**Embarking on the chilling journey through Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies Origins can be a daunting task, but mastering the elemental staffs is your key to survival and ultimate victory against the relentless undead.** Among these formidable weapons, the Ice Staff stands out as a formidable ally, capable of turning hordes of zombies into brittle ice sculptures. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every intricate step, from finding its scattered components to deciphering the elusive **ice staff code** for its full, devastating potential. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the complex puzzles and hidden steps required to wield this frosty power, you're not alone. Many players find themselves confused, especially when it comes to the specific sequences and symbols needed for the upgrade. Fear not, for this guide is designed to demystify the process, providing clear, actionable instructions, and all the crucial **ice staff code** details you'll need to transform your gameplay and dominate the frozen landscapes of Origins. Get ready to embrace the chilling fury and pave your way to triumph.
Table of Contents
- The Chilling Power of the Ice Staff in Origins
- Locating the Ice Staff Parts: A Frozen Scavenger Hunt
- Crafting the Ice Staff: Assembly in the Excavation Site
- Accessing the Crazy Place: The Gateway to Elemental Power
- The Ice Staff Upgrade Puzzle: Deciphering the Ancient Runes
- Charging the Ice Staff: The Soul Collection Phase
- The Upgraded Ice Staff: Unleashing Frostbite Fury
- Tips for Mastering the Ice Staff and Origins
The Chilling Power of the Ice Staff in Origins
The Staff of Ice, universally known within the Call of Duty Zombies community as the Ice Staff, is one of the four legendary buildable elemental staffs featured in the iconic Origins map. Unlike conventional firearms, this ancient weapon harnesses the raw power of frost, allowing players to unleash devastating blasts of ice upon the undead hordes. When fired, the Ice Staff doesn't just damage; it actively slows down zombies, eventually encasing them in solid blocks of ice, much like the beloved Winter's Howl wonder weapon from previous iterations. Once frozen, these icy zombies become incredibly brittle, allowing you to shatter them with a single melee attack or a few well-placed shots, turning even the most overwhelming waves into manageable, albeit chilling, spectacles. Its crowd control capabilities are unparalleled, making it an indispensable tool for high-round attempts and intricate Easter Egg steps. Understanding its fundamental mechanics is the first step towards truly mastering the **ice staff code** and its subsequent upgrades.Locating the Ice Staff Parts: A Frozen Scavenger Hunt
Before you can even think about wielding the Staff of Ice, you must first locate its scattered components across the vast and treacherous landscape of Origins. This isn't a simple pickup; it's a multi-step scavenger hunt that requires strategic movement, resource management, and a keen eye for detail. Each part is found in a specific location, often requiring the use of the giant robots, the tank, or simply navigating the map efficiently. The journey to assemble the Ice Staff is a significant part of the early-to-mid game, setting the stage for the more complex challenges that lie ahead, including deciphering the intricate **ice staff code** for its full power.The Blue Disc and Gramophone
Your quest for the Ice Staff begins with two crucial items that, while not directly part of the staff itself, are essential for accessing the areas where its components reside and for initiating the upgrade process. The first is the **Blue Disc**, also known as the "Gramophone Record for the Ice Staff." This vital item is consistently found in the **Tank Station (Generator 2)**, specifically on the shelf inside the small building. Once acquired, this disc, alongside the main **Gramophone**, becomes your key to unlocking hidden pathways and accessing the ethereal dimension known as the Crazy Place – a critical location for both building and upgrading all elemental staffs. The Gramophone itself is always located inside the **Excavation Site**, on a table near the entrance. You'll need to pick it up and place it on specific turntables around the map to activate the portals to the Crazy Place, which is where the true power of the **ice staff code** resides.Ice Crystal Locations
