Shadows of Evil Symbols: Complete BO3 Zombies Cheat Sheet, Locations, Order, and Sword Guide

The Shadows of Evil symbols are an important part of the Apothicon Sword quest in Call of Duty: Black Ops III Zombies. These mysterious red markings appear during train rides across Morg City. You must identify them, remember their positions, and activate the correct symbols to unlock the hidden sword room.

If you’re playing BO3 Zombies for the first time, this step can feel confusing. The symbols appear briefly, their designs change between matches, and missing even one can slow down your progress. Fortunately, understanding their locations and activation sequence makes the process much easier.

This guide covers the Shadows of Evil symbols cheat sheet, all nine possible symbols, their locations, numbered tracking methods, and the correct activation process. You’ll also learn how Beast Mode works, how to obtain the Apothicon Sword, and whether you can complete this step without using the train.

Shadows of Evil Symbols

In Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Shadows of Evil features nine possible glowing red symbols connected to the Apothicon Sword Easter egg. You can see these symbols through windows while riding the train between the Canals, Footlight, and Waterfront districts.

These markings function as a randomized combination. Each match selects three symbols from the available set of nine. Your task is to recognize the three markings and activate their matching versions on a wall in the Underground.

Here are the essential facts:

• Total possible symbols: Nine.
• Symbols required: Three.
• Symbol locations: Three train routes across Morg City.
• Activation method: Beast Mode electrical shock.
• Main reward: Access to the Apothicon Egg and Sword quest.
• Randomization: The selected combination changes between matches.

The symbols aren’t ordinary decorative graphics or a standard alphabet. They work as visual clues for a specific Zombies quest. Their shapes help you identify the correct markings rather than translate a written message.

Remember that every player should record the symbols carefully. A single incorrect selection can force you to wait until the next round before trying again.

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BO3 Shadows of Evil Symbols

BO3 Shadows of Evil symbols belong to the Zombies map introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. The map takes place in Morg City, a fictional setting inspired by a dark 1940s atmosphere.

The symbols are connected to the Apothicon storyline and the process of unlocking the Apothicon Sword. Unlike standard weapon icons, these markings appear as glowing red designs in specific building windows.

You may encounter several different names for this Easter egg step:

• BO3 Shadows of Evil symbols
• Black Ops 3 Zombies symbols
• Apothicon Sword symbols
• Shadows of Evil train symbols
• Underground wall symbols
• Shadows of Evil Easter egg symbols

These phrases generally refer to the same nine-symbol puzzle.

One detail makes this challenge different from many other Zombies quests: the symbols are randomized. You can’t memorize one permanent three-symbol combination and expect it to work in every match.

Instead, learn the nine possible designs and identify whichever three appear during your current game.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Cheat Sheet

A cheat sheet helps you recognize the symbols quickly without repeatedly studying the train windows. Since the train moves quickly, having a reference image or numbered list nearby can save time.

The nine symbols are displayed together on the Underground wall. Their positions remain useful as a reference, even though the three selected symbols change between matches.

For an easy tracking method, assign numbers to the nine symbols according to their positions on your reference image.

Important: These numbers are organizational labels, not official in-game symbol names or a universal activation sequence. Different cheat sheets may number the designs differently.

To make your own cheat sheet:

1. Find a clear image showing all nine symbols.
2. Number the symbols from left to right and top to bottom.
3. Keep the image open while playing.
4. Match each train symbol with its numbered reference.
5. Write down the three numbers in the order you encounter them.

This approach is especially helpful when playing with friends. One player can focus on identifying the symbols while another prepares the Underground wall.

All Shadows of Evil Symbols

There are nine possible symbols associated with the Apothicon Sword puzzle. However, the game doesn’t provide official English names or translations for each marking.

It’s more useful to identify them by their visual appearance and position on the reference wall.

When identifying all Shadows of Evil symbols, pay attention to these visual details:

• Overall outline: Look at the symbol’s outer shape first.
• Inner markings: Notice the lines, curves, and smaller shapes inside it.
• Orientation: Check whether the design faces upward, downward, or sideways.
• Distinctive features: Look for unusual points, branches, loops, and intersecting lines.

Don’t rely on color alone. Several markings share the same red glow, so their outlines are much more useful for identification.

