Survive the Undead: A Deep Dive into Black Ops Three’s Iconic Zombie Maps

The relentless moans, the clatter of reloaded weapons, the desperate scramble for a power-up – these are the sounds that have defined countless hours spent battling hordes of the undead within the Call of Duty universe. While the franchise is known for its adrenaline-pumping multiplayer and gripping single-player campaigns, one mode has consistently captivated players: Zombies. This cooperative survival mode, born from a humble bonus in World at War, has grown into a phenomenon of its own. And arguably, no entry has mastered the undead experience quite like Call of Duty Black Ops Three. Even years later, the allure of surviving hordes of zombies on Black Ops Three remains as strong as ever.

Black Ops Three elevated the Zombies experience to new heights, offering intricate storylines, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a level of replayability that few games can match. The maps in Black Ops Three are more than just arenas for slaughter; they are immersive worlds teeming with secrets, challenging quests, and a narrative that unfolds with each passing wave. This article will delve deep into some of Black Ops Three’s most iconic Zombie maps, exploring what makes them so beloved and why they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of the undead-battling community. Join us as we uncover the secrets, the strategies, and the sheer brilliance behind Black Ops Three’s incredible Zombies legacy.

The Original Maps A Story Unfolds

The core of Black Ops Three’s Zombies experience lies in its original maps, each telling a piece of a larger, intricate story. These maps are more than just places to shoot zombies; they are environments designed to immerse you in a world of mystery, intrigue, and escalating danger.

Shadows of Evil

Step into a world of shadows and secrets with Shadows of Evil, a map steeped in the gritty atmosphere of a nineteen-forties film noir. Set in the fictional Morg City, this map introduces a new cast of characters, each with their own dark past and a shared connection to a sinister figure known as the Shadow Man. These characters are voiced by a stellar cast of actors, including Jeff Goldblum, Heather Graham, and Ron Perlman.

The storyline weaves a tale of ritual, corruption, and ancient entities, drawing inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Players must work together to uncover the truth behind Morg City’s descent into chaos and their own roles in the unfolding drama. This is done through completing various easter egg steps to uncover the overarching story of the map.

Shadows of Evil introduces unique mechanics such as the Beast Mode, which allows players to transform into a tentacled creature capable of navigating the map in new ways, activating switches, and opening passages. The pack-a-punch is unlocked via a ritual completed at different locations around the map. These features, combined with the challenging gameplay and the atmospheric setting, make Shadows of Evil a memorable and engaging experience. This map is generally considered to be a fan favorite.

Der Eisendrache

Trade the smoky back alleys of Morg City for the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian Alps in Der Eisendrache. This map picks up the story of the Primis crew – Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen – as they continue their quest to secure the artifacts needed to save the universe. This map offers a very different setting from shadows of evil, as it provides wide open areas, and tight corridors for high-intensity zombie combat.

Set in a medieval castle overrun by the undead, Der Eisendrache is packed with secrets and challenges. Players must navigate treacherous corridors, solve intricate puzzles, and confront hordes of increasingly powerful zombies. The characters also have to deal with Panzersoldats, who are heavily armored enemies that deal massive damage.

One of the map’s most notable features is the introduction of elemental bows. Players can upgrade the starting bow into one of four powerful variants – the Wrath of the Ancients, Storm Bow, Void Bow, and Wolf Bow – each with its own unique abilities and effects. Der Eisendrache’s engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, and rewarding Easter egg quests have solidified its place as a fan favorite within the Black Ops Three Zombies community.

Zetsubou No Shima

The story takes a dark and twisted turn in Zetsubou No Shima, as the Primis crew find themselves stranded on a remote Pacific island overrun by mutated creatures. This map takes on a horror filled tone as the crew makes their way through the map.

The environment is hostile and unforgiving, with dense jungles, abandoned research facilities, and lurking dangers at every turn. Players must contend with new zombie types, including the spider-like Thrashers, as they uncover the secrets of a failed experiment gone horribly wrong.

Zetsubou No Shima introduces mechanics such as the Skull of Nan Sapwe, a powerful artifact that can be used to control the environment and defeat enemies. Players must also manage resources, cultivate plants, and deal with the ever-present threat of the island’s mutated inhabitants. While challenging and unsettling, Zetsubou No Shima offers a unique and atmospheric Zombies experience. The easter egg of this map is highly difficult, adding to its replayability.

Gorod Krovi

Prepare for a fiery battle in Gorod Krovi, a map that transports players to the war-torn streets of Stalingrad during World War Two. However, this is no ordinary battlefield; it’s a city under siege by hordes of zombies and massive, fire-breathing dragons.

The Primis crew must navigate the ruined city, battling alongside the remnants of the Russian army as they confront the forces of Group Nine Thirty-Five, the organization responsible for unleashing the undead plague. The goal of this map, once again, is to complete the various steps to unlock the easter egg, and complete the story.

