Unlocking The Ashes Of The Damned Easter Egg In Zombies

Welcome, fearless zombie slayers, to a deep dive into one of Call of Duty Zombies' most intriguing secrets: the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg. This particular quest, often found within the map Der Riese (or its re-imagined versions), is a rite of passage for many dedicated players. It’s not just about survival; it’s about unraveling the narrative, piecing together clues, and ultimately achieving a significant in-game reward. The journey to complete the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg is fraught with peril, requiring a keen eye, strategic thinking, and excellent teamwork. Many players get stuck on certain steps, leading to frustration, but with the right guidance, this elaborate puzzle can be solved. We'll break down each stage, offering tips and tricks to help you and your squad conquer this legendary Easter Egg. Prepare yourselves, as we venture into the heart of Der Riese to unearth the secrets of the Ashes of the Damned.

The Lore and Significance of Ashes of the Damned

The Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg isn't just a series of objectives; it's deeply woven into the rich tapestry of the Zombies storyline. Der Riese, meaning "The Giant" in German, is a pivotal location in the Black Ops Zombies saga, serving as a nexus for experimental Element 115 research and the genesis of many undead horrors. The Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg specifically delves into the consequences of this research, hinting at the fates of key characters and the overarching struggle against the entities that manipulate the zombie plague. Completing this Easter Egg often yields crucial narrative insights, shedding light on the origins of the Primis and Ultimis crews, their connection to Richtofen's plans, and the devastating impact of their actions. It’s more than just a game within a game; it’s a narrative payoff that rewards players who invest time in understanding the lore. The whispers of characters like Samantha Maxis and Dr. Edward Richtofen echo through the facility, and this Easter Egg provides a tangible way to interact with their tragic stories. Understanding the context makes the challenge all the more rewarding, transforming a difficult set of tasks into a meaningful journey through the Zombies universe. The rewards for completing it can range from unlocking powerful new weapons or perks to granting access to secret areas, all while deepening your appreciation for the intricate plot that has captivated players for years. It’s this blend of challenging gameplay and compelling narrative that makes the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg a standout moment in Zombies history.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Easter Egg

Embarking on the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg requires meticulous planning and coordinated execution. This guide will walk you through each crucial step, ensuring your team is well-prepared to face the challenges ahead. Remember, patience and communication are your greatest allies.

Step 1: Powering Up and Initial Setup

The very first step in any complex Zombies Easter Egg is to ensure the power is on and essential areas are accessible. For Ashes of the Damned, this means activating the main power switch within Der Riese. This typically involves navigating through the initial spawn area and pushing forward towards the central facility. You'll need to gather enough points to open the necessary doors. Don't rush; conserve your ammo and aim for headshots to maximize your point gain. As you progress, keep an eye out for the Power Switch icon on your mini-map. Once activated, it illuminates the map and enables crucial machinery, including the Pack-a-Punch machine, which will be vital later. It's also during this initial phase that you should start gathering teddy bears. These seemingly innocuous toys are key components for later steps. Listen for their distinctive giggle sound and try to locate them quickly. The more points you save early on, the better equipped your team will be for the subsequent, more demanding stages. Prioritize opening paths that lead towards objectives and potential power-up locations. Remember, the early rounds are your best opportunity to build up resources without overwhelming pressure. Effective communication about which doors to open and where to find power-ups can significantly speed up this initial setup phase, setting a strong foundation for the entire Easter Egg.

Step 2: The Juggernog and Teleporter Activation

With the power on, your next objective is to secure Juggernog and activate the map's teleporters. Juggernog is essential for survival, significantly increasing your health. It's usually located in a challenging area, so be prepared for intense fights. After grabbing Juggernog, you'll need to interact with the teleporters scattered across Der Riese. Each teleporter requires a specific activation sequence, often involving shooting flying German shepherd dogs or interacting with panels in a certain order. Pay close attention to the audio cues and visual indicators. The teleporters are key to accessing different parts of the map and are integral to progressing the Easter Egg. Activating them will transport you to alternate dimensions or specific locations where you can find crucial items or trigger further events. During these teleporter activations, you'll often encounter specific zombie spawns or environmental hazards. It's wise to have a decent weapon and sufficient ammo before attempting these activations. Remember to collect the teddy bears you find while navigating between these objectives. The more you collect now, the less you’ll have to backtrack later. Some teleporters might require you to defend a specific area while they charge up, so designate roles within your team: one player activating, others defending. Efficiently managing your points and coordinating movements between Juggernog and the teleporters will drastically improve your chances of success. Don't underestimate the importance of a well-placed Monkey Bomb during these defense phases; it can save your team from being overwhelmed.

