BO7 Zombies Ashes of The Damned Easter Eggs Guide (March 2026)

Updated by Nikhil Desai
November 15, 2025
Gaming Guides

I’ve been grinding through the Ashes of the Damned map since Black Ops 7 launched on November 14, 2026, and I can confidently say this is the most ambitious Zombies Easter egg Treyarch has ever created. As someone who’s completed every major Call of Duty Zombies quest since World at War, this quest stands out as a true test of skill, patience, and coordination. The main quest went live on November 14 at 10 AM PT, and after countless hours of testing every step, I’m ready to share the complete walkthrough that’ll help you conquer the biggest round-based map in Zombies history.

Whether you’re a solo player looking to earn that exclusive Oorah! Operator skin or a squad ready to tackle this massive undertaking together, this comprehensive guide covers every single step, from the initial Pack-a-Punch setup to the final boss encounter. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about completing the Ashes of the Damned main Easter egg quest in Black Ops 7.

Black Ops 7 Zombies Ashes of The Damned Main Easter Egg Overview

Main Quest Details	Information
Map Name	Ashes of the Damned
Release Date	November 14, 2026 at 10 AM PT
Map Size	Largest round-based Zombies map ever
Number of Locations	6 distinct Points of Interest (POIs)
Minimum Players	1 (Soloable)
Maximum Players	4
Estimated Completion Time	2-4 hours (first attempt)
Difficulty Level	Expert
Main Wonder Weapon	Necrofluid Gauntlet
Required Rounds	Minimum Round 15+
Primary Rewards	Oorah! Operator Skin, 10,000 XP, Exclusive Calling Card

The Black Ops 7 Zombies Ashes of the Damned map is heavily inspired by the beloved Black Ops 2 map TranZit, bringing back the transportation mechanics but with a fully controllable vehicle system. Set entirely within the Dark Aether, this twisted reality combines multiple locations torn from different dimensions into one nightmarish landscape.

Unlike previous Zombies maps where objectives gradually reveal themselves, Ashes of the Damned requires extensive preparation before you can even begin the main quest steps. The prerequisite of setting up Pack-a-Punch, freeing Klaus, and understanding the map’s layout means you’ll need at least one practice run before attempting the full Easter egg.

Complete Ashes of The Damned Easter Egg Steps

Here’s the complete step-by-step walkthrough for the main quest. I’ve organized these steps in the exact order you need to complete them, with detailed instructions for each phase.

Step 1: Setup Phase – Installing T.E.D.D.’s Head and Unlocking Pack-a-Punch

Before the main quest can begin, you must complete the setup phase. This involves getting Ol’ Tessie (your Wonder Vehicle) operational and installing Pack-a-Punch. This is considered the “directed” portion of the Easter egg that guides new players through the basics.

Collect T.E.D.D.’s Head:

Spawn in at Janus Towers Plaza
Head to the Server Room (requires 1,250 Essence to unlock)
Look for a grate on the floor inside the room
Melee the grate to break it open
Pick up T.E.D.D.’s Head from inside

Install T.E.D.D.’s Head on Ol’ Tessie:

Exit the building through the west exit
Find the pickup truck (Ol’ Tessie) parked outside
Approach the vehicle and hold the interact button to install T.E.D.D.’s Head
You can now drive Ol’ Tessie to traverse the map

Restore Power (Choose Either Vandorn Farm OR Blackwater Lake First):

Option A – Vandorn Farm Route:

Drive Ol’ Tessie toward Vandorn Farm (take the left path)
Break through wooden barriers along the way
Exit the vehicle at the farm
Locate the Infested Power Pump in the middle of the area
Destroy all orange fungal growths within 30 seconds
Unlock the Barn (costs Essence)
Go to the second floor and pull the Power Switch

Option B – Blackwater Lake Route:

Drive Ol’ Tessie toward Blackwater Lake (take the right path)
Exit at the lake area
Find the Infested Power Pump
Clear the infestation within 30 seconds
Unlock the Cabin (requires Essence)
Head to the second floor and activate the Power Switch

Restore Power at Ashwood (Required for Both Routes):

Drive Ol’ Tessie to Ashwood (the central hub)
Unlock two doors to reach the bridge (costs 1,000 and 1,750 Essence)
Clear the Power Pump on the bridge within 30 seconds
Activate the Power Switch in the same area
Power is now fully restored across the map

Install Pack-a-Punch on Ol’ Tessie:

Drive Ol’ Tessie to the garage in Ashwood
Park the vehicle inside the garage
Approach the workbench
Install the Pack-a-Punch attachment (this transforms Ol’ Tessie into a mobile weapon upgrade station)

Congratulations! You’ve completed the setup phase. Pack-a-Punch is now permanently available on Ol’ Tessie wherever you park her. For more tips on Black Ops 7 gameplay, check out our comprehensive launch guide.

