Ranking & Exploring the Best Black Ops 3 Zombies Maps

Introduction

Black Ops 3 Zombies: the words themselves conjure images of hordes of the undead, intricate storylines, and countless hours spent perfecting strategies with friends. Few zombie experiences have captured the imagination quite like the Zombies mode within Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. This isn’t just a tacked-on extra; it’s a full-fledged game within a game, boasting a dedicated narrative, complex mechanics, and a collection of maps that range from the atmospheric to the downright mind-bending. The sheer variety of environments, each packed with secrets, easter eggs, and challenging encounters, is a major reason why the community continues to thrive years after its initial release. These maps have spawned countless strategies, fan theories, and memorable moments.

It’s the quality and individuality of these maps that sets Black Ops 3 Zombies apart. From the sprawling, noir-infused streets of Shadows of Evil to the medieval grandeur of Der Eisendrache, each location brings something unique to the table. But with so much to offer, it’s natural to wonder: which Black Ops 3 Zombies maps truly stand out as the best? Which maps provide the most engaging gameplay, the most rewarding easter egg hunts, and the most replayability?

While every map within Black Ops 3 Zombies offers its own distinct flavor and appeals to different player preferences, some locations undeniably rise above the rest. Their innovative features, replayability, and overall design coalesce to create an experience that’s not only challenging but endlessly entertaining. This article will delve into the best Black Ops 3 Zombies maps, examining what makes them exceptional and why they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of the Zombies community.

A Glimpse at the Map Landscape

Before we dive deep into individual map analyses, let’s briefly overview the general landscape of the Black Ops 3 Zombies map selection. Many players have different opinions, so let’s try to generally get an idea of what the community thinks as a whole. As we mentioned earlier, all maps have a different and unique experience that makes each fun in their own way. However, some have stood out from the rest.

Maps such as Shadows of Evil and Der Eisendrache are regarded as the best due to their unique features and interesting story aspects. Maps such as Gorod Krovi and Revelations have often been put in mid tier, being not as popular. Finally, maps such as The Giant and Zetsubou No Shima are put in the bottom. The Giant is usually there because it is a remake of an older map, and Zetsubou No Shima had mixed reviews overall from its community.

Now, let’s get into the details.

Shadows of Evil: A Lovecraftian Nightmare

Stepping into Shadows of Evil is like entering a different world entirely. Gone are the familiar locales of previous Zombies maps; instead, players find themselves thrust into the grim, rain-soaked streets of Morg City, a 1940s metropolis steeped in film-noir atmosphere and subtly infused with the cosmic horror of Lovecraftian lore. This stunning visual design alone sets the map apart, creating an ambiance that’s both unsettling and captivating.

The Main Easter Egg

The main easter egg quest in Shadows of Evil is nothing short of an epic undertaking. Unlike simpler quests that involve a few steps, this quest requires careful coordination, intricate puzzle-solving, and mastery of the map’s unique mechanics. The payoff for completing it, however, is immense, rewarding players with a deeper understanding of the story and a sense of accomplishment that’s rarely matched in other Zombies experiences. The main quest involves a myriad of steps, which may prove difficult for some.

Special Features and Replayability

Shadows of Evil is brimming with unique features that contribute to its replayability. The Apothicon Servant, a devastating wonder weapon, is acquired through a challenging side quest. There are also characters that can transform into a tentacled monster known as the beast. This beast can be used to traverse the map quickly, as well as do various actions to help players. The Pack-a-Punch machine is also hidden, as players must complete various rituals to get access to it. These elements combined ensure that each playthrough offers new opportunities for discovery and experimentation.

Difficulty

The difficulty curve in Shadows of Evil is notoriously steep, particularly for solo players. Navigating the map’s labyrinthine layout, managing the hordes of zombies, and completing the complex easter egg steps can be a daunting task. But this challenge is precisely what makes the map so engaging. Overcoming these obstacles requires teamwork, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the map’s nuances. Even after numerous playthroughs, Shadows of Evil continues to provide a satisfying and challenging experience.

Der Eisendrache: A Medieval Castle of Undead

From the dark streets of Morg City, we ascend to the imposing heights of Der Eisendrache, a medieval castle nestled in the Austrian Alps. This map offers a stark contrast in setting and atmosphere, trading Lovecraftian horror for gothic grandeur and a sense of historical intrigue. The castle’s towering walls, winding corridors, and snow-covered landscapes create a visually stunning backdrop for the zombie onslaught.

The Main Easter Egg

The main easter egg quest in Der Eisendrache revolves around the summoning key, a powerful artifact that plays a pivotal role in the Black Ops 3 Zombies storyline. The quest is a multi-step journey that involves solving puzzles, completing challenges, and ultimately confronting a formidable boss. The boss fight is particularly memorable. This quest requires skill in order to complete.