Step 3: The Radio and Broadcast Tower Sequence

This step often involves finding and activating specific radios that transmit crucial information or initiate the next phase of the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg. You'll need to locate these radios, which are usually hidden in obscure locations. Once found, you'll need to interact with them, often in a specific order or after completing a particular task, such as defending a point. The audio transmitted from these radios is usually a key part of the lore and can provide hints for subsequent steps. Following the activation of the radios, you'll likely need to interact with the Broadcast Tower. This tower is a prominent landmark and its activation usually involves a mini-game or a sequence of actions. It might require shooting specific targets, inputting a code derived from the radio transmissions, or defending the area from a horde of zombies while the process completes. Ensure your team is equipped with good weapons and has plenty of ammo before initiating this sequence. The Broadcast Tower activation can be quite intense and often triggers a special zombie event. Communication is paramount here: one player might be tasked with the primary interaction, while others focus on defending. If you hear static or garbled messages from the radios, it means you're on the right track. The Broadcast Tower's activation is a critical bottleneck; failure here means restarting a significant portion of the Easter Egg. Make sure everyone understands their role, and don't be afraid to use your most powerful weapons or grenades to control the zombie flow. This step tests your team's ability to handle pressure and execute complex instructions under duress. The narrative elements revealed through the radios add depth to the Easter Egg, making the challenge feel more meaningful.

Step 4: The Monkey Bomb and Pack-a-Punch

To progress the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg, you will eventually need the Monkey Bomb, and this often ties into the Pack-a-Punch machine. The Monkey Bomb is a tactical grenade that distracts zombies, drawing their attention away from your team. It's typically acquired through a specific Easter Egg step that might involve collecting parts or completing a puzzle. One common method involves finding specific items, often related to the teddy bears you've been collecting, and bringing them to a specific location or workstation. The Pack-a-Punch machine, once powered up, allows you to upgrade your weapons significantly. You'll need to find its location and ensure you have enough points to use it. It's highly recommended to Pack-a-Punch at least one or two key weapons before attempting the final stages of the Easter Egg. The Monkey Bomb itself can be a consumable or a permanent item depending on the specific map iteration. If it's consumable, ensure you have multiple. The interplay between the Monkey Bomb and the Pack-a-Punch is crucial for surviving the intense rounds that follow. Use Monkey Bombs strategically to create breathing room for yourself or your teammates, especially when you need to reload, revive, or focus on an objective. Pack-a-Punching your favorite weapon can make a world of difference, turning a standard assault rifle into a zombie-slaying powerhouse. Don't neglect this step; a fully upgraded weapon combined with the tactical advantage of a Monkey Bomb can be the difference between success and a frustrating early demise. Some Easter Eggs even require you to use the Monkey Bomb in a specific way to progress, so pay attention to any unusual interactions.

Step 5: The Finale - Defeating the Boss/Completing the Objective

The culmination of the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg is the final objective, which often involves a boss fight or a complex, timed sequence. This is where all your preparation pays off. You’ll likely be facing a significantly tougher wave of zombies, potentially including special enemy types or even a unique boss zombie. This final stage demands excellent teamwork, communication, and resource management. Ensure all players have their best weapons Pack-a-Punched, have plenty of ammo, and are familiar with their roles. The objective might involve defending a specific point for a set duration, activating multiple switches simultaneously while under heavy fire, or defeating a powerful boss entity. If it's a boss fight, identify its weak points and coordinate attacks. Utilize any special abilities or power-ups you've saved. Monkey Bombs can be invaluable here for crowd control, allowing you to focus fire on the boss or complete objectives without being swarmed. Reviving fallen teammates is crucial, but only when it's safe to do so. Don't be afraid to use your remaining equipment, such as grenades or even traps, to gain an edge. The pressure will be immense, but staying calm and sticking to the plan is key. Successfully completing this final stage rewards you with a significant point bonus, unlocks achievements, and, most importantly, provides closure to the narrative arc of this particular Easter Egg. It's a true test of skill and coordination, and the feeling of accomplishment after finally beating it is unparalleled. Celebrate your victory, but remember that the next Easter Egg awaits!

