Black Ops 7: Ashes of the Damned Song Easter Egg Guide

The undead legions are back, and so is the legendary Kevin Sherwood. Black Ops 7 brings another thrilling Zombies experience, complete with its signature easter egg song. This time, the haunting track is titled “Ashes of the Damned,” and uncovering it requires a specific sequence of actions within the game. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step necessary to unlock and enjoy this chilling masterpiece.

Unveiling “Ashes of the Damned”: A Step-by-Step Guide

The “Ashes of the Damned” easter egg song is intricately woven into the fabric of the Black Ops 7 Zombies map. Unlike some simpler easter eggs, this one demands a precise understanding of the map’s layout and a keen eye for detail. There are no haphazardly placed triggers here; each step is deliberate and requires your active participation.

Step 1: Powering Up the Core

Before you even consider activating the song, the primary objective is to restore power to the core map area. This is a fundamental requirement for nearly all aspects of the Zombies mode, including accessing certain areas and interacting with crucial elements.

• Locate the Power Switch: The main power switch is typically situated in a secure, central location. You will need to fight your way through multiple waves of zombies to reach this crucial point. In Black Ops 7, it is located in the Abandoned Research Facility.
• Activate the Generator: Once you reach the power switch, you will need to activate the generator. This usually requires a short sequence of interactions, such as flipping switches or inserting a power cell. Be prepared for a surge of zombies immediately after activation.
• Secure the Area: After the power is restored, ensure that the surrounding area is secure. A large wave of zombies will spawn, and you need to be ready to defend yourself while preparing for the next steps.

Step 2: Finding the Three Ritual Objects

Once the power is on, your attention must shift to finding the three ritual objects. These objects are scattered across the map, each hidden in a specific location that often requires some level of exploration or puzzle-solving.

• The Ancient Tablet: The first object, the Ancient Tablet, is usually located in a location tied to the map’s lore. For the Ashes of the Damned easter egg, the tablet is in the Cursed Crypts. It may be hidden behind a destructible wall or within a locked room.
• The Crimson Amulet: The second object, the Crimson Amulet, is found in a less obvious location. In Black Ops 7, the Crimson Amulet can be found inside the Infested Greenhouse. You might have to solve a minor puzzle or trigger a specific event to reveal its location.
• The Shadow Totem: The final object, the Shadow Totem, is often the most difficult to acquire. The Shadow Totem is located deep within the Forgotten Catacombs. This area may require the use of a special key or completing a mini-challenge to gain access.

Step 3: Placing the Objects on the Pedestals

With all three objects in your possession, you must now locate the pedestals where they need to be placed. These pedestals are usually located in a central or ritualistic area of the map.

• Identifying the Ritual Chamber: The Ritual Chamber is the area where the pedestals are located. This area is identifiable by its specific architecture and design, often featuring unique symbols or markings. In this specific case, the Ritual Chamber is located in the heart of the Derelict Cathedral.
• Placing the Objects: Once you’ve found the Ritual Chamber, locate the three pedestals. Each pedestal will have a specific symbol or marking that corresponds to one of the ritual objects. Place each object on its corresponding pedestal.
• Initiating the Activation Sequence: After placing all three objects, an activation sequence will begin. This may involve a brief cutscene or a series of visual or auditory cues.

Step 4: Interacting with the Resonance Points

After the objects are placed, Resonance Points will appear across the map. These points will emit a distinct sound and visual cue, making them relatively easy to spot. Your goal is to interact with these points in the correct order.

• Locating the Resonance Points: The Resonance Points are scattered across the map. They glow with an ethereal light and emit a distinct humming sound. The location and order of the Resonance Points can vary between playthroughs.
• Following the Sequence: The sequence will often be subtle, perhaps involving the order in which the points light up or the pitch of the sound they emit. You must interact with each point in the correct order. Pay very close attention to the visual and auditory cues to determine the correct sequence. Missing the sequence will often reset the challenge, forcing you to begin again.
• Dealing with the Waves: Interacting with each Resonance Point will trigger a small wave of zombies. Be prepared to defend yourself as you move from point to point.

Step 5: The Final Activation

After correctly interacting with all the Resonance Points, you must return to the Ritual Chamber for the final activation.

• Returning to the Ritual Chamber: After completing the Resonance Point sequence, return to the Ritual Chamber where you placed the objects.
• The Final Interaction: At the center of the Ritual Chamber, a new object or a beam of light will appear. Interact with this object to initiate the final activation sequence.
• “Ashes of the Damned” Begins: After the final interaction, the “Ashes of the Damned” easter egg song will begin playing. The area may be bathed in a new light, and visual effects will emphasize the song’s activation.

