Did Call of Duty Remove Zombies? A Comprehensive Guide to the Undead in CoD
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The short answer is: it’s complicated. Call of Duty hasn’t entirely removed Zombies, but its presence has varied significantly across different titles and platforms. While some games have fully embraced the mode, others have either excluded it entirely or offered a limited version. Let’s dive into the undead details!
The On-Again, Off-Again Relationship with the Undead
The Zombies game mode has become a staple of the Call of Duty franchise, particularly within the Treyarch-developed Black Ops series. However, its presence isn’t guaranteed in every installment. The decision to include Zombies often depends on the game’s narrative direction, developer’s vision, and community demand.
For example, Modern Warfare (2019) did not feature a Zombies mode, as the developers felt it clashed with the realistic and grounded tone they aimed to achieve. In contrast, games like Black Ops Cold War and Vanguard (despite its initial reception) heavily featured Zombies, with dedicated storylines and maps. Even Modern Warfare 3 (2023) included Zombies, but in an open-world PvE format different from the classic round-based survival experience.
This selective inclusion can be confusing for fans. While some titles prioritize the undead onslaught, others focus on different co-op experiences, such as Special Ops missions or alien-themed Extinction modes. So, while Zombies remains a beloved and recurring element, it’s not a permanent fixture in every Call of Duty game. Whether or not the newest CoD includes zombies is normally part of the pre-release hype.
Call of Duty: Mobile and the Temporary Zombie Departure
The situation with Call of Duty: Mobile adds another layer of complexity. Initially, the mobile version included a Zombies mode, but it was removed in March 2020. The developers cited that it “did not reach the high-quality level that we desire for all modes in Call of Duty: Mobile.” However, that was not the end of the story. In Season 9 it was brought back due to popular demand.
FAQs: All Your Call of Duty Zombies Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the state of Zombies in the Call of Duty universe:
1. Why was Zombies removed from Call of Duty: Mobile?
ZOMBIES mode was removed due to its initial inability to meet the desired quality standards for Call of Duty: Mobile. However, it has since been reintroduced.
2. Will Call of Duty 2024 have Zombies?
It is widely anticipated that Call of Duty 2024, rumored to be Black Ops: Gulf War, will feature the return of the traditional round-based Zombies mode, developed by Treyarch.
3. Will Modern Warfare 3 (2023) have Zombies?
Modern Warfare 3 (2023) includes an open-world Zombies mode, deviating from the classic round-based formula. It’s more similar to the DMZ mode in Warzone 2.0.
4. Was Zombies in every Call of Duty game?
No, Zombies is not in every Call of Duty game. While it’s a common feature, some titles, like Modern Warfare (2019), have omitted it.
5. What was the first Call of Duty game with Zombies?
The first Call of Duty game to feature Zombies was Call of Duty: World at War, which included the “Nazi Zombies” mode upon completion of the campaign.
6. What Call of Duty games have Zombies?
Call of Duty games with Zombies include:
- Call of Duty: World at War
- Call of Duty: Black Ops series (1, 2, 3, 4, Cold War)
- Call of Duty: Vanguard
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
- Call of Duty: WWII
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
- Call of Duty: Mobile
7. Why doesn’t Modern Warfare have Zombies?
Infinity Ward opted not to include Zombies in Modern Warfare (2019) because they believed it didn’t align with the game’s realistic and believable setting.
8. Is Zombies canon to Modern Warfare?
Despite the lack of Zombies in Modern Warfare (2019), the Zombies storyline from games like Vanguard and Black Ops Cold War is considered canon within the broader Call of Duty universe.
9. Can you play Call of Duty Zombies offline?
Yes, you can play Call of Duty Zombies offline in many games, usually with bots. This applies to various titles and often includes the campaign mode.
10. What started the Call of Duty Zombies storyline?
The origin of the Call of Duty Zombies storyline is linked to Element 115, a fictional element discovered in meteors that can reanimate dead cells. This element plays a central role in the narrative across multiple Zombies maps.
11. Where can I play Call of Duty Zombies?
Call of Duty Zombies can be played on various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices, depending on the specific game. For example, Call of Duty®: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles is available on PS4™, Xbox One, and Steam.
12. What Call of Duty game is known for Zombies?
The Call of Duty: Black Ops series, especially Black Ops 1, Black Ops 2, and Black Ops 3, is particularly renowned for its extensive and intricate Zombies modes.
13. Is Call of Duty Zombies on the Play Store?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies is available on the Google Play Store.
14. What is the setting of Call of Duty 2024?
The setting of Call of Duty 2024 is speculated to be the Gulf War, potentially making it a sequel to Black Ops: Cold War.
15. What is unique about the Zombies Mode in Modern Warfare 3 (2023)?
The Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 (2023) is unique because it features an open-world PvE experience, deviating from the traditional round-based survival gameplay. It’s developed by Treyarch in collaboration with Sledgehammer Games and is more similar in structure to the DMZ mode in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
The Future of Zombies in Call of Duty
While the exact form that Zombies will take in future Call of Duty games remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the mode is a powerful draw for many players. Developers are constantly experimenting with new ways to deliver the undead experience, whether it’s through classic round-based maps, open-world adventures, or narrative-driven storylines.
The ongoing evolution of Zombies highlights the franchise’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to cater to diverse player preferences. As the Call of Duty series continues to evolve, expect to see Zombies return in surprising and exciting ways.
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