A Definitive Ranking of All Black Ops 3 Zombies Maps
Black Ops Three Zombies. For many, the mere mention of those three words conjures images of hordes of the undead, intricate Easter eggs, and countless hours spent battling alongside friends (or solo, for the truly brave). The Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops Three redefined the cooperative shooter experience, delivering a compelling storyline and unforgettable maps. Deciding which map reigns supreme is a debate as old as the game itself. The goal here is to settle the argument (or, at the very least, offer a comprehensive perspective). This article will dive deep into a ranking of every Black Ops Three Zombies map, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and overall contributions to the Zombies universe. Factors considered include difficulty, replayability, the richness of the story, innovative map design, the complexity of the Easter egg quests, the strength and uniqueness of the weapons, and general innovative features that each map brought to the table.
Shadows of Evil: A Noir Nightmare
Stepping into Shadows of Evil feels like diving into a classic film noir, but with a healthy dose of Lovecraftian horror thrown in for good measure. This map is more than just a playground for slaying zombies; it’s an immersive experience.
Gameplay Analysis
The map layout of Shadows of Evil is intricate, a maze of alleys, canals, and eerie shops in the fictional Morg City. The branching paths make navigation challenging at first, but rewarding as you learn the shortcuts and secret areas. Difficulty is high, especially for solo players. Learning to manage the Apothicon Servant, a unique and powerful Wonder Weapon, is crucial for survival. This map features several special features like the beast mode allowing you to traverse areas of the map and the rituals needed to progress. There are several spots you can use for training for getting high rounds, and that makes it an ideal for experienced players.
Story and Lore
Shadows of Evil introduces a new cast of characters, each haunted by their past sins and caught in a sinister web orchestrated by the Shadowman. The story is dense and layered, hinting at a grander narrative that unfolds across the Black Ops Three Zombies storyline. The quotes from the characters are unforgettable, adding depth to the map.
Easter Egg
The Easter egg quest is notoriously complex, requiring precise timing, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the map’s mechanics. It’s a rewarding challenge, offering a satisfying conclusion to the story. It also provides additional replayability.
Pros
Incredible atmosphere, challenging gameplay, compelling story, unique characters, the Apothicon Servant.
Cons
High difficulty curve, complex Easter egg that can be frustrating, can be overwhelming for new players.
Overall
Shadows of Evil is a masterpiece of map design and storytelling, securing a top spot due to its ambition and immersive atmosphere.
Der Eisendrache: The Dragon’s Keep
Der Eisendrache brings the classic Zombies formula to a medieval castle setting, creating a visually stunning and strategically rich experience.
Gameplay Analysis
The map layout of Der Eisendrache is easier than Shadows of Evil, but still offers plenty of strategic depth. The setting of a castle in the Austrian Alps makes the setting very exciting. Ziplines, and strategic high ground offer tactical advantages. Difficulty is moderate, with the Panzer Soldat boss providing a consistent challenge. Wonder Weapons, upgradeable bows, and a good selection of other weapons make the map a fun playground for those looking to slay zombies. The map design allows for good training spots which makes it a great map for high rounds.
Story and Lore
The story of Der Eisendrache expands upon the existing Zombies narrative, with Richtofen leading the crew on a mission to secure a crucial artifact. The cutscenes are exciting and the dialogue adds to the already rich story.
Easter Egg
The Easter egg is a multi-step process that involves upgrading the elemental bows and confronting the Panzer Soldat. It’s less convoluted than Shadows of Evil, making it more accessible for a wider range of players.
Pros
Great map layout, satisfying weapon upgrades, challenging boss fight, compelling story.
Cons
Can feel repetitive after repeated playthroughs, the upgrade bows can become tedious.
Overall
Der Eisendrache balances challenge and accessibility, making it a fan-favorite and solidifying its place towards the top.
Zetsubou No Shima: Island of Despair
Zetsubou No Shima plunges players into a Japanese island overrun with mutated creatures and sinister experiments.
Gameplay Analysis
The map layout of Zetsubou No Shima is dense and claustrophobic, with tight corridors and treacherous underground bunkers. The setting of a remote island with a crashed plane makes the environment even creepier. Difficulty is high, with challenging enemy types like the Thrasher and the Spider. This map features several plant based features which makes it unique.
