Upgrade Guide: Staff of Ice in Black Ops 6 Zombies

The Staff of Ice stands out as a unique Wonder Weapon in the *Call of Duty* series. While its initial form may seem underwhelming, the upgraded version becomes essential for tackling high rounds and completing main quest Easter eggs. 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 map in *Black Ops 6* Zombies, you need to meet two main prerequisites. First, you must acquire the Staff of Ice itself. This Wonder Weapon can be obtained from the Mystery Box or by assembling it from three parts scattered around the map.

Additionally, many of the upgrade steps take place within the Dark Aether Nexus. To proceed with the upgrade quest, it's crucial to open the Door to Nowhere as early as possible to gain access to the Dark Aether.

How to Upgrade the Staff of Ice in Black Ops 6 Zombies

Step 1: Freeze Dark Aether Crystals

The first step involves freezing the Dark Aether Crystals found within the lanterns in the underground sections of The Tomb. These lanterns are identifiable by their black frames and glowing purple fire.

You need to use the Staff of Ice to freeze three Dark Aether Crystals in quick succession. For optimal performance, consider using perks like Stamin-Up and PHD Flopper with the Tribologist Minor Augment to boost your movement speed.

The route you choose for this step is crucial, as is the manipulation of the Dark Aether lantern spawns. It might be beneficial to wait a few rounds to get the lanterns to spawn closer together. The most efficient path starts at the tomb area, then moves to the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally to the entrance of the Subterranean Temple. Ensure one of the pictured Dark Aether lanterns is active, as the one near Quick Revive is too distant to reach in time. Once successful, you'll hear a quote from Archibald and should then proceed to the Dark Aether Nexus.

Step 2: Floating Rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus

After the first step, locate three specific floating rocks in the sky of the Dark Aether Nexus, each marked with a glowing purple Rune bearing a unique symbol. These symbols can vary each game, so make sure to note them down.

Shoot each Rune with your Staff of Ice. Aiming accurately can be challenging, but a successful hit will be confirmed by a hitmarker, causing the rock to descend, making the Rune easier to spot. Using a sniper rifle or a weapon with a medium-high zoom scope can help in identifying these symbols more easily. The order in which you shoot the rocks doesn't matter, as long as all three are hit.

Step 3: Rune Symbols Puzzle

Upon completing the second step, look for a stone wall replacing one of the portals back to the main map in the Dark Aether Nexus. Return to the corresponding area on the map to find a wall with multiple glowing Runic icons. Identify and shoot the three Runes that match the symbols you noted on the floating rocks.

Note that the portal will open regardless of whether you shoot the correct symbols. However, incorrect symbols will teleport you to the wrong location within the Dark Aether Nexus, potentially dropping you from mid-air. If you fail multiple times, you might need to wait a few rounds before the stone wall reappears.

If you've shot the correct symbols, you'll find yourself on a floating rock in the Dark Aether Nexus with a purple orb in front of you. Interact with the orb to proceed.

Step 4: Soul Chest Orb Escort

After interacting with the orb, it will begin to move. Follow it closely and kill zombies near it to keep it moving. The purple trail from the zombies will power the orb's movement. Guide the orb to the central structure in the Dark Aether Nexus, where it will create a small purple portal. Interact with the portal to upgrade your Staff of Ice to Ull’s Arrow.

What Does the Upgraded Ice Staff Do in Black Ops 6 Zombies?

The upgraded Staff of Ice, now known as Ull’s Arrow, boasts powerful abilities similar to its counterpart in the classic Origins map. It features a high-damage AoE charge attack and an alternate fire mode that can revive downed teammates.

And that's the complete process for upgrading the Staff of Ice in *Black Ops 6* Zombies.

*Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC*