Can I Play Zombies Chronicles Without Black Ops III?
The short and direct answer is no, you cannot play Zombies Chronicles without owning Call of Duty: Black Ops III (BO3). Zombies Chronicles is not a standalone game; instead, it functions as a content expansion or DLC for Black Ops III. Therefore, it requires the base game to run. Think of it as an add-on package that enhances the existing BO3 experience, rather than a separate, independent title.
Why You Need Black Ops III for Zombies Chronicles
Zombies Chronicles is built directly on the Call of Duty: Black Ops III gaming platform. This means it utilizes the core game’s engine, mechanics, and interface. The content expansion is designed to seamlessly integrate within the Black Ops III environment, allowing players to enjoy the remastered maps with all of the BO3 systems. Without BO3, there’s no foundation on which Zombies Chronicles can operate.
The situation is similar to other game expansions or DLCs. You wouldn’t expect to play a new level or story chapter of a game without owning the base game first. Zombies Chronicles fits that model perfectly. It provides new maps and challenges but leverages the core game to function. It’s an extension of the BO3 universe and not a separate entity.
What is Included in Zombies Chronicles?
Zombies Chronicles is a popular DLC for BO3, mainly because it brings back beloved and iconic zombie maps from previous Call of Duty titles, such as Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and Call of Duty: Black Ops II. This DLC provides players with eight remastered classic maps:
- Nacht Der Untoten (World at War)
- Verruckt (World at War)
- Shi No Numa (World at War)
- Kino der Toten (Black Ops)
- Ascension (Black Ops)
- Shangri-La (Black Ops)
- Moon (Black Ops)
- Origins (Black Ops II)
These are not just simple ports; they are completely remastered versions optimized for the Black Ops III engine. This means better graphics, smoother gameplay, and updated features while preserving the core experience of each map. For many fans, Zombies Chronicles is a must-have because of its access to those classic maps.
The Experience of Playing Zombies Chronicles
Zombies Chronicles enhances Black Ops III’s zombie mode significantly. The expansion does not introduce new gameplay mechanics but it does add the remastered maps, many consider this to be a welcome addition. The pack features all the weapons and features that BO3 is known for, as well as all of the classic maps with improved visual fidelity, making the experience enjoyable for both veterans and new players alike.
With eight additional maps, Zombies Chronicles vastly expands the options available to zombie fans. While BO3 itself offers a variety of gameplay, including the Shadows of Evil map, the Zombies Chronicles maps are a collection of some of the community’s favorite content.
Understanding the Purchase Options
It’s essential to understand your purchase options to avoid any confusion. Zombies Chronicles is sold separately from the base game. You can not just buy Zombies Chronicles and play without the base version of Black Ops III. To access the content, you must own both Black Ops III and the Zombies Chronicles DLC.
Black Ops 3 Zombies Deluxe Edition
If you are looking for the full package all at once, the Black Ops 3 Zombies Deluxe Edition is an excellent choice. This version typically includes the base game plus all of the DLC content, including Zombies Chronicles and the Season Pass, this version would guarantee the maximum amount of content possible.
Individual Map Purchases
While you can purchase the full Zombies Chronicles DLC pack, you cannot purchase the individual maps from the pack directly. However, there was a period when individual map purchases were available from the other DLC packs. Each map was about $8 with a few liquid diviniums. However these maps were not from the Zombies Chronicles DLC.
FAQs About Zombies Chronicles and BO3
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Zombies Chronicles and Black Ops III:
1. Is BO3 Zombies Chronicles the full game?
No, Call of Duty®: Black Ops III Zombies Chronicles Edition includes the full base game along with the Zombies Chronicles content expansion. You need the base game.
2. Do all players need DLC for BO3 zombies?
You can play zombies in BO3 without DLC, but you will only have access to Shadows of Evil and the Dead Ops Arcade 2 minigame. For other maps, you need to purchase DLC packs.
3. How big is Black Ops 3 without DLC?
Without Multiplayer and Campaign, and all zombies DLC, the total size is about 85 GB which includes the base game’s zombie map and assets. The sizes for the DLC packs are mostly zombie files too.
4. Does Zombies Chronicles include all zombie maps?
No, Zombies Chronicles includes 8 remastered classic Zombies maps from Call of Duty®: World at War, Call of Duty®: Black Ops and Call of Duty®: Black Ops II, but it is not all of them from those games.
5. Which Call of Duty has the best zombies?
Black Ops 3 is often regarded as having the best zombies mode, due to its exciting maps, varied weapons, and action-packed gameplay, especially with Zombies Chronicles.
6. How can I unlock all Black Ops Zombie maps?
In the main menu of the zombies section, go to the computer and type 3ARC UNLOCK and press enter. This should unlock all of the zombie maps.
7. Can I play just Zombie Chronicles?
No, Zombies Chronicles is a DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops III. You require the base game to play the expansion.
8. Which version of BO3 should I buy?
The BO3 Zombies Deluxe Edition is the best purchase option if you want the full Zombies experience.
9. Is Zombie Chronicles a DLC?
Yes, the Zombies Chronicles DLC is a paid DLC that is not included in the Black Ops III Season Pass.
10. How do you unlock the other zombie maps in Black Ops 3?
Go to the computer in the menu and type 3ARC UNLOCK and press enter. This should unlock all of the maps within the base game.
11. How much are Black Ops 3 zombie maps?
The original DLC maps were priced at $8 each, with 5 vials of Liquid Divinium per map. These were DLCs, not from the Zombies Chronicles pack.
12. What maps do you get with Zombie Chronicles?
You get Nacht Der Untoten, Verruckt, Shi No Numa, Kino der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, Moon, and Origins.
13. Which maps come with Zombies Chronicles Edition?
Zombies Chronicles contains 3 World at War maps, (Nacht der Untoten, Verruckt, and Shi No Numa) 4 Black Ops Maps (Kino Der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-la and Moon) and 1 map from Black Ops II (Origins).
14. Is Black Ops 3 only 2 players?
Black Ops III supports two-player split-screen online play in Multiplayer or Zombies modes. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 support up to four players in local play.
15. Why is Black Ops 3 better than 2?
Black Ops 3 has smoother gameplay, better graphics, and more movement options, making it feel more technical than Black Ops 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Zombies Chronicles offers an impressive collection of remastered zombie maps, it is not a standalone game. You absolutely need to own Call of Duty: Black Ops III to play Zombies Chronicles. This expansion is a significant addition to the BO3 experience, providing hours of fun, especially for fans of classic zombie maps. Make sure you have the base game before buying the DLC to avoid any disappointment.