Dropping into a fresh Zombies map always feels a bit manic. You’ve got no clue where the perks are, and everyone’s scrambling to turn on the power. Ashes of the Damned is massive, so getting lost is pretty much guaranteed. While most randoms are running around like headless chickens trying to figure out the main quest, the real OGs know it’s the small side Easter Eggs that keep you alive in those early rounds. One of the best secrets I’ve found is the Axe Throwing challenge. It’s not just a gimmick; the rewards can seriously save your bacon if you’re broke. It’s almost as useful as finding a decent CoD BO7 Bot Lobby to grind camos, except you're doing this mid-match for immediate loot. Trust me, you don't wanna skip this one if you want a leg up on the competition.

Locating the Hidden Trophy

So, wanna test your throwing arm? You gotta head over to Blackwater Lake. It’s a hike depending on your spawn, but aim for the southwest corner of that area. You're looking for a specific shed—it’s the one with the Crafting Table inside. You’ve prob run past it ten times without looking. Once inside, ignore the table for a sec and check the room on the right. There’s a weird little trophy sitting on a shelf. Walk up, interact with it. It’ll glow and make a specific noise. That’s your cue that it’s game time.

Mastering the Mechanics

Don't just stand there. Head back outside the shed immediately. You don't use your gun here; the game gives you the tool. Find the stump nearby with a Combat Axe stuck in it. Grab that bad boy. Now, look toward the southeast corner of Blackwater Lake. You'll see these floating purple targets way out in the spooky distance outside the map. You gotta chuck the axe and hit 'em. Sounds easy, right? It's actually kinda tough 'cause the arc on the throw is weird if you aren't used to the physics.

Handling the Pressure

Here’s the catch that messes people up. The first few targets just sit there, basically free points to get you warmed up. But after you nail those, the new ones start moving. It gets pretty sweaty trying to lead your shots while a horde is breathing down your neck. If you can, get a buddy to watch your back. You have to hit every single target that spawns to finish the sequence. If you miss too many or take forever, it’s a pain. Precision is key here, so take a breath before you throw.

Reaping the Rewards

Once you’ve smashed all the targets, the legendary Mr. Peeks pops up to say congrats. This is the good part. He drops a ton of rewards, and the RNG is actually decent for once. We’re talking Essence to boost your bank, high-grade Salvage, free Perks, or even Killstreaks. If you’re lucky, you might snag an Aether Tool or a Crystal for a free Pack-a-Punch. It’s a huge boost, honestly better than what you'd find in some BO7 Bot Lobbies regarding pure satisfaction and instant in-game power. Just remember, this can only be done once per match by one player. So if you’re playing with randoms, you better sprint there first, or you’re gonna miss out on the free gear.