The gladiatorial map IX in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 delivers one of the most engaging round-based Zombies experiences with its intricate main quest and rewarding challenge systems. Mastering the primary story steps requires a balance of arena crowd management, strategic weapon upgrades, and careful navigation through ancient underground chambers. Understanding both the main narrative milestones and the optional arena trials allows players to maximize their survival chances while earning high-tier gear.
Essential Setup and Wonder Weapon Acquisition
Before attempting the core Easter egg steps, players must unlock the Pack-a-Punch altar located in the underground Temple. As part of your early preparations, completing three arena challenges awards a Pack-a-Punched Strife pistol that drastically improves early round survival. You will also need to assemble the Brazen Bull shield and acquire the Death of Orion wonder weapon to interact with key story elements.
Navigating the Gods Trials
The main Easter egg quest revolves around completing specific trials dedicated to the four gods: Danu, Ra, Zeus, and Odin. The Danu trial requires creating a special fertilizer mixture using crowd affinity rewards, bowl ingredients, and a Firebomb elemental kill. Meanwhile, the Ra trial tests player coordination by requiring precise kills on specific enemy types in a dictated order.
Conquering the Arena Lightning and Odin Steps
Progressing further requires raising lightning rods into the main arena and charging surrounding obelisks with Kill-O-Watt weapon effects. Following this electrical phase, players must locate and shoot hidden glowing symbols scattered across the underground passages using the Death of Orion. Completing these puzzle elements unlocks the final gateway, leading straight into the climactic arena boss fight against giant armored elephants.
Unlocking Arena Challenge Rewards
In addition to completing the main quest, players can complete up to nine challenge banner tasks in the spawn arena to gain powerful bonuses. Early rewards include free self-revives, extra points, and upgraded weaponry to keep momentum high. Completing higher tiers grants additional perks and high-capacity light machine guns that aid immensely during late-game waves.
