Ashes of the Damned — Essential Tips for New Players (Black Ops 7 Zombies)
This guide gives a complete, practical starter walkthrough for Black Ops 7 — Ashes of the Damned. It’s written to help new players survive the early rounds, unlock map features, obtain reliable weapons and perks, and progress toward late-game systems like Pack-a-Punch and the map’s main Easter egg. Read through the opening sections for a playable early-round routine, then use the mid and late-game sections for focused objectives, loadouts, and boss strategies.
Overview and goals
Ashes of the Damned blends claustrophobic map design with layered progression systems. Your immediate early goals are:
Secure a stable income of points and safe chokepoints.
Open and link the map’s main areas to access Perk machines, wall buys, and useful utility items.
Build toward the Pack-a-Punch and a reliable late-game wonder weapon.
Complete the map’s primary Easter egg and the boss encounter with minimal team wipes.
This guide divides play into practical stages: Early Rounds (1–10), Mid Game (11–25), Late Game (25+), Wonder Weapon and Pack-a-Punch, Map Mechanics & Puzzles, Boss & Easter Egg, Loadouts and Perks, Map Routes and Flow, and Frequently Asked Questions.
Quick-start routine (what to do in rounds 1–5)
Focus on point economy and a reliable pistol or wall-buy weapon. Open one or two nearby doors; avoid overextending.
Use the first few rounds to practice tight kiting runs that funnel zombies into chokepoints where a single player can use a wall weapon to earn points.
Prioritize buying a Perk (if accessible) or an entry-level utility such as a special ammo or grenade that scales into later utility.
Locate the map’s early Pack-a-Punch access item(s) and begin the simple tasks required for unlocking intermediate areas.
Why this works: early rounds are all about accumulating points efficiently and reducing risk. A tight, repeatable circuit with one or two doors opened maximizes points-per-zombie while minimizing exposure to flanking, which is especially dangerous in Ashes of the Damned’s tighter corridors.
Optimal starting path (starter map route)
Spawn area: clear the immediate zone and identify the nearest wall weapon and door cost.
First door: open to the small corridor leading to the first utility bench / wall-buy. This establishes a compact training area.
Second door: open to the café/side room that contains the first perk machine or a key item you’ll need later.
Circuit: set up a clockwise loop that returns you to the spawn via the chokepoint; this loop should pass the wall weapon twice for ammo resupply and the point farm once.
The core idea is consistency: learn one loop well and repeat it until you have enough points for a stronger wall or a Pack-a-Punch progression step. Avoid opening long corridors or multi-entrance rooms too early; they complicate training and expose you to behind-you attacks.
Rounds 6–10: Stabilize and upgrade
Buy two core perks as soon as you can afford them; typical early picks are Juggernaut-type health or Speed-type reload/movement perks depending on playstyle.
Look for the map’s first objective item (for example, a fuse, artifact shard, or key) and complete trivial steps that are often time-gated but low risk.
If you have a teammate, split tasks: one player continues point farming and training while the other hunts for the objective item and opens the next region.
Practical tips: in team play, always communicate who is picking up key items; losing a player with a key during a risky extraction can force a long re-run of progression steps. Solo players should delay nonessential objectives until they have solid perimeter control and at least two perks.
Weapon progression and buys
There are three reliable weapon progression lanes you should consider:
Wall-buy lane: Cheap, consistent—use a high-fire-rate SMG or an assault rifle early for point-making. Replace once you can build toward the wonder weapon or Pack-a-Punch.
Box/Drop lane: Use the Mystery Box when you have spare points and want to chase a wonder weapon or a powerful primary; know when to stop spending if you’re on a losing streak.
Econ buy lane: Buy a mid-tier weapon that balances damage and ammo economy—this often outperforms high-DPS but ammo-hungry guns in sustainability.
Best practice: purchase a wall weapon you’re comfortable with and only gamble on the box when you’ve already got two key perks and access to safe training ground. If you find a good assault rifle or light machine gun early, it can comfortably carry you to Pack-a-Punch if you preserve ammo and pawn off risky box attempts.
Perks priority and ideal combos
The map’s perks come in predictable archetypes. Prioritize these:
Primary defensive perk (e.g., higher health or armor) — buy first for survivability.
