TL;DR
- Cursed Mode revives classic Zombies with pistol-only starts and no loadouts
- Relics provide powerful benefits but impose challenging debuff modifiers
- Global unlock requires any team worldwide to complete Ashes of the Damned
- Each relic unlocks classified rewards including weapon blueprints and calling cards
- Strategic relic management is crucial for surviving the enhanced difficulty
- Black Ops 7 introduces Cursed Mode as an intense hardcore experience designed for veteran Zombies enthusiasts.
- The gameplay revolves around discovering ancient artifacts called Relics that grant exclusive rewards and progression opportunities.
- Accessing this mode requires the global completion of the Ashes of the Damned main quest by any player team worldwide.
Black Ops 7 Zombies launches with an innovative Cursed Mode that deliberately removes contemporary mechanics to deliver a punishing retro-style challenge. While the concept generates excitement, immediate access isn’t available at release. This design choice has naturally prompted widespread curiosity about activation methods. If you’re among those seeking answers, this comprehensive guide details exactly how to unlock Cursed Mode in Black Ops 7 Zombies.
Understanding Cursed Mode in Black Ops 7 Zombies

As previously indicated, Cursed Mode represents a deliberate return to Zombies’ foundational principles. Players begin matches equipped solely with a basic pistol, completely eliminating loadout systems, removing minimap functionality, and implementing a traditional points economy reminiscent of Black Ops 3 mechanics.
Your primary objective becomes locating ancient artifacts of immense power, designated as Relics, concealed throughout Dark Aether dimensions. Every Relic connects thematically with iconic totems from Black Ops Zombies legacy. Additionally, each artifact features distinct activation prerequisites that often present formidable obstacles.
Cursed Mode Relics: Benefits, Challenges and Progression
Development teams have maintained secrecy regarding Relic visual designs, though confirmed information indicates they deliver exceptional advantages and exclusive prizes.
Activating these bonuses presents significant trials since every Relic imposes debilitating modifiers, substantially increasing match difficulty. Each artifact presents unique obstacles to conquer, and once activated during gameplay, multiple modifiers can trigger additional limitations. These constraints encompass restrictions like maximum four Perk-a-Cola consumables and elimination of Ammo Cache locations, plus other restrictions.
Successfully navigating these challenges unlocks access to confidential rewards and enables pursuit of more potent Relics. Every Zombies map will feature additional Relics to uncover across post-launch seasonal content. Regarding classified rewards, expectations point toward exclusive Weapon Blueprints or specialized Calling Cards as primary incentives.
Pro Tip: Prioritize relic acquisition based on your playstyle—defensive players should target relics that enhance survivability despite debuffs, while aggressive players might focus on damage-boosting artifacts.
Unlocking Cursed Mode: Global Requirements and Community Strategy
Treyarch officially confirmed during a Dev Talk episode that Cursed Mode activates immediately following successful completion of the Ashes of the Damned main quest by any single player or team in Black Ops 7 Zombies. For absolute clarity, this means any individual or squad globally—they need not participate in your gaming session.
This unconventional prerequisite echoes Destiny 2 Raid mechanics, though it ensures Cursed Mode becomes accessible relatively swiftly. Dedicated Zombies communities typically solve Easter egg puzzles within several hours, meaning most players simply await availability rather than personally completing Standard mode requirements. Naturally, ambitious players can attempt becoming the pioneering team that unlocks Cursed for everyone. However, achieving this distinction remains exceptionally challenging.
Common Mistake: Many players waste time attempting the quest individually when monitoring community progress would be more efficient. Track Zombies community channels for real-time unlock status updates.
This concludes our detailed guide on activating Cursed Mode in Black Ops 7 Zombies. Are you anticipating Ashes of the Damned? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Action Checklist
- Monitor community channels for Ashes of the Damned completion status
- Master basic pistol gameplay in standard mode to prepare for Cursed challenges
- Research relic locations and activation requirements during the waiting period
- Develop strategies for managing multiple debuff modifiers simultaneously
- Coordinate with skilled players for potential first-completion attempts
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Black Ops 7 Zombies Cursed Mode: How to Unlock and Relics Explained Master Black Ops 7 Zombies Cursed Mode with relic strategies and global unlock mechanics
