Is Zombies Canon in Modern Warfare? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether Zombies is canon within the Modern Warfare universe is complex and has evolved with recent Call of Duty releases. The short answer, as of Modern Warfare III (2023), is: yes, Zombies is now considered canon in the Modern Warfare storyline. However, this was not always the case, and the introduction of Zombies into the Modern Warfare universe represents a significant shift in the franchise. Let’s explore the details and the evolution of this decision.
Zombies Emerges into Modern Warfare
For years, the Zombies mode has been a staple of the Call of Duty franchise, primarily associated with the Black Ops series and games by Sledgehammer. Its distinct narrative and gameplay style set it apart from the core Modern Warfare titles, which focused on realistic, modern military conflict. Traditionally, Zombies content was considered canon only within its own dedicated universe. This meant the fantastical elements of undead hordes and supernatural happenings were largely separate from the grounded conflicts of Modern Warfare.
Modern Warfare III’s Integration of Zombies
This all changed with the release of Modern Warfare III (2023). For the first time in the history of the Modern Warfare series, a full-fledged Zombies mode was introduced. This isn’t just a standalone mode; it’s woven into the overarching narrative, implying that the events of the Zombies outbreak directly affect the storyline. The inclusion of Operation Deadbolt, which features a dedicated mission structure, upgrades, and rewards, solidifies Zombies’ place as a core feature of MW3. This indicates that the supernatural elements of the Zombies experience now coexist within the Modern Warfare world.
A Departure from Traditional Round-Based Gameplay
It’s crucial to note that the Zombies mode in MW3 is a departure from the traditional round-based gameplay that fans are accustomed to. Instead, it adopts an extraction-shooter format, akin to MW2’s DMZ mode. This means players will explore a large open map, complete objectives, and extract before being overwhelmed. This significant shift signals a willingness on the part of the developers to blend diverse gameplay styles within a unified narrative.
The Larger Canon and the Unified Universe
The move to incorporate Zombies into Modern Warfare is also linked to a broader narrative trend in the Call of Duty franchise. Recent games have started to explore the idea of a unified canon, where the worlds of Modern Warfare, Black Ops, and even Zombies are interconnected. This ambitious vision aims to create a cohesive and complex universe where events in one title can impact others, blurring the lines between previously separate storylines.
Black Ops and the Zombies Connection
The article mentions that the events of Vanguard/Black Ops Cold War Zombies happen within the same universe, linking older zombies modes to the overall canon. While traditionally separate, the supernatural elements introduced in these games are now part of the same space as Modern Warfare’s more grounded conflicts. This interconnected approach provides greater flexibility for storytelling and allows for more cross-overs between different aspects of the Call of Duty franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the complexities surrounding the canon of Zombies in Modern Warfare, here are 15 FAQs:
1. Has Zombies ever been in Modern Warfare before MW3?
No, the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare III (2023) is the first time this mode has been included in a mainline Modern Warfare title. Previous Modern Warfare games lacked any form of traditional Zombies.
2. Is the Zombies mode in MW3 similar to previous Zombies modes?
Not entirely. While it includes familiar elements like undead hordes, perks, and weapons, MW3’s Zombies mode is an extraction-based shooter, not the classic round-based survival mode.
3. Why didn’t previous Modern Warfare games have Zombies?
Traditionally, the Zombies mode was exclusive to games developed by Treyarch and Sledgehammer. Infinity Ward, the developer of the Modern Warfare series, typically focused on Spec Ops or other alternative modes.
4. Is Exo Zombies from Advanced Warfare canon in the same universe as MW3 Zombies?
No, Exo Zombies from Advanced Warfare is canon within its own separate universe, distinct from the Modern Warfare and Black Ops storylines.
5. What is Operation Deadbolt in MW3 Zombies?
Operation Deadbolt is the in-game mission structure for MW3’s Zombies mode. It provides the framework for players to explore the Exclusion Zone, complete objectives, and progress through the story of the outbreak.
6. Is the destruction of Verdansk by Zombies considered canon?
Yes, the destruction of Verdansk in Warzone by a Zombies outbreak is considered part of the larger canon, highlighting the cross-over between different games in the franchise.
7. Why was Zombies removed from Call of Duty: Mobile?
The Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Mobile was removed due to not meeting the quality standards of the game’s developer. It was a limited feature with no explicit end-date.
8. Will MW2 get Zombies?
No, Modern Warfare II (2022) will not get a Zombies mode. It was not part of the development plan for the game.
9. Is Black Ops 2 still considered canon in relation to MW3?
Yes, Black Ops 2 remains canon, and its story is essential to the larger Black Ops series. Events in MW3 do not contradict Black Ops 2.
10. Does the inclusion of Zombies in MW3 change the story of Modern Warfare?
Yes, the inclusion of Zombies in MW3 significantly alters the storyline. It introduces a supernatural element that directly affects the events within the Modern Warfare universe.
11. Why is there a lack of Zombies in MW2?
The lack of a Zombies mode in Modern Warfare II was a conscious decision to allow both fans and developers to recover from the mode and explore other content options.
12. Are all Call of Duty games in the same universe?
No, not all Call of Duty games share the same universe. While some series like Black Ops and Modern Warfare are interconnected, others like Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, and Infinite Warfare exist in their own separate universes.
13. How do I claim the Zombie Ghost operator skin?
The Zombie Ghost operator skin is obtained by pre-ordering the digital edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
14. Is World War II Zombies canon?
No, the Zombies mode in World War II does not follow the main Zombies canon, as it exists within a new universe established after Black Ops 4.
15. How does the shift to extraction-based Zombies affect the overall experience?
The extraction-based Zombies in MW3 offers a more expansive and open gameplay experience compared to the traditional round-based format. It encourages exploration and strategic objective completion rather than pure survival.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Zombies in Modern Warfare III marks a pivotal moment in the history of the franchise. It signifies a deliberate move to weave together different aspects of the Call of Duty universe and embrace a unified narrative. While previously treated as separate entities, Zombies is now officially canon within the Modern Warfare story, a decision that could have significant implications for future games in the series. Players now face a world where the grounded conflicts of Modern Warfare co-exist with the supernatural threat of the undead, creating a more complex and engaging experience.