Is Der Eisendrache the Best Zombies Map? A Deep Dive
The debate over the best Call of Duty Zombies map is a passionate one, filled with nostalgia, personal preference, and countless hours of undead-slaying memories. Among the pantheon of iconic maps, one consistently rises to the top: Der Eisendrache. So, is it truly the best? The short answer, based on widespread community opinion and critical analysis, is: yes, very likely it is the best. It’s a near-perfect blend of engaging gameplay, intricate design, memorable characters, and satisfying challenge. While personal preference always plays a role, Der Eisendrache hits so many right notes that its claim to the throne is very strong indeed. Let’s explore why.
The Magic of the Medieval Castle
A Setting Unlike Any Other
Der Eisendrache, which translates to “The Iron Dragon” in German, is set within the imposing walls of a medieval castle in Austria, drawing inspiration from the real-life Hohenwerfen Castle. This departure from the more urban or industrial settings of previous maps immediately sets it apart. The gothic architecture, the snow-dusted turrets, and the chilling atmosphere all combine to create a uniquely creepy and captivating environment for a zombie massacre.
Expansive and Exploration-Rich
Compared to maps like The Giant, Der Eisendrache is roughly 50% larger, offering a vast playground for players. The map is not just big; it’s also filled with intricate pathways, hidden nooks, and interactive elements. This expansive nature encourages exploration and rewards curiosity. Unlike some maps that feel linear, Der Eisendrache offers multiple avenues for traversal and combat, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
Core Gameplay Brilliance
The Wonder Weapon Bows
Perhaps the most celebrated element of Der Eisendrache is its four elemental Wonder Weapon bows. Each bow requires a unique quest to obtain and upgrade, leading to diverse gameplay styles. These are not merely overpowered guns; they are tools that require skill and knowledge to wield effectively. The process of crafting and mastering each bow, from the Fire Bow to the Storm Bow, the Void Bow, and the Wolf Bow, adds a whole new dimension to the traditional zombie-slaying loop. These bows encourage teamwork and tactical play, significantly enhancing the overall experience.
Easter Eggs and Secrets
Beyond the main quest of upgrading the bows, Der Eisendrache is packed with Easter eggs and secrets. These range from hidden challenges to narrative elements, each contributing to the map’s replayability and depth. The complexity of the main Easter egg, requiring all four bows on an unranked game, provides a significant challenge for hardcore players and ensures many hours of enjoyment.
Balanced Difficulty
Der Eisendrache manages to strike a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility. While not as brutally difficult as some maps like Nuketown Zombies, it’s far from a cakewalk. The variety of zombie types, the occasional Panzer Soldat encounters, and the need for strategic decision-making keep players on their toes. This balance is a key reason why it is so appealing to a broad range of players.
Comparison with Other Maps
Why it Tops the Charts
While maps like Origins, Mob of the Dead, and Shadows of Evil are also highly praised, Der Eisendrache often edges them out in the “best of” conversations. Origins is lauded for its complexity but can be overwhelming for casual players. Mob of the Dead has a great story but can be punishingly difficult. Shadows of Evil has a fascinating setting but can be confusing to navigate. Der Eisendrache, on the other hand, manages to be complex, engaging, and relatively straightforward, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Setting a New Standard
Der Eisendrache, in many ways, set a new standard for map design. The intricate questlines, diverse weapons, and the balanced challenge provided a blueprint for future Call of Duty Zombies maps. Many believe it represents the peak of the mode in terms of design and execution.
Why Der Eisendrache Remains Popular
Enduring Replayability
Even after years, players continue to revisit Der Eisendrache. The combination of the Wonder Weapon bows, the diverse challenges, and the map’s secrets ensure that each playthrough feels fresh and engaging. This lasting appeal speaks volumes about the map’s quality and design.
Community Favourites
The enduring love for Der Eisendrache is not just a critical consensus; it’s a sentiment shared widely by the Call of Duty Zombies community. Online forums and discussions consistently place it near or at the top of the list when ranking the best maps. It’s a map that resonates with fans on a deep level.
Nostalgia and Innovation
Der Eisendrache encapsulates the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, a quality that many hold to be the cornerstone of what makes it so well-liked. It takes the classic zombie-slaying action and elevates it with unique mechanics, a memorable setting, and a challenging but achievable experience. This makes it enjoyable for both returning veterans and newcomers.
Conclusion
Is Der Eisendrache the best Zombies map? While subjective preferences always play a part, the overwhelming consensus points towards it being the peak of Zombies map design. Its unique setting, engaging gameplay mechanics, rewarding challenges, and lasting appeal make it a truly exceptional experience that holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s a map that continues to captivate players years after its release, solidifying its position as one of the greatest Call of Duty Zombies experiences ever created.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Der Eisendrache based on?
Der Eisendrache is based on the real-life Hohenwerfen Castle located in Austria. The map incorporates the castle’s architecture and atmosphere, providing a unique setting for zombie slaying.
2. What are the four bows in Der Eisendrache?
The four elemental bows are: the Fire Bow, the Wolf Bow, the Void Bow, and the Storm Bow. Each requires a specific quest to obtain and upgrade, adding variety to the gameplay.
3. Is Der Eisendrache DLC?
Yes, Der Eisendrache is part of the Awakening DLC pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops III. However, certain editions of the game include this pack at no additional cost.
4. What is the easiest BO3 Zombies map?
While opinions vary, many players consider Ascension to be the easiest BO3 Zombies map due to its large open areas and simple layout.
5. What is the hardest zombies map ever?
Generally, maps like the original Nacht Der Untoten, Shangri-La, and Verruckt are considered among the most difficult due to their confined spaces and limited resources.
6. Do you need all four bows to beat Der Eisendrache?
Yes, if playing on an unranked game, you will need all four bows to complete the main Easter egg. Ranked play does not require all four.
7. Is Der Eisendrache an easy map?
Der Eisendrache is not considered an easy map, but it’s more approachable than some of the more difficult maps like Shadows of Evil. It offers a balanced challenge suitable for both experienced and intermediate players.
8. Which bow is considered the weakest in Der Eisendrache?
The Fire Bow is generally considered the weakest, while the Storm Bow is usually regarded as the most powerful.
9. What was the first beatable zombies map?
Nacht Der Untoten was the first map in the Zombies storyline, but it didn’t have an official “end” in the sense that you can beat it with an Easter egg quest.
10. Which COD has all the zombie maps?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III with the Zombies Chronicles DLC includes remastered versions of many classic zombies maps from World at War, Black Ops, and Black Ops II.
11. What does Shi No Numa mean?
Shi No Numa is a Japanese phrase meaning “Swamp of Death”. It’s the title of the third Zombie map from Call of Duty: World at War.
12. What makes Der Eisendrache so popular?
Its blend of a unique setting, engaging gameplay mechanics like the Wonder Weapon bows, memorable characters, and a satisfying level of challenge make it incredibly popular. Its high replayability also plays a key factor.
13. Is Black Ops 3 zombies still popular?
Yes, Black Ops III Zombies is still very popular due to its strong map design and engaging gameplay, often considered a peak of the Zombies mode.
14. What is considered the best BO3 Zombies Map?
While it’s subjective, Der Eisendrache and Shadows of Evil are frequently cited as the best, with Der Eisendrache often coming out on top due to the balance it strikes.
15. Does Kino Der Toten have an Easter egg?
Yes, Kino Der Toten has an Easter egg that triggers a song, providing a small adrenaline boost while playing.