Season 2 Reloaded has arrived in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, bringing with it a thrilling update for Zombies mode. The focus of this feature is to guide players through the intricate steps of accessing Dark Aether Rifts and obtaining powerful new schematics.
(Photo : Infinity Ward, Raven Software, Beenox, Treyarch, High Moon Studios, Sledgehammer Games, Activision Shanghai, Demonware, Toys for Bob / Screenshot taken from Steam.)
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The Journey Towards Dark Aether
To initiate the second main Easter egg quest, players must first complete the Season 2 story mission titled Countermeasures. This relatively straightforward mission provides a 30-minute timer, offering players ample time to gear up with perks and Pack-a-Punched weapons. The reward for completing Countermeasures is the gold-rarity Drum item, a crucial component for unlocking the Dark Aether Rifts.
Efficiently Gather the Pieces of the Puzzle
With the Drum in hand, players must collect three more quest items: Tattered MMA Gloves, Perforated Target, and Pristine Mirror. Although the order is flexible, a recommended sequence ensures optimal time utilization. Teammates can split tasks during Countermeasures, making the collection process smoother.
A. Tattered MMA Gloves: Located on a cargo ship near the spawn point, players must activate an obelisk seal to spawn an Insta-Kill powerup. Melee zombies within the glowing circle to obtain the purple-rarity MMA Gloves.
B. Perforated Target: North of the soccer field, players can activate an obelisk seal to initiate a headshot challenge. Completing the challenge rewards the purple-rarity Perforated Target.
C. Pristine Mirror: Found in the foggy area in the bottom right corner of the map, players need to activate an obelisk seal and complete a challenge involving specific ammo types. Completing this challenge rewards the purple-rarity Pristine Mirror.
After collecting these items, players must upgrade them to gold rarity:
- Upgrade Tattered MMA Gloves at the boxing gym.
- Upgrade Perforated Target at the training area south of Shanin Manor.
- Upgrade Pristine Mirror at the graveyard below the military base.
Assemble the Artifacts and Face the Challenge
Once all four quest items are upgraded, players must initiate a fresh match and head to the purple tornado on the map. Placing the items on corresponding pedestals spawns a Mimic mini-boss, dropping the rift sigil item. This sigil, a one-time use item, unlocks the Dark Aether.
How to Complete S2 Dark Aether Rifts
- Place the Sigil on the gate to unlock the Dark Aether.
- Complete three contracts within the 30-minute timer.
- Find and interact with three Mister Peeks plushies, each offering a contract.
Unlocking New Schematics
- Search reward rifts for chances to acquire Mags of Holding or Blood Burner bike.
- Enter Dark Aether again to collect schematics for crafting these items.
- Find Elder Sigil drops during Dark Aether exploration and collect them for exfil.
Tier 5 Threat Zone
- Start a new match using the Elder Sigil on the opposite side of the gate.
- Complete contracts within a reduced 15-minute timer.
- Collect and unlock Season 2 schematics for crafting the Mags of Holding, Blood Burner bike, and the V-R11 Wonder Weapon.
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