A Comprehensive Guide to Accessing Call of Duty: MW3 Zombies Season 2 Dark Aether Rifts

A Comprehensive Guide to Accessing Call of Duty: MW3 Zombies Season 2 Dark Aether Rifts

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

  1. Place the Sigil on the gate to unlock the Dark Aether.
  2. Complete three contracts within the 30-minute timer.
  3. Find and interact with three Mister Peeks plushies, each offering a contract.

Unlocking New Schematics

  1. Search reward rifts for chances to acquire Mags of Holding or Blood Burner bike.
  2. Enter Dark Aether again to collect schematics for crafting these items.
  3. Find Elder Sigil drops during Dark Aether exploration and collect them for exfil.

Tier 5 Threat Zone

  1. Start a new match using the Elder Sigil on the opposite side of the gate.
  2. Complete contracts within a reduced 15-minute timer.
  3. 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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