Delving into Der Eisendrache: Which Black Ops Game Houses This Epic Zombies Map?
The epic Zombies map Der Eisendrache is featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops III as part of the Awakening DLC pack. Set within a foreboding medieval castle perched high in the Austrian Alps, Der Eisendrache continues the thrilling Zombies storyline following the events of “The Giant.” Players assume the roles of the Origins characters – Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen – as they attempt to thwart the zombie apocalypse. This fan-favorite map is renowned for its intricate layout, challenging Easter Egg quests, and unique weaponry, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the Black Ops III Zombies experience.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Der Eisendrache
Der Eisendrache isn’t just another Zombies map; it’s a masterclass in map design. Its sprawling castle setting offers a diverse range of combat scenarios, from narrow corridors to wide-open courtyards. The map’s central theme revolves around elemental bows, each imbued with distinct powers. Players must complete challenging quests to unlock and upgrade these bows, adding a layer of complexity and strategic depth to the gameplay.
The Story Behind the Fortress
The narrative in Der Eisendrache picks up directly after “The Giant.” The Origins crew has traveled to the castle in an attempt to secure Element 115, a mysterious element responsible for the zombie outbreak. As they explore the fortress, they uncover dark secrets and confront terrifying new enemies. The map’s storyline is intricately woven into the gameplay, with environmental clues and character dialogue revealing bits and pieces of the larger Zombies narrative.
The Elemental Bows: A Game-Changing Mechanic
The elemental bows are the heart and soul of Der Eisendrache. Each bow, when fully upgraded, possesses unique abilities that drastically alter the gameplay:
- Wrath of the Ancients (Fire Bow): Unleashes devastating firestorms that incinerate hordes of zombies.
- Storm Bow: Calls down lightning strikes that chain between enemies, delivering massive damage.
- Void Bow: Creates miniature black holes that suck in nearby zombies.
- Wolf Bow: Summons spectral wolves to hunt down and eliminate the undead.
Acquiring and mastering these bows is essential for surviving the higher rounds and completing the map’s Easter Egg.
The Easter Egg: A Deep Dive into the Lore
Der Eisendrache features a complex and rewarding Easter Egg quest. Completing the Easter Egg not only unlocks an in-game achievement but also reveals critical plot points in the Zombies storyline. The quest involves a series of challenging tasks, including deciphering codes, solving puzzles, and defeating powerful enemies. The Der Eisendrache Easter Egg remains one of the most popular and discussed in the Call of Duty Zombies community. You can learn more about how games create engaging learning experiences with the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Der Eisendrache and Its Place in Black Ops III Zombies
Black Ops III is widely regarded as a pinnacle of the Call of Duty Zombies experience, and Der Eisendrache is a prime example of why. The map’s exceptional design, compelling story, and innovative gameplay mechanics combine to create a truly unforgettable Zombies experience. It’s a must-play for any fan of the mode and a testament to the creativity and passion of the Treyarch development team.
Why Black Ops III Zombies Stands Out
Black Ops III Zombies offers a unique blend of features that sets it apart from other entries in the series:
- Gobblegums: These consumable items provide temporary buffs and abilities, adding a layer of strategic customization to the gameplay.
- Weapon Kits: Players can customize their weapons with attachments and camos, allowing for greater personalization.
- Progression System: A robust leveling system rewards players for their time and effort, unlocking new content and customization options.
- Zombies Chronicles: This DLC pack remasters eight classic Zombies maps from previous games, further expanding the Black Ops III Zombies experience.
Other Notable Black Ops III Zombies Maps
While Der Eisendrache is a fan-favorite, Black Ops III features a diverse range of other excellent Zombies maps:
- Shadows of Evil: A noir-inspired map set in a 1930s city, featuring a compelling storyline and unique characters.
- The Giant: A remake of the classic Der Riese map from World at War, offering a nostalgic Zombies experience.
- Gorod Krovi: Set in Stalingrad during World War II, this map features dragons, robots, and a thrilling storyline.
- Zetsubou No Shima: A mysterious island map with a focus on plants, spiders, and a dark secret.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Der Eisendrache and Black Ops Zombies
1. Is Der Eisendrache available in all versions of Black Ops 3?
No, Der Eisendrache is a DLC map and requires the Awakening DLC pack. It is not included in the base game.
2. Can I play Der Eisendrache on split-screen?
Yes, Der Eisendrache supports split-screen multiplayer, allowing you and a friend to tackle the zombie hordes together on the same console.
3. What are the different elemental bows in Der Eisendrache?
The elemental bows are the Wrath of the Ancients (Fire Bow), the Storm Bow (Lightning Bow), the Void Bow (Black Hole Bow), and the Wolf Bow.
4. How do I upgrade the elemental bows in Der Eisendrache?
Upgrading the elemental bows requires completing specific quests unique to each bow. These quests involve tasks such as collecting souls, shooting targets, and solving puzzles.
5. What is the Easter Egg in Der Eisendrache?
The Easter Egg is a complex storyline quest within the map that, when completed, unlocks a special cutscene and achievement. It involves a series of challenging tasks and reveals key plot points in the Zombies narrative.
6. Is Der Eisendrache considered one of the best Zombies maps?
Yes, Der Eisendrache is widely regarded as one of the best Zombies maps in the Call of Duty franchise, thanks to its intricate design, compelling story, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
7. Can I play Der Eisendrache on older consoles?
Der Eisendrache is only available on platforms that support Black Ops III, which includes PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It is not available on older generation consoles like PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.
8. Does Black Ops 4 have Der Eisendrache?
No, Black Ops 4 does not have Der Eisendrache. However, Black Ops 4 does feature its own unique set of Zombies maps and a different gameplay style.
9. What is the best strategy for surviving high rounds on Der Eisendrache?
Effective strategies for surviving high rounds include mastering the elemental bows, utilizing strategic camping spots, and coordinating with teammates. Having strong weapons and perks is also essential.
10. Are there any glitches or exploits in Der Eisendrache?
Like many Zombies maps, Der Eisendrache has had various glitches and exploits discovered over time. However, Treyarch has patched many of these issues, and it’s generally recommended to play the map legitimately for the best experience.
11. What is Element 115 and why is it important to the Zombies storyline?
Element 115 is a fictional element that is the primary cause of the zombie outbreak in the Call of Duty Zombies universe. It has the ability to reanimate dead tissue and create other paranormal phenomena.
12. Who are the Origins characters and why are they important?
The Origins characters are Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen. They are central to the Zombies storyline, appearing in multiple maps and playing a crucial role in the fight against the undead.
13. What are Gobblegums and how do they work in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
Gobblegums are consumable items that provide temporary buffs and abilities in Black Ops III Zombies. They can be acquired from the Gobblegum machine and activated during gameplay.
14. Is Black Ops III backwards compatible on newer consoles?
Yes, Black Ops III is backwards compatible on Xbox Series X/S.
15. Are there any remasters or remakes of Der Eisendrache in other Call of Duty games?
As of now, there are no official remasters or remakes of Der Eisendrache in other Call of Duty games. However, the map remains a beloved classic in the Black Ops III Zombies community.