How Many Zombies Maps Are There in Call of Duty? The Definitive Guide
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The undead horde has been a staple of the Call of Duty franchise since its humble beginnings in World at War. Over the years, the Zombies game mode has grown into a beloved and intricate experience with a dedicated fanbase. A question often asked by players new and old is, “How many Zombies maps are there in Call of Duty all together?”
The answer, while seemingly simple, is surprisingly complex. As of late 2024, there are approximately 60+ unique Zombies maps across the entire Call of Duty franchise. This number includes main maps, remasters, and variations. Keeping an exact count is challenging due to variations in what is considered a “full” map, as well as some remasters that have altered original content. The mode continues to evolve, so it is essential to stay updated on new releases.
Diving Deep: Breaking Down the Undead Territory
To truly understand the vastness of the Zombies universe, we need to examine the different titles that have contributed to its growth. Here’s a look at the key games and the Zombies maps they offer:
Call of Duty: World at War
- Nacht Der Untoten: The map that started it all. A simple, claustrophobic experience that defined the early Zombies gameplay.
- Verrückt: Introduced perks and more complex level design, offering a greater challenge.
- Shi No Numa: Took players to a Japanese swamp, adding new weapons and strategic elements.
- Der Riese: A pivotal map with the Pack-a-Punch machine, fundamentally changing the Zombies formula.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Kino Der Toten: A classic map set in a derelict theatre, popular for its balance and atmosphere.
- “Five”: An unconventional map set in the Pentagon, featuring unique characters and challenges.
- Ascension: Introduced space monkeys and a focus on verticality, expanding the gameplay possibilities.
- Call of the Dead: A star-studded map with celebrity zombie George A. Romero, adding a unique twist.
- Shangri-La: A notoriously difficult map filled with traps and puzzles, testing players’ skills.
- Moon: Took the fight to the moon, offering a low-gravity environment and new objectives.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
- TranZit: A divisive but ambitious map featuring a bus and interconnected locations.
- Nuketown Zombies: A smaller, intense map set in the iconic Nuketown location.
- Die Rise: A vertical map with collapsing elevators and precarious platforms.
- Buried: A unique map with a friendly giant and underground Western town setting.
- Mob of the Dead: Set on Alcatraz Island, featuring a compelling story and innovative mechanics.
- Origins: A fan-favorite map that delves into the origins of the Zombies storyline.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
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Shadows of Evil: A complex and atmospheric map set in a 1940s film noir world.
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The Giant: A reimagining of Der Riese, offering a familiar yet updated experience.
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Der Eisendrache: A medieval castle setting with dragons and powerful bows.
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Zetsubou No Shima: A tropical island infested with mutated spiders and plant life.
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Gorod Krovi: A war-torn Stalingrad setting with mechanized dragons and robotic soldiers.
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Revelations: A culmination of the Zombies storyline, bringing together elements from previous maps.
Black Ops III also has a special Zombie Chronicles DLC, that includes remasters of the following maps from previous games:
- Nacht Der Untoten
- Verrückt
- Shi No Numa
- Kino der Toten
- Ascension
- Shangri-La
- Moon
- Origins
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
- Voyage of Despair: Set on the RMS Titanic, offering a grand and historical setting.
- IX: A gladiatorial arena in ancient Rome, featuring unique challenges and rituals.
- Blood of the Dead: A reimagining of Mob of the Dead, expanding on the original story.
- Classified: A reimagining of “Five” from Black Ops.
- Dead of the Night: A haunted mansion setting with werewolves and vampires.
- Ancient Evil: Set in ancient Greece, featuring mythical creatures and gods.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) / Black Ops Cold War / Vanguard / Modern Warfare III (2023)
These titles introduced different approaches to the Zombies formula, including Outbreak mode in Black Ops Cold War, which offered large-scale, open-world experiences. Modern Warfare III (2023) brought back Zombies developed by Treyarch, connecting it more directly to the Black Ops storyline. Vanguard built upon the Dark Aether storyline, offering new maps and experiences while not resonating as strongly with fans. Modern Warfare (2019) does not include a traditional Zombies mode.
