Guide to Enhancing the Ice Staff in Black Ops 6 Zombies

The Ice Staff stands out as a unique Wonder Weapon in Call of Duty. Its base form is underwhelming, but the upgraded version is essential for surviving high rounds and completing main quest Easter eggs. Here’s how to enhance the Ice Staff in Black Ops 6 Zombies.

Requirements for Enhancing the Ice Staff in Black Ops 6 Zombies

Before upgrading the Ice Staff in The Tomb of Black Ops 6 Zombies, two key conditions must be met. First, secure the Ice Staff itself, obtainable via the Mystery Box or by assembling its three components.

The upgrade process largely takes place within the Dark Aether Nexus. To advance, ensure you unlock the Door to Nowhere and access the Dark Aether as early as possible.

Steps to Enhance the Ice Staff in Black Ops 6 Zombies

Step 1: Freeze Dark Aether Crystals

Begin the Ice Staff upgrade by targeting the crystals inside Dark Aether lanterns. These lanterns, located in The Tomb’s underground areas, feature a black frame and glowing purple flames.

Use the Ice Staff to freeze three Dark Aether Crystals quickly in succession. For optimal success, equip Stamin-Up and/or PHD Flopper with the Tribologist Minor Augment to boost movement speed significantly.

The path you choose is critical, as is influencing the spawn points of the Dark Aether lanterns. Consider waiting a few rounds to reposition the lanterns closer together. Start at the tomb area, shoot the crystal there, then proceed to the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally the lantern at the Subterranean Temple entrance. Ensure one of the lanterns shown above is active, as the Quick Revive location is too distant. Upon success, Archibald will provide a confirmation quote. Then, enter the Dark Aether Nexus.

Step 2: Targeting Floating Rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus

After completing the first step, locate three floating rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus sky, each marked with a glowing purple Rune and a unique symbol. These symbols vary per game, so record each one carefully.

When you spot a floating rock with a glowing Rune, shoot it with the Ice Staff. Aiming can be challenging, but a hitmarker confirms success. This causes the rock to descend, making the Rune easier to see. Consider using a sniper rifle or a weapon with a medium-high zoom scope to identify symbols more clearly.

The rocks can be shot in any order, provided all three are hit with the Ice Staff.

Related: How Camo Challenge Tracking Works in Black Ops 6

Step 3: Solving the Rune Symbols Puzzle

After completing the second step, search the Dark Aether Nexus for a portal back to the main map, which may now appear as a stone wall. Return to the corresponding map area, where you’ll find a wall with glowing Runic icons. Identify and shoot the three symbols matching those on the floating rocks using the Ice Staff. This action will unlock or restore the portal.

Note that the portal opens regardless of whether the correct symbols are shot. However, incorrect symbols will spawn you in the wrong location, dropping you mid-air in the Dark Aether Nexus. If you fail multiple times, you may need to wait for the next round to see the stone wall again.

If you shoot the correct three symbols, you’ll appear on a floating rock in the Dark Aether Nexus with a purple orb in front of you. Hold to interact with it.

Step 4: Escorting the Soul Chest Orb

After interacting with the orb, it will begin moving. Follow it and eliminate zombies nearby to channel a purple trail from them into the orb, fueling its progress. Play aggressively to ensure steady zombie kills near the orb. Eventually, it will reach the central structure in the Dark Aether Nexus, forming a small purple portal. Interact with it to upgrade your Ice Staff to Ull’s Arrow.

Capabilities of the Upgraded Ice Staff in Black Ops 6 Zombies

The upgraded Ull’s Arrow mirrors the abilities of the Ice Staff from the Origins map. Similar to its versions in Black Ops 2 and 3, it features a potent charge attack with high area-of-effect damage and an alternate fire mode that can revive downed teammates.

That’s how to enhance the Ice Staff in Black Ops 6 Zombies.

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