One of the most integral parts of Treyarch’sCall of Dutytitles isn’t just their exciting multiplayer or their espionage thriller campaigns, but their famed Zombies mode that has been with the franchise sinceCall of Duty: World at War.Call of Duty Zombiesis iconic, and every new Treyarch title has players cautious and excited about what the team is cooking up next.
With the release ofBlack Ops 6, there are now a variety of Treyarch Zombies modes, each with their own unique draws in terms of maps, stories, gameplay, and more. While not everyCall of DutyZombiesmode canreach the top spot, there are redeeming qualities about everyBlack Ops Zombiesmode worthy of discussion.
The conclusion ofBlack Ops 4was a low point for the Zombies community, but there was optimism surrounding the rebirth of the mode that they have loved for over a decade. WithBlack Ops Cold War, the support for Zombies first saw a remake of Nacht der Toten with Die Maschine. The gameplay loop itself was fine, but perhaps far too casual and easy for anyone outside of desiring a casual game to enjoy.
Black Ops Cold Warfelt, in some places, like Warzone with zombies. Weapons were powerful, andzombies were weak, and there wasn’t much of a sense of survival. The maps were big and spacious, which made their environments and atmosphere somewhat absent. Also absent fromBlack Ops Cold Warwas an immersive story without a dedicated crew, which led to the maps missing a core element.Black Ops Cold War Zombiesisn’t a bad mode in the slightest, but it’s definitely far too casual to be held as the king.
Following the originalBlack Opswas always going to be a hard task, andBlack Ops 2didn’t have the best go at it to start. Trying to link the stories of blowing up the Earth to a new group outside of Ultimis,Black Ops 2already had a tough battlewhen Victis took the reignsfrom the core four, but that’s not where the problems lay.Black Ops 2tried to innovate far beyond what was known of Zombies at the time, and that seemed unwelcome to some, especially those who didn’t enjoy dying in just two hits.
The first map, TranZit, was expansive but lacking due to hardware limitations, leading to frustrating experiences, and its sequel, Die Rise, had too much verticality to make it fun. Yet,Black Ops 2ended on a high note with a trio of incredible maps with Buried, Mob of the Dead, and Origins, and the atmosphere, map layouts, and stories woven withinBlack Ops 2are something that remains nostalgic and fun to this day.
The newest iteration of Zombies comes fromBlack Ops 6, a mode that launches with two maps: Terimus and Liberty Falls. There’s a lot to like aboutBlack Ops 6 Zombies, and there’s an optimistic future ahead if new maps take onboard fan feedback.Black Ops 6 Zombieshas a satisfying and casual gameplay loop thanks to its refined mechanics and use of next-gen hardware to overwhelm players with countless zombies at once, which also creates a more challenging experience.
Black Ops 6also has a varied way to play with its loadout system, as well as reasons to keep coming back thanks to the ability to create new Augments for Perks, Ammo Mods, and Field Upgrades. Even the main quest is a lot of fun with one of thebest boss fightsyet.Black Ops 6Zombies is on the right track, and while it does feel like a more evolvedBlack Ops Cold Warin terms of gameplay, there’s high potential for versatility in design to be one of the best in its life cycle.
Black Ops 6has just started its life cycle, so by the time the last Zombies map rolls around, it may rank much higher.
AfterBlack Ops 3, it seemed thatBlack Ops 4could do no wrong. The team at Treyarch had learned what fans liked, and what they didn’t, which is why expectations were so high forBlack Ops 4’s Zombies mode. However, fans inability to move on from the beloved Aether storyline left the new Chaos storyline in a sour place, where stellar maps and interesting mythologies were later sidelined for an underwhelming conclusion to the Aether storyline.
Not only was the story ofBlack Ops 4 Zombiesa sour note, but the life cycle ofBlack Ops 4struggled, and most maps ended up being expansive and disappointing remakes of classics.Black Ops 4tried to be different with the abandonment ofcrutch Perk-a-Colasand the introduction of new ones, but so much change and a lack of support for its life cycle madeBlack Ops 4fun likeBlack Ops 3, but missing essential elements to make it as memorable.
Black Opsis special for many reasons, and one of them is how it was really the first title whereCall of Duty Zombieswas able to find its identity. Most maps beforeBlack Opswere created with re-usedassets from campaigns and multiplayer maps, but the release of Call of the Dead changed all of that by allowing for distinct visual styles and concepts that would further grow the series as it’s known today.
Black Opsalso had a stellar collection of maps to choose from, with fan favorites like Kino Der Toten still remembered so fondly. Even the finale ofBlack Ops Zombies, Moon, was stellar in its innovation. There’s so much that works aboutBlack Opsto make it a nostalgic classic that remains the blueprint for what makesCOD Zombiesso great.
It might annoy some players to know just how popularBlack Ops 3Zombiesis within the community. It’s still the undisputed best thanks to its fast-paced fluid gameplay and its selection of great maps with an incredible high-contrast aesthetic. WhileBlack Ops 3 Zombiesretires the more horror-focused scenes for the fantastical sci-fi, it’s a welcomed change thanks to its focus on story and characters. Everyone who knowsCall of Duty Zombiesknows of the Primis crew and their fight to save the Multiverse from the Dark Aether.
On top of having a memorable story and easter egg quests that involved iconic boss fights,Black Ops 3had an incredibly varied selection of maps. Whether it was the simple and beloved classics with Zombies Chronicles, or the more complex maps of the Season Pass that allowed for incredible side quests to keep players busy through the rounds,Black Ops 3excelled at the gameplay loop with accessible training spots, slide mechanics, and immersive characters.