Also, remember that the nine-symbol wall is a reference for the puzzle. You don’t need to discover nine different markings during one match. You only need the three selected for your current game.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Meaning

Players often search for the meaning of Shadows of Evil symbols because the markings look like an ancient language or mysterious writing system.

However, these symbols don’t have confirmed individual English translations. Their primary purpose in this Easter egg is functional: they identify which three markings players must activate.

Their connection to the Apothicon storyline gives them a mysterious atmosphere. The red illumination and unusual designs also fit the supernatural setting of Morg City.

Here are some useful distinctions:

You shouldn’t assume that each marking represents a particular character, monster, weapon, or word. Without an established translation, those interpretations remain speculation.

For completing the quest, recognizing the correct design matters much more than assigning it a fictional meaning.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Locations

The three symbols appear along the train routes connecting Morg City’s districts. Each district has a particular viewing location, so knowing where to look makes identification easier.

Here are the three main locations:

These descriptions use the direction of travel from the corresponding district station. The exact viewing direction can feel confusing when the train turns, so watch the building windows rather than relying only on left and right.

Canals District

The Canals symbol appears in a circular window along the train route. Watch the left side as the train leaves the district.

It can pass quickly, so avoid looking away during the first part of the journey.

Waterfront District

Look toward the right side as the train leaves Waterfront. The symbol appears in a warehouse window.

This marking is one of the clues you can collect while traveling between Waterfront and another district.

Footlight District

The Footlight symbol appears in an apartment window on the left side of the route. Watch carefully after the train leaves the station.

The three locations are fixed, but the actual symbols displayed there change between matches.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Order

The correct order matters when you want to keep your notes organized and activate the right combination.

There are three symbols to identify, one associated with each district. The easiest approach is to record them in the order you encounter them during your train journeys.

A practical sequence is:

1. Ride from Canals toward Waterfront and identify the Canals symbol.
2. Continue watching the route and identify the Waterfront symbol.
3. Ride from Waterfront toward Footlight and identify the Footlight symbol.
4. Record all three markings using your cheat sheet.
5. Enter Beast Mode in the Underground.
6. Activate the matching symbols on the wall.

Some guides describe the journey from Waterfront to Footlight first. That’s also a useful way to collect two symbols in one ride. The important thing is to identify all three districts and activate the matching markings, rather than assume that one fixed combination works in every match.

Keep your own recorded order consistent. It reduces mistakes when you move from the train to the Underground wall.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Tracker

A symbol tracker is a simple way to record the three markings during a match. You don’t need a special application or an official tracking tool.

You can use a notebook, phone notes, screenshot, or a printed cheat sheet.

Here is a basic tracker you can copy:

Fill in each row as you spot the corresponding marking.

For example, if your reference sheet identifies the Canals marking as number 4, record 4 beside Canals. Repeat this process for the other two districts.

Tips for Tracking Symbols

• Record each symbol immediately after spotting it.
• Use the same numbering system throughout the match.
• Don’t confuse the district names.
• Take a screenshot if you’re playing on a platform that supports screenshots.
• Share the recorded combination with teammates.
• Double-check the designs before activating them.

A tracker is particularly useful in multiplayer matches because everyone can see the same combination. It also prevents players from wasting time trying to remember a symbol they saw several minutes earlier.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Without Train

Can you find the three Shadows of Evil symbols without using the train?

The straightforward answer is that the normal Apothicon Sword symbol-discovery step requires riding the train. The three randomized clues appear along its routes, and the quest expects players to identify them during those journeys.

There isn’t a standard method that lets you simply walk around Morg City and activate all three clues without completing the train discovery step.

However, you can reduce the amount of time spent riding:

• Plan your route before boarding.
• Learn the three window locations.
• Use a reference image to identify the symbols.
• Record each marking immediately.
• Avoid unnecessary journeys once all three are identified.

If a teammate has already identified the symbols, share their recorded combination. You won’t need to memorize the designs again, although the team still needs to perform the required activation.

Don’t confuse skipping a train ride with skipping the symbol puzzle entirely. The train is the intended way to reveal the combination.

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Shadows of Evil Symbols Numbered

Numbering the nine symbols makes the Easter egg easier to manage. Instead of describing complicated shapes, you can simply write down three numbers.

For example, your notes might look like this:

Example symbol tracking sequence

4

Canals

2

Waterfront

7

Footlight

Illustrative numbers only, not a fixed in-game combination.

