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Upgrade Staff of Ice Guide for Black Ops 6 Zombies

Author:Kristen Update:Feb 22,2025

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

The Staff of Ice, a unique Wonder Weapon in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies, starts weak but transforms into a powerhouse once upgraded to Ull's Arrow. This guide details the upgrade process on The Tomb map.

Upgrade Prerequisites:

Before upgrading, you need the Staff of Ice itself. Obtain it either from the Mystery Box or by collecting 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

Freezing Dark Aether Crystals

Freeze three Dark Aether Crystals rapidly using the Staff of Ice. These crystals are found within glowing purple Dark Aether lanterns in The Tomb's underground sections. Perks like Stamin-Up and PHD Flopper (with Tribologist) significantly aid in this fast-paced step. Optimize your route by strategically waiting for lantern spawns to cluster them for efficient freezing. A suggested route starts in the tomb area, then the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally the lantern near the Subterranean Temple entrance (avoiding the one 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 in the Dark Aether Nexus

Floating Runes

Within the Dark Aether Nexus, locate three floating rocks each bearing a glowing purple Rune. Shoot each Rune with the Staff of Ice; a hitmarker confirms a successful shot. This lowers the rock, improving Rune visibility. A scoped weapon can enhance accuracy. The order of shooting is inconsequential.

Step 3: Solving the Rune Symbol Puzzle

Rune Symbols

After Step 2, a stone wall replaces a portal back to the main map. Locate the corresponding area on the main map; a wall with Runic icons appears. Shoot the three Runes matching the symbols noted from the floating rocks. The portal will open (regardless of accuracy), but incorrect choices teleport you back to the Dark Aether Nexus from mid-air. Multiple failures may require waiting for the next round. Correctly shooting the Runes leads to a floating rock in the Nexus with a purple orb. Interact with the orb.

Step 4: Escorting the Soul Chest Orb

Soul Chest Orb

The activated orb begins moving. Kill zombies near it; their essence fuels the orb's movement. Keep it moving towards the central structure in the Nexus. Once settled, a small purple portal appears. Interact with it to upgrade the Staff of Ice to Ull's Arrow.

Ull's Arrow Abilities:

The upgraded Ull's Arrow boasts a powerful charged AoE attack and an alternate fire for reviving downed teammates, similar to its Origins counterpart.

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