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. While its base form is relatively weak, its upgraded version, the Ull's Arrow, becomes indispensable 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 collecting its three parts) and access to the Dark Aether Nexus. Open the Door to Nowhere early to gain access.

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, glowing purple fire). Perks like Stamin-Up and PHD Flopper (with Tribologist) significantly improve your speed for this step. Optimize your route—a suggested path is the tomb area, Shrine of the Hierophants, then the Subterranean Temple entrance lantern (avoiding the lantern 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: Floating Rocks in the Dark Aether Nexus

Three floating rocks with glowing purple Runes appear 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 a successful shot). This will lower the rock, making the Rune easier to target. A sniper rifle or weapon with zoom can aid accuracy. The order doesn't matter; shoot all three.

Step 3: Rune Symbols Puzzle

A stone wall replaces a portal in the Dark Aether Nexus. Return to the corresponding area on the main map. Find a wall with glowing Runes; three match the symbols from the floating rocks. Shoot these three Runes with the Staff of Ice. The portal will open regardless of whether you choose the correct Runes, but incorrect choices result in being dropped from the air in the Dark Aether Nexus. Multiple failures might require waiting a round. Correctly shooting the Runes transports you to a floating rock with a purple orb. Interact with the orb.

Step 4: Soul Chest Orb Escort

The orb begins moving. Kill zombies near it; their essence fuels the orb's movement. Guide it to the central structure in the Dark Aether Nexus. Once settled, a small purple portal appears. Interact with it to upgrade your Staff of Ice to the Ull's Arrow.

Ull's Arrow: Upgraded Staff of Ice Abilities

The Ull's Arrow boasts a powerful charged attack with high AoE damage and an alternate fire mode for reviving downed players, similar to its predecessors in Black Ops 2 and 3.

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