Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Zombies – A Deep Dive
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 absolutely has a Zombies mode. In fact, it was a core pillar of the game, standing alongside Multiplayer and the new-at-the-time battle royale mode, Blackout. Black Ops 4 launched with a robust Zombies experience, offering a variety of maps and characters to explore.
Black Ops 4 Zombies: A Standout Experience
Black Ops 4’s Zombies mode was unique for a few key reasons. First, it launched with three unique maps right out of the box, with another available through the season pass. These weren’t just re-skins or slight variations; they were fully realized, independent experiences with their own stories, mechanics, and challenges. Second, it moved away from the linear narrative of previous entries, offering players multiple storylines to follow. Finally, it introduced customizable loadouts and Specialist weapons, giving players more control over their playstyle and offering greater replayability.
The departure from a traditional single-player campaign allowed Treyarch to pour significant resources into refining the Zombies and Multiplayer experiences. The result was a particularly strong co-op experience that many players found deeply engaging. For those who loved the frantic, strategic gameplay of Zombies, Black Ops 4 was considered a worthy addition to the franchise.
Black Ops 4 Zombies Maps and Storylines
Black Ops 4 Zombies offered players a wealth of content to explore, and included the following:
- Voyage of Despair: Set aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic, this map pits players against hordes of undead in the opulent (and rapidly decaying) setting of the ship.
- IX: Transported to an ancient Roman arena, players must appease the gods and battle through waves of gladiators and beasts.
- Blood of the Dead: A reimagining of the classic Mob of the Dead map from Black Ops II, this map sees the returning Primis crew trapped once again in Alcatraz Penitentiary.
- Classified: A Black Ops Pass exclusive, this map is a remake of the classic “Five” map from the original Black Ops, featuring the Pentagon and familiar characters.
These maps weren’t just arenas for zombie slaying; they were intricately designed environments packed with secrets, easter eggs, and challenging quests. The storylines, while separate, connected to the larger Zombies mythos, offering lore enthusiasts plenty to sink their teeth into.
Customization and Gameplay Enhancements
Black Ops 4 Zombies introduced several significant changes to the gameplay formula. Customizable loadouts allowed players to choose their starting weapons, equipment, and Perks, giving them more agency over their character build. Specialist weapons provided powerful abilities that could turn the tide of battle, and the new Perk system offered more diverse and synergistic character builds.
These changes enhanced the replayability of the Zombies mode, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and loadouts.
Black Ops 4 Zombies: Worth Playing Today?
Despite being a few years old, Black Ops 4 Zombies remains a compelling experience for fans of the undead. The diverse maps, engaging storylines, and customizable gameplay offer plenty of content to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned Zombies veteran or new to the mode, Black Ops 4 provides a challenging and rewarding co-op experience. It’s an excellent example of how game developers can create innovative and engaging experiences. To learn more about the impact of games on learning and society, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play Black Ops 4 Zombies offline?
Yes, you can play Black Ops 4 Zombies offline. This allows you to enjoy the mode even without an internet connection, either solo or with friends in local split-screen multiplayer. You have access to the three initial zombie maps along with bot support.
2. What Call of Duty games have a Zombies mode?
Numerous Call of Duty titles feature a Zombies mode, including:
- Call of Duty: World at War
- Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Call of Duty: Vanguard
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (as a bonus mode)
3. Which Black Ops game has the best Zombies experience?
This is subjective, but many fans consider Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to offer the best overall Zombies experience, thanks to its diverse maps, deep storyline, and gameplay enhancements. Black Ops 4 is also highly regarded due to the initial inclusion of three maps at launch and the customization options available.
4. How do you unlock Zombie maps in Black Ops 4?
Most of the Zombie maps are available from the start. “Classified” was exclusive for those who bought the Black Ops pass.
5. Are there microtransactions in Black Ops 4 Zombies?
While Black Ops 4 does have microtransactions, they primarily focus on cosmetic items for use in Multiplayer and Blackout. These microtransactions do not directly impact the Zombies gameplay experience. The game also has DLC map packs which can be purchased.
6. Is Black Ops 4 Zombies scary?
The level of scariness is subjective, but Black Ops 4 Zombies aims more for intense action and strategic gameplay than outright horror. However, the atmosphere, grotesque zombie designs, and occasional jump scares can create a sense of unease and tension.
7. Can you play solo in Black Ops 4 Zombies?
Yes, you can play all Zombies maps in Black Ops 4 solo. The game includes AI bots that can fill in for other players, providing assistance and companionship as you battle the undead hordes.
8. What is the hardest Zombies map in Black Ops 4?
Again, subjective, but many players find “Blood of the Dead” to be one of the more challenging maps due to its complex layout, tight corridors, and numerous easter egg steps.
9. Does Black Ops 4 Zombies have a main storyline?
Yes, Black Ops 4 Zombies features multiple storylines, including the Aether storyline (continued from previous Black Ops games) and the new Chaos storyline. These storylines are interwoven through the different maps and offer a deeper narrative for players to explore.
10. What are the different Zombies Perks in Black Ops 4?
Black Ops 4 introduced a revamped Perk system. Some notable Perks include:
- Juggernog: Increases health.
- Speed Cola: Increases reload speed.
- Stamin-Up: Increases movement speed.
- Quick Revive: Reduces revive time and allows self-revives in solo.
- Deadshot Dealer: Provides aim assist and reduces weapon recoil.
11. What are the different Specialist weapons in Black Ops 4 Zombies?
Specialist weapons offer powerful abilities to help players survive. Some examples include:
- Hammer of Valhalla: A powerful hammer that can unleash devastating shockwaves.
- Scepter of Ra: Fires beams of energy that can obliterate zombies.
- Viper and Dragon: Dual pistols that can fire explosive rounds.
12. Is Black Ops 4 Zombies cross-platform?
No, Black Ops 4 does not support cross-platform play. Players can only play with others on the same platform (e.g., PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or PC).
13. Is Black Ops 4 Zombies worth buying just for the Zombies mode?
If you’re a dedicated Zombies fan, Black Ops 4 can be worth buying solely for the Zombies mode, especially if you find it at a discounted price. The diverse maps, customizable gameplay, and engaging storylines offer plenty of replayability.
14. Is Black Ops 4 getting rid of Zombies?
No, Call of Duty is not getting rid of Zombies as a whole, it’s a permanent staple of the franchise. The game Call of Duty Mobile removed the Zombies mode temporarily due to not meeting the desired quality level.
15. Why doesn’t Black Ops 4 have a single-player campaign?
Treyarch made the decision to forgo a traditional single-player campaign in Black Ops 4 to focus on delivering a more robust and polished Multiplayer, Zombies, and Blackout experience. The studio wanted to create a game that was more focused on community and shared experiences. This game’s Zombies really opens up the opportunity to integrate learning elements. You could learn about history, geography, and problem-solving skills while battling hordes of the undead!