How to Find and Complete Unstable Rifts in MW3 Zombies

Another Zombies endgame challenge.

MW3 Zombies Unstable Rifts
Image via Activision

The Season 4: Reloaded update for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has added the new Unstable Rifts for Zombies players to try one of the hardest challenges in the mode. Here is how to find and complete Unstable Rifts in MW3 Zombies.

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How to Find Unstable Rifts in MW3 Zombies

MW3 Zombies Unstable Rifts
Screenshot by Prima Games

Unstable Rifts can be found in MW3 Zombies by activating three pillars across the Urzikstan map. These pillars will spawn randomly from game to game, though there are fixed spots that players can check.

The best option is to have a team search the map with vehicles or Scorchers to get around quickly. Here are some of the places where these pillars may appear:

  • Next to the Dark Aether Rift where players can get the Mags of Holding
  • Coordinate F5 in building courtyard where the road begins
  • Coordinate E4 in the Tier 3 zone near the Dark Aether Rift with the Golden Mask Filter
  • Coordinate F6 in front of Bad Signal portal
  • Near large building in Tier 3 zone between F3 and F4 coordinates
  • Coordinate D4 near the road in middle of Urzikstan Cargo
  • Coordinates E3 at Urzikstan Cargo entrance
  • Coordinates H4 outside Low Town in Tier 2 zone
  • Coordinates D5 in parking lot next to football field
  • Coordinates E7 in Zaravan Suburbs parking lot near highway
  • Coordinates B5 where an Exfil point can regularly appear
  • Coordinate I5 where an Exfil point can regularly appear
  • Marketplace between H5 and H6 coordinates
  • South of Shahin Manor between H7 and H8 coordinates

Players can only activate the sealed pillar if they have equipped the appropriate ammo mod shown on the pillar, which are Brain Rot, Cryo Freeze, Dead Wire, Napalm Blast, and Shatter Blast. The seal will create a circle around the pillar where players must kill zombies with the ammo mod-equipped weapon inside the circle.

Completing any three of the pillars in the match will spawn the Unstable Rift as a red circle marked on the map. Regardless of who activated it, any team on the map can enter it themselves after a vote.

How to Complete Unstable Rifts in MW3 Zombies

MW3 Zombies Unstable Rifts
Image via Activision

Unstable Rifts consist of five waves of zombies in a small arena. The zombies are the strong type from the Elder Aether Rifts and players have 45 minutes to complete the activity.

It is best to have a full team of three to six players all equipped with the highest Pack-A-Punched weapons, Legendary Aether Tools, and other schematic items to stand a chance. Each wave will throw more Special Zombies at you, but each wave will spawn a reward rift with items like killstreaks and self-revive kits.

Completing the Unstable Rift will reward with the Mark of the Survivor weapon camo and all item/loadout cooldowns reset. For more on Modern Warfare 3, check out how to get the FJX Horus for a great weapon to use in the Zombies mode.

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.