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

The Staff of Ice in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* Zombies is a unique Wonder Weapon, known for its weak base form but powerful upgraded variant, which is essential for high rounds and main quest Easter egg runs. 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 obtain the Ice Staff itself, which can be found through the Mystery Box or by collecting and assembling its three parts.

The upgrade quest largely takes place within the Dark Aether Nexus. To proceed, ensure you open the Door to Nowhere as early as possible to access 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 three Dark Aether Crystals found within the lanterns in the underground areas of The Tomb. These lanterns are identifiable by their black frame and glowing purple fire.

Use the Staff of Ice to freeze these crystals in quick succession. To increase your chances of success, consider using perks like 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 lantern spawns. It's advisable to wait a few rounds to optimize their locations. Start at the tomb area, then move to the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally to the entrance of the Subterranean Temple. Ensure one of the lanterns is active, as the one near Quick Revive is too distant. Upon successful completion, you'll hear a quote from Archibald, signaling you to enter the Dark Aether Nexus.

Step 2: Floating Rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus

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

Shoot each Rune with the Staff of Ice. Aiming can be challenging, but a hitmarker confirms a successful shot, causing the rock to descend, making the Rune easier to target. Using a sniper rifle or a weapon with a high-zoom scope can help in spotting these 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, a portal in the Dark Aether Nexus will be replaced by a stone wall. Return to the corresponding area on the main map to find a wall with several glowing Runic icons. Identify and shoot the three icons that match the symbols from the floating rocks.

Note that the portal will open regardless of the symbols you shoot, but incorrect choices will lead to an incorrect spawn location and a fall from mid-air in the Dark Aether Nexus. If you fail multiple times, you may need to wait a few rounds for the stone wall to reappear.

If you shoot 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 and kill zombies near it to fuel its movement with a purple trail. The orb will eventually reach the central structure of the Dark Aether Nexus, where it will create a small purple portal. Interact with this portal to upgrade your Staff of Ice into 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 similarities to its classic version from the Origins map in *Black Ops 2* and *3*. It features a powerful charge attack with high AoE damage and an alternate fire mode that can revive downed teammates.

And that’s how to upgrade the Staff of Ice in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* Zombies.

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