Surviving the Undead: A Deep Dive into the Zombie Maps of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

The groans of the undead, the glint of Pack-a-Punched weapons, and the echoing cries for help – these are the hallmarks of the Zombies mode in Call of Duty. Few entries in the franchise have captivated players quite like Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, and a significant reason for this is its exceptional roster of Zombie maps. Black Ops 3 ushered in a new era for the undead saga, with its intricate storylines, challenging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and unparalleled replayability. Its story expands the Zombies universe in a complicated and unique way, continuing the threads started in earlier games while adding its own distinct layers. This deep dive will dissect each of the core Zombie maps within Black Ops 3, exploring what makes them stand out in the expansive landscape of the Call of Duty Zombies experience.

The Shadows Beckon: Shadows of Evil

Step into the dark and gritty world of Morg City, a 1940s metropolis steeped in film noir atmosphere. Shadows of Evil drops players into the roles of four morally ambiguous characters, each with their own troubled past and a shared destiny tied to a shadowy figure known as the Shadowman. We have Nero, the magician with a dark secret; Jessica, the femme fatale lounge singer; Jack, the corrupt cop; and Floyd, the down-on-his-luck boxer. These aren’t your typical heroes, and their complex personalities add a layer of intrigue to the gameplay.

Shadows of Evil distinguishes itself through its unique mechanics. A crucial component is the “Beast Mode” transformation. This allows players to temporarily transform into a monstrous creature capable of accessing hidden areas, powering up mechanisms, and unleashing devastating melee attacks. Mastering Beast Mode is essential for navigating the map and completing early-game tasks. The Apothicon Servant, a devastating wonder weapon, quickly became a fan favorite. This alien-esque gun can unleash black holes that decimate hordes of zombies. Unlocking and upgrading the Apothicon Servant is a critical goal for any serious Shadows of Evil player. This map is also renowned for its incredibly complex Easter Egg, a multi-step quest that unveils more of the map’s secrets and offers a challenging objective for experienced players. The Easter Egg requires coordination, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the map’s mechanics.

Shadows of Evil is a challenging map, demanding careful planning and effective teamwork. Its complex layout, coupled with the need to master Beast Mode and obtain the Apothicon Servant, can be intimidating for new players. However, its unique atmosphere, compelling characters, and intricate Easter Egg have cemented its place as a favorite among many Call of Duty Zombies enthusiasts.

A Castle Under Siege: Der Eisendrache

Leaving behind the smoky streets of Morg City, Der Eisendrache transports players to a medieval Austrian castle, now overrun by the undead. This map marks the triumphant return of the original Ultimis crew: Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen. The familiarity and banter of these iconic characters provide a welcome sense of nostalgia for long-time Zombies fans.

Der Eisendrache introduces the elemental bows, or Wrath of the Ancients, a game-changing feature that provides each player with a powerful and customizable weapon. Players can upgrade these bows into four distinct elemental variants: the electric, wolf, fire, and void bows. Each bow possesses unique abilities and is vital for crowd control and boss fights. The Panzer Soldat, a heavily armored enemy armed with a flamethrower and a grappling hook, presents a formidable challenge. This miniboss requires strategic maneuvering and coordinated attacks to defeat. Der Eisendrache continues the overarching Zombies storyline, delving deeper into the characters’ backstories and revealing more about the mysterious forces at play.

Der Eisendrache is widely considered one of the most accessible and enjoyable maps in Black Ops 3. Its relatively straightforward layout, combined with the power of the elemental bows, makes it easier for new players to learn while still offering a significant challenge for experienced veterans. Its captivating setting and its vital role in expanding the Zombies narrative, combined with the nostalgic presence of the Ultimis crew make this a fan favorite for Call of Duty Zombies fans.

Island of Despair: Zetsubou No Shima

Venturing into the remote Pacific, Zetsubou No Shima plunges players into a setting far removed from the castles and cities seen previously. This island, overgrown with vegetation and teeming with grotesque experiments, evokes a palpable sense of isolation and dread. The Ultimis crew once again find themselves struggling to survive, with the island presenting horrific and unique challenges.

Zetsubou No Shima introduces the Skull of Nan Sapwe, a powerful artifact that can unleash a devastating shockwave and provide temporary invulnerability. The map also features a new type of enemy: the Spider. These creepy crawlies come in a variety of forms and inflict poison damage. Perhaps one of the map’s most unique, and often divisive, features is the plant-growing system. Players can plant seeds and nurture them with water and fertilizer to obtain valuable resources and buffs. This mechanic adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay, but it can also be time-consuming and frustrating for some.

