The Season 1 Reloaded update introduced a variety of new content to Black Ops 6 Zombies mode, including the ability to locate Lightning Rods in Citadelle des Morts.
If you’re unfamiliar with the new addition, Black Ops 6 introduces a new Wonder Weapon called the Bastard Sword. While it’s already incredibly powerful, you can enhance it further by transforming it into one of four elemental versions. You’ll need to locate three Lightning Rods to unlock one of these versions, the Durendal sword.
This task can be pretty challenging, as you’ll need to evade the relentless undead, but here is a step-by-step guide to help you through it.
How to Locate the Lightning Rods in Path of Exile 2
To obtain Lightning Rods, you must first acquire the Stag Bastard Sword, which becomes accessible at Round 10 when players can gain a Stamp by defeating zombies wearing helmets. Once the Stamp is obtained, head to the Dining Hall (the location of the Dining Hall is marked as DH on the map above), where the Vulture Aid perk is located.
Interact with the knight statue near the wooden boxes to the left of the door leading to the Entrance Hall. A stag emblem on its chest distinguishes this statue. Using the Stamp on this statue unlocks the Stag Bastard Sword.
Locating the First Lightning Rod
The first Lightning Rod is a fixed spawn and can always be found in the same spot. It is located in the Nature Path area, near the horse stable that contains Deadshot Daiquiri (the location is marked as L1 on the given map). When facing Deadshot Daiquiri, face left to find a pile of boxes where the Lightning Rod will be waiting to be collected.
Locating the Second Lightning Rod
To get started, you’ll need the Dead Wire Ammo Mod, which can be purchased at any Arsenal station on the map (marked with a gun and shield icon). Acquiring it costs 500 Salvage, the green loot dropped by zombies and displayed on your HUD next to the cog and wrench icon. Eliminate some zombies to gather the necessary Salvage.
Once you’ve equipped a Dead Wire Ammo Mod weapon, head to the second marker near the Speed Cola machine; just south of Speed Cola, you’ll find an electrical outlet box mounted on the wall above a staircase leading further south (the location is marked as L2 on the given map). Shoot the box, and the second Lightning Rod will drop out, ready for you to pick up.
Locating the Third Lightning Rod
Obtaining the third Lightning Rod requires some patience and a bit of luck. The only way to get it is as a random drop from Armored Zombies. These larger, armored zombies start appearing after round 10 and are tougher to kill due to their increased durability. However, as the rounds progress, they spawn more frequently, improving your chances of getting the drop.
The Armored Zombie you’ll have to look for will have a Lightning Rod attached to its body—this is your cue. Defeat it to obtain the third and final rod.
Note: Your chances of getting it might be higher in the Pack-a-Punch machine room on the lower floor of E2 coordinates.
How to Use the Lightning Rods to Get Durendal in Path of Exile 2
After collecting all three Lightning Rods:
- Head through the Courtyard and up the stairs near the Elemental Pop machine to reach the Hillside Ramparts (the location is marked as CR on the given map).
- Once there, locate the vase along the West wall.
- Interact with the vase to place the three Lightning Rods inside. This triggers the appearance of purple-eyed zombies and a storm engulfing the Ramparts.
Equip the Stag Bastard Sword and stay in the area, avoiding or killing the zombies as needed until lightning strikes the sword, giving it a blue, electrified glow. Once charged, hit the vase with the electrified sword. Repeat this process three times, training the zombies near the vase while waiting for the sword to recharge.
After striking the vase with an electrified sword three times, players can interact with it to offer their swords. This action upgrades the Stag Bastard Sword into its enhanced variant: Durendal. Once the lightning infusion animation is complete, players can interact with the vase again to claim Durendal, securing another mighty upgraded sword in Citadelle des Morts.
