The Definitive Ranking: All Black Ops 3 Zombies Maps, From Worst to Best

Introduction

Few cooperative gaming experiences have reached the legendary status of Black Ops Three Zombies. A pinnacle in the Call of Duty franchise, it provided a unique blend of challenging gameplay, intricately woven storylines, and a level of customization that has kept players hooked for years. Black Ops Three’s undead mode wasn’t just about surviving wave after wave; it was about unraveling mysteries, mastering complex map layouts, and forging unforgettable bonds with teammates. This article will serve as a comprehensive ranking and review of all Black Ops Three Zombies maps, offering insight for both hardened veterans and those just starting their journey into this unique undead experience. We’ll explore each map’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique features, all to determine which stand out as the very best.

Black Ops Three Zombies Map Overview: A World of Undead

The journey through Black Ops Three Zombies takes players to diverse and captivating locales. The core experience revolves around several main maps, each with a unique story arc, set of characters, and gameplay mechanics.

First, we have Shadows of Evil, a jazz-age nightmare set in a fictional noir city, introducing us to some new characters and a story with some dark twists. Then there’s The Giant, a throwback to the classic “Der Riese” map. Der Eisendrache takes us to a medieval castle, complete with dragons, elemental bows, and a complex questline. Zetsubou No Shima transports players to a Pacific island overrun by mutated experiments, adding a new layer of horror and challenge. Gorod Krovi brings the fight to Stalingrad, featuring epic battles against robotic dragons and a unique cold-war aesthetic. Finally, there’s Revelations, a culmination of the entire storyline that blends elements from previous maps into one final, mind-bending showdown.

No discussion about Black Ops Three Zombies is complete without mentioning the Zombies Chronicles downloadable content. This pack revitalized many fan-favorite maps from previous Call of Duty titles, including Nacht der Untoten, Verrückt, Shi No Numa, Kino der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, Moon, and Origins, all rebuilt with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.

Each map in Black Ops Three Zombies brought something unique. Whether it was a complex story, unique gameplay features, or innovative weapons, there was something for every type of Zombies player to love.

Ranking the Undead Gauntlets: Black Ops Three Zombies Maps

Here, we’ll explore each map in detail, starting from the lower end of the spectrum and working our way up to what we consider the peak of the Black Ops Three Zombies experience. This ranking is based on a combination of factors, including replayability, design, unique mechanics, story, and overall fun.

The Bottom Tier

Zetsubou No Shima

While Zetsubou No Shima attempted to introduce some fresh ideas, it ultimately falls short for many players. Set on a remote Pacific island, the map tasks players with dealing with hordes of undead and mutated spider creatures. The map’s dense jungle environment, while visually interesting, often leads to claustrophobic situations, making training zombies challenging. The map’s complex setup process and reliance on farming for resources can feel tedious, especially for casual players. Furthermore, the overall tone can feel oppressive.

The Middle Ground

Revelations

Revelations aimed to tie together the various storylines and characters from previous maps. The map combines elements from fan favorites into a surreal and chaotic environment. While the concept is interesting, it tends to be a little too scattered. The map’s disjointed nature can make it difficult to learn and navigate. Although it brought story closure, it fell short of being a top tier map.

The Giant

As a throwback to the classic Der Riese map, The Giant offered a nostalgic experience for veteran Zombies players. While it’s a solid and enjoyable map, it lacks some of the complexity and innovation found in other Black Ops Three offerings. It provides a familiar and comfortable experience without pushing the boundaries of the Zombies formula.

Shadows of Evil

Set in the fictional Morg City, Shadows of Evil introduced new characters, mechanics, and a complex story with Lovecraftian elements. The map’s dark atmosphere and intricate layout are well done, and the introduction of the “Beast” mode added a unique twist to gameplay. However, its difficulty and challenging easter egg steps can make it daunting for new players. The need for precise teamwork and communication can also be a barrier to entry for solo players.

The Upper Echelon: Where Legends are Forged

Gorod Krovi

Gorod Krovi takes players to Stalingrad, where they face off against robotic dragons and hordes of undead in a war-torn environment. This map blends the Zombies formula with an epic scale, providing a high-octane experience. The unique weapons, challenging boss fights, and atmosphere makes it a standout entry in the Black Ops Three Zombies lineup. Although there are some challenging steps, the easter egg and overall experience is one of the best available.

Der Eisendrache

Der Eisendrache is a clear fan favorite and a prime example of what makes Black Ops Three Zombies so beloved. Set in a medieval Austrian castle, the map features a deep story, memorable characters, and unique gameplay mechanics. The introduction of the elemental bows adds a layer of customization and strategic depth. The map’s layout promotes both training and strategic positioning, making it appealing to players of all skill levels. Also, fighting the Panzer Soldat offers a new challenge in every game.

Mastering the Undead Horde: Tips and Strategies

Regardless of the map you choose, there are some general tips and strategies that can help you survive longer and thrive in the world of Black Ops Three Zombies.

• Weapon Selection: Prioritize weapons with high damage output and good ammo capacity. The Wall Weapons offer reliable options, and the Mystery Box can provide access to powerful Wonder Weapons.
• Perks: Jugger-Nog is essential for survival, providing increased health. Quick Revive is a must-have for solo players and a great help for co-op games. Speed Cola and Double Tap Root Beer can also improve your effectiveness.
• Training: Learning to train zombies is crucial for survival. Find open areas with clear paths and practice leading the horde in a circle. This will allow you to create space and eliminate zombies without getting overwhelmed.
• Communication: If playing with teammates, communicate your strategies and coordinate your actions. Sharing resources and reviving downed teammates are key to success.

The Enduring Legacy of Black Ops Three Zombies

Black Ops Three Zombies remains a high bar for cooperative zombie experiences. Its unique blend of challenging gameplay, intricate storylines, and customizable gameplay has kept players hooked for years. The maps introduced unique mechanics, a deep storyline, and the most customizable gameplay in the series. It set a new standard for what a Zombies experience could be.

The Black Ops Three Zombies community is still thriving. Players continue to explore the maps, discover new strategies, and share their experiences online. This enduring passion is a testament to the quality and depth of the game. Black Ops Three Zombies set a new standard in gaming, influencing future iterations of the mode.

Conclusion: The Undying Allure of Undead Mayhem

Black Ops Three Zombies offers a diverse and captivating collection of maps. From the noir mystery of Shadows of Evil to the dragon-infested Stalingrad of Gorod Krovi, each map provides a unique and unforgettable experience. While some maps may be more challenging or less enjoyable than others, each contributes to the overall richness of the Black Ops Three Zombies experience. We consider Der Eisendrache to be the best in the game, but all offer unique experiences.

What are your favorite Black Ops Three Zombies maps? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! We’d love to hear what makes the undead world of Black Ops Three so special to you.