It’s a fresh start for the year in Black Ops 7 Zombies, and Ashes of the Damned is already shaping up to be one wild ride. The map’s enormous, packed with hidden goodies and mini-quests that reward those willing to explore. One of the coolest finds so far—barely mentioned anywhere—is a Tomahawk-based mini-game that tests your precision and pays off big if you nail it. For anyone trying to sharpen their aim before diving into hordes, the challenge feels a bit like stepping into a CoD BO7 Bot Lobby warm-up but within the chaos of Zombies itself, which makes it surprisingly fun.
Finding the Start Point
Head straight toward the Blackwater Lake area. It’s a foggy patch, the kind of place players usually avoid unless they know what they’re looking for. Focus on the southwest corner—there’s a small shed hiding there. It’s recognizable because there’s a Crafting Table inside, a spot you’ve probably visited already for upgrades. Don’t just grab your gear and leave though. To the right of that table sits a side room with a dusty shelf, and perched there is a tiny trophy. That’s your trigger item. Interact with it, and you’ll hear a distinct chime and see a flicker of light—that’s how you know something special just unlocked.
Grabbing the Axe
Once you’ve activated the trophy, step back outside. Scan around the shed, and you’ll notice a tree stump that wasn’t important before. There should be a Combat Axe resting right in it. Pick it up—it’s the key to this Easter egg. It’s tempting to test it out right away, but hold off until you reach the next location; hitting random zombies with it won’t count toward the challenge.
Taking on the Targets
With your new weapon, hike over to the far southeast edge of Blackwater Lake. It’s easy to miss, but look across the boundary of the playable map—a glowing purple target will appear floating above the water. That’s where the fun begins. Aim, throw, and try to hit it. The arc of the throw might catch you off guard if it’s your first time, but once you land that first hit, another target will spawn instantly.
Adjusting for Moving Shots
After a few easy hits, things get tougher. New targets start to move, drifting side to side or shifting distance mid-air. You’ll need to lead your shots properly, timing each throw to match their motion. It can get frustrating, but once you get the hang of the rhythm, it’s incredibly satisfying. You’ll start feeling like you could pull off trick shots in your sleep.
Claiming the Rewards
Once all targets are destroyed, the eerie Mr. Peeks makes his appearance. He’ll drop rewards ranging from Essence and Salvage to helpful Perks, Killstreaks, and if you’re lucky, Aether Tools or Aetherium Crystals for instant upgrades. Just remember—it’s a one-and-done challenge per match. Only one player gets to complete it, so if you’re running with friends, decide ahead who’s taking the shot. There’s no point arguing mid-round while zombies are chewing at your ankles.
This mini-game might sound like fluff, but it’s worth your time. Aside from the thrill of mastering the axe throw, the loot can give you a solid edge in later rounds. It’s another example of Treyarch sneaking creative side quests into their massive maps, turning every corner of Ashes of the Damned into an adventure. And if you want to smooth out your aim and coordination before tackling zombies on this scale, checking in on a cheap CoD BO7 Bot Lobbies practice run isn’t the worst idea either.
Finding the Start Point
Head straight toward the Blackwater Lake area. It’s a foggy patch, the kind of place players usually avoid unless they know what they’re looking for. Focus on the southwest corner—there’s a small shed hiding there. It’s recognizable because there’s a Crafting Table inside, a spot you’ve probably visited already for upgrades. Don’t just grab your gear and leave though. To the right of that table sits a side room with a dusty shelf, and perched there is a tiny trophy. That’s your trigger item. Interact with it, and you’ll hear a distinct chime and see a flicker of light—that’s how you know something special just unlocked.
Grabbing the Axe
Once you’ve activated the trophy, step back outside. Scan around the shed, and you’ll notice a tree stump that wasn’t important before. There should be a Combat Axe resting right in it. Pick it up—it’s the key to this Easter egg. It’s tempting to test it out right away, but hold off until you reach the next location; hitting random zombies with it won’t count toward the challenge.
Taking on the Targets
With your new weapon, hike over to the far southeast edge of Blackwater Lake. It’s easy to miss, but look across the boundary of the playable map—a glowing purple target will appear floating above the water. That’s where the fun begins. Aim, throw, and try to hit it. The arc of the throw might catch you off guard if it’s your first time, but once you land that first hit, another target will spawn instantly.
Adjusting for Moving Shots
After a few easy hits, things get tougher. New targets start to move, drifting side to side or shifting distance mid-air. You’ll need to lead your shots properly, timing each throw to match their motion. It can get frustrating, but once you get the hang of the rhythm, it’s incredibly satisfying. You’ll start feeling like you could pull off trick shots in your sleep.
Claiming the Rewards
Once all targets are destroyed, the eerie Mr. Peeks makes his appearance. He’ll drop rewards ranging from Essence and Salvage to helpful Perks, Killstreaks, and if you’re lucky, Aether Tools or Aetherium Crystals for instant upgrades. Just remember—it’s a one-and-done challenge per match. Only one player gets to complete it, so if you’re running with friends, decide ahead who’s taking the shot. There’s no point arguing mid-round while zombies are chewing at your ankles.
This mini-game might sound like fluff, but it’s worth your time. Aside from the thrill of mastering the axe throw, the loot can give you a solid edge in later rounds. It’s another example of Treyarch sneaking creative side quests into their massive maps, turning every corner of Ashes of the Damned into an adventure. And if you want to smooth out your aim and coordination before tackling zombies on this scale, checking in on a cheap CoD BO7 Bot Lobbies practice run isn’t the worst idea either.
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