The Call of Duty Zombies mode has captivated players since its inception, offering a unique blend of horror, survival, and strategy within the acclaimed first-person shooter franchise. This article will explore the history, evolution, and intricacies of Call of Duty Zombies maps, emphasizing how they have become a cornerstone of the series. From the eerie corridors of Nacht der Untoten to the sprawling landscapes of the most recent maps, we will delve into what makes these maps special and how they have evolved over the years.
The Origins of Call of Duty Zombies
Nacht der Untoten – The Beginning
The Call of Duty Zombies phenomenon began as an Easter egg in Call of Duty: World at War. Nacht der Untoten, which translates to “Night of the Undead,” was the first map, introducing players to a wave-based survival game mode. Set in a dilapidated bunker, this map laid the groundwork for the core mechanics of Zombies: barricading windows, earning points for kills, and purchasing weapons and perks.
Verrückt – Expanding the Horizon
The second map, Verrückt, introduced in the World at War DLC, expanded on the formula by adding new elements such as perk machines, electro-shock defenses, and a more complex map layout. Verrückt’s asylum setting brought a heightened sense of horror, with tight corridors and strategic chokepoints that challenged players to adapt their strategies.
Shi No Numa – A Step into the Jungle
Shi No Numa (Swamp of Death) took players to a Japanese swamp, featuring new gameplay mechanics such as the random perk spawn locations and the introduction of the fan-favorite character, Richtofen. This map also introduced the Hellhounds, adding another layer of difficulty and excitement.
Der Riese – The Birthplace of the Pack-a-Punch
Der Riese, meaning “The Giant,” is one of the most iconic Zombies maps, known for introducing the Pack-a-Punch machine, which allowed players to upgrade their weapons. Set in a secret Nazi research facility, this map’s intricate design and teleporters provided new tactical opportunities and complexities.
The Evolution of Zombies Maps in Black Ops
Kino der Toten – A New Era
With the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops, Zombies became a staple game mode. Kino der Toten, set in an abandoned theater, retained the core mechanics while introducing the Thunder Gun and Nova 6 Crawlers. The map’s combination of open spaces and claustrophobic rooms required players to be versatile in their strategies.
Ascension – A Journey to Space
Ascension was the first map in Black Ops DLC and took players to a Soviet Cosmodrome. This map introduced new features like Lunar Landers and Space Monkeys, which added variety and increased the map’s complexity. Ascension’s large, open areas and multiple levels made it a fan favorite for its replayability.
Call of the Dead – Celebrity Cameos
Call of the Dead brought a new twist by featuring a cast of real-life celebrities, including George Romero, as the map’s boss zombie. Set in a snowy Siberian outpost, this map introduced the concept of a moving, powerful zombie boss and new wonder weapons like the VR-11 and the Scavenger.
Shangri-La – The Temple of Doom
Shangri-La took players to a mystical temple in the Himalayas, filled with booby traps, tight spaces, and unique zombies like the Napalm and Shrieker zombies. This map’s intricate design and environmental hazards required players to stay constantly alert and adapt to ever-changing conditions.
Moon – A Final Frontier
The climax of the Black Ops Zombies saga was Moon, a map that literally took the fight to the moon. Featuring a low-gravity environment and the fearsome Astronaut zombie, Moon also brought significant gameplay changes, such as the need for PES suits to survive in the vacuum of space. The map’s Easter egg storyline concluded with the destruction of Earth, setting the stage for future narratives.
Black Ops II: Further Innovations
TranZit – A New Form of Transit
TranZit, the first map of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, was a radical departure from previous maps, featuring a massive, interconnected world that players navigated using a bus. The map included multiple smaller locations, each with unique features and challenges. While ambitious, TranZit received mixed reactions due to its complexity and difficulty.
Mob of the Dead – A Haunting Experience
Mob of the Dead, set in Alcatraz Prison, is one of the most beloved Zombies maps. It introduced new mechanics such as Afterlife Mode, where players could interact with the environment in unique ways after being downed. The map’s rich atmosphere, compelling story, and memorable characters made it an instant classic.
Buried – The Old West
Buried transported players to a buried Old West town, featuring new elements like the giant, helpful NPC named Leroy and the powerful Ray Gun Mark II. The map’s maze-like tunnels and dynamic environment changes kept players on their toes, offering both strategic depth and engaging gameplay.
Origins – The Beginning of the End
Origins, the final map of Black Ops II, took players back to World War I, introducing the original four characters in an alternate timeline. This map featured giant robots, elemental wonder weapons known as the Staffs, and a complex Easter egg quest. Origins’ rich lore and innovative gameplay mechanics cemented its place as one of the most influential Zombies maps.
