How to Complete Nikolai's Side EE in Astra Malorum for Black Ops 7 Zombies

The developers of Black Ops 7 Zombies have established a tradition of weaving deep, character-specific lore quests into their maps, a pattern evident in Astra Malorum. Following the footsteps of Dempsey’s secret adventure on previous maps, the Russian operative Nikolai Belinski now stars in his own hidden side quest.This secret challenge offers far more than just a quick dose of experience points. Completing Nikolai's unique journey provides invaluable insights into the character's background, rewards the player with a powerful Legendary Rarity weapon, and grants an exclusive Calling Card for your collection. However, accessing this content requires precise preparation, a keen eye for subtle clues, and a willingness to face a terrifying close-quarters lockdown.If you are eager to deepen your understanding of the Aether story or simply enjoy the spoils of a successfully completed Easter Egg, this guide provides the essential step-by-step process for unlocking and conquering Nikolai’s secret side mission on the Astra Malorum map.

BO7 Zombies: Complete Nikolai's Side EE in Astra Malorum

Phase 1: Preparation and The Fiery Trail

To initiate this character-specific quest, you must meet a strict operator requirement and secure a key piece of Lethal Equipment.

1. The Operator Requirement

• The Rule: The side Easter Egg can only be started if you are actively playing as the Nikolai Belinski operator on the Astra Malorum map. Ensure you select him before loading into the session.

2. Lethal Equipment Acquisition

• The Tool: You will need a total of three Molotov Cocktails as your Lethal Equipment.
• Acquisition: Molotovs can be reliably purchased from any Crafting Table on the map for a modest cost of 350 Salvage per item. Stock up and ensure all three are in your inventory.

3. Lighting the Path at the Abyssal Rim

With Nikolai selected and your Molotovs ready, proceed to the Abyssal Rim area, the location known for the Wisp Tea perk machine. This is where you begin illuminating a hidden trail.

• First Molotov: Face west towards the open expanse. Look for a small patch of dirt located near the Ammo Box and a solitary lamp post. Throw your first Molotov at this precise spot.
  • Success Check: If successful, a set of ghostly fire footprints will instantly appear, leading away from the initial burn spot.
• Second Molotov: Follow the newly visible fire footprints until they come to a halt at a set of stairs. Throw your second Molotov directly onto the stairs where the trail ends.
• Third Molotov: The footprints will continue from the stairs and stop at a final location, pointing toward a concealed cave entrance. Throw your third and final Molotov at this spot to confirm the path into the cave.

Phase 2: Entering the Cave and the Altar Encounter

With the fiery trail leading the way, the final actions to initiate the lockdown take place right at the cave entrance.

• Locating the Carving: Approach the newly revealed cave entrance. Look at the rock formation to the left of the entrance. You will find a small wood carving of a goat etched into the stone.
• The Interaction: Interact with the goat carving. This will trigger a briefmini-cutscene, and the game will transition, placing you inside thedark, confined space of the cave.
• The Dead Ends: Once inside, the path is confusing and cyclical. You must proceed forward until you reach a dead end. Then, turn around and travel backwards until you reach a second dead end. Finally, turn back one more time until you find the hidden altar. Interact with the altar to begin the final phase.

Phase 3: The Lockdown and Narrative Reward

Interacting with the altar immediately initiates a dangerous mini-lockdownsequence, designed to test your combat skills under extreme duress.

The Cave Encounter

• The Enemies: Your primary threat during this short lockdown will be continuously spawning Ravagers. You must eliminate these powerful enemies to survive.
• The Environmental Hazard: Simultaneously, you must avoid a damaging red apparition that floats around the small area. Coming into contact with thisspectral entity will inflict rapid damage to your health and armor.
• The Goal: Focus on constant mobility, dodging the apparition, and eliminating the Ravagers as quickly as they appear.

Completion and Rewards

After a brief period of intense survival, the combat will abruptly cease:

The Cutscene: A short, custom narrative scene will play where the Ravagers seize Nikolai. The mysterious voice of Toor Bala will speak directly to Nikolai, delivering unique lore and story progression relevant only to this character.

The Escape: Following the cutscene, your operator will immediately spawn back outside the cave on the main map.

The Spoils: Check your inventory for your rewards:

• Legendary Weapon: A pre-Pack-a-Punched weapon of Legendary Rarity will be granted to Nikolai.
• Calling Card: A unique, exclusive Calling Card will be unlocked for your player profile.
• Experience Points: A substantial bonus of XP will be applied to your account.

Completing this hidden side quest offers a rewarding challenge and a deep connection to the overarching Black Ops 7 Zombies narrative, making it a must-do for lore enthusiasts and dedicated players.

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