Zetsubou No Shima is often considered one of the more difficult maps in Black Ops 3. Its complex layout, challenging enemies, and reliance on specific strategies can make it tough for new players. The plant-growing system, while innovative, can also be tedious. While it had unique features, it received a somewhat divisive reception among players in the Call of Duty Zombies community.

A City in Flames: Gorod Krovi

Gorod Krovi transports players to the war-torn streets of Stalingrad, now ravaged by both zombies and futuristic technology. This map offers a unique blend of historical setting and science fiction elements, with the looming presence of dragons adding a fantastical touch. The Ultimis crew once again faces overwhelming odds, battling the undead amidst the rubble and flames.

The Gauntlet of Siegfried, a powerful wonder weapon that can unleash devastating energy blasts, is a key asset in Gorod Krovi. Players can also use the Dragon Strike controller to call in aerial bombardments from a friendly dragon. The Mangler Soldier, a heavily armored enemy with a powerful cannon arm, presents a significant threat. Fighting dragons mid-game adds an element of intensity and excitement to each round.

Gorod Krovi is known for its intense action and challenging gameplay. Its tight corridors and relentless waves of enemies demand precise aim and strategic maneuvering. The map also features a complex Easter Egg that requires careful planning and execution. Many fans love this map for its fast-paced gameplay and dragon-themed action.

The Convergence: Revelations

Revelations takes players on a surreal journey through a dimension where fragments of past Zombies maps have converged. This map features familiar locations and elements from throughout the Zombies storyline, creating a sense of nostalgia and closure. Once again, the Ultimis crew is trying to save the universe.

Revelations features an upgraded version of the Apothicon Servant, making it even more powerful than before. The Summoning Altar allows players to obtain powerful artifacts and buffs. The map is filled with references to previous Zombies maps, rewarding players who have followed the storyline from the beginning. The map has a very unique atmosphere due to the combination of iconic locations.

Revelations serves as a culmination of the Black Ops 3 Zombies storyline, bringing together many of the threads and characters from previous maps. Its complex Easter Egg provides a challenging and rewarding experience for dedicated players. The map’s overall impact on the Zombies community is significant, as it provides a sense of closure to the complex narrative that has unfolded over the years.

Returning Classics: Zombies Chronicles DLC

The Zombies Chronicles downloadable content breathed new life into classic Zombie maps from previous Call of Duty games. These maps were remastered with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. Nacht Der Untoten, the map that started it all, makes a return with updated visuals. Kino Der Toten, one of the most popular maps from the original Black Ops, is also included. Origins, with its giant robots and elemental staffs, is present and remastered. Shangri-La, with its booby traps and challenging layout, provides a difficult challenge for even experienced players.

The Zombies Chronicles DLC was generally well-received by the community, though some criticisms were made about the lack of significant gameplay changes to the maps. Players still enjoyed being able to return to these fan-favorite maps with improved visuals and performance. Ultimately, the DLC was a great addition to the Black Ops 3 Zombies experience.

A Legacy Forged in Undead Blood

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies has had a profound influence on subsequent entries in the franchise. The game’s emphasis on complex storylines, innovative mechanics, and replayability has set a new standard for the Zombies mode. Later Call of Duty games have attempted to replicate the success of Black Ops 3 Zombies, incorporating similar features and mechanics.

Even years after its release, Black Ops 3 Zombies continues to thrive thanks to its dedicated community. Custom maps and modding tools have allowed players to create their own unique Zombies experiences, extending the game’s lifespan indefinitely. The community’s passion for Black Ops 3 Zombies is a testament to its enduring appeal. The future of Zombies in Call of Duty is hard to predict, but it’s clear that Black Ops 3 will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the mode.

A Lasting Impression

The Zombie maps in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 are celebrated for their innovation, engaging storyline, and replayability. From the gritty streets of Morg City to the war-torn ruins of Stalingrad, each map offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The game’s complex storylines, challenging gameplay, and innovative mechanics have made it a fan favorite. Even years after its release, Black Ops 3 Zombies continues to captivate players with its undead hordes and thrilling adventures. Its impact on the Call of Duty franchise is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to shape the future of the Zombies mode for years to come.