Black Ops III: A New Generation
Shadows of Evil – Noir Nightmare
Call of Duty: Black Ops III kicked off its Zombies mode with Shadows of Evil, a map set in a 1940s noir-inspired city. This map introduced new characters and a Lovecraftian storyline involving ancient rituals and dark powers. Shadows of Evil featured complex mechanics like Beast Mode, where players could transform into a powerful creature to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.
Der Eisendrache – The Dragon’s Lair
Der Eisendrache, set in a medieval Austrian castle, continued the rich storytelling and intricate map design of previous entries. This map introduced the Wrath of the Ancients, a powerful bow that could be upgraded into different elemental forms. The map’s verticality, strategic chokepoints, and epic Easter egg quest made it a standout in Black Ops III.
Zetsubou No Shima – Island of Horror
Zetsubou No Shima took players to a remote Japanese island filled with dangerous experiments and mutated plant life. The map’s environmental hazards, such as spiders and underwater segments, added new layers of challenge. Zetsubou No Shima’s dark atmosphere and intricate Easter egg made it a memorable addition to the Zombies mode.
Gorod Krovi – The Dragon War
Gorod Krovi, set in an alternate history Stalingrad, featured giant mechanical dragons and the powerful Gauntlet of Siegfried. The map’s high-intensity combat, combined with its unique setting and complex Easter egg, provided a thrilling experience. Gorod Krovi’s blend of historical and fantastical elements made it a fan favorite.
Revelations – The Grand Finale
Revelations served as the grand finale of the Black Ops III Zombies storyline, bringing together elements from all previous maps into one epic battleground. Players faced off against the Apothicons and familiar enemies in a final showdown to save the universe. The map’s nostalgic callbacks and intricate design provided a fitting conclusion to the beloved storyline.
Black Ops 4: Expanding the Universe
IX – Gladiator Arena
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 introduced a new storyline with IX, set in a gladiator arena in ancient Rome. This map featured melee combat, special weapons, and a new cast of characters known as the Chaos crew. IX’s unique setting and intense gameplay provided a fresh experience for Zombies fans.
Voyage of Despair – Titanic Terror
Voyage of Despair took players aboard the RMS Titanic, where they faced off against undead passengers and crew. The map’s tight corridors and intricate layout required strategic movement and coordination. Voyage of Despair’s blend of historical and supernatural elements made for a captivating adventure.
Blood of the Dead – Return to Alcatraz
Blood of the Dead revisited the iconic Alcatraz setting from Mob of the Dead, expanding the map and continuing the storyline of the original characters. The map’s atmospheric design and challenging gameplay provided a nostalgic yet fresh experience for players.
Alpha Omega – Nuketown Reimagined
Alpha Omega reimagined the classic Nuketown map, expanding it into a full-fledged Zombies experience. The map featured new areas, enemies, and a complex Easter egg quest. Alpha Omega’s blend of familiar and new elements made it a standout in Black Ops 4.
Tag der Toten – A Chilling Conclusion
Tag der Toten, the final map of Black Ops 4, took players to a frozen Siberian outpost. This map served as the conclusion to the Aether storyline, featuring familiar characters and an epic Easter egg quest. Tag der Toten’s atmospheric design and emotional narrative provided a fitting end to the beloved saga.
The Future of Call of Duty Zombies Maps
Innovative Gameplay and Storytelling
As the Call of Duty series continues to evolve, the future of Zombies maps promises even more innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling. With each new installment, developers strive to push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering fresh and exciting experiences for players.
Community Involvement
The Call of Duty Zombies community plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the mode. Through feedback, fan-made content, and community events, players continue to influence the direction of Zombies maps. This collaborative relationship ensures that the mode remains dynamic and engaging.
Technological Advancements
Advancements in gaming technology, such as improved graphics, AI, and physics, will undoubtedly enhance the quality and immersion of future Zombies maps. These technological improvements will allow for even more detailed environments, realistic animations, and complex gameplay mechanics.
Conclusion
The Call of Duty Zombies maps have become an integral part of the franchise, offering players a unique blend of horror, strategy, and survival. From the humble beginnings of Nacht der Untoten to the epic battles of Revelations, these maps have evolved significantly, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a Zombies mode. As we look to the future, the dedication of the developers and the passion of the community ensure that Call of Duty Zombies maps will continue to captivate and challenge players for years to come.
Whether you are a veteran of the series or a newcomer looking to dive into the undead chaos, there is always something new and exciting to discover in the world of Call of Duty Zombies maps. So, gather your friends, sharpen your skills, and prepare to face the horde. The undead await.