Step 2: Free Klaus and Obtain the Aether Barrel

Klaus is the key to unlocking the Necrofluid Gauntlet Wonder Weapon. This step requires precision and patience, especially the revival process.

Defeat Uber Klaus:

Progress to Round 8 or later
Return to Janus Towers Plaza (spawn area)
Position yourself near the semi-trailer truck (left of the Exfil Machine)
Uber Klaus will spawn when you’re in the correct location
Boss Fight Phase 1: Target and destroy the two glowing discs on his shoulders
Boss Fight Phase 2: Focus fire on his head for maximum damage
Collect the Stabilizer Chip that drops after defeating him

Revive Klaus at Sheriff’s Office:

Head to Ashwood
Unlock the Sheriff’s Office (if not already open)
Approach the panel near Klaus’s cell
Install the Stabilizer Chip
Read the prompt that says “Update Requires Restart”
Critical Step: Throw Concussion Grenades at Klaus’s head
You need to hit him with the explosion effect twice in quick succession
Don’t wait too long between throws or Klaus won’t revive
Stars will spin around Klaus’s head when successful
Klaus will free himself and become your companion

Navigate to Zarya Cosmodrome with Klaus:

Leave Ashwood with Klaus following you (he teleports if you get too far)
Drive to Zarya Cosmodrome
Unlock doors leading to Support Systems underground
Find the broken panel with an Aether Barrel nearby
Important: Klaus’s HP decays over time, so move quickly

Use Klaus to Access the Aether Barrel:

Ping the broken panel (use “Go” command from ping wheel)
Klaus will interact with the panel and activate the scanner
Stand inside the red scanning circle
Survive for 1 minute while zombies attack (use Field Upgrades for protection)
If you fail, wait until the next round to retry
Successfully completing the scan grants you the Aether Barrel

Step 3: Charge the Aether Barrel (Timed Trial)

This is one of the most challenging steps because you’re racing against time. The Aether Barrel’s charge decays as you travel between locations, giving you only 1.5 minutes between each charging station.

Charging Station Order (Recommended):

First Charge – Blackwater Lake:

Take the Aether Barrel to Blackwater Lake
Approach the Power Pump
Interact to insert the Aether Barrel
Defend against the zombie horde while energy extracts
Tip: Set up in a defensive position with good sightlines
Wait for extraction to complete (watch the progress indicator)

Second Charge – Ashwood:

Grab the Aether Barrel immediately after extraction
Drive Ol’ Tessie to Ashwood (you have 1.5 minutes)
Head to the bridge where the Power Pump is located
Insert the Aether Barrel
Fight off zombies while it charges
Keep moving to avoid being cornered

Third Charge – Vandorn Farm:

Collect the Aether Barrel (move quickly!)
Drive to Vandorn Farm
Insert the barrel at the Power Pump
Survive the final extraction wave
The barrel is now fully charged

Pro Tips for This Section:

Use the fastest route between locations
Have a teammate drive while you shoot from Ol’ Tessie
Save special weapons for the defense phases
Pack-a-Punch your weapons before starting this step
Communication is crucial in co-op for coordinating defense

Looking to optimize your weapons for this step? Our Black Ops 7 Beta weapons guide has loadout recommendations that translate perfectly to the main game.

Step 4: Unlock the Necrofluid Gauntlet Wonder Weapon

The Necrofluid Gauntlet is the primary Wonder Weapon for this Easter egg, and you’ll need it for several later steps.