Mobility/regen perk (e.g., faster sprint or quicker reload) — second, for kiting efficiency.
Ammo/perk economy (e.g., double-tap style or ammo stash) — third, to preserve money and reduce downtime.
Special utility perk (e.g., revive speed, reduced trap cooldown) — situational but powerful onboard for bosses.
Recommended combos:
Solo: Health + Reload speed + Ammo efficiency. This combination keeps you alive, moving, and firing for longer.
Co-op: Health + Revive/utility + Damage boost. Having one teammate focused on revives and utility while another handles high DPS improves team survival.
Buy order matters less than securing at least two core perks before pursuing late-game upgrades.
Training: choke points and kiting lines
Ashes of the Damned favors training in long but compartmentalized areas. Identify corridors or rooms with a single narrow entry and a long sightline. The ideal training spot has:
One primary entrance for zombies.
A second escape route for repositioning if flanked.
Close proximity to ammo and a perk machine for quick resupply.
Training tips:
Move in tight circles or figure-8 patterns to keep zombies bunched tightly without letting them funnel behind you.
Use single-shot conservation where possible: if an SMG kills with three bursts, rhythm your shots to avoid wasting extra bullets on the crowd.
When the horde grows, use stun grenades, concussion traps, or area-of-effect special weapons to control pace.
How to reach Pack-a-Punch (core steps)
Pack-a-Punch is often gated behind multi-step objectives. The typical pipeline in Ashes of the Damned goes like this:
Power up: find and activate the map’s main power switch or ritual—this unlocks some doors and critical machines.
Collect components: gather 2–4 components scattered across unlocked areas (these may include crystals, faded pages, mechanical parts, or keys).
Assemble/activate: bring components to a central altar or bench and complete a short interaction minigame to link the Pack-a-Punch portal.
Survive the activation: completing the activation often spawns a high-tide wave or elite zombies; clear or kite them to finish the unlock.
Use Pack-a-Punch: once active, bring a weapon to the machine and upgrade—be mindful of the cost and ammo changes.
Notes: some maps require stepping stones—completing a set of side tasks (lighting braziers, placing relics) before the final Pack-a-Punch activation is possible. Work methodically: complete low-risk, high-signal steps first to avoid repetitive backtracking.
Wonder weapon: where and how to get it
The wonder weapon often appears after a short quest chain or as a box drop. Typical acquisition methods:
Follow a multi-part chain that includes finding a hidden room, solving a puzzle, and using a special bench or altar.
Obtain through the Mystery Box with persistent luck (not recommended as a first choice).
Earn as part of the map’s Easter egg reward.
How to handle the quest:
Bring a team if the quest includes timed or combat-heavy steps.
Conserve ammo during puzzle steps; melee or pistol-applicable tasks help.
Keep a backup weapon with reliable crowd control while working on the wonder quest.
Once obtained, learn the wonder weapon’s alternate fire and utility—many wonder weapons are area-denial, stun, or crowd-control tools that change how you train entirely.
Map mechanics and puzzles (examples & approach)
Ashes of the Damned uses a mix of environmental puzzles and small mechanical minigames. Here’s a general approach to solving them efficiently:
Observe first: read sigils, inscriptions, and patterns before interacting; many puzzles rely on environmental cues.
Use the map: if your overhead map markers change after interacting with an item, use that feedback to confirm progress.
Sequence matters: perform tasks in a logical order—power on first, then place components, then trigger final activations.
Record progress: mentally or physically track which components are collected to avoid backtracking.
Common puzzle types:
Light/torch alignment: light braziers in a specific order using candle sources or torches.
Sigil matching: rotate tablets or line up runes seen on walls to match a reference glyph.
Pressure plates: place items (corpses, relics) on pads in a sequence to unlock doors.
If a puzzle seems to reset unexpectedly, make sure no lingering enemies or stray timers are blocking your success state—clear the area and reattempt.
Strategy for solo vs. team play
Solo play:
Prioritize defensive perks and mobility over high burst damage.
Use compact, reliable routes and avoid opening all areas until Pack-a-Punch is attainable.
Consider using a stun or tether-type Wonder Weapon as it lets you control elite spawns more reliably.
