The Staff of Ice is a unique Wonder Weapon in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* Zombies, known for its weak base form but powerful upgraded version, essential for high rounds and main quest Easter egg completions. Here's a detailed guide on how to upgrade the Staff of Ice in *Black Ops 6* Zombies.
Prerequisites for Upgrading the Staff of Ice in Black Ops 6 Zombies
Before you can upgrade the Staff of Ice on The Tomb in *Black Ops 6* Zombies, you need to meet two main prerequisites. First, you must obtain the Ice Staff itself, which can be acquired from the Mystery Box or built by collecting its three parts.
Many steps for upgrading the Staff of Ice are located within the Dark Aether Nexus. To progress the upgrade quest, it's crucial to open the Door to Nowhere and access the Dark Aether as quickly as possible.
How To Upgrade the Staff of Ice in Black Ops 6 Zombies
Step 1: Freeze Dark Aether Crystals
The first step in upgrading the Staff of Ice involves freezing the Dark Aether Crystals within the lanterns in the underground areas of The Tomb. These lanterns are identifiable by their black frame and glowing purple fire.
You must use the Staff of Ice to freeze three Dark Aether Crystals in quick succession. To increase your chances of success, equip Stamin-Up and/or PHD Flopper with the Tribologist Minor Augment to boost your movement speed. The route you choose is crucial, as is manipulating the spawn locations of the Dark Aether lanterns. It's advisable to wait a few rounds to optimize the locations for easier access. Start at the tomb area, then move to the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally the entrance to the Subterranean Temple. Ensure one of the pictured Dark Aether lanterns is active, as the other near Quick Revive is too distant. Upon successful completion, you'll hear a quote from Archibald, signaling you to proceed to the Dark Aether Nexus.
Step 2: Floating Rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus
After completing the first step, locate three specific floating rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus, each marked with a glowing purple Rune bearing a unique symbol. These symbols can vary each game, so take note of them.
Shoot the Rune on each floating rock with your Staff of Ice. Aiming can be challenging, but a successful hit will be confirmed by a hitmarker, causing the rock to descend for easier visibility. Consider using a sniper rifle or a weapon with a medium-high zoom scope to better spot the symbols. The order in which you shoot the rocks doesn't matter, as long as you hit all three.
Step 3: Rune Symbols Puzzle
Once you've completed the second step, navigate the Dark Aether Nexus until you find a portal replaced by a stone wall. Return to the corresponding area on the map, where you'll encounter a wall with multiple glowing Runic icons. Identify the three Runes that match the symbols from the floating rocks and shoot them with the Ice Staff. This action will open the portal.
Note that the portal will open regardless of the accuracy of your shots, but incorrect symbols will lead to an incorrect spawn and a fall from mid-air in the Dark Aether Nexus. Multiple failures may require waiting until the next round to see the stone wall again.
If you've shot the correct symbols, you'll find yourself on a floating rock upon re-entering the Dark Aether Nexus. Interact with the purple orb in front of you.
Step 4: Soul Chest Orb Escort
After interacting with the Orb, it will start moving. Follow it closely, and kill zombies near it to power its movement with the purple trail flowing from the zombies into the Orb. Keep up an aggressive playstyle to ensure the Orb continues moving towards the central structure of the Dark Aether Nexus. Once the Orb reaches and settles within the structure, interact with the small purple portal that appears. This will upgrade your Staff of Ice to Ull's Arrow.
What Does the Upgraded Ice Staff Do in Black Ops 6 Zombies? Answered
The upgraded Staff of Ice, now known as Ull's Arrow, retains similar abilities to its version in the classic Origins map from *Black Ops 2* and *3*. It features a powerful charge attack with high AoE damage and an alternate fire mode capable of reviving downed teammates.
And that's how to upgrade the Staff of Ice in *Black Ops 6* Zombies.
*Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC*