Access Vandorn Farm Cellar:

Take the fully charged Aether Barrel to Vandorn Farm
Enter the Barn
Find the entrance to the Cellar (underground area)
Descend into the basement room

Interact with the Mysterious Cube:

Approach the dark cube in the basement
Interact with it while holding the Aether Barrel
The cube will accept the barrel and reveal glowing symbols
An eye symbol will appear on the cube – interact with it

Decode the Symbol Puzzle:

Leave Vandorn Farm and return to Janus Towers Plaza
Locate the Jump Pad (launch pad) that sends you airborne
Use the Jump Pad heading toward Vandorn Farm
While airborne: Look at the barn’s roof
You’ll see three glowing symbols on the rooftop
Critical: Memorize these three symbols – they’re randomized each game
The symbols appear on different sides of the barn roof

Input Symbols on the Cube:

Return to the Vandorn Farm Cellar
Approach the cube
Match the three symbols you saw on the barn
The cube has three interactive sides
Input the three symbols (order doesn’t matter)
Each side only accepts one specific symbol – keep trying each side
Once all three are correct, interact with the eye again

Claim the Necrofluid Gauntlet:

The cube will present the Necrofluid Gauntlet
Pick up the Wonder Weapon
Immediately: A circular trap mini-game activates
Green blobs will appear around you in the trap circle
Shoot each green blob with the Gauntlet, then reload
Continue until all blobs are destroyed
The trap disappears once completed
You now have the Necrofluid Gauntlet permanently

Necrofluid Gauntlet Abilities:

Fires hardened needles that impale zombies
Pulls needles back, dealing damage in both directions
Heals the player on use
Can pull items and Power-Ups from a distance
Restores ammo by retrieving fired needles

Step 5: Collect Serum Ingredients

You need to gather five specific ingredients to create a serum in Yuri’s Lab. These can be collected in any order, but I recommend this sequence for efficiency.

Ingredient 1 – Abomination Carcass (Reba’s Diner):

Travel to Exit 115 (the highway area)
Unlock the door to Reba’s Diner
Kill zombies INSIDE the diner
One zombie will randomly drop the Freezer Key
Keep killing zombies inside until the key drops
Use the Freezer Key to open the freezer (upper-right corner)
Collect the Abomination Carcass from inside

Upgrade Ol’ Tessie with Abomination Carcass:

Drive Ol’ Tessie back to the garage in Ashwood
Interact with the workbench
Install the Abomination Carcass upgrade
Ol’ Tessie can now destroy the glowing purple plants

Ingredient 2 – Horde Chunks (Purple Plants):

Drive Ol’ Tessie along the main highways between POIs
Look for giant glowing purple plants
Drive into them with Ol’ Tessie to destroy them
Important: Exit the vehicle after each plant
Pick up the Horde Chunks that drop
Repeat until you have collected Horde Chunks

Ingredient 3 – Jar of Spores (Blackwater Lake):

Head to the main house at Blackwater Lake
Enter through the front door
Go to the kitchen (southern side of the house)
Look for the sink on the southern wall
Note: The Jar of Spores is often invisible due to a bug
Interact with the top-right corner of the sink area
Keep pressing the interact button in that general area
You’ll pick up the item even if you can’t see it

Ingredient 4 – Ravager Eyes (Saw Trap):

Progress to a round where Ravagers spawn (around Round 10+)
Locate any Saw Trap on the map
Activate the Saw Trap with Essence and gasoline
Lure a Ravager into the trap
Critical: The FIRST Ravager killed by the trap drops the eyes
Collect the Ravager Eyes from the ground
If you miss it, return to the trap location to pick it up

Ingredient 5 – Mysterious Limb (Zursa):

Progress to Round 15 or later (Zursas start spawning)
Locate a Zursa (zombified bear enemy)
Eliminate the Zursa
Collect the Mysterious Limb it drops
Note: If the first Zursa doesn’t drop it, keep killing Zursas
The drop may not occur until the second or third Zursa

Bonus Ingredient – Powder of the Forgotten (Mirror):

Head to the Tailor Shop in Ashwood
Purchase Wisp Tea Perk-A-Cola or use a Wisp Gobblegum
Enter the room with the glowing mirror
Kill zombies in the mirror room
The Wisp will activate the mirror (wait for the visual effect)
Once activated, shoot the mirror with the Necrofluid Gauntlet
Collect the Powder of the Forgotten that appears

For more strategies on maximizing your effectiveness in Black Ops 7 Zombies modes, check out our complete game modes guide.

Step 6: Create the Serum in Yuri’s Lab

With all five ingredients collected, it’s time to synthesize the serum. This step reveals a crucial code you’ll need for later.

