MW3 Zombies Dead Wire Detonators
Image via Activision

How to Get Dead Wire Detonators in MW3 Zombies

The power you're supplying is electrifying.

The Dead Wire Detonators gives the electrified Dead Wire treatment to all guns and explosives that players are carrying in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies. Here is how to get the Dead Wire Detonators in MW3 Zombies.

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How to Get Dead Wire Detonators in MW3 Zombies

MW3 Zombies Season 3 Dark Aether Rift
Screenshot by Prima Games

MW3 Zombies players can get the Dead Wire Detonators by entering the third Dark Aether Rift and completing three missions within the zone. The new rift, located in the middle of the red Tier 3 zone, was introduced in the Season 3: Reloaded update and follows the same rules as the previous rifts to unlock it.

Players must collect and upgrade four relics to be offered at the appropriate altars in the swirling tornado where the Dark Aether Rift should be. Here is how to get each individual relic:

Once placed, the rift will appear and an elite Disciple must be defeated for the teleporter to be permanently unlocked. The fight will be rewarded with a Sigil item, which must placed at the base of the Dark Aether Rift to enter. Additional Sigils will be necessary to enter for subsequent runs and are earned by completing Tier 3 contracts.

MW3 Zombies Dark Aether Rift map
Screenshot by Prima Games

Once inside the Dark Aether Zone, you will have a limited amount of time to complete three contracts and exfil with your rewards. The locations are noted in the map above, but there is a long glowing beam of light coming from each contract altar in the zone. This makes it easier to see it from a distance by getting to high ground.

The northern contract is Eliminate the Bounty, the eastern contract is an Outlast mission, and the southern contract is the Escort mission. Completing each will spawn a Reward Rift with a chance to get the Dead Wire Detonators as a one-time use item.

How to Craft Dead Wire Detonators in MW3 Zombies

MW3 Zombies Dead Wire Detonators Schematic
Screenshot by Prima Games

The Dead Wire Detonators schematic can be unlocked by entering the harder version of the same Dark Aether Rift and completing the three contracts as above. The schematic has a chance to drop from the contract rewards.

The harder Dark Aether Rift will require an Elder Sigil item to enter, earned in the normal Dark Aether Rift from contract rewards, and players only have 15 minutes to complete the three contracts and exfil. A six-person squad is a must for the harder version, as the enemies are even tougher than the regular rift.

For more on Modern Warfare 3 Zombies, check out how to defeat the Rainmaker Warlord during Season 3: Reloaded.


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About the Author

Tom Meyer

Freelancer with bylines at various gaming outlets for a decade. Covers new releases, shooters, and the odd RPG. Started with Super Mario Bros. and Jack Nicklaus' Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf, and not planning to stop anytime soon.