Tips and Tricks for a Smoother Experience

Completing the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg can be a daunting task, but a few key strategies can make the journey considerably smoother and more enjoyable. These tips focus on preparation, coordination, and smart in-game decision-making.

• Communication is King: This cannot be stressed enough. Ensure all four players are using microphones. Clearly call out zombie locations, player downs, item pickups, and progress on objectives. A well-coordinated team moves like a single unit, minimizing confusion and maximizing efficiency. Don't assume your teammates know what you're doing; communicate everything. This is especially important during the intense final steps where split-second decisions can mean the difference between success and failure.

• Point Management: Save your points early on. Avoid buying unnecessary perks or weapons in the first few rounds unless they are essential for progression or survival. Prioritize opening doors that lead to objectives and saving enough for Juggernog and the Pack-a-Punch machine. Every point counts, especially when you need to upgrade your primary weapons for the later stages. Consider using the Bowie Knife or other melee options in early rounds for bonus points if you're confident in your aim and movement.

• Know Your Roles: Assign specific tasks to each player. For example, one player might be responsible for activating switches, another for defending, and a third for collecting items. This division of labor prevents players from getting in each other's way and ensures all objectives are being worked on simultaneously. Adaptability is also key; if a player goes down, someone else might need to pick up their slack.

• Understand the Map Layout: Familiarize yourself with Der Riese. Knowing the quickest routes, the locations of power switches, teleporters, perks, and potential Easter Egg item spawns will save you valuable time and prevent unnecessary deaths. Practice running the map solo to memorize key areas and escape routes. This knowledge becomes even more critical when under pressure during an Easter Egg attempt.

• Conserve Ammo and Resources: Aim for headshots. This not only kills zombies more efficiently but also grants more points. Avoid unnecessary shooting; only fire when you have a clear shot or are defending yourself. Similarly, use your grenades and tactical equipment strategically, especially during intense moments or boss fights. Don't waste your Monkey Bombs; save them for when they are most needed.

• Teddy Bear Hunt: Keep an eye out for teddy bears throughout the map. These often appear in random locations and are crucial for certain Easter Egg steps, particularly those involving the Monkey Bomb. Listen for their distinctive giggle and try to grab them whenever you see them, even if you're not sure why you need them yet. Their collection is often a prerequisite for more complex interactions later in the Easter Egg.

• Don't Be Afraid to Restart: If your team is struggling significantly, or if a critical mistake is made early on, sometimes it's better to restart the game. This saves frustration and allows you to begin with a fresh start, applying lessons learned from the previous attempt. A failed Easter Egg run is not a waste if you learn from it.

By implementing these tips, you and your team will be much better prepared to tackle the Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg and emerge victorious. Good luck, and have fun!

Conclusion

The Ashes of the Damned Easter Egg on Der Riese represents a significant achievement for any Call of Duty Zombies player. It’s a journey that tests not only your aiming skills and survival instincts but also your ability to communicate, strategize, and persevere as a team. From powering up the facility and activating teleporters to deciphering radio transmissions and facing the final challenge, each step is a carefully crafted puzzle that rewards dedication and keen observation. Completing this Easter Egg provides invaluable narrative insights into the Zombies lore, deepening your appreciation for the complex story that has captivated players for years. It’s a testament to the intricate design and engaging gameplay that has made Call of Duty Zombies a staple in the shooter genre. Remember the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and efficient resource management. These elements are the keys to unlocking not just this Easter Egg, but many others within the Zombies universe.

For those looking to delve deeper into the lore and strategies surrounding Call of Duty Zombies, exploring resources like Call of Duty Wikis can provide extensive information on maps, characters, and intricate Easter Egg guides. Understanding the broader context of Der Riese and the ongoing saga of Primis and Ultimis can enhance your enjoyment and success in future zombie-slaying endeavors. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep surviving!