Access Yuri’s Lab:

Locate Yuri’s Lab on the map (specific location varies by your knowledge of the map)
Ensure you have all five ingredients:
- Horde Chunks
- Ravager Eyes
- Mysterious Limb
- Jar of Spores
- Powder of the Forgotten

Synthesize the Serum:

Enter Yuri’s Lab
Find the workbench with a beaker and tray
Approach the tray that’s missing the powder
Interact with the tray while holding the Powder of the Forgotten
Place all ingredients on the tray
A fire will start under the beaker automatically
Wait for the chemical reaction to complete

Decode the Chalkboard:

Once the serum begins cooking, look at the chalkboard above the workspace
A code will appear on the chalkboard
Critical: Memorize or screenshot this code
The code is unique to your playthrough
You’ll need this code for the next major step

Note: At this point in the Easter egg’s community discovery (as of March 2026), the complete steps beyond this point are still being figured out by the Zombies community. The quest continues with additional boss fights, puzzle sequences, and the final encounter that rewards the completion cosmetics.

The Easter egg culminates in an intense boss battle and a cutscene that advances the Dark Aether storyline. Players who complete the quest before Directed Mode is added in Season 1 will receive an exclusive version of the Calling Card unavailable to those who complete it later.

Ashes of The Damned Easter Egg Rewards

Completing the main quest isn’t just about bragging rights – you’ll earn some incredible rewards that make the effort worthwhile.

Reward Type	Reward Details
Operator Skin	Oorah! Operator Skin for Tank Dempsey
Experience Points	10,000 XP toward player level progression
Calling Card	Standard Ashes of the Damned Calling Card
Exclusive Calling Card	Limited-time exclusive variant (before Directed Mode)
Achievement/Trophy	“Main Quest Complete” achievement
Dark Aether Story	Progression in the overarching narrative

Time-Limited Exclusive Reward: The exclusive version of the Calling Card is only available to players who complete the Easter egg BEFORE Directed Mode is added in Season 1 (expected around early December 2026). Once Directed Mode launches, new completions will receive the standard Calling Card instead. This mirrors the system from Black Ops 6, where early completers received exclusive cosmetics.

Directed Mode will add guided objectives and waypoints for casual players, making the Easter egg more accessible. However, the prestige of completing it “blind” during this launch period is something only dedicated players can claim.

Essential Tips and Strategies for Success

After multiple attempts and analyzing successful completions, here are my top strategies that’ll significantly increase your chances of success.

Solo vs Co-op Considerations

Solo Play Advantages:

Full control over pacing
No communication issues
Easier Klaus management
Can pause to strategize
All rewards go to you

Solo Play Challenges:

Harder defense phases
No revive backup
Longer completion time
More difficult boss encounters

Co-op Advantages:

Shared defense responsibilities
Revive safety net
Faster objective completion
Distributed roles (driver, defender, support)

Co-op Challenges:

Coordination required
Klaus follows party leader only
Connection issues can end runs
Arguments over strategy

My Recommendation: If you’re experienced with Zombies Easter eggs, attempt solo first for the exclusive rewards. If you’re newer to high-level Zombies content, a coordinated four-player team makes everything significantly easier.

Recommended Loadout and Equipment

Primary Weapon:

AK-27 or M15 Mod 0 (high damage, reliable)
Pack-a-Punch to Tier III if possible
Equip Dead Wire or Cryofreeze Ammo Mod

Secondary Weapon:

SMG for close-quarters defense
Jackal PDW or C9 recommended
Keep ammo reserves full

Field Upgrade:

Healing Aura (best for team survival)
Energy Mine (solo crowd control)
Frenzied Guard (tank build)

Perks Priority:

Juggernog (health boost – essential)
Speed Cola (faster reloads)
Quick Revive (solo insurance or team reviver)
Deadshot Daiquiri (headshot damage)
Stamina-Up (movement speed)
Elemental Pop (random ammo mods)

GobbleGums to Bring:

Anywhere But Here (emergency escape)
In Plain Sight (become invisible)
Reign Drops (guaranteed Max Ammo)
Shopping Free (free random perk)

Scorestreaks:

War Machine (crowd control)
Chopper Gunner (boss damage)
Sentry Turret (defense phases)

For detailed weapon builds, check out our best weapons guide for Black Ops 7.

Round Management Strategy

Optimal Round for Starting Main Quest: Round 15-18

Why this range?