Team play:
Assign roles early: point farmer, objective runner, and support (reviver/utility).
Share resources: if one teammate gets the wonder weapon, organize trades or coordinated runs to support them while they complete activation steps.
Use combined crowd control: multiple area-effect items are stronger than stacked damage in tight spaces.
Pro tip: in co-op, never split up to pursue high-risk objectives without a plan for revives. Two players can cover each other during timed switches or puzzle activations.
Loadouts and recommended weapons
Early-game:
Tier 1 wall weapon: High-RoF SMG for point efficiency.
Secondary: Burst pistol or handgun for economy and last-resort defense.
Mid-game:
Primary: Assault rifle or bullpup with stable accuracy.
Secondary: Shotgun for hallway defense or light LMG for suppressing heavy spawns.
Late-game:
Primary: Wonder weapon (if acquired) or a Pack-a-Punched LMG / AR for sustained damage.
Secondary: Specialized anti-elite weapon (rocket-style or explosive wonder secondary).
Attachments & Mods:
Prioritize extended mags and stability/handling in mid-game.
For Pack-a-Punch weapons, seek elemental or status effects (fire, stun, bleed) to handle special spawns.
Recommended pairing: combine a high-DPS primary with a crowd-control secondary (stun grenade launcher, freeze weapon) to cover both heavy single targets and large hordes.
Consumables and utility tips
Stun grenades / concussions are invaluable for breaking elite attacks and finishing objectives safely.
Armor plates / temporary shields drastically reduce panic deaths in tight hallways.
Ammo caches: place or purchase whenever near a safe zone; running out during an activation can cost the run.
Traps and environmental hazards: learn where traps are and activate them tactically—don’t waste a trap on a small group.
Inventory management: keep one slot for a utility item that solves puzzles (like a torch or relic) and one slot for combat consumables. Only carry what you need for the current progression step to avoid running out of benefit space mid-fight.
Boss patterns and how to beat them
Bosses in Ashes of the Damned tend to have phase-based attacks with a mix of ranged and melee strikes and summoned adds. General strategy:
Phase one: focus on staying mobile—avoid ground effects and learn the tells for charged attacks.
Phase two: the boss summons adds—use area-of-effect and trained crowd-control to thin spawns while maintaining damage on the boss.
Final phase: boss becomes aggressive and teleports—save high burst damage or wonder weapon alt-fire for this window.
Team tips:
Designate a revive-safe zone away from the boss’s preferred teleport points.
Assign a player to handle adds while the rest burn the boss during stun windows.
Use traps or environmental mechanics (crane drops, destructible pillars) as burst windows.
Solo tips:
Time your consumables for the final phase.
Use kiting lines that allow you to loop while dealing DPS safely.
Easter egg: core steps (high-level)
Easter eggs are intentionally layered and often involve:
Multiple collectible fragments (pages, glyphs, bone shards).
Activating map-specific rituals or aligning multiple altars.
A final multi-stage boss encounter and reward (often a unique wonder weapon or permanent buff).
A practical plan:
Break the Easter egg into checkpoints. Complete each checkpoint fully before moving to the next to avoid repeating previous work after a wipe.
Use a dedicated session or party for the Easter egg—coordination reduces time and wasted runs.
Document each component you’ve completed so teammates joining mid-way can catch up quickly.
Map routes and waypoints: efficient routing
Efficient routing minimizes backtracking and maximizes safety. Use these route principles:
Move from safe teleport/fast-travel spots to the nearest unvisited objective.
Group objective pickups by region; clear one region fully before moving.
Return to main training area before final activations to consolidate ammo, perks, and revive buffer.
Sample route:
Spawn → East Corridor door (Wall buy & small training room).
East Corridor → Café side room (Perk + objective partial).
Back to spawn → West Hall (Mystery Box; optional).
Loop to central altar (components deposit).
Return to training area and farm until enough points and ammo for activation.
Adapt routes as you uncover shortcuts and teleporters; these drastically change the optimal path.
Survival checklist for each run
Two solid perks secured.
At least one mid-tier weapon with a sizable magazine.
Enough points to open one major door or buy essential utilities.
Knowledge of where Pack-a-Punch components are located.
A kiting loop that you can execute comfortably under pressure.
