Can You Play Zombies in Call of Duty? A Deep Dive
Yes, absolutely! The Zombies mode is a staple and beloved feature in the Call of Duty franchise, offering a thrilling and often challenging experience where players battle endless waves of the undead. This mode has evolved significantly since its inception, becoming one of the most popular ways to play Call of Duty. However, the availability of Zombies varies across different Call of Duty titles and platforms, making it essential to understand which games offer this iconic mode and how it has changed over time.
The Origins of Call of Duty Zombies
The Zombies mode wasn’t always a part of Call of Duty. It began as a hidden bonus in Call of Duty: World at War, a simple yet addictive survival game where players fended off waves of Nazi zombies. Its surprising popularity led developers, notably Treyarch, to expand on the idea, making Zombies a key feature in subsequent Black Ops titles. This mode’s continued evolution transformed it from a hidden bonus into a major selling point for many COD games.
The Evolution of Zombies Mode
Over the years, the Zombies mode has dramatically evolved, introducing more complex maps, engaging narratives, intricate weapon systems, and unique perks. The introduction of diverse characters and storylines, particularly in the Black Ops series, has added depth to the mode, making it more than just a simple survival game. Iconic maps such as Mob of the Dead, Shadows of Evil, and Der Eisendrache have become legendary among the community for their memorable experiences and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Zombies in Modern Call of Duty
The presence of Zombies mode isn’t universal across all Call of Duty titles. Some games have fully embraced the mode, while others, such as Modern Warfare II (2022), initially omitted it. This has often been a point of debate and disappointment among fans. For example, the Modern Warfare series has historically focused more on realism and its multiplayer component.
Modern Warfare III and the Return of Zombies
A significant development in the Call of Duty universe is the introduction of Zombies into the Modern Warfare setting with the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. This title features an open-world Zombies experience, known as Operation Deadbolt, offering a different take on the classic mode with a massive scale and expanded narrative elements. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, bringing the zombie-slaying action into the otherwise grounded Modern Warfare setting.
Onslaught Mode
Another innovative take on Zombies is the Onslaught mode that appeared in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. This was a two-player cooperative mode where players survived against zombies and other enemies on Multiplayer maps. While different from the traditional Zombies experience, it showed the franchise was willing to experiment with different formats for the zombie experience.
Where Can You Play Call of Duty Zombies?
The availability of Zombies mode often depends on the specific Call of Duty title and the platform you’re using. Generally, you can find Zombies mode in the following Call of Duty titles and platforms:
- Console:
- PlayStation 4 (PS4)
- PlayStation 5 (PS5)
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
- PC:
- Via Steam
- Battle.net (depending on the Call of Duty title)
It’s crucial to check the specifications of the specific Call of Duty game you are interested in to confirm whether the Zombies mode is available for your platform.
Call of Duty Mobile and Zombies
Notably, Call of Duty: Mobile had a Zombies mode that was temporarily removed. This decision was due to the mode not meeting the quality standards desired by the developers. While progress made in the mode, revive coins, and shards were retained for the future, there’s no guarantee of when or if Zombies mode will return to COD Mobile. However, there was a return of Zombies in the Season 9 update, though details of how it has changed were not widely elaborated on.
How to Play Zombies Mode
Generally, to play the Zombies mode:
- Navigate to the main menu of your Call of Duty game.
- Look for the ‘Zombies’ tab or an equivalent option.
- Select the game mode or map you want to play.
- Start the game and enjoy the intense battle against the undead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Call of Duty games feature the best Zombies maps?
Some of the most highly-regarded Zombies maps include Mob of the Dead, Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, Origins, Buried, Zombies In Spaceland, Moon, and Ascension. These maps are praised for their innovative mechanics, captivating narratives, and replay value.
2. Do I need to buy Call of Duty separately to play Zombies?
Yes, typically the Zombies mode is part of a full Call of Duty game and not sold separately. You will need to purchase the respective Call of Duty title to access the Zombies mode content.
3. Why was Zombies mode removed from Call of Duty Mobile?
The developers removed Zombies mode from Call of Duty Mobile because it did not meet the quality standards they aimed for in all game modes. They have suggested it may return in the future after further improvements.
4. Can you play Zombies on Modern Warfare II (2022)?
No, Modern Warfare II (2022) does not feature a traditional Zombies mode. While it has a survival mode, this is different from the horde-based zombie survival experience most players are looking for.
5. Is there a Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III?
Yes! Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III includes a large-scale, open-world Zombies mode called Operation Deadbolt, which is a significant addition to the Modern Warfare series.
6. Is Call of Duty Zombies available on Xbox?
Yes, Call of Duty Zombies is available on Xbox consoles, but you need to have either an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription to play online multiplayer including the Zombies mode.
7. What are “Custom Zombies” maps?
Custom Zombies refers to community-created maps for Call of Duty: World at War and Call of Duty: Black Ops III. These maps are created using developer tools, allowing players to enjoy unique and fan-made Zombies experiences.
8. Can you “beat” the Zombies mode in Call of Duty?
Traditional Zombies mode is designed as a horde-based survival game and has no inherent end. Players can survive as long as their skills allow, with the waves increasing in difficulty. However, some maps have specific goals and Easter eggs that players may “beat,” but not the mode itself.
9. Is there a specific order to play Call of Duty Zombies maps?
While each map offers a self-contained experience, some maps are interconnected within the same storyline (especially in the Black Ops series). Playing in the order of their release in the story arc can enhance your experience, but is not required for casual enjoyment.
10. Does Call of Duty: Black Ops II have Nuketown Zombies?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops II has a Nuketown Zombies map, made available to Season Pass purchasers. It is a beloved map that is still popular among zombie fans.
11. How is the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare III different from traditional modes?
Modern Warfare III’s Zombies mode features an open-world format with a large map, unlike the round-based experiences seen in previous games. It includes a squad-based objective system and varied enemy types, making it a significant departure from the norm.
12. Why did some Call of Duty games not include Zombies?
Some Call of Duty titles, like Modern Warfare II (2022), did not include Zombies due to developers prioritizing other modes and features, such as Warzone, DMZ, and Special Ops.
13. What are some tips for surviving in Call of Duty Zombies?
Key strategies include consistently using cover, learning the map layout, focusing on headshots, spending wisely, understanding weapon and perk systems, and communicating effectively with teammates.
14. Will Call of Duty continue to have Zombies mode in future games?
While it’s not guaranteed for each release, the popularity of Zombies makes it likely the mode will continue in some capacity. The addition of Zombies to Modern Warfare III confirms that the franchise is interested in experimenting with how it can be integrated into different Call of Duty timelines.
15. What is the future of Zombies mode in Call of Duty?
The future of Zombies is uncertain. It can be said that it will likely continue to evolve with each new Call of Duty title, introducing new mechanics and storylines. The success of Operation Deadbolt in Modern Warfare III may shape how future Zombies content is approached in the franchise.