You're running through the gas station in Liberty Falls, zombies are literally breathing down your neck, and you're wondering if there’s anything better than just another Pack-a-Punched pistol. There is. It’s a literal superhero transformation. The Liberty Falls Aetherella easter egg isn't just some cosmetic gimmick; it’s one of the most practical side quests in Black Ops 6 Zombies because it turns you into a laser-beaming engine of destruction. Honestly, if you aren't doing this every match, you're just making your life harder for no reason.
Most players stumble onto the first figurine and think it’s just a collectible. It’s not. It’s the key to becoming a giant, purple-glowing powerhouse.
Finding the Aetherella Figurines Without Losing Your Mind
First off, you need to head to Olly’s Comics. This is the heart of the map, and it's where the magic happens. Inside the shop, you’ll see the Aetherella display case. It’s empty. Your job is to fill it by finding nine tiny figurines scattered across the map.
They are small. Like, annoyingly small.
You’ll find one tucked away on a shelf in the back of the comic shop itself. Another is sitting on a counter in the nearby bowling alley—specifically near the snack bar area where things usually get chaotic. Don’t just look at eye level. Check under tables and behind registers. One of the trickiest ones is located near the church on a stone ledge that most people run right past while screaming at a Mangler. There's also one hidden in the graveyard, chilling on a tombstone like it’s waiting for the apocalypse to end.
The Interaction Mechanic
You don't just "pick them up" by walking over them. You have to use a specific trap. The Jet Gun (the Wonder Weapon of the map) is required here. You need to use the secondary fire—the suction—to pull these figurines toward you. If you don't have the Jet Gun yet, stop what you’re doing and go craft it or hit the Mystery Box until your points run dry. Without that vacuum power, those figurines are staying right where they are.
Once you’ve sucked up all nine, head back to Olly’s Comics. Interact with the empty display case.
What Happens When You Become Aetherella
This is where the Liberty Falls Aetherella easter egg shifts from a scavenger hunt to a power trip. Once you activate the completed set, your character transforms. You grow in size. You glow with a vibrant, ethereal purple energy. For a limited time, you aren't playing a shooter anymore; you're playing a power fantasy.
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Your primary attack becomes a laser eye beam. It’s devastating. It cuts through standard zombie hordes like they’re made of wet paper. Elites like Manglers and Abominations still take a bit of focus, but the pure DPS output is significantly higher than most base weapons.
It’s worth noting that you aren't invincible. A lot of people think the transformation makes them a god. You can still take damage, though you have a massive health pool and a stomp attack that clears out anything getting too close to your shins. Use it when the round numbers start getting into the 30s and 40s and the screen is nothing but rotting flesh and sprinting sprinters.
Why This Easter Egg Matters for High Rounds
In previous Treyarch games, side easter eggs were often "one and done" distractions. You’d get a free perk or a funny jump scare. But in Black Ops 6, the Liberty Falls Aetherella easter egg serves a tactical purpose.
Think about the exfil. If you’re pushing for a Round 40 or 50 exfil, the sheer density of the undead is claustrophobic. Saving the Aetherella transformation for the final push to the helicopter can be the difference between a successful escape and a "Game Over" screen. It acts as a massive "get out of jail free" card.
- Crowd Control: The laser has infinite penetration.
- Mobility: You move surprisingly fast for a giant.
- Cool Factor: Honestly, seeing your operator turned into a comic book hero is just fun.
There’s a common misconception that you can do this multiple times per game easily. While you can trigger it, the "recharge" or availability isn't something you can just spam every five minutes. It’s a strategic resource.
Hidden Details Most Players Miss
There’s a bit of lore tucked into this too. Aetherella is a character within the in-game universe of Black Ops 6, a meta-commentary on the comic book culture of the early 90s. The fact that Olly’s Comics is the hub for this quest isn't accidental. It builds on the "human" side of Liberty Falls before the breach.
Also, pay attention to the dialogue. Different operators have unique lines when they transform. Some are terrified. Some, like Richtofen or Rossi, take it in stride with a bit of ego. It adds that layer of polish that makes the grind feel less like a chore and more like part of the story.
If you're playing co-op, only one person gets to be the big hero at a time. Don't be the teammate who steals the transformation when your buddy did all the work finding the figurines near the bus station and the motel. Talk to your crew. Decide who needs the power boost the most. Usually, it's the person with the weakest loadout or the one struggling to stay on their feet.
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Actionable Strategy for Your Next Run
Stop treating this as an afterthought. If you want to master Liberty Falls, follow this sequence:
- Prioritize the Jet Gun: You can't start the collection process without it. Build it by collecting the water pressure valve, the hand brake, and the electrical wires.
- The "Sweep" Path: Start at the Motel, hit the Bowling Alley, move through the Hilltop Church, and finish at the Comic Shop. This covers almost all figurine spawns in a single circular lap.
- Save the Activation: Don't trigger the Aetherella transformation on Round 12. It’s a waste. Wait until you are cornered or until you are ready to exfil.
- Aim for the Head: Even with laser eyes, headshot multipliers still matter. Sweep the beam at neck level to decapitate entire lines of zombies instantly.
The Liberty Falls Aetherella easter egg is arguably the most creative side quest in the game so far. It bridges the gap between the dark, gritty Aether storyline and the slightly campy, fun side of Zombies that fans have loved since the days of the Shrink Ray and the Baby Gun. Go to the comic shop, get your figurines, and start melting some faces.
Next Steps for Success: To maximize this run, ensure you have the Melee Macchiato perk active before transforming. While Aetherella relies on lasers, the increased physical strength stats from the perk can sometimes interact favorably with the transformation's stomp mechanic, though the primary benefit remains the massive ranged damage. Once the transformation ends, immediately head to the crafting table to replenish your tactical equipment, as you'll likely be dropped back into a high-intensity situation once the timer expires.