defeat Caltheris – The Final Boss Fight

Caltheris is a multi-phase boss that will test all your skills. Each phase requires different strategies, so stay alert and adapt quickly.

Phase 1: Sky Caltheris

Objective: Power up lasers by killing zombies Duration: 3 laser charges needed

1. Avoid Sky Attacks
   • Caltheris appears as a giant skull in the sky
   • Your weapons do no direct damage
   • Focus on avoiding laser attacks
2. Kill Zombies for Power
   • Each zombie killed contributes to the generators
   • Focus on killing zombies quickly and efficiently
   • Use area-effect weapons for maximum efficiency
3. Activate Lasers
   • Once generators are powered, interact with the brain
   • Activate lasers one at a time initially
   • Third activation requires both lasers simultaneously
   • Pro Tip: Coordinate with team members for simultaneous activation

Phase 2: Rock Golem Caltheris

Objective: Break armor and attack weak points Duration: Until armor destroyed

1. Identify Weak Points
   • Caltheris now appears as a rock monster
   • Look for glowing blue weak spots
   • These are your primary targets
2. Break the Armor Field
   • Focus fire on the armor field first
   • Use high-damage weapons like the LGM-1
   • Team coordination is key for quick armor destruction
3. Attack Weak Spots
   • Once armor is down, target the blue glowing areas
   • Maintain distance while attacking
   • Use hit-and-run tactics to avoid damage

Phase 3: Caltheris Ascendant

Objective: Survive enhanced attacks and damage the boss Duration: Until phase transition

1. Enhanced Awareness
   • Caltheris is larger and more aggressive
   • Rock throwing attacks become more frequent
   • Movement patterns become less predictable
2. Maintain Distance
   • Use the arena space to your advantage
   • Keep moving to avoid rock throws
   • Focus on weak spots when exposed
3. Team Coordination
   • If playing co-op, spread out to divide attention
   • Call out weak spot locations
   • Save special weapons for critical moments

Phase 4: Caltheris the Needle

Objective: Final confrontation and victory Duration: Until boss defeat

1. Survive Gas Attacks
   • Caltheris creates damaging gas clouds
   • Move to smaller platforms to avoid gas
   • Gas limits movement, so plan your positioning carefully
2. Final Damage Phase
   • Break remaining armor quickly
   • Focus all fire on weak spots
   • Use all remaining resources and special weapons
3. Victory Conditions
   • Once Caltheris is defeated, the cutscene triggers
   • Easter Egg is complete!
   • Enjoy your rewards and bragging rights

Boss Fight Strategy Summary:

• Solo Players: Focus on mobility and survival
• Co-op Teams: Divide responsibilities and coordinate attacks
• Weapons: LGM-1 Wonder Weapon + Pack-a-Punched weapon of choice
• Perks: Jugger-Nog, Speed Cola, Double Tap, Stamin-Up
• Gobblegums: Use offensive and defensive gums strategically

Post-Easter Egg Content

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Astra Malorum main Easter Egg. But the fun doesn’t stop there!

What You’ve Unlocked:

• Easter Egg Completion: Bragging rights and completion stats
• Cursed Relics: New hunting opportunities become available
• Wonder Weapon Mastery: Full access to LGM-1 upgrades
• Cosmetic Rewards: Exclusive skins and calling cards

Additional Activities:

• Speed Running: Try to complete the Easter Egg faster
• Solo Challenges: Complete without perks or specific weapons
• Cursed Relic Hunting: Collect all available relics
• High Round Strategies: Push for higher rounds with your new knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Astra Malorum Easter Egg take to complete?

The Easter Egg typically takes 2-3 hours for first-time players, but experienced players can complete it in 60-90 minutes. Solo play generally takes longer than co-op.

Can you complete the Astra Malorum Easter Egg solo?

Yes! While challenging, the Easter Egg is fully completable solo. The main differences are increased difficulty in boss fights and more careful resource management.

What’s the minimum round requirement for the Easter Egg?

You can technically start the Easter Egg as early as round 1, but O.S.C.A.R. typically spawns around round 10-12, making that the practical starting point.

Do you need specific perks to complete the Easter Egg?

While not strictly required, Jugger-Nog is highly recommended for survival during boss fights. Other helpful perks include Speed Cola, Double Tap, and Stamin-Up.

What happens if you fail a step?

Most steps can be retried in the next round. However, some timed sequences (like the book puzzle) may require waiting for the next opportunity.

Can you do the Easter Egg with random players?

Yes, but communication is key. Use voice chat or clear text communication to coordinate steps, especially during puzzles and boss fights.

What’s the best loadout for the Easter Egg?

The ideal loadout includes the LGM-1 Wonder Weapon, a Pack-a-Punched weapon of choice (Ray Gun or D.I.E. Shockwave work well), and appropriate perks for your playstyle.

Are there any shortcuts or skips in the Easter Egg?

Currently, there are no known major skips that bypass significant portions of the Easter Egg. All steps must be completed in order for proper completion.

Pro Tips for Easter Egg Success

Before You Start:

• Communicate: If playing co-op, establish clear communication channels
• Resource Management: Save Essence for crucial doors and weapons
• Perk Strategy: Plan your perk purchases based on your role in the team

During the Easter Egg:

• Take Screenshots: Capture important codes, symbols, and book titles
• Stay Calm: Timed sections can be stressful – breathe and focus
• Learn from Mistakes: Each attempt teaches you something new

Boss Fight Specific:

• Phase Awareness: Know what to expect in each boss phase
• Resource Conservation: Save special weapons for critical moments
• Positioning: Use the arena layout to your advantage

General Strategies:

• Map Knowledge: Learn the layout thoroughly before attempting
• Weapon Mastery: Practice with the LGM-1 before the boss fight
• Team Coordination: Assign roles based on player strengths

Final Thoughts

The Astra Malorum Easter Egg is one of the most complex and rewarding experiences in Black Ops 7 Zombies. From the intricate puzzles to the challenging boss fight, every step tests your skills, patience, and teamwork. Remember that practice makes perfect – don’t get discouraged if you don’t complete it on your first try.

Bookmark this guide for quick reference during your Easter Egg runs, and check back regularly for updates and new strategies as the community discovers more optimal routes and techniques.

Have you completed the Astra Malorum Easter Egg? Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our other Black Ops 7 guides for more Zombies content!

Happy hunting, and may your Easter Egg runs be successful! 🎮🧟‍♂️

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