The Ice Staff is one of the four elemental weapons in the popular Zombies map "Origins" from the game Call of Duty: Black Ops III (BO3). This powerful weapon is not only visually striking but also offers unique gameplay mechanics that can help players navigate the challenges of the map. In this guide, we will take you through the process of acquiring the Ice Staff, upgrading it, and using it effectively in your games.
Overview of the Ice Staff
The Ice Staff is a powerful melee and ranged weapon that can freeze zombies and create an opportunity for players to eliminate them with ease. It can be upgraded to enhance its damage and utility, making it a valuable asset for surviving waves of undead foes. The Ice Staff is particularly effective against groups of zombies and can help players control the battlefield.
How to Build the Ice Staff
To acquire the Ice Staff, players must complete several steps to gather the necessary components. Below are the steps involved in building the Ice Staff:
Step 1: Locate the Staff Parts
There are three parts needed to build the Ice Staff, and they can be found in specific locations throughout the map. Here’s a list of where to find each part:
- Ice Staff Head: This part is found in the "Church" area. Look for it on a pile of rubble or in a corner near the back of the church.
- Ice Staff Handle: You can find the handle in the "Excavation Site." It’s typically located near the entrance or on the floor inside the site.
- Ice Staff Crystal: The crystal is located in the "Spawn" area. It is often hidden beneath debris or near the generator.
Step 2: Assemble the Ice Staff
Once you have collected all three parts, head to the "Church" where the workbench is located. Interact with the workbench to assemble the Ice Staff, which will now be ready for use.
Upgrading the Ice Staff
Upgrading the Ice Staff transforms it into a more powerful weapon, increasing its effectiveness against zombies. The upgrade process involves completing a series of tasks.
Step 1: Acquire the Required Items
To upgrade the Ice Staff, you must first complete the following tasks:
1. Activate the Three Generators: Activate all three generators located around the map to unlock the ability to collect the elements.
2. Collect the Elemental Orbs: The Ice Staff upgrade requires players to collect three elemental orbs. These orbs are obtained by defeating specific minibosses that spawn after activating the generators.
Step 2: Complete the Ice Staff Upgrade Quest
Once you have the required items, follow these steps to upgrade the Ice Staff:
1. Defeat the Minibosses: After activating the generators, minibosses will spawn. Defeat them to collect the elemental orbs.
2. Place the Staff in the Altar: Take the Ice Staff to the altar located near the "Excavation Site." Once there, interact with the altar to place your staff.
3. Complete the Ice Staff Puzzle: You will be required to solve a puzzle to unlock the upgraded Ice Staff. This may involve placing the elemental orbs in the correct sequence.
4. Retrieve the Upgraded Ice Staff: After successfully solving the puzzle, the upgraded Ice Staff will be available for you to pick up.
Strategies for Using the Ice Staff
The Ice Staff can be a game-changer when used effectively. Here are some tips and strategies for maximizing your success with the Ice Staff:
1. Freezing Zombies
One of the main abilities of the Ice Staff is its capacity to freeze zombies. When you shoot a group of zombies, they will freeze in place, allowing you to follow up with powerful melee attacks or other weapons. This is particularly useful during high rounds when you are overwhelmed by hordes.
2. Use the Ice Staff in Tight Spaces
The Ice Staff is especially effective in tight corridors or small rooms, where zombies can easily be trapped. Use the freezing ability to control the flow of enemies, creating a safe space to reload or regroup with teammates.
3. Combine with Other Elemental Weapons
If you're playing with friends, coordinate your attacks by using the Ice Staff in combination with other elemental weapons, such as the Fire Staff. The combination of freezing and burning can devastate large groups of zombies, providing a tactical advantage.
4. Save Your Special Ability for Boss Rounds
The Ice Staff comes with a special ability that can deal significant damage to bosses. Save your special ability for when you encounter tougher enemies, such as the Panzer Soldat or the Margwa, to maximize its effectiveness.
Tips for Mastering the Ice Staff
To become proficient with the Ice Staff, consider these additional tips:
- Practice the Timing: The freezing effect has a cooldown period. Learn the timing to ensure you can freeze zombies when you need to.
- Upgrade Early: The sooner you upgrade the Ice Staff, the more effective it will be in later rounds. Prioritize upgrading as soon as you collect the necessary items.
- Keep Moving: Staying mobile is key to survival in BO3 Origins. Use the Ice Staff’s freezing ability to create space and keep moving to avoid being cornered.
- Communicate with Your Team: If you’re playing co-op, communicate with your teammates about your strategy. Coordination can lead to more efficient zombie elimination.
Conclusion
The Ice Staff is a powerful weapon in the BO3 Origins map, offering players unique advantages against the undead. By following this comprehensive guide on how to build, upgrade, and effectively utilize the Ice Staff, you can significantly increase your chances of surviving and thriving in this challenging zombies experience. Whether playing solo or with friends, mastering the Ice Staff can help you reach higher rounds and defeat the relentless waves of zombies. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to upgrade the Ice Staff in BO3 Origins?
To upgrade the Ice Staff, you need to complete the following steps: first, gather all the parts to build the Ice Staff; then, obtain the Ice Staff from the excavation site. Next, you must complete the three challenges associated with the Ice Staff, which involve activating the appropriate pedestals and solving the puzzle in the crazy place. Finally, return to the pedestal to upgrade the staff.
Where can I find the parts for the Ice Staff in Origins?
The Ice Staff parts can be found in three locations: the first part is located in the church, the second part can be found in the excavation site, and the third part is usually located in the generator area near the wind tunnel. Make sure to look for glowing items or interactable objects in these areas.
What is the best strategy for using the Ice Staff in BO3 Origins?
The best strategy for using the Ice Staff is to utilize its powerful freezing ability to control crowds. Aim to freeze groups of zombies and then follow up with melee attacks or grenades for maximum damage. Additionally, use the staff's charged shot to create ice storms that can help in clearing out more difficult waves of enemies.
How do you solve the Ice Staff puzzle in the Crazy Place?
To solve the Ice Staff puzzle in the Crazy Place, you need to interact with the three ice symbols corresponding to the staff's colors. You'll need to light up the symbols in the correct order, which is usually indicated by visual clues or the placement of the symbols in the environment. Once completed, you can return to the pedestal to claim your upgraded Ice Staff.
What are the benefits of upgrading the Ice Staff?
Upgrading the Ice Staff enhances its damage output significantly, allows for more powerful freezing effects, and adds a devastating charged attack that can eliminate multiple zombies at once. Additionally, the upgraded staff has increased ammo capacity and effectiveness against tougher enemies.
Can the Ice Staff be used effectively in high rounds?
Yes, the Ice Staff can be highly effective in high rounds, especially when upgraded. Its ability to freeze and control large groups of zombies allows players to manage hordes more easily. Pairing it with other weapons and perks, such as Double Tap and Speed Cola, can further enhance its effectiveness in later rounds.