In this example, the recorded combination is 4, 2, and 7. Your actual numbers depend on the numbering system you choose and the symbols generated in your match.

The key is consistency. If your cheat sheet numbers the symbols differently from a teammate’s sheet, your notes may cause confusion.

Always compare the actual designs before activating the wall.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Chart

A Shadows of Evil symbols chart provides a visual reference for identifying the markings. It is particularly helpful when the train moves too quickly for you to memorize every detail.

A useful chart should include:

You can save a reference image to your phone or keep it open on another screen.

For the best results, use a chart that shows the actual in-game markings. Fan-made drawings can help, but overly simplified versions may make two similar symbols difficult to distinguish.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Guide

This step becomes much easier when you understand the complete process. You don’t need to finish every part of the Easter egg before learning how to identify the train markings.

However, you should unlock Pack-a-Punch before proceeding with the standard Apothicon Sword method.

Step 1: Unlock the Underground

Open the necessary areas and complete the rituals required to access Pack-a-Punch. The Underground becomes your destination for activating the symbols.

Step 2: Ride the Train

Travel through the three districts and watch for glowing red markings in the windows.

Step 3: Record the Three Symbols

Use a cheat sheet or numbered reference to identify each marking. Make sure you have one from Canals, Waterfront, and Footlight.

Step 4: Enter Beast Mode

Reach the Underground and activate Beast Mode. Locate the wall displaying the nine symbols.

Step 5: Shock the Correct Symbols

Use the Beast’s electrical attack to activate the three markings you recorded from the train.

Step 6: Enter the Sword Room

When you activate the correct combination, the wall opens and reveals the sword structure. You can then collect an Apothicon Egg.

Step 7: Charge the Egg

Take the egg to the four Apothicon statues and collect zombie souls by killing zombies nearby.

Step 8: Collect Your Sword

After charging the egg at all four statues, return it to the Underground sword structure. You can then claim your Apothicon Sword.

Each player must complete their own egg-charging process to obtain their individual sword.

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Beast Shadows of Evil Symbols

Beast Mode is essential for activating the three train symbols. It gives your character special abilities that aren’t available in normal human form.

During Beast Mode, you can use an electrical attack to shock objects and interact with specific parts of the map.

For the symbol puzzle, follow these instructions:

1. Reach the Underground.
2. Find the wall containing the nine glowing symbols.
3. Activate Beast Mode near the wall.
4. Aim at the first recorded marking.
5. Use your electrical attack to activate it.
6. Repeat the process for the other two markings.
7. Check whether the wall opens.

Be careful when selecting the symbols. If you activate an incorrect combination, the markings disappear and you must wait until the next round to try again.

Beast Mode also helps you break open the wooden boxes that conceal the Apothicon statues needed for charging the egg.

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Sword Shadows of Evil Symbols

The sword-related symbols are part of the process of unlocking the Apothicon Sword. However, the markings themselves aren’t the sword or its upgrade system.

There are two important stages to understand:

• Initial symbol puzzle: Find three randomized markings on the train and activate them in Beast Mode.
• Sword collection: Obtain an egg, charge it at four statues, and return it to the sword structure.

The Apothicon Sword is a special weapon associated with the player’s character. Each character has a unique sword appearance and name.

The original symbol puzzle opens the room where the eggs and swords are located. It doesn’t directly upgrade the sword.

This distinction matters because players sometimes mix up the initial Apothicon Sword quest with the later Keeper Sword upgrade quest. They are connected, but they use different steps and objectives.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Tattoo

Some fans search for Shadows of Evil symbols tattoo designs because the unusual markings have a dark, mysterious appearance.

The nine-symbol designs can serve as inspiration for gaming tattoos, especially for people who enjoy the Zombies storyline and Apothicon mythology.

Here are a few design ideas:

• Single-symbol tattoo: Choose one recognizable marking from the game.
• Three-symbol combination: Arrange the three markings from a memorable match.
• Nine-symbol circular design: Use the complete puzzle wall as inspiration.
• Apothicon Sword tattoo: Combine a symbol with the weapon’s silhouette.
• Black-and-red design: Recreate the glowing appearance with contrasting ink.

Before getting a permanent tattoo, compare the design with a reliable in-game reference. Fan-made artwork may change the original markings or combine unrelated designs.

