Upgrade Guide: Staff of Ice in Black Ops 6 Zombies

The Staff of Ice stands out among *Call of Duty* Wonder Weapons due to its unique characteristics. 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

To begin the upgrade process on The Tomb map, you need to meet two key prerequisites. First, you must acquire the Staff of Ice itself. This can be done by either obtaining it from the Mystery Box or assembling it by collecting its three parts.

The upgrade quest is closely tied to the Dark Aether Nexus, so it's crucial to unlock the Door to Nowhere early on to access the Dark Aether.

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

Step 1: Freeze Dark Aether Crystals

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

You'll need to use the Staff of Ice to freeze three of these crystals in quick succession. To maximize your chances of success, equip Stamin-Up and/or PHD Flopper with the Tribologist Minor Augment to enhance your movement speed.

Strategically, it's important to plan your route carefully and possibly wait a few rounds to optimize the lantern spawn locations. Start at the tomb area, then proceed to the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally the entrance to the Subterranean Temple. Ensure the lanterns are close enough to reach all three in time. After successfully completing this step, 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

Next, locate three specific floating rocks in the sky of the Dark Aether Nexus, each marked with a glowing purple Rune displaying a unique symbol. These symbols vary each game, so take note of them.

Use the Staff of Ice to shoot these Runes. A successful hit will be confirmed by a hitmarker, causing the rock to descend, making the Rune easier to target. Consider using a sniper rifle or a weapon with a high zoom scope to better identify the symbols. The order in which you shoot the rocks doesn't matter, as long as all three are hit.

Step 3: Rune Symbols Puzzle

After completing the second step, look for a stone wall that has replaced one of the portals back to the main map in the Dark Aether Nexus. Return to the corresponding area in the map, where you'll find a wall adorned with glowing Runic icons. Identify and shoot the three symbols you noted on the floating rocks using the Staff of Ice. This action will open the portal.

Be aware that the portal will open regardless of whether you shoot the correct symbols. However, incorrect symbols will lead you to the wrong location in the Dark Aether Nexus, potentially causing you to fall from a height. If you fail multiple times, you may 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

Once you interact with the orb, it will begin to move. Follow it closely and kill zombies near it to fuel its movement with a purple trail from the zombies into the orb. Continue this until the orb reaches the central structure in the Dark Aether Nexus. Interact with the small purple portal that appears, and your Staff of Ice will be upgraded 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 classic version from the Origins map in *Black Ops 2* and *3*. It features a powerful charge attack with high area-of-effect damage and an alternate fire mode that can revive downed teammates.

And that's the complete guide on 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*