Gorod Krovi introduces mechanics such as the Gauntlet of Siegfried, a powerful melee weapon that can be used to defeat enemies and traverse the environment. Players can also ride dragons, unleashing devastating attacks on the hordes below. With its intense action, challenging gameplay, and epic setting, Gorod Krovi delivers a truly unforgettable Zombies experience.

Revelations

The saga comes to a head in Revelations, a mind-bending map that brings together elements from across the entire Black Ops Zombies storyline. The setting is a mashup of iconic locations from previous maps, creating a surreal and dreamlike landscape. This is due to the map taking place across multiple timelines and universes.

The Primis crew must confront their pasts, battle their inner demons, and face off against a powerful, cosmic threat that threatens to unravel the very fabric of reality. The characters also have to deal with the Apothicon Servant, a strange alien being. The storylines of the Ultimus crew, and Primis crew wrap up with this map.

Revelations is a culmination of everything that makes Black Ops Zombies great. It’s a challenging and rewarding experience that ties together the loose ends of the story and delivers a satisfying conclusion to the saga. The ending to this map was highly polarizing, as many players felt it wasn’t the best wrap up to a story they had been following for years.

The Zombies Chronicles DLC

The release of the Zombies Chronicles downloadable content (DLC) was a watershed moment for the Black Ops Three Zombies community. This DLC brought together a selection of fan-favorite maps from previous Call of Duty games, fully remastered and updated for the Black Ops Three engine. This was a huge move, as many players wanted to go back and play some of the older zombies maps.

Remastered Fan Favorites

Zombies Chronicles includes remastered versions of Nacht der Untoten, Kino der Toten, Ascension, Shi No Numa, Moon, Shangri-La, and Origins. These maps, originally featured in World at War, Black Ops, and Black Ops Two, have been meticulously recreated with updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and features.

Players can now experience these classic maps in a whole new light, with improved visuals, enhanced audio, and the addition of Black Ops Three’s signature features such as GobbleGums and weapon kits. The inclusion of these maps brought the story full circle.

Nostalgia and New Life

Zombies Chronicles was not just a collection of remastered maps; it was a celebration of the entire Zombies community. The DLC brought back veteran players who had fond memories of the original maps, while also attracting new players who were eager to experience the mode’s rich history.

The remastered maps offered a fresh challenge for experienced players, while also providing a more accessible entry point for newcomers. Zombies Chronicles revitalized the Black Ops Three Zombies community, extending the game’s lifespan and ensuring that the legacy of these iconic maps would continue to live on.

Why Black Ops Three Zombie Maps Still Hold Up

Even years after their release, Black Ops Three’s Zombie maps continue to captivate players with their complex storylines, engaging gameplay, and thriving community. This is what makes these maps still worth playing today.

Complex Storylines & Lore

One of the key reasons why Black Ops Three’s Zombie maps remain so popular is their intricate and engaging storylines. Each map is a piece of a larger narrative, with secrets, clues, and hidden messages that reward players who delve deeper into the lore. The easter eggs throughout the maps unlock more of the story.

The characters are well-developed, with their own motivations, relationships, and backstories. The events of each map have lasting consequences, shaping the course of the overall story. This level of depth and complexity is rare in the Zombies genre, and it’s a major factor in Black Ops Three’s enduring appeal.

Engaging Gameplay & Challenges

Black Ops Three’s Zombie maps offer a wide variety of gameplay mechanics, challenges, and rewards. Players must strategize, coordinate with their teammates, and adapt to the ever-increasing difficulty of the zombie hordes. The strategy in zombies is what makes the game so fun and engaging.

The maps feature unique weapons, perks, and power-ups that can be used to gain an advantage over the undead. The Easter egg quests are challenging and require players to solve puzzles, complete objectives, and defeat powerful bosses. This combination of engaging gameplay and challenging content ensures that there’s always something new to discover and master.

Community and Modding

The Black Ops Three Zombies community is one of the most dedicated and passionate in gaming. Players share strategies, tips, and tricks, and they work together to solve the game’s many mysteries. The community is what keeps the game alive.

The game also has a thriving modding community, which creates custom maps, weapons, and gameplay features. These mods extend the game’s lifespan and offer players new and unique ways to experience the Zombies mode. The community and modding scene are a testament to the enduring appeal of Black Ops Three’s Zombie maps.

Conclusion

Black Ops Three’s Zombie maps are more than just a collection of levels; they are immersive worlds that offer a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. With their complex storylines, engaging gameplay, and thriving community, these maps continue to captivate players and set the standard for the Zombies genre. The unique gameplay and features make it stand apart from other zombies games.

Black Ops Three has cemented its place in gaming history. The developers created a fantastic and intricate Zombies story, setting the bar high for future Call of Duty games. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the undead-battling world, Black Ops Three’s Zombie maps are well worth exploring. So, gather your friends, load up your weapons, and prepare to survive the undead in one of the most iconic Zombies experiences ever created.