Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
mimic enemy in cod mw3 zombies
Image via Activision

How to complete Essence of Aether in MW3 Zombies

Grab these Essence Samples to complete the quest.

The Essence of Aether mission in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies asks you to track down three unique containers. Even with the clues of where to look for said containers, they can be tough to find thanks to the zombie hordes.

Recommended Videos

Here’s how to complete the Essence of Aether mission in MW3 Zombies.

Where to find all Essence Sample containers in MW3 Zombies

MW3 Zombies boss firing a beam of energy.
Image via Activision Blizzard and Sledgehammer

You can find Essence Sample containers at the Rostova Shops, the Hamza Bazaar, and the Quadri Shopping Center. The general locations are shared with you in the Essence of Aether mission description. However, the exact locations you need to visit on the map and where you pick up the Essence Samples won’t be revealed, making it tricky to grab them while surviving a MW3 Zombies match, with or without teammates.

MW3 Zombies Essence of Aether locations map guide

Essence Container LocationLocationDescription
Hamza Bazaar Essence Sample location in Modern Warfare 3 ZombiesHamza BazaarHead to the southeast area of the map, to the south of Hadiqa Farms. There is a small building in between two larger ones before you reach Shahin Manor, which has the Hamza Bazaar Essence Sample.
Quadri Shopping Center Essence Sample location in Modern Warfare 3 ZombiesQuadri Shopping CenterOn the southwest part of the map, close to Zaravan City, is a small shopping center. You can find the Essence Sample outside, on the counter of a stall.
Rostova Shops Essence Sample location in Modern Warfare 3 ZombiesRostova ShopsThe Rostova Shops are on the northwest region of the map, and in the tier two zone. You can find the container on the western side of the interior of the large, abandoned building.

Two are in the tier-one zones of the MW3 Zombies map, but the Rostova Shops is in tier two, which means you need to be more careful here and probably bring a Pack-A-Punch weapon with you. The zombies in the tier two region hit much harder than those in tier one, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by them.

Tip:

Before jumping into the tier two zone, it’s not a bad idea to complete a contract or two. They’re available near your spawn point, they’re easy to complete, and they reward you with some gear and/or aetherium crystals that can be a big help.

If you are not able to pick up the Essence Samples once you’ve found them, you’ll need to exfil and enter a new lobby. I ran into this issue, and, for some reason, because I acquired the Essence of Aether mission while in the middle of an extraction, I wasn’t able to pick up the sample. Again, just exfil and try again.

Well, now that you know all of the Essence Sample locations in MW3 Zombies, it’s time to get out there and complete the Essence of Aether mission!


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Zack Palm
Zack Palm
Staff Writer
Zack Palm has been writing about video games for the past five years. He spends his free time trying to learn about a new board, reading high-fantasy series, or working on his latest DnD character.
Author
Image of Scott Duwe
Scott Duwe
Senior Staff Writer
Senior Staff Writer & Call of Duty lead. Professional writer for over 10 years. Lover of all things Marvel, Destiny 2, Metal Gear, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, and more. Previous bylines include PC Gamer, Red Bull Esports, Fanbyte, and Esports Nation. DogDad to corgis Yogi and Mickey, sports fan (NY Yankees, NY Jets, NY Rangers, NY Knicks), Paramore fanatic, cardio enthusiast.