Everyone’s diving into Black Ops 7 Zombies right now, and it’s easy to see why—the new map Ashes of the Damned is absolutely packed with stuff to do. Between keeping your team alive and unlocking upgrades, it’s also the perfect time to hunt for those sneaky Easter Eggs Treyarch loves to hide. One of the best is a secret mini-quest that unlocks the Combat Axe, and trust me, if luck’s on your side, the rewards can change your whole run. If you’ve been exploring CoD BO7 Bot Lobby maps and wondering what you’re missing, this little challenge is worth checking out.
Getting Started at Blackwater Lake
You’ll want to head straight for Blackwater Lake to kick things off. It’s pretty hard to miss, especially if you’ve already been crafting or scavenging nearby. Look for the small shed sitting in the southwest corner—it’s the same one with a Crafting Table inside. Step in, turn right, and you’ll spot a small trophy on the shelf. It doesn’t stand out much, but once you interact with it, the glow and sound cue tell you it’s game time. Step back outside after that, and you’ll see a Combat Axe buried in a stump. Pick it up—you’ve officially launched the mini-game.
The Axe Challenge
Now comes the fun part—and a bit of frustration if you’re not ready for it. Head toward the southeast edge of Blackwater Lake. There’s a floating purple target hovering just off the playable zone. Toss your axe and hit it. The throw feels smooth, but don’t underestimate the distance—you’ll need to aim slightly higher because of the arc. When the first target disappears, another spawns. At first they’re easy, but as you progress, they start moving. That’s when things get tricky, especially with a couple of undead breathing down your neck while you line up another throw.
Stay Sharp as Targets Move
Accuracy matters here. After hitting the stationary targets, the later ones drift side to side or move up and down, forcing you to adjust your aim on the fly. Don’t rush, but don’t stand still too long either. A smart trick is to take out nearby zombies before each throw so you’ve got breathing room. Many players miss shots just because a crawler bumps them mid-aim—it’s infuriating yet kind of funny once you’ve done it a few times.
Rewards Worth the Effort
Once you hit all the targets, you’ll summon Mr. Peeks—a creepy little figure who drops your prize. It’s random every time, but it’s usually solid stuff: Essence piles, Salvage, and occasionally a Perk or two. If you get lucky, there’s a chance for rare drops like an Aether Tool to bump weapon rarity or even an Aetherium Crystal for a free Pack-a-Punch upgrade. It’s quick, but the haul can make a real difference later on.
One Player, One Shot
One thing to remember: only one player in each game can complete this Easter Egg. So if you’re in co-op, decide early who’s going for it. It’s all part of the fun—sometimes your crew will joke about taking turns in separate matches, sometimes it turns into a friendly race to interact first. Either way, it adds that extra bit of chaos that makes Zombies great. If you’re planning your next run or teaming up for the weekend grind, you’ll find CoD BO7 Bot Lobbies are perfect for getting the hang of this challenge before you give it a proper go.