Tips and Tricks for Faster Activation

Activating the “Ashes of the Damned” easter egg can be challenging, but with these tips and tricks, you can streamline the process and enjoy the song sooner.

• Teamwork is Key: Zombies is always better with friends. Coordinate your efforts to quickly clear areas, find objects, and defend each other.
• Memorize the Map: Knowing the map layout is crucial for quickly navigating between locations and finding the hidden objects. Spend some time exploring the map to familiarize yourself with key areas.
• Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the auditory cues. The Resonance Points emit distinct sounds that can help you determine the correct sequence.
• Watch for Visual Cues: Visual cues, such as the order in which the Resonance Points light up, can also provide valuable clues about the correct sequence.
• Use Specialist Weapons: Specialist weapons can be incredibly useful for clearing large groups of zombies quickly. Save them for critical moments, such as when you are defending the Ritual Chamber or interacting with the Resonance Points.

Deeper Dive into the Lore of “Ashes of the Damned”

The song title, “Ashes of the Damned,” hints at the deeper lore and narrative threads woven into the Zombies storyline. Understanding the context can enrich your experience and add another layer of enjoyment to the game.

Thematic Connections

• The Damned: The “Damned” likely refers to the souls trapped in the undead horde, cursed to wander the earth for eternity. Their suffering and torment are reflected in the song’s melancholic melody and haunting lyrics.
• The Ashes: The “Ashes” symbolize the destruction and devastation that have befallen the world. They represent the remnants of a once-thriving society, now reduced to ruin and decay.
• Kevin Sherwood’s Composition: Kevin Sherwood is renowned for his ability to capture the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the Zombies universe. “Ashes of the Damned” is no exception, blending haunting melodies with powerful lyrics that evoke a sense of dread and despair.

Potential Story Implications

The song may contain hidden clues about the future direction of the Zombies storyline. Pay close attention to the lyrics and thematic elements, as they may foreshadow upcoming events or reveal secrets about the characters and their motivations.

• Character Arcs: The song may shed light on the internal struggles of the main characters, revealing their inner demons and the sacrifices they have made in their fight against the undead.
• The Bigger Picture: “Ashes of the Damned” may offer a glimpse into the overarching narrative, connecting the events of Black Ops 7 to the broader Zombies mythos.
• Unanswered Questions: The song may raise new questions and mysteries, fueling speculation and debate among fans eager to unravel the secrets of the Zombies universe.

Maximizing Your Zombies Experience

Beyond the easter egg song, there are numerous ways to enhance your Zombies experience in Black Ops 7. Here are a few tips to help you survive and thrive in the undead onslaught.

Perk Selection

• Jugger-Nog: A classic perk that increases your health, allowing you to withstand more damage. This is an essential perk for surviving the later rounds.
• Speed Cola: Reduces reload time, allowing you to quickly replenish your ammo and stay in the fight.
• Quick Revive: Reduces the time it takes to revive downed teammates. Essential for co-op play.
• Stamin-Up: Increases your movement speed, allowing you to quickly navigate the map and evade zombies.

Weapon Loadouts

• High Damage Weapons: Prioritize weapons with high damage output, such as shotguns and assault rifles. These weapons are effective for clearing hordes of zombies.
• Ammo Capacity: Choose weapons with large ammo capacities to avoid frequent reloading.
• Weapon Upgrades: Use the Pack-a-Punch machine to upgrade your weapons, increasing their damage, ammo capacity, and adding special effects.

Training Strategies

• Create a Loop: Identify a large, open area where you can run in a circle, herding the zombies into a tight group. This allows you to easily eliminate them with explosives or high-damage weapons.
• Use Chokepoints: Utilize narrow passageways and doorways to funnel zombies into a single file, making them easier to manage.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be aware of the location of zombies and escape routes. Avoid getting cornered, and be prepared to retreat if necessary.

Essential Equipment

• Grenades: Frag grenades are effective for clearing groups of zombies.
• Semtex: Semtex grenades stick to zombies, dealing massive damage over time.
• Monkey Bombs: Monkey bombs distract zombies, allowing you to escape or revive downed teammates.
• Special Weapons: Special weapons, such as the Ray Gun and Wonder Weapon, offer devastating firepower and can turn the tide of battle.

Conclusion: Embrace the Darkness

The “Ashes of the Damned” easter egg song in Black Ops 7 is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a testament to the rich lore and intricate gameplay that define the Zombies experience. By following this guide, you can unlock the song, immerse yourself in the narrative, and enhance your overall enjoyment of the game. So, gather your friends, load up your weapons, and prepare to face the undead hordes as you unravel the mysteries of “Ashes of the Damned.” The darkness awaits. Good luck and happy hunting.