Look, let’s be real for a second. Shadows of Evil is the most polarizing map in Black Ops 3 history. You either love the Lovecraftian, neon-soaked 1940s vibe of Morg City, or you absolutely despise how much "setup" it requires just to get a Pack-a-Punch machine running. But if you're trying to tackle the shadows of evil easter egg steps, you aren't just looking for a casual game of survival. You’re looking for the Apocalypse.
Most people fail this quest. Not because they aren't good at shooting zombies, but because this specific Easter Egg—formally known as Apocalypse Averted—is a logistical nightmare that requires four players. You literally cannot finish the final step solo. It’s a hard gate. If you're playing alone, you can get the Swords and kill the Shadowman, but the game won't let you trigger the final world-state change.
Getting the Basics Out of the Way (The Rituals)
Before you even think about the complex stuff, you have to open the map. Shadows of Evil is built on the concept of the Rituals. You’ve got four characters: Nero the Magician, Jessica the Femme Fatale, Jackie Vincent the Cop, and Floyd Campbell the Boxer. Each has a specific ritual site tied to their "sin."
First thing's first—you need the Summoning Key. It's in the back of the truck in the spawn alley. Smash the box in Beast Mode. Easy. Then you need the ritual items. Nero’s lawyer’s toupee is in the High Street. The boxing championship belt is in the Waterfront. The detective’s badge is in the Canal District. The golden toupee? No, wait, that's Nero's. Jessica's item is the hair piece in the Footlight.
You do the rituals. You dodge the Margwas. It’s repetitive, honestly. But once all four are done, you head down to the Rift, place the worms, and open the Pack-a-Punch. If you can't do this by round 5 or 6, your team is going to struggle later. Speed is everything here.
The Elemental Swords are Not Optional
You need the Reborn Swords to finish the shadows of evil easter egg steps. Period.
To get the base sword, find the three symbols hidden behind the barriers while riding the train. You have to look out the windows. Pro tip: have one person dedicated to looking out the left and another on the right. Once you have the symbols, go to the Rift, enter Beast Mode, and shock the corresponding icons on the wall.
Now, the grinding starts. You get an egg. You place it in the four statues around the map. You kill zombies near it. It’s a soul box mechanic. Once it’s charged, take it back to the Rift. But you aren't done. Now you need to talk to your character's ghost (the Archovum) to get the upgraded version. This involves defeating several Margwas that spawn at specific circles on the ground. It's chaotic. If you have a teammate who goes down constantly, this is where the run usually dies.
The Actual Shadows of Evil Easter Egg Steps Begin
Once you have your upgraded swords and the Pack-a-Punch is open, the "real" Easter Egg begins. This is where most casual players get lost because the game stops giving you obvious hints.
Go to the Nero’s Landing (the magician’s lair). On the floor, there’s a book. Interact with it. It’ll float. This triggers the arrival of the Shadowman in his physical form across the map. He’ll just be hanging out on balconies, judging you.
Flag Step: The Ultimate Test of Patience
This is the part everyone hates. You need to go to the Rift and grab a physical flag. Then, you have to take it to the different districts. Look for the lightning sparking on the ground. You place the flag, and you have to defend it from Meatballs (Ravergs) and the Shadowman’s infinite projectiles.
Seriously, use the Civil Protector. If you have the points, summon him. He acts as a perfect distraction.
You have to do this twice in each district. When the flag glows purple and makes a distinct sound, pick it up and run it to one of the ritual sites. A ghostly figure will "charge" it. If the flag breaks, you have to restart the round. It's punishing. Once you’ve successfully charged the flag in all four locations (Nero’s, Jackie’s, Floyd’s, and Jessica’s), you’re ready for the confrontation.
Killing the Shadowman (But Not Really)
Head back to the Pack-a-Punch room. All four players need to be here. You’ll see four pedestals where you can place your Gateworms. Once they’re placed, the Shadowman will hover in the center of the room, protected by a shield.
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- Kill the adds. Don't ignore the flyers.
- Interact with the four ritual tables. This lowers his shield.
- Blast him. Use everything. Ray Gun Mark II, Wonder Weapons, upgraded Haymakers. Just pour lead into him.
- Push him toward the altar. As you damage him, he moves toward the back of the room where the large ritual table is.
- The final interaction. Once he’s over the table, one player must interact with it to trap him in the Summoning Key.
At this point, the sky turns a sickening shade of purple. Giant Apothicon creatures appear in the sky. If you’re playing solo, the game ends here. You get a "Game Over" screen. But since you’re smart and brought a squad, the final hidden step unlocks.
The Four-Player Finale: The Train and the Gatekeepers
This is the "make or break" moment for the shadows of evil easter egg steps. The map enters a permanent state of "Beast Mode" energy, but you aren't actually in Beast Mode yet.
Three players need to stand at the train stations in the three districts (Waterfront, Canal, Footlight). The fourth player stays in the junction (the center area).
The three players at the stations must enter Beast Mode simultaneously. One player needs to call the train. The other two must stand on the tracks (in Beast Mode) and shock the power boxes on the side of the train as it passes.
While this is happening, the fourth player in the center must shock the three human "Keepers" that appear around the central ritual fountain.
Timing is everything. If you miss the window, the giant Apothicon in the sky will reset, and you have to wait for the next train. If you nail it, the giant beast is zapped, the curse is lifted, and you get that sweet, sweet "Apocalypse Averted" achievement/trophy and the Primis calling card.
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Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Run
- Not using the Apothicon Servant: You need the Wonder Weapon (the Interstellar Gun/Mar-Astagua). It’s a literal lifesaver during the flag step. If nobody on your team is building it, you’re making life 10x harder.
- Forgetting the Gobblegums: "Shopping Free" or "Extra Credit" in the early rounds can get the map open by round 2. "Fear in Headlights" is a god-tier gum for the boss fight. It literally freezes the Shadowman.
- Bad Communication: If you aren't on mics for the final train step, don't even bother. You will miss the timing. It requires a countdown. "3, 2, 1, GO."
Shadows of Evil is a masterpiece of design, but its complexity is its barrier. The lore implications of this Easter Egg are massive—this is where the Summoning Key is stolen by Richtofen, setting up the entire "cycle" of Black Ops 3.
Next Steps for Your Group
If you've managed to trap the Shadowman but keep failing the train step, stop rushing. Wait until the end of a round. Leave one zombie crawling far away. You have all the time in the world to position your players at the Waterfront, Canal, and Footlight stations. Ensure everyone knows exactly which power box they are shocking. Once the train is called, the players at the stations should jump into Beast Mode immediately. Don't wait to see the train; the animation takes a second to kick in. Shock the boxes, shock the keepers, and finish the cycle. High-fives all around.
From here, you’ll probably want to head into "The Giant" or "Der Eisendrache" to continue the narrative, as the Summoning Key you just secured is the lynchpin for everything that follows in the DLC season.