Also, remember that the numbers and combinations are gameplay references, not official translations of the symbols.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Train

The train is the main way to discover the three randomized symbols. It connects the Canals, Footlight, and Waterfront districts, making it possible to collect multiple clues during a single journey.

You don’t need to take three completely separate journeys if you plan your route correctly.

How to Find Symbols on the Train

1. Start at a district train station.
2. Board the train and face the windows.
3. Watch for red glowing markings on nearby buildings.
4. Identify the symbol using your reference chart.
5. Record the district and corresponding number.
6. Repeat until you have all three symbols.

A single ride can reveal two symbols, depending on the route. Two carefully planned rides are generally enough to collect all three.

Important Train Tips

• Watch the windows as soon as the train leaves a station.
• Keep your camera focused on the buildings.
• Don’t confuse the glowing markings with ordinary environmental details.
• Use the map’s question marks as clues to the symbol areas.
• Communicate discoveries with your teammates.

The train symbols are randomized, but their general locations remain fixed. This means learning the routes is just as important as memorizing the nine designs.

BO3 Zombies Shadows of Evil Symbols

BO3 Zombies Shadows of Evil symbols are part of a larger Easter egg involving rituals, special weapons, and supernatural enemies.

The symbol puzzle is particularly important because it gives players access to the Apothicon Egg. Without completing this step, you cannot follow the normal process of obtaining the Apothicon Sword.

The main things to remember are:

• Nine possible symbols appear on the Underground wall.
• Three markings are selected for each match.
• The train reveals the required combination.
• Beast Mode provides the electrical attack needed for activation.
• Correct activation opens the hidden sword room.

The puzzle also connects to the map’s wider progression. Players often work on opening Pack-a-Punch and completing other objectives while preparing to collect the train symbols.

If you’re playing cooperatively, assign one person to track the markings. This makes the process smoother and reduces the chance of activating an incorrect combination.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Cheat Sheet

A quick cheat sheet is useful when you want to complete the symbol puzzle without stopping to study every marking.

Keep these reminders nearby:

For a reliable reference, use an image of the actual nine-symbol wall rather than an unrelated collection of fictional runes.

The cheat sheet should help you recognize the designs, not replace the need to check which markings appear in your current match.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Tracker

If you frequently play Shadows of Evil, keeping a tracker can make repeated matches easier.

You can use this simple checklist during gameplay:

• Canals symbol identified.
• Waterfront symbol identified.
• Footlight symbol identified.
• All three symbols recorded.
• Correct symbols activated in Beast Mode.
• Sword room opened.
• Apothicon Egg collected.

This checklist follows the quest from discovery to the beginning of the sword-collection process.

One useful trick is to keep the symbol combination in your team’s voice chat or text chat. That way, players don’t have to repeat train journeys simply because someone forgot a marking.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Without Train

If you’re looking for a shortcut that completely removes the train from this Easter egg, there’s an important limitation.

The three clues are designed to appear along the train routes. Walking around the districts doesn’t provide a standard alternative for revealing the randomized combination.

You can, however, make the process feel almost effortless by preparing a nine-symbol reference beforehand.

Learn the locations, keep a tracker open, and communicate with your teammates. These small preparations can save time without relying on an unsupported shortcut.

If you’re following a video guide that claims to skip the train, check whether it is actually showing a previously recorded combination or a different stage of the quest.

Shadows of Evil Sword

The Apothicon Sword is one of the signature special weapons in Shadows of Evil. Unlocking it requires more than simply finding the three train markings.

After the symbol wall opens, you’ll find a structure holding the swords and eggs. Each player can collect an egg and complete the charging process independently.

How to Obtain the Apothicon Sword

Collect the egg: Enter the revealed room and interact with the sword structure.

Find the statues: Use Beast Mode to break the four large wooden boxes hiding the Apothicon statues.

Charge the egg: Place your egg on each statue and kill zombies nearby. Their souls charge the egg.

Repeat at all four locations: Visit the Underground, Canals, Footlight, and Waterfront statues.

Return to the Underground: Place the fully charged egg back at the sword structure.

Collect your weapon: Interact with your character’s sword to obtain it.

Each player must charge their own egg. However, teammates can help protect the area while you collect the required zombie souls.

The four statue locations are spread across the map, so learning the districts beforehand makes this stage easier.

COD BO3 Shadows of Evil Symbols

COD BO3 Shadows of Evil symbols are often searched by players looking for a quick solution to the Apothicon Sword puzzle.

