If you want to get past Act 2 in the Modern Warfare 3 Zombies storyline, then you need to find three different Essence Sample locations, including the one within Rostova Shops. In this guide, I’ll help you locate exactly where it is and how to grab it for yourself.

Where to Find the Rostova Shops Essence Sample in MW3 Zombies

The Rostova Shops Essence Sample is located southeast of the Levin Resort POI within the medium threat zone. You need to walk past the highway that splits the zones and enter the main shopping center on the other side. Directly in the center of the Rostova Shops is the biggest building. That’s where you need to start looking.

Inside the largest building, you’re able to find the Essence Sample on the first floor toward the western side of the walls. The sample itself is located on an L-shaped desk that has a green tarp next to it. You will be able to see a white outline around the metal cylinder that marks the item for a mission, so it’s hard to miss.

Essence Sample Rostova Shops Map

Every Essence Sample in the Essence of Aether story mission looks the same. They all look like metal cylinders and will be labeled as a sample when you approach. They even exist on the map without the mission active, but you won’t be able to take them. So if you see the others as you explore, make a mental note.

Once you take a sample, Dr. Jansen will speak to you over the radio and request the rest of the items if you haven’t found them already. Luckily, the other two are even easier to find, so it won’t take you long to check every sample off the list.

For a full rundown on this story mission, check out our guide onhow to complete Essence of Aether in MW3 Zombies.

Daniel Wenerowicz

Dan has been writing gaming guides, news, and features for three years after graduating with a BA in writing . You can find him covering Call of Duty for eternity, action-adventure games, and nearly any other major release.