In the latest installment of the Call of Duty franchise, the Zombies map “Ashes of the Damned” emerges as a groundbreaking addition, boasting the largest round-based map in the series’ history. Players will find themselves immersed in a captivating main questline, filled with numerous easter eggs waiting to be uncovered. Central to this adventure is Ol’ Tessie, a trusty truck that serves as your primary mode of transport throughout the expansive landscape.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-unlock-pack-a-punch-in-ashes-of-the-damned”>How to unlock Pack-a-Punch in Ashes of the Damned
The journey begins with the iconic Pack-a-Punch machine, which has taken on a new role in this iteration. Rather than being stationary, the Pack-a-Punch now travels with you, securely mounted on the back of Ol’ Tessie. To get started, players must first ensure that Ol’ Tessie is operational. This involves heading to the Server Room at Janus Towers Plaza, where a melee attack on a circular grate reveals T.E.D.D.’s Head. Once retrieved, this head must be installed on the truck, marking the beginning of your adventure with Ol’ Tessie.
On the Road Again
With Ol’ Tessie now mobile, players can drive southwest to Blackwater Lake, smashing through wooden barricades along the way. However, the journey is fraught with danger, as aggressive special zombies will attempt to latch onto the truck and attack. The roads are also littered with red explosive pods that can inflict significant damage on Ol’ Tessie. Keeping an eye on the truck’s health is crucial; players can repair it by driving over green pods scattered along the route. If overwhelmed by zombies, leaning out of the window to shoot them off is a viable strategy.
Blackwater Lake
Upon arriving at Blackwater Lake, players can safely exit the truck while Ol’ Tessie gradually recovers health. The next objective is to restore power, which involves shooting glowing orange pods off a metal Power Pump located outside a cabin. Once the infestation is cleared, a final pod will appear atop the pump, and destroying it will activate the power supply.
With the power restored, players can access the cabin’s upper floor to flip a switch that opens a metal gate, allowing further exploration.
Ashwood
Next, players will drive south to Ashwood, where a zipline leads to an elevated area. After purchasing access through several doors, another Power Pump awaits atop a wooden bridge. This pump requires the same treatment as the previous one: shooting the orange pods to clear the infestation and flipping the power switch once operational.
With power restored, a garage opens up on the ground level, allowing players to park Ol’ Tessie inside. Here, they can retrieve the Pack-a-Punch machine from the workbench and install it on the truck, enabling weapon upgrades anywhere on the map. Additionally, this upgrade grants Ol’ Tessie a nitro boost for quick escapes or rapid travel.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-upgrading-ol-tessie-with-the-abomination-beam”>Upgrading Ol’ Tessie with the Abomination Beam
The adventure continues as players seek to upgrade Ol’ Tessie further, culminating in the acquisition of the Abomination Beam. This process requires several stops around the map, starting at Exit 115, where Reba’s Diner holds the key to the next phase. Inside, players must eliminate zombies until one drops the Freezer Key, which unlocks a freezer containing an Abomination Carcass.
After securing the carcass, players return to Ashwood to install the Pack-a-Punch machine onto Ol’ Tessie, allowing for further upgrades.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-get-the-necrofluid-gauntlet-wonder-weapon”>How to get the Necrofluid Gauntlet Wonder Weapon
Every Zombies map features a unique Wonder Weapon, and Ashes of the Damned introduces the Necrofluid Gauntlet. To obtain it, players must defeat a miniboss named Uber Klaus, complete errands across the map, and solve a symbol puzzle. The miniboss spawns at Janus Towers Plaza from Round 8 onwards, and defeating him yields the Stabilizer Chip, essential for the next steps.
