The new villain in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombies has finally been revealed, bringing excitement and many questions to the player community. Known as the Shadowsmith, this mysterious antagonist is central to the new story arc featured in the Ashes of the Damned introductory cinematic. This article explores everything known about the Shadowsmith — his origins, powers, possible identity, and what he means for the Zombies storyline.
Origins and Early Teasers
Hints about the Shadowsmith trace back to the Epha storyline starting around 2009. One of the earliest reveals came in August 2024, before Black Ops 6 launched, showing a shadowy figure appearing in a mirror in Liberty Falls. Shortly after, the mirror transformed into a Dark Ether portal, pulling in the character Ava Jansen. This marked the first glimpse of the new villain's connection to the Dark Ether dimension and the ongoing story. Just like many players looked for secrets in Zombies, some fans also enjoy finding safe ways to practice multiplayer. Many recommend trying a CoD BO6 Bot Lobby cheap and easy to buy, which helps players warm up before real matches.
The Shadow Smiths and Shapeshifting Powers
The Shadowsmith is part of a mysterious group called the Shadow Smiths. His silhouette and the hand reaching out of the mirror closely resemble the figure seen in the Ashes of the Damned cinematic, suggesting he has shapeshifting abilities. His attire, similar to the hoodie worn by Samantha Maxis, reinforces the idea that he can change form and manipulate appearances, adding to his enigmatic nature.
Manipulation and Dark Deals
The Shadowsmith allegedly contacted Dr. Panos, calling himself the "great voice from beyond" and guiding Panos through the Ashes of the Damned with promises to restore the land. However, he ultimately betrayed Panos, manipulating him into creating the Gorg Effects Wonder Weapon, designed to consume life essence to increase the villain’s dark power.
Connections to Classic Zombies Lore
A leading theory in the community is the Shadowsmith’s connection to Jebediah Brown, famously known as the blacksmith who created the Pack-a-Punch machine in the original Zombies storyline. The similarity between “Shadow Smith” and “Blacksmith” feeds speculation that the Shadowsmith could be an evolved or corrupted version of Jebediah Brown. This theory fits his old west cowboy appearance, southern accent, and the symbolic skull cages he carries, which might represent powerful entities like Dr. Monty and the Shadow Man.
The Mysterious Cowboy and His Southern Accent
The Shadowsmith’s look is a blend of different eras: a cowboy hat, boots, and aviator sunglasses, paired with a distinct southern drawl. The emblem on his hat resembles a U.S. Cavalry insignia, hinting at ties to historic American military or folklore, adding more layers to his complex character design.
Voice Mimicry and Dark Influence
This villain demonstrates the ability to mimic voices, as when he called Ava Jansen with Samantha Maxis’s voice. This power suggests his deep control over the Dark Ether and the Forsaken, positioning him as not just a physical threat but also a manipulator and announcer of the dark forces at play.
A Bigger Villain or Just a Benefactor?
While the Shadowsmith is undeniably powerful, many believe he is not the ultimate antagonist but rather serves a greater, unseen villain. His cryptic words and complex history indicate he might have once been like the heroes trapped in the Dark Ether, now acting under manipulation or coercion.
The Shadowsmith brings a chilling new dimension to the Black Ops Zombies saga, expertly blending classic lore with fresh mystery. Whether he is Jebediah Brown reborn or a shadowy agent of a darker force, this villain adds excitement and depth to Black Ops 7 Zombies.
As the story unfolds, players can look forward to new gameplay, missions, and lore revelations that will further explore the Shadowsmith’s identity and influence.
