Mastering the Staff of Ice Upgrade in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies

The Staff of Ice, a unique Wonder Weapon in Black Ops 6 Zombies, starts weak but transforms into a high-round essential. This guide details its upgrade process on The Tomb map.

Prerequisites:

Before upgrading, you need the Staff of Ice itself. Obtain it from the Mystery Box or by assembling its three parts. Early access to the Dark Aether Nexus (via the Door to Nowhere) is crucial.

Upgrade Steps:

Step 1: Freezing Dark Aether Crystals

Freeze three Dark Aether Crystals rapidly using the Staff of Ice. These crystals reside in underground lanterns (black frame, purple glow). Perks like Stamin-Up and PHD Flopper (with Tribologist) significantly aid this step. Optimize your route; a suggested path is: Tomb area, Shrine of the Hierophants, then the Subterranean Temple entrance lantern (avoiding the lantern near Quick Revive due to distance). Successfully freezing the crystals triggers a quote from Archibald, signaling progression to the Dark Aether Nexus.

Step 2: Targeting Floating Runes

Within the Dark Aether Nexus, locate three floating rocks with glowing purple Runes. Each Rune displays a unique symbol. Note these symbols. Use the Staff of Ice to shoot each Rune; a hitmarker confirms a successful shot. This lowers the rock, improving visibility. A scoped weapon can enhance accuracy. The order of shooting the rocks is irrelevant.

Step 3: The Rune Symbol Puzzle

Return to the main map. A stone wall will replace a portal. Locate the corresponding area and find a wall with Runes. Shoot the three Runes matching the symbols from the floating rocks. The portal will open/re-open, regardless of accuracy. Incorrect symbols result in a mid-air Dark Aether Nexus drop. If multiple attempts fail, wait for the next round. Correct symbols lead to a floating rock and a purple orb. Interact with the orb.

Step 4: Orb Escort

The Orb will move. Kill zombies near it; their essence fuels the Orb's movement. Guide the Orb to the central Dark Aether Nexus structure, where it creates a small purple portal. Interact with the portal to upgrade your Staff of Ice to Ull's Arrow.

Ull's Arrow Abilities:

Ull's Arrow retains the powerful charged AoE attack, and gains an alternate fire mode for reviving downed players.

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