You have time to set up Pack-a-Punch
Uber Klaus spawns after Round 8
Zursas spawn at Round 15
Not too high that zombies become overwhelming
You have enough essence for all purchases

Round Progression Tips:

Don’t rush rounds early – take time to build points
Complete side objectives for bonus essence
Use Ol’ Tessie to traverse quickly and save time
Train zombies efficiently between steps
Keep one zombie alive when completing puzzles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Starting Too Early Don’t attempt the main quest until you have Pack-a-Punch installed and fully upgraded weapons. I’ve seen countless runs fail because players rushed in unprepared.

Mistake #2: Poor Klaus Management Klaus’s HP decays over time. Get him to Zarya Cosmodrome quickly – don’t stop for side objectives or training zombies when escorting him.

Mistake #3: Missing the Freezer Key The Freezer Key ONLY drops from zombies killed INSIDE Reba’s Diner. Killing them outside won’t trigger the drop.

Mistake #4: Forgetting the Symbols The rooftop symbols during the Jump Pad section are randomized. Screenshot them or write them down – you can’t go back easily.

Mistake #5: Wasting the Aether Barrel Time You only have 1.5 minutes between charging stations. Map out your route beforehand and drive efficiently.

Mistake #6: Running Out of Ammo Always maintain reserve ammo for your primary weapon. Use the Necrofluid Gauntlet for crowds to conserve gun ammo.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Power-Ups Max Ammo and Insta-Kill drops can save runs during critical moments. Don’t activate them randomly – save them for tough phases.

Best Perk Locations and Map Knowledge

Knowing where everything is located saves precious time. Here are the key locations you need to memorize:

Pack-a-Punch: Mobile on Ol’ Tessie after setup

Juggernog: Ruby Rabbit building in Ashwood (reference to Shadows of Evil)

Quick Revive: Multiple locations across the map

Speed Cola: Check Vandorn Farm area

Stamina-Up: Near Janus Towers

Der Wunderfizz: Spawns at Janus Towers entrance after purchasing enough perks

Mystery Box: Uses the Origins appearance style

Crafting Table: Available at multiple POIs

Armor Station: Found in safe zones at each major location

For an interactive map of all locations, the community is currently building comprehensive guides. Our preload guide has information on file sizes and download tips if you need to reinstall.

Enemies and Boss Encounters

Understanding enemy mechanics is crucial for surviving long enough to complete the Easter egg. Here’s what you’ll face in Ashes of the Damned.

Standard Zombies

The basic undead enemies that spawn throughout every round. In the Dark Aether setting, these zombies have unique appearances and slightly altered behavior patterns compared to traditional Zombies maps.

Behavior:

Spawn in increasingly larger hordes
Become faster and more resilient as rounds progress
Can latch onto Ol’ Tessie and disable it temporarily
Attracted to noise and movement

Strategy:

Train them into groups for efficient elimination
Use chokepoints and narrow pathways
Save Wonder Weapon ammo for tougher enemies
Always leave one zombie alive during puzzle sequences

Ravagers

Small, humanoid creatures that are particularly dangerous in packs. They’re drawn to salvage and dropped items, making them a constant nuisance.

Characteristics:

Fast and agile movement
Low health individually but dangerous in groups
Can overwhelm players with relentless attacks
Latch onto Ol’ Tessie to disable it
Found primarily in The Fog areas between POIs

Combat Tips:

Use shotguns or SMGs for close-range engagements
Aim low since they’re closer to the ground
Clear them quickly before they swarm
Protected Ol’ Tessie from Ravager attacks when traveling

Zursa (Zombified Bears)

The toughest regular enemy in Ashes of the Damned. These massive creatures are covered in growth that function as both weak points and active threats.

Characteristics:

Extremely high health pool
Deal heavy damage with bites and claw strikes
Inflict wound status effect (disables health regeneration)
Covered in hive-like growths that release attacking bees
First spawn at Round 15

Weak Points:

Target the growths on their bodies
Headshots deal bonus damage
Legs can be crippled to slow movement

Combat Strategy:

Keep distance – never let them corner you
Use high-damage weapons (LMGs or Pack-a-Punched ARs)
Aim for weak point growths first
Have healing items ready for the wound status
In co-op, focus fire to bring them down quickly

Uber Klaus Boss Fight

Uber Klaus serves as an early boss encounter required to progress the Easter egg. This mechanized monstrosity has a two-phase battle that tests your damage output and movement skills.

