Do All Players Need DLC for BO3 Zombies? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: not always. Whether or not all players need DLC (Downloadable Content) to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3) Zombies together is a complex question, and the answer depends on the specific scenario. While it’s true that having the DLC expands your options significantly, you can still play together even if some players don’t own it. The determining factor is usually which maps the group wants to play and the save file being used. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of this often-confusing topic.
Understanding the Basics of BO3 Zombies DLC
Before exploring the intricacies, it’s essential to understand what constitutes DLC in the context of Black Ops 3 Zombies. There are primarily two types of DLC impacting Zombies mode:
- Individual DLC Packs: These packs typically include one new Zombies map and four multiplayer maps. There are four of these packs available for BO3.
- Zombies Chronicles: This content expansion includes eight remastered classic Zombies maps from previous Call of Duty games.
Owning any of these DLC packs, or Zombies Chronicles, unlocks the specific maps they offer for play. Without them, your map pool is limited to the base game maps.
Multiplayer Scenarios: Who Needs What?
The core of the “Do all players need DLC?” question revolves around cooperative multiplayer games. Here’s a breakdown of common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Playing with Base Game Maps Only
If all players in your party only own the base game of Black Ops 3, you can play the included Zombies maps together without any issue. These maps include Shadows of Evil and Dead Ops Arcade 2. You’ll have access to these regardless of who has DLC and who does not.
Scenario 2: Playing DLC Maps with a Host Who Owns DLC
This is where it gets interesting. If the host of a multiplayer lobby owns DLC, they can generally invite players who don’t own the DLC to play the DLC maps. The game, in this scenario, will prioritize the maps that all players in the party have access to. This means that if the host has the DLC map “Der Eisendrache,” and other party members do not, they should still be able to play that map together as long as the host initiates the session on that map.
Scenario 3: Restrictions and Save Files
There’s a caveat, though. If the host saves a game with DLC maps active, those save files become tied to the DLC. If the host uses a save file that was made while playing on a DLC map, then they can no longer play with players who do not have the DLC. To rectify this situation, the host must delete the DLC and use a save file that hasn’t been saved while playing a DLC map.
Scenario 4: Workshop Maps and Modded Content
If you’re using workshop maps or mods downloaded from the Steam Workshop on PC, the process is slightly different. In general, all players will need to download the relevant mods and maps to join a game. For server hosting, each player must ensure that their game is set up with the correct mod ID as indicated in the server configuration file. This differs slightly from the main game’s handling of DLC, as both the host and joining players should have the necessary mods installed.
Important Considerations
- Game Sharing: Generally, game sharing features between accounts or consoles do not allow you to bypass the DLC purchase requirement. For example, on Playstation consoles, you must be signed in to the account that purchased the DLC to use it.
- DLC Content Beyond Maps: DLC doesn’t just add maps; it can also include other elements, like weapons or collectibles. These added features, generally, will require ownership for each player to utilize them.
- Multiplayer Starter Pack: The Black Ops 3 Multiplayer Starter Pack does not include Zombies game mode. Therefore, owning only this version of BO3 will not allow you to access Zombies mode, regardless of DLC ownership.
- Zombies Chronicles Edition: Purchasing the Zombies Chronicles Edition gives you eight remastered classic Zombie maps alongside the base game. All players should still be able to join a game if the host is using a save that wasn’t created using a DLC map, even if the joining players don’t have Zombies Chronicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the intricacies of DLC ownership in Black Ops 3 Zombies:
1. Can I play Shadows of Evil without DLC?
Yes, Shadows of Evil is a base game map and is available to all players, regardless of DLC ownership. It’s the primary Zombies map included with the base game.
2. What other maps are available without purchasing DLC?
Besides Shadows of Evil, the only other Zombies content available without DLC is Dead Ops Arcade 2, a top-down mini-game.
3. How many DLC packs are available for Black Ops 3 Zombies?
There are four individual DLC packs, each featuring one new Zombies map and four multiplayer maps.
4. Does Zombies Chronicles include all Zombies maps?
No, Zombies Chronicles does not include every Zombies map. It includes eight remastered maps from previous Call of Duty games.
5. Can I play Zombies Chronicles without owning Black Ops 3?
No, you must own the base game of Black Ops 3 to play Zombies Chronicles, as it is a content expansion for that game.
6. Does the Multiplayer Starter Pack include Zombies?
No, the Multiplayer Starter Pack does not include Zombies mode. It is specifically for multiplayer content only.
7. If the host has DLC, can non-DLC owners still play on DLC maps?
Yes, usually. The host can generally invite players who do not own the DLC to play on the DLC maps as long as the save file being used wasn’t created on a DLC map.
8. Do I need DLC to use weapons obtained from the DLC?
Yes, specific weapons obtained from DLC often require all players in the session to have that DLC installed to trade with other players.
9. What is the difference between Zombies Chronicles and Zombies Deluxe?
The Zombies Deluxe Edition includes the base game, all DLC map packs, Zombies Chronicles, and additional content. The Zombies Chronicles pack only includes the 8 remastered maps.
10. How can I unlock all zombie maps in Black Ops 3?
While there isn’t a legitimate way to unlock DLC maps without purchasing them, you can enter 3ARC UNLOCK on the computer in the menu screen after completing a mission to unlock all base game maps.
11. Can I just install the Zombies portion of Black Ops 3?
Yes, on PC via the Steam DLC menu, you can choose to install only the Zombies portion of the game.
12. How many total zombie maps are there in Black Ops 3?
Including the base maps, DLC maps and Zombies Chronicles, there are over 14 playable zombie maps in BO3.
13. If I buy a single DLC map, how much will it cost?
Individual DLC maps cost about $8 each. It’s worth noting that some packages bundle all maps at a cheaper price than buying them individually.
14. Is there a way to play all the maps free on BO3?
No, while there are “unlock” commands for base game maps, there is no legitimate way to play the DLC maps without purchasing them.
15. What happens if I save a game using a DLC map and then play with a friend who does not own the DLC?
Your save file will become tied to the DLC and non-DLC owners will be unable to join that session or play using that specific save file.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the DLC landscape of Black Ops 3 Zombies can be tricky. While having all the DLC undoubtedly enhances the experience by offering a wider variety of maps, it is not always required for everyone in the party. The key is understanding the specific scenarios, being mindful of save files, and communicating effectively with your teammates to ensure a smooth gaming experience. By keeping this guide in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy everything Black Ops 3 Zombies has to offer, regardless of individual DLC ownership.