The important distinction is between the symbol-discovery stage and the sword-collection stage.

You should complete these objectives in the correct progression. Trying to charge an egg before opening the symbol wall won’t work because the sword room must first become accessible.

The best strategy is to prepare your cheat sheet before starting the train journeys.

Black Ops 3 Shadows of Evil Symbols

Black Ops 3 Shadows of Evil uses a nine-symbol puzzle that connects the train routes with the Underground.

The markings have a distinct appearance, with red glowing designs visible through selected windows. Their unusual shapes make them easy to recognize once you’ve studied a reference image.

The puzzle also encourages teamwork. One player can ride the train and identify the clues while another prepares the Underground area.

For solo players, the same process applies. You’ll simply need to record the three designs yourself and remember their locations.

Don’t waste time searching for one permanent answer online. The combination changes between matches, so an old screenshot may not match your current game.

Black Ops 3 Zombies Shadows of Evil Symbols

Black Ops 3 Zombies Shadows of Evil symbols are especially relevant to players completing the map’s main Easter egg.

The Apothicon Sword is one of the important requirements for progressing toward the later quest stages. In the full main Easter egg, every player must obtain and upgrade their sword.

The initial train puzzle is only the beginning.

After obtaining the regular Apothicon Sword, players can continue with the Keeper Sword upgrade process. This involves collecting an Arch-Ovum from the Keeper associated with their character’s ritual site and completing additional challenges.

These later steps are separate from the original nine-symbol puzzle. Don’t confuse the train markings with the red ritual circles or the symbols used during the sword upgrade.

For players pursuing the full Easter egg, completing the sword process is essential preparation for the remaining objectives.

Shadows of Evil Symbols Sword

The connection between Shadows of Evil symbols and the sword is straightforward: the three train markings unlock access to the Apothicon Eggs.

The eggs are necessary for obtaining the weapon, but activating the symbols doesn’t immediately place a sword in your inventory.

Here’s the complete relationship:

• Nine symbols: The full set displayed on the Underground wall.
• Three train clues: The randomized markings you must identify.
• Beast Mode: The form used to activate the clues.
• Apothicon Egg: The item collected after opening the hidden room.
• Four statues: The locations where you charge the egg.
• Apothicon Sword: The weapon you receive after completing the process.

Once you understand these differences, the sword quest becomes much easier to follow.

The most common mistake is treating the initial symbol combination as the entire sword Easter egg. In reality, it’s just the first major step.

FAQ

How many symbols are there in Shadows of Evil?

There are nine possible symbols in the Apothicon Sword puzzle. However, you only need to find three randomized markings during each match.

Do Shadows of Evil symbols change every game?

Yes. The three selected symbols change between matches. Their general locations remain the same, so learning the train routes makes finding them easier.

Can you unlock the Apothicon Sword without finding the symbols?

The standard Apothicon Sword method requires finding and activating the three train symbols. They open the hidden room containing the Apothicon Eggs and swords.

How many zombies do you need to charge the Apothicon Egg?

You generally need around 12 zombie souls at each statue. The egg must be charged at all four Apothicon statues before you can collect your sword.

Can you upgrade the Apothicon Sword in BO3 Shadows of Evil?

Yes. You can upgrade the Apothicon Sword into a Keeper Sword by completing the Arch-Ovum challenges associated with your character’s ritual site.

Conclusion

The Shadows of Evil symbols are an essential part of the Apothicon Sword Easter egg in Black Ops 3 Zombies. Learning the nine possible designs, their train locations, and the correct activation process makes this challenge much easier.

Remember to track the three randomized markings during your train journeys. Use Beast Mode to activate the matching symbols in the Underground, then complete the egg-charging process to obtain your sword.

Keep a reliable cheat sheet nearby, communicate with your teammates, and avoid confusing the initial symbol puzzle with the later Keeper Sword upgrade. With the right preparation, you’ll spend less time searching and more time progressing through Morg City’s Zombies challenges.

Ryan Mitchell

I’m Ryan Mitchell, and I write about modern English, trending slang, and online expressions. I enjoy explaining the meanings, origins, and real-life usage of popular words in a simple way. I believe learning slang is an important step toward understanding today’s English-speaking culture. Through my work, I aim to help readers speak more naturally and stay updated with the latest language trends.