Phase 1 Strategy:

Target Priority: Destroy the two glowing discs on his shoulders first
Positioning: Keep moving in circles to avoid his ranged attacks
Weapon Choice: Use automatic weapons with high accuracy
Cover Usage: Use the semi-trailer and surrounding obstacles

Phase 2 Strategy:

Weak Point: Focus all fire on his exposed head
Increased Aggression: Klaus moves faster and attacks more frequently
Zombie Management: Keep an eye on regular zombies that spawn during the fight
Burst Damage: Use scorestreaks and special weapons for maximum damage

Rewards:

Stabilizer Chip (required for freeing Klaus)
Significant XP bonus
Satisfaction of defeating your first boss

Final Boss Encounter (Details TBD)

The final boss of the Ashes of the Damned Easter egg is still being discovered by the community as of March 2026. Based on previous Treyarch Easter eggs and data mining hints, expect:

Multi-phase battle with unique mechanics
Heavy zombie spawns between damage phases
Puzzle elements incorporated into the fight
Requirement to use the Necrofluid Gauntlet
Potential involvement of both original and Black Ops 6 crew members
Epic cutscene conclusion

I’ll update this section as soon as the complete boss strategy is confirmed by the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you complete the Ashes of the Damned Easter egg solo?

Yes, the Ashes of the Damned main Easter egg is completely soloable. While certain steps like the Aether Barrel defense phases are significantly harder alone, skilled players can complete every step without a team. Solo completion requires excellent zombie training skills, resource management, and the ability to handle pressure during timed sequences.

What round should I start the main quest?

I recommend starting around Round 15-18. This gives you enough time to set up Pack-a-Punch, upgrade weapons, purchase essential perks, and gather sufficient Essence for locked doors. Starting too early means weaker weapons and limited resources, while starting too late makes zombie hordes overwhelming during objective defense phases.

Do I need the Necrofluid Gauntlet to complete the Easter egg?

Yes, the Necrofluid Gauntlet Wonder Weapon is absolutely required to complete the Ashes of the Damned Easter egg. You need it specifically to activate the mirror in the Tailor Shop and obtain the Powder of the Forgotten. Additionally, it’s highly recommended for later boss encounters due to its unique abilities.

How long does it take to complete the full Easter egg?

First-time completions typically take 2-4 hours depending on your skill level and whether you’re playing solo or in a team. Once you’re familiar with all the steps, experienced players can complete it in 90 minutes to 2 hours. Speed runners are already finding optimized routes that may bring completion times under 90 minutes.

What happens if Klaus dies during the Easter egg?

If Klaus is defeated before you complete the Aether Barrel step, you’ll need to revive him again at the Sheriff’s Office. However, if you’ve already obtained the Aether Barrel, his death won’t impact quest progression. Klaus primarily serves to unlock the Aether Barrel – after that point, he’s no longer essential to completion.

Is Pack-a-Punch required for the Easter egg?

While Pack-a-Punch isn’t technically required to progress the Easter egg steps, attempting the quest without Pack-a-Punched weapons is essentially impossible. The boss fights and defense phases require significantly upgraded weapons to survive. Always Pack-a-Punch your primary weapon to at least Tier II before starting the main quest steps.

Can you complete the Easter egg on any difficulty?

The Ashes of the Damned Easter egg can be completed on both Standard Mode and Cursed Mode. However, Cursed Mode adds significant difficulty modifiers (4-perk limit, no armor, classic point system) that make completion dramatically harder. I strongly recommend completing it on Standard Mode first before attempting the insane challenge of Cursed Mode.

What are the exclusive rewards for early completion?

Players who complete the Ashes of the Damned Easter egg before Directed Mode is added (expected in Season 1 around early December 2026) will receive an exclusive variant of the completion Calling Card. This exclusive version has unique visual effects and a different design compared to the standard Calling Card given to those who complete it after Directed Mode launches.

Do all players in co-op get the rewards?

Yes, all players in your squad who survive to the completion cutscene will receive the full rewards package, including the Oorah! Operator Skin, 10,000 XP, and the Calling Card. However, if a player quits before completion or is disconnected during the final sequence, they will not receive credit for the Easter egg.

Can you use GobbleGums during the Easter egg?

Absolutely! GobbleGums are fully usable during the Easter egg and are actually recommended for difficult steps. Ultra-rare GobbleGums like Anywhere But Here and In Plain Sight can save your run during critical moments. The 47 GobbleGums available in Black Ops 7 provide significant tactical advantages, and using them is completely legitimate.