If any element is missing, prioritize correcting that gap before attempting major objectives or boss fights.
Advanced tips and tricks
Use the environment to your advantage. Push zombies into destructible scenery or off ledges when possible.
Hold a grenade or stun weapon ready during puzzle steps; a single panic moment by a stray zombie can cascade into a wipe.
If you’re on a streak with the Mystery Box, pause and farm—chasing box luck on low ammo/perks is a common cause of early losses.
Learn the spawn ticks and audio cues for elites and minibosses; hearing the spawn gives you a split-second advantage to reposition.
Use friendly fire awareness in co-op. Position yourself not to block doorway shots from teammates or to obstruct revives.
Troubleshooting common problems
Problem: Frequent behind-you attacks. Solution: tighten your loop, close off unnecessary doors, or set up a second escape route for flanking.
Problem: Running out of ammo mid-activation. Solution: pre-stock ammo, use economy perks, or rely on wall buys for a staple weapon.
Problem: Mystery Box consuming points with no returns. Solution: set a cap on box spending per run and pivot to guaranteed purchases after that cap.
Problem: Team wipe during boss final phase. Solution: assign revival responsibilities and conserve consumables for the last phase.
Sample 30-minute starter run (step-by-step)
0:00–2:00 — Spawn, clear immediate area, identify wall-buy and first door. 2:00–6:00 — Open first door and set up the main kiting loop; buy the wall SMG and begin farming. 6:00–12:00 — Buy first perk; open second door leading to small side room with objective shard. 12:00–20:00 — Consolidate points, refill ammo, and set a waypoint to the central altar. 20:00–28:00 — Collect remaining small components around opened areas; avoid risky paths. 28:00–30:00 — Return to training area and test Pack-a-Punch activation readiness. If ready, begin Pack-a-Punch activation and prepare for activation wave.
This is a repeatable, efficient rhythm that gets players to mid-game goals within one session.
Accessibility and settings recommendations
Turn on visual damage indicators and aim assist (if available) to compensate for quick camera shakes and fast spawn windows.
Reduce motion blur and camera shake to better track fast-moving elites.
Increase HUD clarity for objective markers and map overlays so you can quickly confirm item states during puzzles.
For players who rely on slower reaction speeds, prioritize route simplification: fewer doors, more chokepoints, and slower-paced objective completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best early-game weapon to buy?
The best early pick is a high-rate-of-fire SMG from a wall buy—balanced for point farming and accuracy in tight spaces. It’s inexpensive, easy to control, and maximizes kills-per-magazine.
How many perks should I aim to have before Pack-a-Punch?
Aim for at least two core perks—one defensive and one mobility or economy—before attempting major Pack-a-Punch steps. Three perks is better but not essential if you have good route control.
When should I gamble on the Mystery Box?
Only spend on the Mystery Box after you have two perks and access to a stable training loop. Limit box spending per run (e.g., 5000–10000 points) to avoid catastrophic econ failures.
Can I reliably solo the Easter egg?
Yes, but it’s much easier with a team. Solo completion requires deep knowledge of each puzzle step and conservative resource management. Be prepared for extended kiting and multiple retries.
What are the most dangerous enemies early on?
Early-game danger usually comes from fast melee elites or zombies that sprint past your training line. Learn their spawn audio and visual cues and use stuns or traps to nullify them.
How do I avoid running out of ammo?
Use ammo economy perks, pair high-DPS guns with high-magazine weapons, and return to wall buys periodically. Save box attempts for when you have an ammo buffer.
How do I prepare for the boss?
Conserve area-of-effect utilities, coordinate revives in co-op, and have a kiting route that allows you to loop without running into closed doors. Save your wonder weapon alt-fire and consumables for the last phase.
Is there a speedrun or optimized route for this map?
Yes—advanced players use teleporters and early power-on to create the shortest path to Pack-a-Punch, typically skipping unnecessary areas. However, this requires near-perfect execution and in-depth knowledge of component spawns.
Closing tips and next steps
Practice one consistent loop until it becomes muscle memory. Consistency beats randomness.
Use the early rounds to experiment with one wall weapon and one boxed weapon; figure out which fits your tempo.
When attempting the Easter egg or boss, assemble a committed team and checkpoint progress to reduce repetition.
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