Can You Play Zombies Chronicles Without Black Ops 3?
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The short and definitive answer is no, you cannot play Zombies Chronicles without Call of Duty: Black Ops III. Zombies Chronicles is not a standalone game; it’s a content expansion specifically designed to be played within the Black Ops III (BO3) game platform. Think of it as a significant add-on, much like a huge DLC package that requires the base game to function. You must own a copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops III to access and play Zombies Chronicles. Attempting to launch Zombies Chronicles without the base game will not work.
Understanding the Relationship Between Black Ops 3 and Zombies Chronicles
Zombies Chronicles isn’t just a collection of maps thrown together; it’s a comprehensive package of remastered classic Zombies maps built using the Black Ops III engine. These remasters utilize Black Ops III’s mechanics, weapons, and gameplay systems. Therefore, the Black Ops III game itself serves as the foundation upon which Zombies Chronicles is constructed. Without it, there’s no framework for Zombies Chronicles to exist.
Content of Zombies Chronicles
Zombies Chronicles brings together eight iconic zombie maps from previous Call of Duty games: World at War, Black Ops, and Black Ops II. These aren’t just simple ports; they’ve been given a visual and gameplay upgrade, making them feel fresh while retaining their classic charm. These maps include:
- Nacht Der Untoten
- Verruckt
- Shi No Numa
- Kino Der Toten
- Ascension
- Shangri-La
- Moon
- Origins
Why It’s Not Standalone
The core of the reason lies in the game’s development. Rather than creating a completely independent game, the developers opted for a DLC approach. This allows them to leverage the existing game’s engine, mechanics, and multiplayer framework. The system benefits players who already own the game, providing them with additional content instead of forcing them to buy a separate title. This approach is often more efficient and cost-effective for the developers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zombies Chronicles
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Zombies Chronicles and Black Ops III, and to provide additional details about the content.
1. Can I purchase Zombies Chronicles on its own?
No. Zombies Chronicles requires Call of Duty: Black Ops III, which is sold separately. You cannot buy the expansion without owning the base game.
2. Is the Black Ops 3 Zombies Chronicles Edition the full game?
Yes, Call of Duty®: Black Ops III Zombies Chronicles Edition includes the full base game plus the Zombies Chronicles content expansion. If you don’t own BO3 already, this bundle is a good option.
3. Is Zombies Chronicles a DLC?
Yes, Zombies Chronicles is a downloadable content (DLC) pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops III. It is not included in the base game or the Black Ops III Season Pass, and it needs to be purchased separately.
4. Is Zombies Chronicles worth it in 2023?
Many players consider it worth it, even in 2023, due to its high-quality remastered maps and replayability. While multiplayer might not be as active, Zombies is still very engaging, especially when playing with friends.
5. What is the difference between Zombies Chronicles and Zombies Deluxe?
Call of Duty®: Black Ops III Zombies Chronicles Deluxe includes the full base game, Season Pass*, Zombies Chronicles & bonus digital content. Essentially, the Deluxe version offers a more complete package including additional DLC and maps beyond Zombies Chronicles.
6. Which Call of Duty game has the best Zombies experience?
While subjective, many consider Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to have the best overall Zombies experience, particularly when factoring in Zombies Chronicles. Other popular picks include Black Ops Cold War and Black Ops 1.
7. What free zombie maps come with Black Ops 3?
Without any DLC, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 comes with the Shadows of Evil map and the Dead Ops Arcade 2 minigame. You need to purchase DLC to access the other maps.
8. Does Zombies Chronicles include all zombie maps?
Zombies Chronicles does NOT include all zombie maps, but it contains 8 remastered classic Zombies maps from previous games.
9. Which version of Black Ops 3 should I buy for Zombies?
For the best experience, the BO3 Zombies Deluxe Edition or a bundle including both the base game and Zombies Chronicles are recommended.
10. How long does it take to complete all Zombies Chronicles achievements?
The estimated time to complete all Zombies Chronicles achievements is 12-15 hours. This, of course, will vary from player to player.
11. Does Black Ops 3 include Kino Der Toten?
Yes, a remastered version of Kino Der Toten is available in Call of Duty: Black Ops III if you have purchased the Zombies Chronicles DLC.
12. Can I play all Black Ops zombie maps within the Black Ops 3 engine?
Not all of them are within the base game itself. Zombies Chronicles provides remastered versions of select older maps within Black Ops 3’s framework. You would need to purchase the DLC to gain access to these.
13. Is Zombies Chronicles playable in single player?
Yes, Zombies Chronicles can be played in both single-player and co-op modes with up to four players.
14. What does the Zombies Chronicles Deluxe Edition include?
This includes: the full base game, Season Pass, Zombies Chronicles and additional digital content, such as “The Giant” Bonus Map.
15. In what order should I play the Zombie Chronicles maps?
The maps are pulled from multiple games. Chronologically they should be played in this order: Nacht Der Untoten, Verruckt, Shi No Numa, Kino Der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, Moon, and Origins.
Conclusion
In summary, Zombies Chronicles is an excellent addition for Black Ops 3 owners who want to experience a collection of classic, remastered zombie maps. It’s a substantial content package that provides hours of engaging zombie gameplay. However, it is absolutely necessary to own Call of Duty: Black Ops III to play it. It’s not a standalone game, nor does it function outside of the Black Ops 3 engine. Without the base game, Zombies Chronicles is essentially unusable. Make sure you own the base game to enjoy the great content this DLC offers.