Ashes of the Damned is one of the most punishing and mechanically complex Zombies maps in Call of Duty:Black Ops 7. Whether you're attempting the full Easter egg, preparing for the grueling final boss, or aiming to survive into high rounds, the right loadout can make or break your run.

Best Primary Weapon

The M15 MOD 0 assault rifle is the top choice for this map. It's beginner-friendly, scales exceptionally well into late rounds, and grants access to a crucial attachment needed for the boss fight.

Why the M15 MOD 0 Stands Out

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

Recommended Weapon Attachments

Here's the optimal configuration for the M15 MOD 0:

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

16.5” Fusion Barrel:Further enhances damage range and bullet velocity.

M335-X Cloak (Underbarrel):Fires smoke grenades for cover while repairing objectives.

Backline Flip Mags:Reduces reload time for sustained fire.

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

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

5.56 NATO Overpressured:Increases bullet velocity.

Secondary Weapon:Always carry the Necrofluid Gauntlet. It deals massive damage, siphons health, and trivializes most zombie encounters outside of boss arenas. During the boss fight, only leave Ol' Tessie briefly if forced by explosions.

Best GobbleGums

GobbleGums aren't required, but the right ones can dramatically improve survivability and save runs.

Recommended Choices:

Perkaholic:Grants all perks instantly.

Near Death Experience:Revive nearby players while retaining perks.

Power Keg:Activates a Full Power power-up.

Shields Up:Fully refills armor and doubles its effectiveness.

Gift Card:Provides 30,000 Essence—best used in Round 1 to unlock doors, early Pack-a-Punch tiers, and rush Easter egg objectives.From mastering Lethal Equipment to optimizing high-round routes, MMOexp Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies give Zombies players the freedom to experiment, improve, and dominate with confidence.

Boss Fight Strategy:

Solo:Power Keg, Shields Up, Perkaholic

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

Essential Perks and Augments

For both Easter egg completion and the boss fight, the following perks are indispensable:

Jugger-Nog:Increases health.

Quick Revive:Faster healing and revives.

Speed Cola:Speeds up reloads and armor application.

Stamin-Up:Boosts movement speed.

Melee Macchiato:Increases melee damage.

Recommended Perk Augments:

Jugger-Nog (Iron Core, Durable Plates):Extra HP when armor breaks and improved armor durability.

Quick Revive (Dying Wish, Karmic Return):Temporary invulnerability to lethal damage and full heal on revive.

Tip:Dying Wish is invaluable. Even though it consumes Quick Revive, it prevents death and keeps your other perks active.

Equipment Choices

Tactical Equipment:Cymbal Monkey

Unlocks at Level 24

Costs 1,000 Salvage

Carry two at once

Recharges with Max Ammo

Cymbal Monkeys are ideal for distracting zombies while repairing Ol' Tessie or surviving laser-heavy boss phases. While slower than the Kazimir, their accessibility and recharge synergy make them the best tactical option.

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

Field Upgrade and Augments

Best Field Upgrade:Aether Shroud

Aether Shroud is essential. While active, all enemies—including elites and bosses—ignore you completely.

Recommended Field Upgrade Augments:

Extra Charge:Grants a second Shroud charge.

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

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

Extension (Extra Slot):Increases Shroud duration significantly.

Two Shroud charges during the boss fight can often secure a victory on their own.

Ashes of the Damned is brutally unforgiving, but with this setup, it becomes far more manageable. This loadout prioritizes:

Survivability

Efficient boss mechanics

Easter egg progression consistency

Many players practice high-level strategies in buy CoD BO7 Bot Lobbies. Bot lobbies allow safe experimentation with movement, weapon handling, perk synergy, and GobbleGums without the risk of failing a full run. Some even invest in private bot lobbies to perfect their setups before tackling the Easter egg or boss fight live.