Mastering the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies Staff of Ice Upgrade: A Comprehensive Guide

The Staff of Ice, a unique Wonder Weapon in Black Ops 6 Zombies, starts weak but transforms into a high-round powerhouse. This guide details its upgrade process on The Tomb map.

Prerequisites:

Before upgrading, acquire the Staff of Ice itself, either from the Mystery Box or by assembling its three parts. Early access to the Dark Aether Nexus, achieved by opening the Door to Nowhere, is crucial.

Upgrade Steps:

Step 1: Freezing Dark Aether Crystals

Freeze three Dark Aether Crystals rapidly using the Staff of Ice. These crystals reside within glowing purple lanterns in The Tomb's underground sections. Perks like Stamin-Up and PHD Flopper (with Tribologist) significantly aid this step. Optimize your route; starting in the tomb area, then the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally the Subterranean Temple entrance lantern is efficient. Ensure an active lantern is within range; the one near Quick Revive is usually too distant. Success triggers a quote from Archibald, signaling progression to the Dark Aether Nexus.

Step 2: Targeting Floating Runes in the Dark Aether Nexus

Within the Dark Aether Nexus, locate three floating rocks bearing glowing purple Runes. Each Rune displays a unique symbol. Shoot each Rune with the Staff of Ice (a hitmarker confirms success). This lowers the rocks, making Rune identification easier. A scoped weapon can improve accuracy. The order of shooting is irrelevant; hit all three.

Step 3: Solving the Rune Symbol Puzzle

Return to the main map. A stone wall will replace a portal. Locate the corresponding area and find a wall with Runic symbols. Three match the Runes from the floating rocks. Shoot these three with the Staff of Ice. The portal will reopen, regardless of accuracy. Incorrect symbols result in a mid-air Dark Aether Nexus drop. Repeated failures may require waiting for the next round. Correct symbols place you on a floating rock with a purple orb. Interact with the orb.

Step 4: Escorting the Soul Chest Orb

The Orb begins moving. Kill zombies near it; their essence fuels the Orb's movement. Guide the Orb to the central Dark Aether Nexus structure. A small purple portal appears. Interact to upgrade the Staff of Ice to Ull's Arrow.

Ull's Arrow Abilities:

Ull's Arrow boasts a powerful charged AoE attack and an alternate fire for reviving downed players, mirroring its Black Ops 2 and 3 counterparts.

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