After acquiring the chip, players must navigate to Ashwood, where Klaus is imprisoned. Installing the chip on the keypad and using Stun Grenades will free Klaus, who can then be directed to assist in further objectives.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”aether-barrel-3″>Aether Barrel
With Klaus in tow, players head to Zarya Cosmodrome, where he activates a control panel. This unlocks the next phase of the quest, involving the Aether Barrel. Players must transport the barrel to each of the power pumps at Blackwater Lake, Ashwood, and Vandorn Farm, defending against waves of zombies while filling it with energy.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”cube-symbols-puzzle-3″>Cube symbols puzzle
After filling the Aether Barrel, players return to Vandorn Farm to interact with a mysterious cube that displays glowing symbols. By memorizing symbols seen during a jump pad ascent, players can solve the puzzle to unlock the Necrofluid Gauntlet.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-gathering-the-serum-ingredients”>Gathering the serum ingredients
With the Wonder Weapon in hand, players embark on a quest to gather six ingredients needed to create a special serum. These include:
- Powder of the Forgotten
- Widow’s Lantern
- Human Bones
- Ravager Eyes
- Hoard Husk Chunks
- Mysterious Limb
Powder of the Forgotten
The first ingredient, the Powder of the Forgotten, requires the Wisp Tea perk from Zarya Cosmodrome. Players must then head to Ashwood’s Tailor Shop, where shooting zombies activates Wisp Tea, leading to the discovery of the powder.
Widow’s Lantern
Next, players must acquire the Widow’s Lantern, starting with a visit to Blackwater Lake to collect the Jar of Spores. This jar is then used on a horse carcass at Vandorn Farm, with the lantern ready for collection after three rounds.
Human Bones
Human Bones can be found within Vandorn Farm by severing a zombie’s foot and burning it. This gruesome task is necessary for the serum’s creation.
Ravager Eyes
Ravager Eyes are obtained by luring a Ravager into a Saw Trap, which will dispatch the enemy and yield the desired item.
Hoard Husk Chunks
These chunks can be found by destroying glowing purple pods along the roads with Ol’ Tessie’s Abomination Beam.
Mysterious Limb
The final ingredient, the Mysterious Limb, drops from a Zursa, a formidable bear that appears from Round 16 onwards. Players must defeat it using the Abomination Beam to secure this last piece.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-making-the-serum”>Making the Serum
Once all ingredients are collected, players return to Zarya Cosmodrome to brew the serum in Yuri’s Lab. Interacting with the ingredients will trigger a cipher puzzle, requiring players to mix them in a specific order to unlock the next phase of the quest.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-finding-the-keys”>Finding the keys
After brewing the serum, players must locate three keys to unlock a box in Ashwood. Each key is hidden along the roads between locations, requiring the use of the Necrofluid Gauntlet to retrieve them.
Terrapin Key
The Terrapin Key is found on the Grounded Ship between Ashwood and Vandorn Farm, glowing bright green and located in one of several spawn points.
Bruin Key
The Bruin Key, bright yellow in color, can be found on the road between Ashwood and Zarya Cosmodrome, with three potential spawn locations.
Nightbird Key
The Nightbird Key, glowing red, is located on the road between Ashwood and Exit 115, also featuring three distinct spawn locations.
DG-2 Turret Barrel
Collecting all three keys unlocks a box in Ashwood, rewarding players with the DG-2 Turret Barrel, a significant upgrade for Ol’ Tessie. This upgrade is essential for completing the main quest.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-vandorn-farm-puzzle”>Vandorn Farm puzzle
Players then tackle the Vandorn Farm puzzle, which involves collecting four specific items and placing them in designated circles while defending against a horde of zombies.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-solve-the-exit-115-puzzle”>How to solve the Exit 115 Puzzle
The Exit 115 puzzle requires players to summon three special zombies and lead them to colored lightning strikes within a timed window, making for an engaging challenge.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-solve-the-zarya-cosmodrome-puzzle”>How to solve the Zarya Cosmodrome puzzle
At Zarya Cosmodrome, players solve a cipher puzzle involving monitors that spell out a word, which must be matched with corresponding numbers to unlock the next phase.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-solve-the-blackwater-lake-puzzle”>How to solve the Blackwater Lake puzzle
The final puzzle before the boss fight at Blackwater Lake involves locating and shooting four hidden film reels in a specific order, adding a layer of complexity to the gameplay.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-final-road-trip”>Final Road Trip
To enter the final boss arena, players must embark on a last road trip with Ol’ Tessie, collecting wisps along the way. This timed challenge requires quick navigation through the map’s major points of interest.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-how-to-beat-veytharion”>How to Beat Veytharion
In the climactic showdown, players face Veytharion, a massive floating boss. Utilizing Ol’ Tessie, players must avoid explosive attacks and strategically collect energy to weaken the boss. The battle demands agility and quick thinking, culminating in a thrilling conclusion to the Ashes of the Damned questline.