With the Blue Disc and Gramophone in hand, your focus shifts to finding the three distinct Ice Crystal parts. Each part is acquired through a specific method related to the giant robots that stomp across the map: 1. **First Ice Crystal Part (Robot Foot):** This part is obtained by waiting for the robot **Fjördr (the robot that steps through the Church/Generator 6 area)** to step on the correct footprint. There are three possible footprints for Fjördr in the **Church/Generator 6 area**. You need to listen for the robot's footsteps and then position yourself directly under its foot as it slams down. If you're in the correct spot, the robot's foot will crush you (and any zombies around you), and upon respawning, the Ice Crystal part will be waiting for you in the crater left by the robot's foot. This is a high-risk, high-reward method that requires precise timing. 2. **Second Ice Crystal Part (Excavation Site):** This part is found inside the **Excavation Site** itself. After activating the Gramophone in the Excavation Site and placing the Blue Disc, a small blue glowing tunnel will open up on the lower levels. This tunnel leads to a hidden chamber where the second Ice Crystal part is located. You'll need to navigate through the Excavation Site, often battling zombies in tight corridors, to reach this elusive section. 3. **Third Ice Crystal Part (Tank Path/Generator 4):** The final Ice Crystal part is found along the **Tank Path**, specifically in the area near **Generator 4**. This part is typically found by taking the tank ride. As the tank passes a specific location (often near the wooden walkway section leading to Generator 4), the Ice Crystal part will be visible on the ground. You'll need to jump off the tank to collect it. Alternatively, it can sometimes be found simply by walking the tank path, but the tank ride is the most consistent way to spot and acquire it. Collecting all three of these parts, alongside the crucial Blue Disc and Gramophone, is a testament to your perseverance and sets the stage for assembling this powerful elemental weapon.Crafting the Ice Staff: Assembly in the Excavation Site
Once you have successfully gathered all three Ice Crystal parts, along with the Blue Disc and the Gramophone, the next pivotal step is to assemble the Staff of Ice. This process takes place exclusively in the **Excavation Site**, the central hub of the Origins map and the birthplace of all elemental staffs. Deep within the Excavation Site, at the very bottom level, you will find four distinct pedestals, each corresponding to one of the elemental staffs. The pedestal designated for the Ice Staff will glow with a faint blue aura, indicating it's ready for assembly. To craft the staff, simply approach the blue pedestal and interact with it. Provided you have all the necessary Ice Crystal parts in your inventory, your character will automatically assemble the magnificent Ice Staff. This moment marks a significant turning point in your game, as you now possess one of the most potent weapons against the undead. While the basic Ice Staff is powerful, its true potential is unlocked only after completing a series of intricate puzzles and challenges, culminating in the deciphering of the **ice staff code** for its ultimate upgrade.Accessing the Crazy Place: The Gateway to Elemental Power
With the Ice Staff now in your possession, your next objective is to gain entry into the **Crazy Place**. This otherworldly dimension is not only essential for upgrading your staff but also plays a crucial role in many of Origins' deeper mysteries and Easter Egg steps. The Crazy Place is an ethereal realm, characterized by its vibrant purple sky, floating islands, and the omnipresent sound of Samantha's voice. It's a place where the rules of reality bend, and where the ancient powers of the elemental staffs can be fully realized. To access the Crazy Place, you will need both the **Gramophone** and the **Blue Disc** you collected earlier. There are three distinct portals to the Crazy Place located around the Origins map, each corresponding to a specific staff. For the Ice Staff, the primary portal is located near **Generator 6 (the Church)**. You'll find a turntable next to the giant robot's footprint. Place the Gramophone on this turntable, and then select the Blue Disc from your inventory to begin playing it. As the eerie music fills the air, a shimmering blue portal will slowly materialize before your eyes. Step through this portal, and you will be transported to the Crazy Place, ready to undertake the challenging trials required to upgrade your Ice Staff and unlock the full power of its **ice staff code**.The Ice Staff Upgrade Puzzle: Deciphering the Ancient Runes
Once inside the Crazy Place with your Ice Staff in hand, you're ready to tackle the most intricate part of its upgrade process: the Ice Staff upgrade puzzle. This is where the concept of the **ice staff code** truly comes into play. Many players find this particular puzzle confusing, as it requires keen observation, quick reflexes, and a precise understanding of the symbols involved. The core of the puzzle involves shooting a series of floating stones in a specific order, an order that is dictated by symbols appearing on a central pillar within the Crazy Place.Ull's Arrow and the Gravestone
