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; its base form is underwhelming, but its upgraded version, Ull’s Arrow, is crucial for high-round survival and Easter egg completion. This guide details the upgrade process.

Prerequisites for Upgrading the Staff of Ice

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, achieved by opening the Door to Nowhere, is also essential for progression.

How to Upgrade the Staff of Ice

Step 1: Freezing Dark Aether Crystals

Freeze three Dark Aether Crystals rapidly using the Staff of Ice. These crystals are found in underground lanterns (black frame, purple glow). Perks like Stamin-Up and PHD Flopper (with Tribologist) significantly improve your speed, crucial for this step. Optimize your route; starting in the tomb area, then the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally the Subterranean Temple entrance is efficient. Ensure one of the lanterns shown above is active. Successful completion triggers a quote from Archibald, signaling your next step in the Dark Aether Nexus.

Step 2: Dark Aether Nexus Floating Rocks

Within the Dark Aether Nexus, locate three floating rocks with glowing purple Runes. Each Rune's symbol is unique per game; note them down. Shoot each Rune with the Staff of Ice (a hitmarker confirms success). This lowers the rocks, making the Runes easier to target. A sniper rifle or weapon with zoom can aid accuracy. The order of shooting is inconsequential.

Step 3: Rune Symbols Puzzle

After Step 2, a stone wall replaces a portal in the Dark Aether Nexus. Return to the corresponding map area. A wall displays multiple Runes; shoot the three matching the symbols noted in Step 2. The portal will open regardless of accuracy, but incorrect symbols result in a mid-air drop back into the Nexus. Multiple failures may require waiting for the next round. Correct symbols lead to a floating rock and a purple orb. Interact with the orb.

Step 4: Soul Chest Orb Escort

Follow the moving Orb, killing zombies nearby. Killed zombies contribute purple energy to the Orb. Maintain aggressive gameplay to power its movement toward the central structure in the Nexus. Once settled, interact with the small purple portal that appears. This upgrades your Staff of Ice to Ull’s Arrow.

Ull’s Arrow: Upgraded Staff of Ice Abilities

Ull’s Arrow boasts a powerful charged AoE attack and an alternate fire mode for reviving downed players, similar to its Origins map counterpart.

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