What are the Dogs from COD Zombies Called?
The dogs in Call of Duty Zombies are most commonly referred to as Hellhounds. These menacing creatures are a staple in the Zombies game mode, appearing across numerous titles in the franchise. However, it’s important to note that while “Hellhound” is the primary term, different variations and types exist within the COD Zombies universe, each with its own characteristics and sometimes even a unique name. In the Black Ops Cold War Zombies mode, they are known as Plaguehounds, marking a significant differentiation in the broader Hellhound category. These aren’t your typical fluffy companions; they are formidable undead foes.
Hellhounds: The Core of COD Zombies Canine Enemies
The standard Hellhound in COD Zombies is a fearsome, fiery canine that aggressively attacks players. Unlike normal zombies, Hellhounds are generally faster and more agile. They rush at players in packs, often catching them off guard with their speed and relentless pursuit. Although a single Hellhound might not seem as dangerous as a single zombie, their coordinated attacks and speed make them a considerable threat. They are usually associated with a special wave or round and can be particularly challenging to handle in tight corners. Their appearance is often preceded by a distinct audio cue, alerting players to brace themselves for the incoming horde.
Hellhound Characteristics
Hellhounds are not just reskinned zombies. They have distinct characteristics that make them a unique enemy:
- Speed and Agility: Hellhounds are significantly faster and more agile than standard zombies, making them harder to hit and easier to be overwhelmed by.
- Pack Mentality: They often attack in groups, swarming players and making them vulnerable to multiple attacks.
- Fiery Appearance: Their bodies are often wreathed in flames, further enhancing their menacing look.
- Undead Nature: They are undead constructs, akin to a necromancer’s minion, rather than just infected animals.
- Slightly Less Damage: Despite their aggressive nature, Hellhounds usually deal slightly less damage per hit than zombies, requiring three hits to down a player, compared to the two hits of a standard zombie.
Plaguehounds: The Cold War Variant
Introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies in the map Die Maschine, Plaguehounds are the specific variant of Hellhounds in that title, also appearing in Zombies Onslaught, Outbreak, and Forsaken. They share the core traits of Hellhounds—speed, agility, and attacking in packs—but visually differ, with a more sickly and decaying appearance befitting the Cold War setting. Plaguehounds are just as dangerous as their predecessors and require quick reflexes and tactical thinking to take down. Their inclusion signifies an evolution of the Hellhound concept, adapting to the unique themes of each game.
Plaguehound Characteristics
Plaguehounds have features that distinguish them from traditional Hellhounds:
- Diseased Appearance: They have a more rotten and diseased look, fitting the theme of the Cold War zombies.
- Similar Behavior: They maintain the aggressive, fast-paced attack patterns of typical Hellhounds.
- Black Ops Cold War Specific: These hounds are exclusive to the Cold War Zombies experience.
- Same Threat Level: Their level of threat is comparable to traditional Hellhounds, requiring the same strategic approach.
Cerberus: A Larger and More Powerful Version
In certain instances, players also encounter a more powerful and larger version of the hellhound: Cerberus. This name is borrowed from the mythological three-headed dog guarding the gates of the Underworld. Cerberus in COD Zombies appears as a boss enemy in maps like Mob of the Dead, Cell Block, and Blood of the Dead. This canine variant has a large health pool and deals massive damage, often acting as a mini-boss encounter, offering valuable loot upon its defeat.
Cerberus Characteristics
Cerberus stands out with a few key attributes:
- Boss-like Status: Unlike regular Hellhounds, Cerberus acts as a more challenging boss fight.
- Higher Health: It possesses considerably more health, requiring stronger weaponry to take down.
- Massive Damage: Cerberus deals much more damage than regular Hellhounds, making it a high-priority target.
- Loot Drops: Defeating it usually rewards players with valuable loot, making the fight worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the role and nature of dogs in the COD Zombies mode:
1. Are Hellhounds the same as normal zombies?
No, Hellhounds are a distinct enemy type in COD Zombies. While both are undead, Hellhounds are much faster and more agile than regular zombies and attack in packs.
2. What is the difference between Hellhounds and Plaguehounds?
Plaguehounds are a specific type of Hellhound introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies. They share similar attack patterns with Hellhounds but have a more diseased appearance.
3. Do Hellhounds deal more damage than zombies?
No, Hellhounds generally deal slightly less damage than zombies. It takes three hits from a Hellhound to down a player, compared to two hits from a standard zombie.
4. How do I best defeat Hellhounds?
Effective strategies include using weapons with high rates of fire or area-of-effect damage. Focusing fire on a group of Hellhounds is crucial to prevent being overwhelmed.
5. What is Cerberus in COD Zombies?
Cerberus is a large, boss-like Hellhound encountered in several Zombies maps like Mob of the Dead, Cell Block, and Blood of the Dead. It has higher health and damage output.
6. Is Samantha’s dog in COD Zombies a Hellhound?
No, Samantha Maxis’s dog, Fluffy, is not a Hellhound. Fluffy is a regular dog, mentioned in radio messages in the map Der Riese.
7. Are Hellhounds based on any real dog breed?
No, Hellhounds are entirely fictional and not based on any real dog breed. They are inspired by mythological creatures from folklore.
8. Can you befriend a Hellhound in COD Zombies?
No, there is no way to befriend or tame a Hellhound in COD Zombies. They are strictly enemies that need to be eliminated.
9. Are Hellhounds undead?
Yes, Hellhounds are considered undead creatures, similar to a necromancer’s construct.
10. What other notable dogs have appeared in Call of Duty?
Beyond Zombies, notable canine characters in Call of Duty include Riley from Call of Duty: Ghosts, who was a playable character, and Merlin, a tactical companion in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0.
11. What are “zoomies” in dogs?
“Zoomies,” or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are bursts of energy in dogs, unrelated to the undead dogs seen in COD Zombies.
12. Do Hellhounds fly?
While the standard Hellhound in COD Zombies does not fly, mythological hellhounds sometimes possess that ability in other forms of fiction.
13. How many types of Hellhounds exist in folklore?
There are several named types of Hellhounds mentioned in folklore, such as Barghest, Black Shuck, and Cŵn Annwn. These are not all present in the COD Zombies franchise.
14. Is Dr. Richtofen related to Hellhounds?
Dr. Edward Richtofen, a key character in COD Zombies, is not directly related to Hellhounds, but he is one of the main players involved in the series’ storyline where Hellhounds are frequently encountered.
15. What is the lore behind Hellhounds in COD Zombies?
Hellhounds in COD Zombies are generally portrayed as undead constructs, often associated with darker powers or dimensions, playing a role within the chaotic events of the Zombies storyline.
By understanding the diverse forms and characteristics of these undead canines, players can better prepare to face the challenges that await them in the various Call of Duty Zombies experiences. From the classic Hellhound to the diseased Plaguehound, these creatures add a unique layer of challenge and excitement to the game mode.