Black Ops 7 Zombies: Turn on Power in Ashes of the Damned
Welcome back, slayers. The launch of Black Ops 7 has thrown us into the deep end with its terrifying new Zombies map, "Ashes of the Damned." This sprawling, gothic landscape is shrouded in darkness, making the first few rounds a desperate struggle for survival.
Your number one priority upon dropping in is to restore power to the cursed citadel. This guide will walk you through every step required to illuminate the map, unlock vital perks, and gain access to the legendary Pack-a-Punch machine.
First Steps: Surviving the Gloom
Before you can begin the ritual to restore power, you need to get your bearings and build up some resources. The initial moments in Ashes of the Damned are critical.
- Earn Points: Focus on taking down zombies efficiently in the starting area. Aim for headshots and use your melee attack in the early rounds to maximize point generation.
- Open Pathways: Your goal is to move from the desolate courtyard starting area toward the central cathedral. You will need to open at least two or three debris-covered doorways to progress. Communicate with your team to spend points wisely.
- Learn the Layout: As you move, take note of the locations of wall-buy weapons and potential Perk-a-Cola machines. They will be inactive for now, but knowing where they are is crucial for later.
The Ritual of Light: Finding the Three Corrupted Fuses
Unlike previous maps where you simply flip a switch, restoring power in Ashes of the Damned requires completing a dark ritual. You must locate three Corrupted Fuses scattered across the map and place them in the primary generator located in the catacombs beneath the main cathedral. Each fuse is located in a distinct zone of the map.
1. The Scribe's Quarters Fuse:
As you make your way through the castle’s ruined library, you'll find the Scribe’s Quarters. This area is filled with overturned bookshelves and burning manuscripts. The first fuse is located on a small desk near a large, stained-glass window depicting a forgotten king. It glows with a faint, pulsing red energy, making it easy to spot in the darkness.
2. The Guardhouse Armory Fuse:
The second fuse is in the heavily fortified Guardhouse Armory, located in the western wing of the map. You'll need to open a large iron gate to access this area. The fuse can be found resting inside an open weapon locker, surrounded by discarded medieval armor and broken shields. Be cautious, as this area is tight and can easily lead to getting trapped by a horde.
3. The Sacrificial Altar Fuse:
The final fuse is located in the most dangerous area, the open-air Sacrificial Altar overlooking the cliffs. This zone is exposed and offers little cover. The fuse is sitting atop the stone altar itself, right in the center. Picking this one up will often trigger a special wave of heavily armored Templar zombies, so be prepared for a fight as soon as you grab it.
The Generator: Restoring Power in the Catacombs
Once you have collected all three Corrupted Fuses, your next objective is to find the main power generator. It is located deep within the Catacombs, an underground network of tunnels directly beneath the cathedral. Look for a staircase leading down near the cathedral's main hall.
Follow the winding tunnels until you find a large, circular chamber with a menacing, piston-driven generator at its center. You will see three empty slots on its control panel, each sparking with residual energy.
The Power-Up Sequence:
- Approach the generator's control panel.
- Interact with it three times to place each of the Corrupted Fuses into the empty slots.
- Once the final fuse is placed, the generator will begin a loud, chaotic start-up sequence.
- Defend the Generator: This is the crucial step. A lockdown event will trigger, and portals will open around the chamber, spawning waves of zombies, including several elite enemies known as "Ember Knights." You and your team must survive and defend the generator for 60 seconds.
- After the 60 seconds are up, the generator will emit a massive pulse of energy, the lockdown will end, and the lights will flicker on across the entire map. Congratulations, you have successfully restored the power!
Life After Light: What Unlocks with Power
Turning on the power is the key that unlocks the rest of the map's potential and gives you a fighting chance at survival. Here’s what becomes available:
- All Perk-a-Cola Machines: Every perk machine on the map will now be active, allowing you to purchase essential upgrades.
- The Pack-a-Punch Machine: The components to build the iconic weapon upgrader, known on this map as "Ol' Tessie," will now be accessible.
- Traps: Electrical and fire-based traps can now be activated to help with crowd control during intense rounds.
- Further Easter Egg Steps: Restoring power is the first mandatory step for tackling the main Easter Egg quest in Ashes of the Damned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you turn on the power solo in Ashes of the Damned?
A: Yes, it is entirely possible to restore power as a solo player. The number of zombies and elite enemies that spawn during the generator defense sequence scales down for solo games, making it challenging but manageable.
Q: What happens if you fail the generator defense?
A: If your team is wiped out during the lockdown sequence, you will have to restart the event. You will not need to collect the fuses again; simply return to the generator chamber and interact with the main panel to re-initiate the defense lockdown.
Q: Is turning on the power required to win?
A: Absolutely. You cannot access the Pack-a-Punch machine or complete the main story Easter Egg without first restoring power to the map. It should be every player's first major objective.