Summary
Zombies is a staple mode in theCall of Dutyfranchise. Whilst not present in every game, many playersonly play zombies titles, revisiting the classics in anticipation of a new release that includes a zombies mode. What started as a simple additional mode inWorld at Warquickly became a main mode, with teams and resources dedicated solely to giving players the best zombies experience.
TheCall of Dutyseries that always includes zombies isBlack Ops, which is often considered the fan-favorite series. With the release ofBlack Ops 6, many players are interested in re-playing the best of theBlack Opszombies titles that have paved the way to this point. Despite the variation in eachBlack Opstitle, especially considering the more modern entries, the zombies map design often remains of consistently high quality. Some maps, however, stand out as the best of the best in the series.
Buried is a zombies map included in theBlack Ops 2DLC pack, Vengeance. The map features the Victis Crew exploring an underground Wild West-inspired town. It features an NPC who is named Arthur, but often referred to by players as Leroy. He was a unique addition that could help players construct buildables, open barricades or hold a zombie in place. Buried offered an exclusive Wonder Weapon called the Paralyzer, as well as the Raygun Mark 2.
Buried is a well-regarded map by most of the player base, with a unique and immersive atmosphere, alongside interesting mechanics such as Arthur/Leroy and the point-stealing ghosts. It has, however, has received criticism for being too slow-paced and easy. This criticism is due to the points bank trivializing the grind, and for high-round strategies simply involving camping with the Paralyzer and Time Bombs.
Moon was the final zombies map released forBlack Ops, introduced as part of the Rezurrection DLC pack. It was an especially unique setting at the time, involving the Ultimis crew investigating a secret facility on Earth’s moon. The map first takes place in Area 51, before players end up traveling to the moon.The map had a bossknown as the Astronaut Zombie, who could grab players, teleport them to a random location, and steal one of their perks.
Moon is a classic installment, and beloved by zombies fans, offering a unique setting with challenging gameplay. Some players, however, find it to be an irritating experience. This is mainly due to the frustrating antigravity element, as well as the lackluster and annoying boss. Players are often split on Moon, either enjoying its challenge or finding it to be inconvenient and unfair.
Die Maschine was the first map ofBlack Ops: Cold War, reintroducing players toWorld At War’sNacht Der Untoten and its surrounding area. It marked the start of the Dark Aether storyline, and centered around the discovery of a facility that was designed to open a rift into the Dark Aether. The map featured a mechanic in which players could access the Dark Aether, in which the map would appear different.
Players were torn onCold Warzombies, often deeming it too easy or casual. Despite this, Die Maschine was not only an atmospheric and visually compelling map, but also one with a solid and replayable gameplay loop. In many ways, the casual nature of Die Maschine was to its benefit. It was perfect for hop-in, hop-out gameplay and a great introduction to zombies for new players. The zombies community has since looked upon Die Maschine in a much more positive light.
Der Eisendrache, meaning Iron Dragon, was a zombies map released forBlack Ops 3as part of the Awakening DLC pack. Set in a castle in Austria, Der Eisendrache included many ideas from past maps, creating a compelling and visually stunning map. Players could obtain the Ragnarok DG-4, inspired by multiplayer gravity spikes,as well as the Elemental Bows, inspired by the Elemental Staffs from Origins.
Der Eisendrache is a fan-favorite map, not just in relation toBlack Ops 3, but to the whole series. It contained many callbacks, including two to Origins, in the form of the Elemental Bows and the Panzersoldat. It had an engaging Easter egg and a solid blend between challenging and accessible, with the Elemental Bows offering players much-needed help when going for high rounds or Easter egg completion.
3Kino Der Toten
Black Ops
Kino Der Toten was the fifth zombies map ever released, and is beloved among the zombies fanbase, casual and hardcore alike. It was set in an abandoned German theater that was home to a secret research facility. Players took control of theiconic Ultimis crew, the most famous and well-liked zombies cast. Kino Der Toten introduced the legendary Thundergun Wonder Weapon.
Players love Kino Der Toten to this day, often deeming it the perfect balance between a tense high-round experience and a solid beginner map for newer players to learn zombies fundamentals. The map was an iconic setting, with the pack-a-punch teleporter offering lore bursts, and the stage housing possibly the most popular train route in zombies. Many players consider Kino Der Toten their favorite zombies map of all time.
2Origins
Black Ops 2
Origins was the introduction of the Primis crew, set in World War One and included as part of the Apocalypse DLC Pack forBlack Ops 2. It featured a lengthy and complex Easter egg, as well as a new boss called the Panzersoldatand 4 Elemental Staffs. Origins was a clear step up in terms of mechanics and scope, featuring a separate dimension, new Templar zombies, and massive hulking robots that occasionally stepped on part of the map.
Many players consider Origins their favorite map. It has a compelling and atmospheric setting, with giant robots looming in the distance and getting closer. Origins also has a complex structure and an Easter egg, which although difficult, ensures players get familiar with the map as a whole and offers tense gameplay. Origins, for many, offered the gold standard of zombies maps, even warranting a re-release among some otherBlack Opsclassics inBlack Ops 3.
1Shadows Of Evil
Black Ops 3
Black Ops 3is often considered the bestCall of Dutygame for zombies players, not just due to the custom map support, but because of the lineup that the game had.Black Ops 3not only offered multiple great core zombies maps, but reintroduced someBlack Opsclassics in the form of Zombies Chronicles. It is hard to argue against the superiority ofBlack Ops 3when the first map was Shadows Of Evil. Shadows of Evil has a wholly unique setting, set in a 1940s city with bright vibrant lights and a showbiz atmosphere. It coupled the stellarBlack Ops 3gameplay with a complex and engaging Easter egg,alongside a mysterious storyand brand new enemy types.
Shadows of Evil is another map that many zombies players consider their favorite. It’s the reason some players got into zombies in the first place. Its flashy and unique atmosphere makes the map a joy to play. Shadows of Evil had many iconic and unique enemies, such as the Margwa, and introduced the elusive Shadow Man. This is a great all-round map and contains something for every type of player, with a compelling Easter egg, fun high-round strategies, and an enticing atmosphere that even the most casual players can enjoy.