The Ever-Evolving Undead: Why Counting is Tricky
The fluctuating number of maps makes it difficult to give a precise total, including:
- Remastered Maps: Are these considered new maps or simply updated versions? This is a matter of debate.
- Game Modes: Some titles offer Zombies modes that aren’t traditional map-based experiences, like Outbreak in Black Ops Cold War.
- Variations: Certain maps have different versions or challenges that could be considered separate experiences.
- Community Created Maps: Modding exists in some games, that create fan made maps.
FAQs: Your Undead Questions Answered
1. Which Call of Duty game has the most Zombies maps?
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III with the inclusion of the Zombie Chronicles DLC, giving it a substantial lead in terms of map count.
2. What was the first Call of Duty Zombies map?
- Nacht Der Untoten from Call of Duty: World at War.
3. What makes Black Ops III the best Call of Duty for Zombies?
- Its variety of maps, robust gameplay mechanics, and a strong connection to the overall Zombies storyline.
4. Are all the Zombies maps connected in a storyline?
- Yes, most of the maps from World at War through Black Ops 4 are part of the Aether storyline or the Dark Aether storyline.
5. What are the hardest Call of Duty Zombies maps?
- Nacht Der Untoten, Shangri-La, and Origins are often cited as some of the most challenging due to their difficulty and complex objectives.
6. What is the easiest Call of Duty Zombies maps?
- Kino Der Toten, Town, and Five
7. Which Call of Duty game has the Outbreak Zombies mode?
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War features the Outbreak mode, a large-scale open-world Zombies experience.
8. What are the remastered Zombies maps in Black Ops III Zombie Chronicles?
- Nacht Der Untoten, Verrückt, Shi No Numa, Kino der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, Moon, and Origins.
9. Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) have a Zombies mode?
- No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) does not have a traditional Zombies mode.
10. What is the Pack-a-Punch machine and which map did it first appear on?
- The Pack-a-Punch machine is a device that upgrades weapons, making them more powerful. It first appeared on Der Riese from Call of Duty: World at War.
11. What is the most popular Zombies map of all time?
- That’s a matter of personal preference, but Mob of the Dead, Origins, and Kino Der Toten are consistently ranked as fan favorites.
12. Are there any Zombies maps set in real-world locations?
- Yes, several maps are set in real-world locations, such as Alcatraz Island (Mob of the Dead, Blood of the Dead), the Titanic (Voyage of Despair), and Stalingrad (Gorod Krovi).
13. What is the Dark Aether storyline?
- The Dark Aether storyline is a new Zombies narrative introduced in Black Ops Cold War, featuring new characters and a different mythos from the original Aether storyline.
14. How to get better at playing zombies?
- Practice makes perfect! Learn map layouts, understand weapon effectiveness, coordinate with teammates, and master strategies for surviving high rounds. Watching experienced players can also be extremely helpful.
15. Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) have Zombies?
- Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) features Zombies developed by Treyarch, linking it to the Black Ops universe.
Learning Through Play: The Educational Value of Zombies
While seemingly just a fun game mode, Zombies can offer valuable learning opportunities. Players develop problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork as they navigate complex maps and overcome challenging hordes. The intricate storylines and characters can also spark interest in history, mythology, and storytelling. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are doing important work studying the connections between video games and educational outcomes.
Conclusion: A Legacy of the Undead
The Zombies mode in Call of Duty has evolved from a simple bonus feature into a rich and engaging experience with a dedicated following. With dozens of maps, complex storylines, and challenging gameplay, it’s a testament to the creativity and innovation of the development teams. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the undead world, there’s always something new to discover in the ever-expanding universe of Call of Duty Zombies. The approximate number of Zombies maps is around 60+, making it one of the most comprehensive and continuously updated zombie experiences in gaming.