Story and Lore
The story of Zetsubou No Shima delves into the unethical experiments of Group 935, revealing the origins of some of the Zombies universe’s most terrifying creatures.
Easter Egg
The Easter egg is complex and time-consuming, requiring players to navigate the treacherous terrain and complete a series of intricate tasks.
Pros
Unique setting, challenging gameplay, interesting enemy types.
Cons
Can be frustrating due to the difficulty and complexity of the Easter egg, the map layout can be confusing.
Overall
Zetsubou No Shima is a divisive map, appreciated for its unique atmosphere and challenging gameplay but criticized for its difficulty.
Gorod Krovi: City of Blood
Gorod Krovi throws players into the war-torn streets of Stalingrad, where mechanized zombies and fire-breathing dragons roam.
Gameplay Analysis
The map layout of Gorod Krovi is dynamic and visually striking, with a blend of destroyed buildings, factories, and airfields. The setting of a destroyed city makes the map even more gruesome. Difficulty is high, with the Valkyrie Drones and the Dragon challenging players at every turn. The Groph Device is a special feature that allows you to traverse quickly through the map.
Story and Lore
The story of Gorod Krovi continues the Black Ops Three Zombies narrative, with Richtofen leading the crew on a mission to secure another crucial artifact.
Easter Egg
The Easter egg is challenging and requires players to coordinate effectively, completing a series of tasks while fending off waves of enemies.
Pros
Unique setting, challenging boss fights, visually stunning.
Cons
Can be frustrating due to the high difficulty, the dragon can be annoying.
Overall
Gorod Krovi is a visually impressive and challenging map that offers a unique Zombies experience.
Revelations: The End of the Road
Revelations serves as the culmination of the Black Ops Three Zombies storyline, bringing together elements from previous maps into a surreal and visually stunning experience.
Gameplay Analysis
The map layout of Revelations is a patchwork of familiar locations from previous Zombies maps, creating a sense of nostalgia and closure. The environment is exciting with a mix of old maps combined into one. Difficulty is moderate, with a variety of enemy types and challenging boss fights.
Story and Lore
The story of Revelations concludes the Black Ops Three Zombies narrative, resolving the conflict between Richtofen and the Shadowman.
Easter Egg
The Easter egg is complex and requires players to complete a series of tasks across the various locations.
Pros
Combines elements from previous maps, satisfying conclusion to the story, visually stunning.
Cons
Can feel disjointed due to the patchwork layout, the ending can be unsatisfying for some.
Overall
Revelations is a fitting conclusion to the Black Ops Three Zombies storyline, offering a nostalgic and challenging experience.
The Chronicles Maps: A Trip Down Memory Lane
The Zombies Chronicles DLC brought eight remastered classic Zombies maps to Black Ops Three, offering a chance to relive some of the most iconic moments in Zombies history. This package included Nacht Der Untoten, Verrückt, Shi No Numa, Kino Der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, Moon, and Origins. These maps are generally simpler than the original maps. They are fun to revisit but don’t always hold the same kind of appeal as the original maps.
Each map offers its unique charm and challenge, from the claustrophobic hallways of Nacht Der Untoten to the sprawling landscapes of Origins. While the Chronicles maps don’t offer the same level of complexity as the newer Black Ops Three maps, they provide a valuable dose of nostalgia and a chance to experience the evolution of the Zombies mode.
Conclusion: A Legacy of the Undead
Ranking the COD Black Ops Three Zombies maps is a difficult task, as each map offers its unique strengths and weaknesses. However, based on the criteria of difficulty, replayability, story, map design, Easter egg complexity, and unique features, Shadows of Evil and Der Eisendrache stand out as the top contenders, offering a compelling blend of challenge, immersion, and replayability. While other maps like Zetsubou No Shima and Gorod Krovi may be more divisive, they still offer unique and memorable experiences.
Ultimately, the best COD Black Ops Three Zombies map is a matter of personal preference. Each map offers its unique charm and challenge. While our list is comprehensive, and we hope you agree, the best way to truly judge these maps is to dive in and experience them for yourself.
What are your favorite COD BO3 Zombies maps? Do you agree with our ranking, or would you rearrange the list? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! The world of Call of Duty Zombies continues to evolve, but the Black Ops Three era remains a beloved chapter in the franchise’s history. And one where the undead are always ready to bite again!