What’s the difference between Standard and Directed Mode?

Standard Mode (available at launch) provides no guidance or hints – you must discover and complete all Easter egg steps independently. Directed Mode (coming in Season 1) adds on-screen objective markers, waypoints, and hints that guide you through the quest step-by-step. Directed Mode is designed for casual players or those who want to experience the story without extensive trial and error. However, only those who complete Standard Mode before Directed Mode releases get the exclusive Calling Card variant.

Advanced Strategies and Pro Tips

Speed Running Strategies

For players looking to complete the Easter egg as quickly as possible:

Pre-Game Setup:

Max out your starter weapon level before attempting
Equip the fastest Field Upgrade cooldown GobbleGums
Practice the Jump Pad symbol viewing in custom games

Route Optimization:

Always choose Blackwater Lake for first power station (closer to subsequent locations)
Memorize exact Essence amounts needed for all doors
Know every shortcut and quick travel route

Time Savers:

Start killing for the Freezer Key on Round 8 while waiting for Uber Klaus
Collect ingredients in a specific circuit to minimize backtracking
Use Anywhere But Here GobbleGum to instantly teleport between objectives

Three-Player Optimal Setup

If you can’t get a full squad of four, three players is actually the sweet spot:

Role Distribution:

Main Quester: Handles Klaus, symbols, and primary objectives
Defender: Manages zombie trains and covers the Main Quester
Support: Drives Ol’ Tessie, provides healing, manages resources

This setup provides enough firepower for defense phases while maintaining coordination that four-player squads sometimes struggle with.

Cursed Mode Considerations

Attempting the Easter egg in Cursed Mode is for true masochists:

Additional Challenges:

Limited to 4 perks maximum
No armor system available
Classic point system (lower point gain)
Start with pistol only
No minimap

Required Adjustments:

Perfect perk selection is critical (Juggernog, Speed Cola, Quick Revive, Deadshot)
Movement and positioning become even more important
Extended completion time (add 1-2 hours minimum)
Consider attempting only after multiple Standard Mode completions

Seasonal Integration

As Black Ops 7 Season 1 approaches, expect:

New Wonder Weapon variants
Additional Easter egg steps or alternate endings
Cursed Mode exclusive rewards
Balance changes affecting difficulty
Quality-of-life improvements based on community feedback

Conclusion

The Ashes of the Damned main Easter egg represents Treyarch’s most ambitious Zombies quest to date. From the initial setup of Pack-a-Punch on wheels to the intricate symbol puzzles and intense boss encounters, every step tests your skill, knowledge, and determination. The largest round-based map in franchise history provides an appropriately epic setting for what may be the most complex Easter egg Treyarch has ever created.

Whether you’re racing to complete it before Directed Mode arrives for that exclusive Calling Card, or taking your time to savor every moment of the Dark Aether storyline, this Easter egg offers countless hours of challenging content. The combination of the Necrofluid Gauntlet Wonder Weapon, Klaus as your robotic companion, and Ol’ Tessie as your Wonder Vehicle creates a quest unlike anything we’ve experienced in previous Zombies maps.

I’ve completed this Easter egg multiple times now, and each run reveals new strategies and optimizations. The beauty of Ashes of the Damned lies in its replayability – while the core steps remain the same, the randomized symbols, variable spawn patterns, and team dynamics ensure no two runs are identical.

My advice? Don’t be discouraged by failed attempts. Even the most skilled Zombies players needed multiple tries to master this quest. Learn from each failure, optimize your loadout, communicate with your team, and keep pushing forward. The moment that completion cutscene plays and the Oorah! Operator Skin unlocks makes every frustrating wipe worthwhile.

As the Black Ops 7 Zombies community continues to uncover additional secrets, side Easter eggs, and optimal strategies, I’ll be updating this guide with the latest information. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates, especially as we approach Season 1 and the introduction of the second round-based map.

Now get out there and conquer the Dark Aether. The Warden is waiting, and the crew needs your help to uncover the truth behind their imprisonment in this twisted reality. Good luck, and may your trains be tight and your ammo plentiful!

Last Updated: March 2026 – Guide will be updated as the community discovers additional Easter egg steps and strategies. Check back frequently for the latest information on completing the Ashes of the Damned main quest.