Ice Staff Upgrade: Best Black Ops II Zombies
The Ice Staff upgrade in Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies is not just another weapon enhancement; it’s a pivotal tool for survival on the desolate map of “Origins.” This formidable staff, born from the frigid depths of the Giant’s laboratory, offers players a unique crowd-control ability that can turn the tide of even the most overwhelming zombie hordes. Mastering its acquisition and subsequent upgrade is crucial for any player aiming to conquer the intricate challenges presented in this iconic Black Ops II Zombies experience.
The journey to wielding the fully powered Ice Staff begins with a series of intricate steps, each demanding precision and strategic thinking. Players must first venture into the treacherous ruins of “Origins,” a map teeming with both the undead and the remnants of a forgotten war. The initial acquisition of the staff parts is a scavenger hunt that tests players’ knowledge of the map and their ability to navigate its dangers. These parts are scattered across various locations, requiring players to be observant and quick to collect them before they disappear or are claimed by another teammate.
Gathering the Components for the Ice Staff Upgrade
The quest for the Ice Staff begins with the assembly of its three fundamental components. These aren’t found lying around; they are hidden within specific, often well-guarded, areas of the map.
The Crystal: The first crucial element is the ice crystal. This can only be obtained by interacting with the frozen statues scattered throughout the map. Specifically, players need to listen for the audio cue of a grinding sound and then quickly shoot the statue before it becomes fully unfrozen. The timing is key here, and it’s often a good idea to have a teammate dedicated to listening for these cues while others focus on defending. This is a dynamic process, as the statues will only offer their frozen essence during specific rounds, usually earlier ones, adding an element of urgency.
The Staff Handle: The second component is the staff handle. This is found within the Generator areas. Players will need to activate specific generators in a particular sequence. The correct sequence is often hinted at through environmental clues or can be learned through community knowledge. Once the correct generator is activated, the handle will spawn nearby. It’s important to note that the generators can be activated in any order, but only one specific order will yield the handle, making trial and error or prior knowledge essential.
The Metal Component: The final piece of the initial staff puzzle is a metal component, often referred to as the “guts” or “mechanism.” This is located in the tank station. Players will need to acquire a specific item – the “Stamin-Up” perk machine cap – and then use it to interact with the controls inside the tank station. This triggers a sequence that reveals the metal component. The Stamin-Up cap itself is obtained after completing a specific task related to the tank, further linking the various mechanics of the map.
Once all three components are gathered, players can proceed to the excavation site where the workbench for staff assembly is located. Here, they will combine the crystal, handle, and metal component to forge the rudimentary Ice Staff.
Performing the Ice Staff Upgrade in Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies
With the basic Ice Staff in hand, the true test of its power lies in its upgrade. This process requires venturing into the forbidden realm of the “Crazy Place.”
Accessing the Crazy Place: To reach the Crazy Place, players must first complete a specific objective: gathering four specific items that are unique to the Ice Staff quest. These are the “Sacrificial Dagger” (often found in the church), the “Tuning Fork” (usually in the church or nearby areas), the “Shield” (which requires collecting three parts: a metal sheet, a battery, and a shield generator, similar to building a zombie shield), and the “Ring” (which can be found in the Crazy Place entrance area after a specific trigger). Once these items are collected, players must return to the excavation site and place them on the corresponding pedestals. This action will open a portal to the Crazy Place.
The Ritual of Empowerment: Inside the Crazy Place, the environment is hostile, filled with ethereal enemies. The goal is to find the pedestal designated for the Ice Staff. Once located, players will need to place the Ice Staff on this pedestal. This initiates a sequence where players must defend the staff from waves of ethereal enemies. The key, however, is not just to survive but to use the basic Ice Staff to freeze a specific number of these ethereal enemies. The exact number can vary slightly between games and updates, but it’s typically around 10-15. The staff’s primary fire, when aimed correctly, will freeze these enemies, allowing them to be eliminated. This creates a unique challenge, as players must balance defense with offense and precise targeting.
Collecting the Soul: After successfully freezing and eliminating the required number of ethereal enemies, the Ice Staff will absorb their souls, signifying its upgrade. Players can then retrieve the fully powered Ice Staff from the pedestal.
The Power of the Upgraded Ice Staff
The upgraded Ice Staff is a game-changer. Its primary fire shoots a blast of ice that instantly freezes any zombie or ethereal enemy caught in its radius. This not only incapacitates them but also makes them vulnerable to a single melee attack, allowing for instant kills. The secondary fire unleashes a powerful blast of ice shards that can clear entire crowds. Its crowd control capabilities are unparalleled, making it invaluable for surviving high rounds, completing Easter Eggs, and protecting teammates. For players seeking the ultimate advantage in Black Ops II Zombies, mastering the upgrade the Ice Staff in Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies is an absolute necessity. Its strategic deployment can mean the difference between a glorious victory and a devastating defeat.