The Staff of Ice stands out as a unique Wonder Weapon in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* Zombies. While its initial form may seem underwhelming, its upgraded version, known as Ull's Arrow, 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 for the Staff of Ice on The Tomb map, you must first secure the weapon itself. You can obtain the Staff of Ice either through the Mystery Box or by assembling it with its three parts. Additionally, much of the upgrade journey takes place within the Dark Aether Nexus. Therefore, it's crucial to open the Door to Nowhere and access the Dark Aether as early as possible to progress the upgrade quest.
How To Upgrade the Staff of Ice in Black Ops 6 Zombies
Step 1: Freeze Dark Aether Crystals
The initial step requires you to freeze three Dark Aether Crystals located within the Dark Aether lanterns, which are found in the underground sections of The Tomb. These lanterns have a black frame and emit a glowing purple fire. To successfully complete this step, you must freeze the crystals in quick succession using the Staff of Ice. Enhance your chances by equipping 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 the manipulation of the Dark Aether lantern spawns. It might be beneficial to wait a few rounds to rotate the lantern locations closer to each other. The most efficient route starts at the tomb area, then moves to the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally to the entrance of the Subterranean Temple. Ensure that one of the pictured Dark Aether lanterns is active, as the alternative near Quick Revive is too distant to reach in time. Upon successful completion, you'll hear a quote from Archibald. Proceed then to the Dark Aether Nexus.
Step 2: Floating Rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus
In the Dark Aether Nexus, your task is to locate three floating rocks, each adorned with a glowing purple Rune featuring a unique symbol. These symbols vary each game, so keep a record of them. Use your Staff of Ice to shoot each Rune, which will cause the respective rock to descend, making the Rune easier to target. A sniper rifle or a weapon with a medium-high zoom scope can be helpful for spotting these symbols more accurately. The rocks can be shot in any order, but all three must be hit to progress.
Step 3: Rune Symbols Puzzle
After completing the second step, navigate the Dark Aether Nexus until you notice a portal back to the main map replaced by a stone wall. Return to the corresponding area in the main map where you'll find a wall with various glowing Runic icons. Identify and shoot the three Runes that match the symbols you noted from the floating rocks using the Staff of Ice. This action will reopen the portal.
Be aware that the portal will open even if you shoot incorrect symbols, but this will lead you to the wrong location within the Dark Aether Nexus, potentially dropping you from mid-air. If you fail this step repeatedly, you may need to wait for the next round before the stone wall reappears.
If you correctly shoot the three symbols, you'll find yourself on a floating rock within the Dark Aether Nexus upon entering. A purple orb will be visible in front of you; interact with it to proceed.
Step 4: Soul Chest Orb Escort
Once you've interacted with the Orb, it will begin to move. Your task is to follow it and kill zombies near it, as the purple trail from the zombies' souls will fuel its movement. Keep up an aggressive playstyle to ensure the Orb continues towards the central structure of the Dark Aether Nexus. Once the Orb reaches and settles within this structure, 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 Ull's Arrow, mirrors the capabilities of its counterpart from the classic Origins map in *Black Ops 2* and *3*. It boasts a potent charge attack that inflicts high area-of-effect damage and introduces 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*
