How to Unlock BO7 Relics and Cursed Mode Explained
For Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (BO7) Zombies enthusiasts, the hunt for challenges beyond standard survival mode leads inevitably to Cursed Mode and its elusive Relics. These features aren't just endgame content-they're badges of mastery, designed to test even the most seasoned undead slayers with brutal difficulty modifiers and rewarding unlocks. Whether you're chasing Golden Armor, Tier IV Pack-a-Punch, or simply the thrill of overcoming unforgiving odds, understanding how to unlock and navigate Cursed Mode and Relics is essential. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know.
What Is BO7 Cursed Mode
Cursed Mode is a brand-new, high-intensity game mode in BO7 Zombies, tailored for veterans craving a stiffer challenge than standard or Survival modes. Unlike directed modes that guide you through objectives, Cursed Mode throws you into a hostile, unforgiving version of the "Ashes of the Damned" map (and later maps like Astra Malorum) with strict restrictions from the start.
From the moment you spawn, you'll only have a basic pistol-no powerful starting loadouts or pre-unlocked perks. Worse, the minimap is disabled, forcing you to navigate the fog-shrouded, time-warped landscape of "Ashes of the Damned" by memory and intuition. To make matters harder, equipping Relics (once unlocked) adds even more hurdles, such as new enemy types, modified power-up behaviors, and harsher damage scaling.
But Cursed Mode isn't just about punishment. Conquering its challenges unlocks pinnacle rewards: Golden Armor for enhanced defense, Tier IV Pack-a-Punch for devastating weapon upgrades, and Ultra Weapon Rarity for unique, game-changing armaments. It's a mode designed for teamwork, strategy, and precision-solo players will find it nearly unbeatable.
How to Unlock Cursed Mode: Complete the "Ashes of the Damned" Easter Egg
Cursed Mode isn't available from launch for individual players. It was unlocked globally only after the first team worldwide completed the main "Ashes of the Damned" Easter Egg-a complex, multi-step quest that serves as BO7 Zombies' initiation into high-level play.
For individual players, unlocking Cursed Mode requires completing the "Ashes of the Damned" main quest (Easter Egg) at least once. This quest spans the entire map, involving puzzle-solving, boss fights, and navigating the dark aether's twisted environments-from the crumbling Janus Towers Plaza to the eerie Vandorn Farm and fog-choked Blackwater Lake.
Key steps to completing the Easter Egg include powering up the map, unlocking and upgrading the Wonder Weapon (such as the Undead Gauntlet), and defeating story-specific bosses. While the full quest requires teamwork and communication, finishing it proves you've mastered BO7 Zombies' core mechanics-making you ready for Cursed Mode's brutality.
Once you've completed the Easter Egg, Cursed Mode will appear as an option when launching Zombies. Note: You can play Cursed Mode to find Relics before completing the Easter Egg, but you can't equip Relics until you've finished the main quest.
BO7 Relics: What They Are and Why They Matter
Relics are unique, collectible items in Cursed Mode that act as difficulty modifiers. There are 12 Relics total, split between "Ashes of the Damned" (9) and "Astra Malorum" (3), each unlocked by completing specific trials and challenges.
Equipping Relics makes Cursed Mode harder-for example, the Dragon Wings Relic disables normal power-up spawns, while others summon more aggressive enemies or alter environmental hazards. But the trade-off is worth it: equipping 3, 6, or 9 Relics unlocks tiered rewards, culminating in the coveted Golden Armor and Tier IV Pack-a-Punch.
All Relics require reaching at least Round 20 (and often higher) in Cursed Mode, so survival is your first priority. Below are step-by-step guides to unlocking some of the most sought-after Relics in "Ashes of the Damned."
1. Dragon Wings Relic: Shoot the Purple Orbs
The Dragon Wings Relic is one of the earliest Relics you can unlock, but it requires precision and timing. Here's how to get it:
First, Pack-a-Punch a weapon (essential for dealing enough damage later) and survive until Round 20. Then, head to the jump pad between Vandorn Farm and Janus Towers Plaza-this fast-travel device is crucial for the next step.
Use the jump pad to launch yourself between the two areas. While mid-air, look for three purple glowing orbs: one on the broken roof to your right, one on the power grid to your left, and one above the main tower's entrance. Shoot all three orbs before landing-missing even one means repeating the jump.
If successful, you'll hear eerie laughter, and a portal will appear on the right-hand outer wall of Vandorn Farm's main barn. Interact with the portal to enter the Grim Trial, where all power-ups deal damage when touched.
Survive four waves of zombies in the trial, then return to the main map to claim the Dragon Wings Relic.
2. Lawyer's Pen Relic: Light the Red Candles
The Lawyer's Pen Relic requires exploring three key locations to light red candles. Here's the process:
Survive until Round 20, then equip a weapon with the Napalm Burst ammo mod (or use a Molotov) to light candles. The first candle is in the cabin on the road between Ashwood and Blackwater Lake, next to the wardrobe.
The second candle is in Ashwood, on a shelf to the right of the Juggernog machine (a critical perk station for survival). The third candle is in the bedroom of the Vandorn Family Farmhouse, opposite the Stamin-Up perk station.
After lighting all three candles, return to Vandorn Farm's main barn-another portal will appear on the outer wall. Enter the portal, complete the four-wave trial, and you'll unlock the Lawyer's Pen Relic.
3. Focusing Stone Relic: High-Round Challenge
For more advanced players, the Focusing Stone Relic requires reaching Round 40 in Tier I Cursed Mode. Here's how:
Survive until Round 40, then locate two wine bottles in Blackwater Cabin. Place the bottles on a surface, then shoot them in the order they explode (memorize the explosion sequence carefully).
After completing this step, a portal will appear at the Cosmodrome. Enter the portal, complete the trial (which involves surviving waves of fast-moving Ravagers), and claim the Focusing Stone Relic.
Tips for Surviving Cursed Mode and Unlocking Relics
Unlocking Relics and mastering Cursed Mode isn't easy-here are key tips to increase your chances:
Stick with a team: Solo play in Cursed Mode is extremely difficult. Team up with players who communicate and specialize in different roles (e.g., one player focuses on survival, another on puzzle-solving).
Prioritize essential perks: Juggernog (increased health), Stamin-Up (faster movement), and PhD Flopper (explosion resistance) are non-negotiable. Unlock these early to survive higher rounds.
Upgrade your weaponry: Pack-a-Punch your weapon as soon as possible, and upgrade the Wonder Weapon for boss fights and tough trials.
Use the Wonder Vehicle: "Old Tessie," the rusted pickup truck, is your lifeline for navigating the map's dangerous fog. Repair and upgrade it to avoid being overwhelmed by zombies while traveling.
Memorize the map: With the minimap disabled, knowing key locations (perk stations, jump pads, candle spawns) by heart saves critical time and avoids costly mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Cursed Mode and Relics are BO7 Zombies' ultimate tests of skill and teamwork. Unlocking them requires patience, strategy, and a willingness to learn from failure-but the rewards are unparalleled. Whether you're chasing Golden Armor or simply proving your worth as a zombies master, the journey to collect all Relics and conquer Cursed Mode is one of BO7's most satisfying experiences. MMOexp can provide you with premium services and guidance, including BO7 Bot Lobbies and Boosting, to help you achieve your goals quickly!
Remember: Progress is gradual. Start with easier Relics like Dragon Wings and Lawyer's Pen, master survival in lower rounds, and build your team's coordination before tackling higher-round challenges. With practice, you'll unlock every Relic and become a legend of the dark aether.
MMOexp COD Black Ops 7 Team