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, the Ull's Arrow, is crucial for high-round survival and completing the main Easter egg quest. This guide details the upgrade process.
Prerequisites for Upgrading the Staff of Ice
Before upgrading, you need two things: the Staff of Ice itself (obtained from the Mystery Box or by crafting it from three parts) and access to the Dark Aether Nexus (open the Door to Nowhere early).
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. Optimize your route; a suggested path starts in the tomb area, then the Shrine of the Hierophants, and finally the lantern near the Subterranean Temple entrance (avoid the one near Quick Revive due to distance). Successfully freezing the crystals triggers a quote from Archibald, signaling your next step in the Dark Aether Nexus.
Step 2: Targeting Floating Rocks
In the Dark Aether Nexus, locate three floating rocks with glowing purple Runes. Shoot each Rune with the Staff of Ice (a hitmarker confirms success). This lowers the rocks, making the Runes easier to target. A scoped weapon may help. The order doesn't matter; shoot all three.
Step 3: Solving the Rune Symbol Puzzle
Find a stone wall replacing a portal in the Dark Aether Nexus, then return to the corresponding map area. A wall displays Runic icons; three match the symbols from the floating rocks. Shoot these three with the Staff of Ice. The portal will open (regardless of accuracy), but incorrect symbols teleport you back to the Dark Aether Nexus from a high altitude. If you fail repeatedly, wait a round or two. Correct symbols lead to a floating rock with a purple orb. Interact with it.
Step 4: Escorting the Soul Chest Orb
The Orb begins moving; follow it and kill zombies near it. Killed zombies' essence feeds the Orb. Maintain aggressive play to keep it moving towards the central structure in the Dark Aether Nexus. Once settled, interact with the small purple portal to upgrade your Staff of Ice to the Ull's Arrow.
Ull's Arrow Abilities
The Ull's Arrow boasts a powerful charged AoE attack and an alternate fire mode for reviving downed teammates, similar to its Origins map counterpart.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
