Black Ops 7 Zombies: Wonder Weapon Guide for Ashes of the Damned

The hordes of the undead have returned in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and the new Zombies experience, "Ashes of the Damned," is already shaping up to be an all-time classic. As veterans and newcomers alike descend into its fiery depths, one goal stands above all else: acquiring the map’s incredibly powerful Wonder Weapons.
These unique armaments are the key to survival in high rounds, capable of turning an overwhelming tide of zombies into dust. This guide breaks down how to get your hands on all four Wonder Weapons, including two devastating new additions and two fan-favorite classics.
The Necrofluid Gauntlet: Crafting a New Nightmare
One of the most exciting new additions to the Zombies arsenal is the Necrofluid Gauntlet. This quest-based Wonder Weapon is a must-have for any team looking to dominate the map. Instead of relying on luck, you can build this powerhouse by following a series of specific steps.
Step 1: Shatter the Corrupted Crystals
Your quest begins in the map's central hub, the "Forsaken Altar." Here, you will find three large, pulsing crystals suspended by chains. To start, your team must shoot all three crystals simultaneously. When done correctly, they will shatter, and a spectral voice will echo through the map, signaling that the quest has begun. Each crystal will drop a key component: a "Crystallized Core."
Step 2: Collect the Necrotic Canisters
With the cores in hand, you must now find three containment canisters hidden across the map to house their energy. These are located in specific, high-traffic areas:
- The Sinking Chapel: Look for a canister on a crumbling pulpit near the bell tower. Interacting with it will trigger a lockdown event where you must defend the area from a wave of special zombies.
- The Molten Mines: Deep within the mines, a canister sits atop a minecart. Activating it requires you to escort the cart along a track while defending it from ambushing enemies.
- The Ash-Covered Archives: In the back of the library, a canister is locked behind a magically sealed door. You must kill zombies within a nearby glowing circle to charge a rune, which will then unlock the door.
Step 3: Charge the Cores
Once you have all three canisters, return to the Forsaken Altar. Place each Crystallized Core into a canister. This will trigger the final step: a massive horde defense. You must protect the charging canisters from a relentless onslaught of zombies for two full minutes. Prioritize teamwork and use your equipment wisely, as the altar offers very little cover.
Upon successfully defending the canisters, they will fuse together to form the Necrofluid Gauntlet. This incredible weapon unleashes a continuous stream of corrosive energy that melts through regular zombies and deals significant damage-over-time to elite enemies. Its alternate fire launches a glob of necrofluid that creates a slowing, damaging pool on the ground—perfect for crowd control.
The Chrono-Shredder: A Lucky Roll of the Dice
The second new Wonder Weapon, the Chrono-Shredder, is an elusive powerhouse found exclusively in the Mystery Box. There is no special quest to acquire it; your only path is to spend your points and hope for the best.
The Chrono-Shredder fires crystalline projectiles that, upon impact, create a localized time-distortion field. Any zombies caught within this shimmering bubble are slowed to a crawl for several seconds before the bubble violently shatters, eliminating every enemy trapped inside. This weapon is a true lifesaver, allowing you to instantly neutralize a massive group of zombies and create a safe path for escape or revival. Its ability to lock down an entire train of the undead makes it one of the most valuable tools for high-round attempts.
Returning Legends: The Ray Gun and The Thundergun
Treyarch has also brought back two of the most iconic Wonder Weapons in Zombies history for "Ashes of the Damned." Like the Chrono-Shredder, both of these classics can only be obtained from the Mystery Box.
- The Ray Gun: The original Wonder Weapon is back and feels better than ever. The familiar red and green firearm launches circular blasts of energy that cause massive splash damage, capable of clearing out clustered groups of zombies with a single shot. Be warned: that splash damage can still hurt you at close range, so proper spacing is key. When Pack-a-Punched, it becomes the Porter's X2 Ray Gun, increasing its damage and ammo capacity significantly.
- The Thundergun: For pure, unadulterated crowd control, nothing beats the Thundergun. This beast of a weapon fires a compressed blast of air that sends an entire horde of zombies flying backward, clearing a path instantly. It deals no direct damage but is arguably the best survival tool in the game, offering an immediate escape from any situation. Upgrading it at the Pack-a-Punch machine expands its blast radius and increases its ammunition count, making it even more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best Wonder Weapon in Ashes of the Damned?
A: This depends entirely on your playstyle and the situation. The Necrofluid Gauntlet is excellent for consistent damage and area denial. The Thundergun is the ultimate defensive "get out of jail free" card. The Chrono-Shredder is fantastic for locking down choke points, and the Ray Gun remains a powerful all-around killing machine.
Q: Can you hold more than one Wonder Weapon at a time?
A: No, each player in the squad is limited to carrying only one Wonder Weapon at a time. This encourages teams to coordinate and have different players seek out different weapons to diversify the group's capabilities.
Q: Can you upgrade all the Wonder Weapons?
A: Yes, all four Wonder Weapons can be upgraded using the Pack-a-Punch machine. Upgrading them is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness in later rounds, as it typically boosts their damage, increases their ammo capacity, and sometimes adds new properties to their attacks.