Special Features and Accessibility

Der Eisendrache is perhaps best known for its innovative elemental bows. These powerful weapons, each imbued with a different element (fire, lightning, void, and wolf), provide a unique and strategic approach to zombie slaying. The elemental bows are also part of the easter egg, making players craft them to progress through the quest. The quest itself makes players obtain different parts of the bow, and the different parts are always challenging.

Difficulty and Replayability

Der Eisendrache strikes a near-perfect balance between difficulty and accessibility. The map’s layout is relatively straightforward, making it easy for new players to navigate, while the elemental bows provide a powerful arsenal for both solo and co-op play. The easter egg quest is challenging but manageable, and the map’s overall design encourages experimentation and replayability. It’s no wonder that Der Eisendrache is considered a fan favorite and a shining example of what a Zombies map can be.

Gorod Krovi: War-Torn Stalingrad with Dragons

Gorod Krovi throws players into the heart of war-torn Stalingrad, a gritty and industrial environment teeming with danger. The map’s atmosphere is palpable, with rubble-strewn streets, burning buildings, and the constant threat of aerial bombardment creating a sense of unrelenting tension. And, of course, there are dragons.

The Main Easter Egg

The main easter egg quest in Gorod Krovi is notoriously complex, requiring a deep understanding of the map’s mechanics and a willingness to tackle challenging puzzles. The quest is long, and completing it will take around an hour for experienced players. The quest involves the use of many of the map’s features, such as the shield.

Unique Features

Gorod Krovi introduces several unique features that enhance the gameplay experience. Dragons can be called in to assist players in combat, providing powerful aerial support. The Gauntlet of Siegfried, a powerful melee weapon, offers a devastating close-quarters option. The easter egg quest is also very rewarding.

Difficulty

Gorod Krovi’s difficulty is a point of contention among players. The map’s tight corridors and frequent enemy spawns can make it challenging to survive, particularly for solo players. The complex easter egg quest is also a barrier to entry for some. While Gorod Krovi offers a unique and challenging experience, its difficulty may not appeal to all players.

Revelations: A Chaotic Finale

Revelations serves as the grand finale to the original Aether storyline, bringing together elements from previous maps and characters in a chaotic and surreal environment. The map features fragments of locations from across the Zombies universe, creating a sense of déjà vu and closure.

The Main Easter Egg

The main easter egg quest in Revelations ties together the loose ends of the Aether storyline, providing answers to long-standing questions and setting the stage for future installments. The quest requires players to revisit familiar locations and confront iconic enemies, offering a nostalgic and satisfying conclusion to the saga. Many easter egg veterans consider the main quest as one of the easiest.

New Features

Revelations introduces several new features, including the Apothicon Servant upgrade and the ability to customize gobblegums. These additions provide players with new options for customization and strategy. The map also utilizes areas from past zombie maps, such as Kino Der Toten.

Mixed Reactions

Revelations has been met with mixed reactions from the Zombies community. Some praise the map for its nostalgic setting and its role in concluding the Aether storyline, while others criticize its chaotic design and lack of originality. The map’s difficulty is also a point of contention, with some finding it too easy and others finding it overwhelming.

A Word on The Giant and Zetsubou No Shima

The Giant, a reimagining of the classic Der Riese map, provides a nostalgic experience for veteran Zombies players. Its relatively simple layout and familiar mechanics make it a great starting point for newcomers. The Giant isn’t necessarily bad, but has the disadvantage of being too simple, as well as being a remake.

Zetsubou No Shima, on the other hand, offers a unique and challenging experience, with its focus on farming, plant growth, and spider-infested environments. However, the map’s reliance on tedious tasks and its unforgiving difficulty have made it a less popular choice among players.

In Conclusion

Black Ops 3 Zombies offers a diverse and engaging collection of maps, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. While every map provides a unique experience, some clearly stand out as superior due to their innovative features, replayability, and overall design. Maps like Shadows of Evil and Der Eisendrache exemplify the best of what Black Ops 3 Zombies has to offer, while other maps like Gorod Krovi and Revelations provide unique but more divisive experiences.

Ultimately, the “best” Black Ops 3 Zombies map is a matter of personal preference. What one player finds challenging and rewarding, another may find frustrating and tedious. The importance of community and personal preference cannot be overstated when evaluating these maps. Every player has their own reasons for liking or disliking a map, and there’s no right or wrong answer.

Despite the differences in opinion, the continued popularity and legacy of Black Ops 3 Zombies is undeniable. The game’s maps have provided countless hours of entertainment for players around the world, and they continue to be enjoyed and discussed years after their initial release. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Zombies, there’s a map in Black Ops 3 that’s sure to capture your imagination and provide you with an unforgettable experience. Black Ops 3 Zombies will forever be one of the most popular zombie modes of all time, with countless more players joining its ranks.