Ashes of the Damned is one of the toughest and most mechanically demanding Zombies maps in Call of Duty:Black Ops 7. Whether you're tackling the full Easter egg, gearing up for the challenging final boss, or aiming to survive into the later rounds, having the right loadout is critical for success.

Primary Weapon Recommendation

The M15 MOD 0 assault rifle is the standout choice for this map. It's beginner-friendly, scales efficiently into high rounds, and—most importantly—supports a key attachment needed for the boss fight.

Why the M15 MOD 0 Works

The M335-X Cloak Underbarrel allows you to fire smoke grenades, which are invaluable during the boss encounter when repairing Ol' Tessie. These smokes obscure your position from zombies, giving you the space to survive explosions and manage crowd control.

Optimal Attachments

For maximum effectiveness, equip the following attachments on the M15 MOD 0:

Monolith Suppressor (Muzzle):Boosts bullet velocity, increases damage range, and grants extra salvage on kills.

16.5” Fusion Barrel:Enhances bullet velocity and damage range further.

M335-X Cloak (Underbarrel):Fires smoke grenades for cover during repairs.

Backline Flip Mags:Speeds up reloads for sustained firing.

Hexcut Grip:Improves ADS, slide-to-fire, dive-to-fire, and jump ADS speeds.

Telescopic Stock:Boosts movement, strafing, and hipfire mobility.

5.56 NATO Overpressured:Increases bullet velocity.

Secondary Weapon:Always carry the Necrofluid Gauntlet. It deals heavy damage, siphons health, and makes encounters outside the boss arena far easier. During the boss fight, only step away from Ol' Tessie briefly if forced by explosions.

Recommended GobbleGums

While not mandatory, GobbleGums can make difficult encounters far more manageable.

Best Picks:

Perkaholic:Instantly grants all perks.

Near Death Experience:Revive nearby players while retaining perks.

Power Keg:Activates a Full Power power-up.

Shields Up:Restores armor fully and doubles its effectiveness.

Gift Card:Grants 30,000 Essence—best used in Round 1 for early door access, Pack-a-Punch tiers, and rushing Easter egg objectives.

Boss Fight Loadout:

Solo:Power Keg, Shields Up, Perkaholic

Co-op:Power Keg, Shields Up, Near Death Experience

Essential Perks and Augments

The following perks are vital for Easter egg completion and boss survival:

Jugger-Nog:Increases health.

Quick Revive:Faster healing and revives.

Speed Cola:Faster reloads and armor application.

Stamin-Up:Improves movement speed.

Melee Macchiato:Boosts melee damage.

Recommended Augments:

Jugger-Nog (Iron Core, Durable Plates):Adds extra HP when armor breaks and improves durability.

Quick Revive (Dying Wish, Karmic Return):Grants temporary invulnerability and full heal on revive.

Pro Tip:Dying Wish is especially powerful. Even though it consumes Quick Revive, it can prevent death and keep all other perks active.

Equipment Recommendations

Tactical:Cymbal Monkey

Unlocks at Level 24

Costs 1,000 Salvage

Carry two at once

Recharges with Max Ammo

Cymbal Monkeys are perfect for distracting zombies while repairing Ol' Tessie or surviving laser-heavy boss phases. While slower than the Kazimir, their recharge synergy and ease of use make them the top tactical choice.

Lethals and Scorestreaks:Generally optional. The Combat Axe is only needed for a side Easter egg at Reba's Diner (Exit 115).

Field Upgrades

Aether Shroud (Best Overall)

Aether Shroud is mandatory for Ashes of the Damned. While active, all enemies—including elites and bosses—ignore you completely.

Recommended Augments:

Extra Charge:Grants a second Shroud use.

Group Shroud (Co-op):Cloaks nearby allies.

Burst Dash (Solo):Short-range warp that kills normal enemies.

Extension (Extra Slot):Significantly increases Shroud duration.

Two Shroud charges during the boss fight can often guarantee victory.

Ashes of the Damned is unforgiving, but the right loadout makes it manageable. This setup focuses on:

Survivability

Efficient boss fight strategy

Consistent Easter egg progression

Many high-level players warm up or practice strategies in Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies, which allow testing of movement, weapon handling, perks, and GobbleGums without risking a full run. Some even invest in private bot lobbies to refine setups before committing to live Easter egg attempts.Whether you're new to Black Ops 7 or pushing advanced techniques, MMOexp buy CoD Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies provide a stress-free environment to learn, practice, and improve at your own pace.