Before you can even begin solving the symbol puzzle, you need to "charge" the Ice Staff. This is done by shooting a specific object with the staff. Inside the Crazy Place, you'll notice a large, glowing arrow symbol on the ground, often referred to as **Ull's Arrow**. You need to shoot this arrow with your Ice Staff. Upon doing so, the arrow will glow even brighter, indicating that the staff is now ready to interact with the upgrade puzzle. Following this, you must locate a specific gravestone outside the Crazy Place. This gravestone is found next to **Generator 4**. Once you've shot Ull's Arrow, head back out of the Crazy Place and make your way to Generator 4. You'll find a gravestone here that will now be glowing blue. You need to shoot this gravestone with your Ice Staff. This action confirms that you've correctly initiated the upgrade sequence and are ready for the main symbol puzzle within the Crazy Place.Decoding the Ice Staff Code: Symbols and Sequences
Now, return to the Crazy Place. In the central area, you'll find a large pillar with various symbols etched onto it. Around this pillar, several floating stones will appear. The puzzle requires you to use your Ice Staff to shoot the floating stones in the correct order, based on the symbols displayed on the pillar. This is the heart of the **ice staff code**. Here's how to decode the correct symbols on the pillar and which corresponding floating symbols to shoot: 1. **Observe the Pillar:** Look at the main pillar. A specific symbol will appear on it. This symbol dictates the sequence of floating stones you need to shoot. 2. **Identify the Corresponding Floating Stones:** Each pillar symbol corresponds to a unique sequence of four floating stones. You must shoot these stones with your Ice Staff in the correct order. The stones are generally arranged in a circle around the pillar. 3. **Shoot in Order:** Once you've identified the sequence, shoot the floating stones one by one, precisely in the order given. If you make a mistake, the sequence will reset, and you'll have to start over. Below is a list of the pillar symbols and their corresponding **ice staff code** sequences for the floating stones. Note that the "floating stones" are identified by their appearance (e.g., two horizontal circles, a single vertical line, etc.). * **Pillar Symbol: Two Horizontal Circles (both black)** * **Floating Stone Sequence:** 1. Two Horizontal Circles (the same symbol) 2. Two Vertical Lines 3. Three Horizontal Lines 4. Two Horizontal Lines * **Pillar Symbol: Single Vertical Line** * **Floating Stone Sequence:** 1. Single Vertical Line (the same symbol) 2. Two Horizontal Circles 3. Two Horizontal Lines 4. Three Horizontal Lines * **Pillar Symbol: Three Horizontal Lines** * **Floating Stone Sequence:** 1. Three Horizontal Lines (the same symbol) 2. Single Vertical Line 3. Two Horizontal Circles 4. Two Vertical Lines * **Pillar Symbol: Two Vertical Lines** * **Floating Stone Sequence:** 1. Two Vertical Lines (the same symbol) 2. Three Horizontal Lines 3. Single Vertical Line 4. Two Horizontal Circles After successfully inputting the correct **ice staff code** by shooting the floating stones in the right order, Samantha will speak to you shortly, confirming your success. This audio cue is your signal that the puzzle has been solved and you're ready for the final steps of the upgrade.Charging the Ice Staff: The Soul Collection Phase
Solving the **ice staff code** puzzle is a major hurdle, but it's not the final step in upgrading your Staff of Ice. The last phase involves a "soul collection" process, which is common for all elemental staffs in Origins. This step requires you to "charge" the staff by killing zombies in specific locations within the Crazy Place. After players solve the ice staff upgrade puzzle, they must break three gravestones located within the Crazy Place. These gravestones will now glow blue, indicating they are active. Simply shoot each gravestone with your Ice Staff to break them. Once all three are shattered, the final charging phase begins. For the Ice Staff, the charging area is typically the section of the Crazy Place associated with the Ice Staff portal (the one near Generator 6). You will see a large, glowing blue area on the ground. Your objective is to kill zombies while standing within this blue area. As you eliminate the undead, their souls will be absorbed by the staff, indicated by blue wisps flowing into your weapon. Continue killing zombies in this designated area until the staff is fully charged. You'll know it's complete when the staff glows intensely and an audio cue confirms the charge is full. At this point, the upgraded Ice Staff will automatically appear on its pedestal back in the Excavation Site.The Upgraded Ice Staff: Unleashing Frostbite Fury
Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the treacherous paths, deciphered the ancient **ice staff code**, and charged your elemental weapon. The fully upgraded Ice Staff, often referred to as the "Ice Staff of Ull," is a truly magnificent and devastating weapon. While the base Ice Staff is already a formidable tool for crowd control, the upgraded version elevates its power to an entirely new level. The upgraded Ice Staff boasts several significant enhancements: * **Increased Damage:** Each shot deals substantially more damage, making it more effective against higher-round zombies and special enemies. * **Wider Area of Effect (AoE):** The blasts of ice now cover a much larger area, allowing you to freeze and shatter entire groups of zombies with greater efficiency. This is particularly useful for clearing pathways and creating breathing room in tight situations. * **Enhanced Freezing Capability:** Zombies are frozen more quickly and remain frozen for a longer duration, giving you ample time to shatter them or escape dangerous situations. * **Powerful Alternate Fire (Special Attack):** The most significant upgrade is its unique alternate fire mode. By holding down the aim button (L2/LT) and then firing, the upgraded Ice Staff will create a massive blizzard that sucks in and freezes all zombies within a large radius. This ability is incredibly potent for clearing entire waves, reviving downed teammates, or buying precious seconds during critical moments. Embracing the chilling fury of the upgraded Ice Staff will undoubtedly pave the way for victory against the relentless undead in Zombies Chronicles. Its strategic use can turn the tide of any round, making it an indispensable asset for completing the Origins Easter Egg or simply surviving to incredibly high rounds.Tips for Mastering the Ice Staff and Origins
Acquiring and upgrading the Ice Staff is a monumental achievement, but true mastery comes from effectively integrating it into your overall gameplay strategy. Here are some additional tips to help you dominate Origins with your frosty companion: * **Early Game Focus:** Prioritize getting the Gramophone and Blue Disc early. This sets you up for the staff build and subsequent upgrades. Don't be afraid to use your starting pistol or basic weapons to conserve points for doors and perks. * **Robot Awareness:** Always be mindful of the robots' footsteps. Knowing their paths and when they're about to step down is crucial for collecting the Ice Staff part. Listen for the distinct audio cues. * **Point Management:** Origins is a map that demands excellent point management. Opening doors, activating generators, and buying perks all cost points. Strategize your purchases to ensure you have enough resources for the staff parts and eventually the upgrade process. * **Perk Selection:** Juggernog is always a priority. Speed Cola and Stamin-Up are highly beneficial for mobility and faster reloads, which are crucial when dealing with hordes. Quick Revive is essential for solo players. * **Training Zombies:** Even with the Ice Staff, training zombies in tight corridors or open areas remains a fundamental skill. The Ice Staff excels at freezing trained hordes, allowing you to shatter them efficiently. * **Utilize the Alternate Fire:** Don't forget the upgraded Ice Staff's powerful alternate fire. It's a game-changer for getting out of sticky situations or clearing large groups of zombies quickly. Use it strategically, as it consumes a significant amount of ammo. * **Team Coordination (Co-op):** In co-op games, communicate with your teammates. Decide who will build which staff, and coordinate on opening paths and activating generators. Having multiple upgraded staffs makes high rounds much more manageable. * **Practice the Code:** The **ice staff code** for the upgrade puzzle can be tricky under pressure. Practice the sequences in lower rounds or in custom games until you can perform them quickly and accurately. Memorizing the symbol-to-sequence mapping will save you valuable time and prevent frustration. * **Patience is Key:** Origins is a complex map with many moving parts. Don't get discouraged if you fail an attempt. Learn from your mistakes, refine your strategy, and try again. The satisfaction of finally wielding the fully upgraded Ice Staff is well worth the effort.
Conclusion
The journey to obtain and upgrade the Ice Staff in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies Origins is a testament to skill, perseverance, and strategic thinking. From meticulously collecting its scattered parts to deciphering the ancient **ice staff code** and charging its power, every step is a challenge that rewards you with one of the most potent elemental weapons in the game. The Ice Staff, with its ability to freeze and shatter the undead, transforms chaotic encounters into controlled obliterations, making it an indispensable tool for survival and triumph in the face of unrelenting zombie hordes. We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated every facet of the Ice Staff's acquisition and upgrade, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to wield its chilling fury. Now that you're equipped with this vital information, it's time to put it to the test. Head into Origins, brave the frozen wastes, and unleash the full potential of your Staff of Ice. What are your favorite strategies for using the Ice Staff in high rounds? Share your tips, experiences, and any questions you might have in the comments section below! And don't forget to explore our other Black Ops 3 Zombies guides for more insights into mastering this iconic game.
