How to Unlock Dark Aether Rifts in MW3 Zombies

Season 1 of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has added Act 4 to its Zombies mode, and a few secrets that players can continue to discover after completing the new act. The Dark Aether Rift is a new location on the map, but requires a few items to unlock.

How to Open Dark Aether Rift in MW3 Zombies

The Dark Aether Rift can be unlocked by placing four specific items on their respective pedestals, defeating a Mega Abomination, and then placing the Sigil into the Dark Aether Rift. The rift is the giant black tornado located towards the middle of the map, and is on a small island south of the red High Threat zone.

There are four pedestals within the harmless tornado, each with a different elemental symbol on it. Players will have to deposit the following items on each of the pedestals, and will not work if followed incorrectly.

• Brain Rot – Pill Bottle
• Cryo Freeze – Locked Diary
• Dead Wire – Surveillance Camera
• Napalm – Dog Collar

Once placed, the tornado will disappear and a giant triangular portal will take its place. This is the Dark Aether Rift, and will permanently stay on the map for the player when unlocked.

The first time it is unlocked will spawn a Mega Abomination and Tier 3 zombies from the portal. The Mega Abomination must be defeated, and should be done alongside multiple players as the island is quite small to fight on.

Once killed, it will drop the new Sigil item that can be used on the left side of the Dark Aether Rift to activate it. Players can use it whenever they like, and can even exfil with the item to save it for future games. The Sigil is a one-time use item, but players can receive more as a random reward for completing Contracts in the red High Threat zone.

For more help with Modern Warfare 3 Zombies in Season 1, check out our guide on how to get the V-R11 Wonder Weapon that turns enemies into allies.