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, via the Door to Nowhere, is also essential for progressing the upgrade quest.

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 fire). 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 lantern is often fastest. Ensure at least one of the pictured lanterns is active. Success triggers a quote from Archibald, signaling progression to the Dark Aether Nexus.

Step 2: Floating Rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus

Locate three floating rocks with glowing purple runes in the Dark Aether Nexus. Each rune has a unique symbol. Note these symbols. Shoot each rune with the Staff of Ice (a hitmarker confirms success). This will lower the rock, making the rune easier to target. A sniper rifle or weapon with zoom may aid accuracy. The order of shooting the rocks doesn't matter.

Step 3: Rune Symbols Puzzle

Find a stone wall replacing a portal back to the main map. On this wall, three runes match the symbols from the floating rocks. Shoot these three runes with the Staff of Ice. The portal will open regardless of accuracy; however, incorrect symbols teleport you to an inconvenient location within the Dark Aether 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

The orb will begin moving. Follow it and kill zombies nearby; their essence fuels the orb's movement. The orb eventually settles in a central structure, forming a small purple portal. Interact with the portal to upgrade your Staff of Ice to Ull's Arrow.

Ull's Arrow: Upgraded Staff of Ice Abilities

Ull's Arrow retains the powerful charged AoE attack of its predecessors from Black Ops 2 and 3, gaining an additional alternate fire mode capable of reviving downed players.

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